Petrovek Comment on Sale of Americans

Published on June 24, 2011 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release

Buffalo, NY - The Buffalo Sabres today announced they have signed a purchase agreement with the Rochester Americans hockey club. The AHL Board of Governors approved the transaction earlier today. The Sabres will begin operating the team as their American Hockey League affiliate next week once the transaction is finalized. The Sabres also announced their affiliation agreement with the Portland Pirates has been terminated.

"On behalf of our business partners, staff and most of all, our fans and sponsors, our sincere thanks to the entire Buffalo Sabres family for three terrific seasons as our NHL affiliate," said Portland Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek. "We've had the privilege of working with world class ownership, management, coaches and players who have conducted themselves with class, dignity and high standards each and every day, on the ice and in our community. We wish the Sabres the very best as they begin a new chapter with their player development program in Rochester and welcome them as a new member of the American Hockey League."

The Pirates were affiliated with the Sabres for the past three seasons (2008-2011) and posted a 131-79-17-13 record. The partnership also delivered the 2010-11 Atlantic Division title and developed three consecutive Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award winners as the AHL's outstanding rookie in Nathan Gerbe (2009), Tyler Ennis (2010) and Luke Adam (2011).

The Buffalo Sabres will have no further comment until the transaction is completed next week. Upon completion of the deal, the Sabres will hold a public press conference in Rochester to announce full details of the deal.

American Hockey League Stories from June 24, 2011

• Lightning Select Vladislav Namestnikov with 27th - Norfolk Admirals
• Lightning Re-Sign AHL Admirals All-Time Leading Scorer Blair Jones - Norfolk Admirals
• Petrovek Comment on Sale of Americans - Portland Pirates
• Claude Noel Named Head Coach of Winnipeg NHL Team - Manitoba Moose
• Rochester Americans Sign Purchase Agreement with the Buffalo Sabres - Rochester Americans
• AHL Board of Governors Approves Transfer of Ownership of Rochester Americans to Buffalo Sabres - AHL
• Falcons Continue Online Jersey Auction for Tornado Relief - Springfield Falcons
• Falcons Introduce Newest Facebook Feature - Springfield Falcons

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Portland Pirates Stories

• 2017 Spring Training Golf Classic
• Pirates Spring Training National Anthem Auditions
• 2017 Marauders Coaching Staff
• Marty's Toy Drive
• Marauders Announce 2017 Schedule