Jim Bob
May 21st, 2003, 10:03:02 AM
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20030521/1039365.asp
Leahy was the president of the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League for the past two years. He has no National Hockey League experience, but he has worked for the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets.
The 45-year-old Brooklyn native also has worked as the manager of new business development and sports acquisitions for ABC Radio and was a part-owner of the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League.
With the Lock Monsters, Leahy enjoyed two seasons of record attendance even though last season's team had the worst record in the AHL.
"What I'm hoping to do here is what I've been able to accomplish in other positions," Leahy said. "I love the idea of grass-roots marketing, getting out into the community. It's such an important element.
"Everybody in Buffalo is looking at what (new owner) Tom Golisano and (managing partner) Larry Quinn have done in a very brief period of time to put the Buffalo Sabres organization on very solid ground. I like what Tom and Larry are doing in regard to reducing ticket prices and regionalizing the team. Hopefully with my experience I can come in and add to the mix."
Leahy pointed to the Sabres' decision to wear their old blue and gold sweaters for the season finale as a simple-but-brilliant piece of marketing.
"I'm looking at the tradition that's been within the Sabres organization for a good number of years, and these people want to bring it back," Leahy said. "That's pretty exciting.
"First and foremost there has to be a reconnection with the fans. Sometimes you get caught up in the idea of being cutting edge or innovative and you forget to ask the people who are most important. We need to ask these people: "What is important to you?' "
Leahy was the president of the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League for the past two years. He has no National Hockey League experience, but he has worked for the Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets.
The 45-year-old Brooklyn native also has worked as the manager of new business development and sports acquisitions for ABC Radio and was a part-owner of the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League.
With the Lock Monsters, Leahy enjoyed two seasons of record attendance even though last season's team had the worst record in the AHL.
"What I'm hoping to do here is what I've been able to accomplish in other positions," Leahy said. "I love the idea of grass-roots marketing, getting out into the community. It's such an important element.
"Everybody in Buffalo is looking at what (new owner) Tom Golisano and (managing partner) Larry Quinn have done in a very brief period of time to put the Buffalo Sabres organization on very solid ground. I like what Tom and Larry are doing in regard to reducing ticket prices and regionalizing the team. Hopefully with my experience I can come in and add to the mix."
Leahy pointed to the Sabres' decision to wear their old blue and gold sweaters for the season finale as a simple-but-brilliant piece of marketing.
"I'm looking at the tradition that's been within the Sabres organization for a good number of years, and these people want to bring it back," Leahy said. "That's pretty exciting.
"First and foremost there has to be a reconnection with the fans. Sometimes you get caught up in the idea of being cutting edge or innovative and you forget to ask the people who are most important. We need to ask these people: "What is important to you?' "