Bay Side
May 25th, 2006, 5:47:32 PM
http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2006/05/22/daily31.html
With four "small market" teams in the National Hockey League conference finals, Commissioner Gary Bettman says this is a prime example of how the new economic structure works.
Bettman, in Buffalo for the third game of the Sabres-Carolina Hurricanes playoff series -- his first playoff visit to the city since the controversial sixth game of the 1999 Stanley Cup finals, said the rock concert-loud HSBC Arena was a prime example the league's salary structure has aided every team. The structure came with a cost following a complete shut down of the league during the 2004-2005 season.
"Any team can be competitive," Bettman said in an interview with Business First. "I think a lot of people want to see the league like this."
Bettman was referring to improved attendance NHL arenas and a strong fan following, despite last season's labor dispute.
The Sabres sold out 18 regular season games and had their highest in-season attendance in several years. In addition, all eight of the team's home playoff games through the first three rounds sold out including all three for the Carolina series that were bought up in just 16 minutes.
"Buffalo is a good example," Bettman said. "But, the real test will be how teams react over time."
Bettman said he is pleased with the way Rochester businessman B. Thomas Golisano is running the team since buying the Sabres three years ago. Golisano bought the team for $92 million after it had filed for bankruptcy protection following the financial scandal that gripped former owner John Rigas and members of his family.
During the team's bankruptcy period, the Sabres became a ward of the NHL.
"Tom is doing a much better job of running this franchise than we ever did," Bettman said.
With four "small market" teams in the National Hockey League conference finals, Commissioner Gary Bettman says this is a prime example of how the new economic structure works.
Bettman, in Buffalo for the third game of the Sabres-Carolina Hurricanes playoff series -- his first playoff visit to the city since the controversial sixth game of the 1999 Stanley Cup finals, said the rock concert-loud HSBC Arena was a prime example the league's salary structure has aided every team. The structure came with a cost following a complete shut down of the league during the 2004-2005 season.
"Any team can be competitive," Bettman said in an interview with Business First. "I think a lot of people want to see the league like this."
Bettman was referring to improved attendance NHL arenas and a strong fan following, despite last season's labor dispute.
The Sabres sold out 18 regular season games and had their highest in-season attendance in several years. In addition, all eight of the team's home playoff games through the first three rounds sold out including all three for the Carolina series that were bought up in just 16 minutes.
"Buffalo is a good example," Bettman said. "But, the real test will be how teams react over time."
Bettman said he is pleased with the way Rochester businessman B. Thomas Golisano is running the team since buying the Sabres three years ago. Golisano bought the team for $92 million after it had filed for bankruptcy protection following the financial scandal that gripped former owner John Rigas and members of his family.
During the team's bankruptcy period, the Sabres became a ward of the NHL.
"Tom is doing a much better job of running this franchise than we ever did," Bettman said.