Thanks

[LT]

As a long time fan of the affiliation between the Amerks and Sabrers, I'd be interested in the Buffalo fan's take on the complete disreagard of Sabre's management to the Amerk's plight this year. One of the flagship franchises of the AHL and the proving ground for Miller, Vaneck, Roy and many others, this year's team has been abandoned by Sabre's management, to the point where moving their AHL player agreement to another city is the preference rather than the last resort. I view the Sabres as a western NY team and will be a loyal supporter till the day I die. When the HSBC Arena is packed to the rafters, a good portion of those fans drive the Thruway from Rochester. My take is that Sabre's management loves to take our money, but is oblivious to the history of our beloved franchises. Trust me, this treatment would never have happened under the ownership of class gentlemen like Nordy and Seymour Knox. Ever since the "bean counters" like Quinn arrived, the class has left the organization. Last year was a wonderful run, but franchise success is built over the long haul. An honest request for opinions from loyal fans from western NY. Thanks

[Carl J. Ironsides]

Last I heard, the Sabres tried to buy the Amerks from Steve Donner, but Donner declined. He's done a good job making the Sabres into the bad guys, though, clearly.

[Snarf]

Another Amerk fan who is brain washed by Steve Donner huh? My take, if the team is not sold soon they will fold. They can not withstand much more ownership from Donner. They will not be a good team with the Panthers as the sole parent club, and attendence will fall farther then it has already. They might not even have a building to play in. They owe the city of Rochester lots of cash and don't have a lease for next year. The mayor of Rochester had came out publicly and stated he wants Golisano to buy the team. The Rochester Raging Rhinos, one of the USL's flagship franchises a few years ago may fold before the season starts in a few months. I expect if all four Rochester Sports Group teams are not sold the Rhinos, Amerks, Knighthawks and Rattlers will all fold. While most fans in Rochester hate Steve Donner and boo him everytime he is shown on the jumbotron at games, he does have the hardcore Amerk fans who would follow him off a cliff and still blame Larry Quinn and Tom Golisano for the Amerks problems.

[LT]

I'm with you. Donner has as much culpability as anyone in this matter, given his questionable financial dealings and those of us who can take off the rose colored glasses would love to see the Sabres buy him out. My point was more to the fact that the franchise agreement for this year is still in place and nothing is being done to rescue the sinking ship. Last place in the entire AHL by a big margin.

[SabreBill30]

I'm with you. Donner has as much culpability as anyone in this matter, given his questionable financial dealings and those of us who can take off the rose colored glasses would love to see the Sabres buy him out. My point was more to the fact that the franchise agreement for this year is still in place and nothing is being done to rescue the sinking ship. Last place in the entire AHL by a big margin.
Well, at least your seeing it. But with Donner doing nothing to help the franchise, and with the Sabres trying to help and being refused, then you have what you have now. A falling franchise at the hands of its owner.

[coryjd]

Last I heard, the Sabres tried to buy the Amerks from Steve Donner, but Donner declined. He's done a good job making the Sabres into the bad guys, though, clearly.

You are correct. Golisano said that he'd buy the Amerks, as long as he could look at, and review the financial books. Donner would not let Golisano see them :rolleyes:, and Golisano said "I'M OUT!"

[ricogarion]

Good people of Rochester please take up your collective voices and rid your esteemed hockey club of Steve Donner.He has brought about devestation to a once proud franchise and after almost three decades of affiliation with the Buffalo Sabres he has cut the chord.A once extremely proud affiliation has been devestated all to the credit of the current owner of the Amerks.You want to blame someone you don't have to look far he's in your backyard.

[billsfan69]

Another Amerk fan who is brain washed by Steve Donner huh? My take, if the team is not sold soon they will fold. They can not withstand much more ownership from Donner. They will not be a good team with the Panthers as the sole parent club, and attendence will fall farther then it has already. They might not even have a building to play in. They owe the city of Rochester lots of cash and don't have a lease for next year. The mayor of Rochester had came out publicly and stated he wants Golisano to buy the team. The Rochester Raging Rhinos, one of the USL's flagship franchises a few years ago may fold before the season starts in a few months. I expect if all four Rochester Sports Group teams are not sold the Rhinos, Amerks, Knighthawks and Rattlers will all fold. While most fans in Rochester hate Steve Donner and boo him everytime he is shown on the jumbotron at games, he does have the hardcore Amerk fans who would follow him off a cliff and still blame Larry Quinn and Tom Golisano for the Amerks problems.

Have to agree here. When you have four sports teams about to go under because of one person, the blame shouldn't come this way. Also Donner forced a dual affiliation on the Sabres which the Sabres do not want. Get rid Of Steve Donner somehow and the Sabres-Amerks relationship can be saved. Remember our owner is from Rochester, so if he is turning his back on the Amerks, you have to ask yourself, Who is the real problem?

[Snarf]

You are correct. Golisano said that he'd buy the Amerks, as long as he could look at, and review the financial books. Donner would not let Golisano see them :rolleyes:, and Golisano said "I'M OUT!"

Larry Quinn said on a Rochester radio station that the Sabres have had talks with Amerks co-owner Walter Turek about buying the team but then the Amerks said that the Sabres had to buy the Knighthawks too. The Sabres were willing but the NLL stepped in and said that the Sabres could not buy the Knighthawks because they own the Bandits. The Amerks have refused to sell the Amerks on their own. But the guy who owns the Rochester Raiders indoor football team has said he would like to buy the Knighthawks.

Also it is going to be announced if the Donner owned Rochester Raging Rhinos will play this season. The team is trying to be sold to NJ businessman Dan Williams but that don't seem to be going that fast.

[M76]

dont blame the sabres for that joke of a franchise, a dual team was the final straw for the sabres they want their own system with only their guys and their prospects, donner can go eff himself

[billsfan69]

dont blame the sabres for that joke of a franchise, a dual team was the final straw for the sabres they want their own system with only their guys and their prospects, donner can go eff himself

And a lot of people thought the Sabres were cheaping out on their farm system when this set-up was actually forced on them by Donner.