Maine men
My stomach envies all the Buffalo Sabres prospects if the team puts its AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine, which it appears it will. Having spent four days there late last month researching several stories, I can tell you the food is amazing. Lobster, lobster cocktail, lobster rolls, clams and even the nonseafood was great, as great chefs pile into the town.
And, more importantly from a Sabres aspect, the people (and the team) know their hockey. The AHL has been there for more than 30 years, and people care about it. The Sabres are leaving a perfect situation with Rochester, but Portland should be nearly as good.
---John Vogl
The Sabres are the talk of the town and much of that talk will be here. Sabres beat writers John Vogl and Mike Harrington get you behind the scenes, and columnists Bucky Gleason and Bob DiCesare provide perspective with frequent postings on the team and the league.
I'm an Amerks fan and the hockey fans in Portland will get to see some talented young players because management in Buffalo and Rochester screwed up. JB, I agree with you -- Brian Petrovick could have "issues" with the Sabres unless something changes with management.
Posted by: jan | May 12, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Managing owner Brian Petrovick said "If you get an NHL affiliate that just doesn’t have that commitment to winning, then I think we could have an issue.” Well, guess what Brian....
Posted by: JB | May 12, 2008 at 08:26 AM
I relocated to Portland from WNY in the early 90s. Portland is a GREAT city and AHL hockey town. We also have the Lewiston Mainiacs of the Quebec Junior league 30 miles to the north, the UMaine Black Bears in Orono, and the NHL (you know who) 90 minutes to our south. I've met plenty of other former WNY residents who moved here for work or to retire. A change in parent clubs isn't a bit deal since we will be stocked by the Sabres. However, I'll miss the Ducks because they were a good parent club. I wish Rochester good luck. I attended Amerks games there and hated the downtown. The downtown here is wonderful and we always go out for food and drink before or after the games. Elvis was to have been the first event at the new Civic Center in 1977...but died the night before. The building is in good shape for a 30 year old building but could use a few upgrades. The view out the Zamboni end of the Civic Center offers a nice view of Casco Bay. The Pirate's owner is a shrewd business man and had no intention of relocating. He makes too much money here! However, he negotiated a great lease using that ploy. I feel for the Rochester fans who have so much uncertainty given the AHL ownership there.
Posted by: Born in WNY... Living in Exile | May 12, 2008 at 07:44 AM