Pirates and Sabres agree on long-term affiliation agreement

Published on: 11th March, 2010 by Chris Roy

Portland, ME – In a twist to the never-ending saga in the lease negotiation between the Portland Pirates and the Cumberland County Civic Center Board Trustees, it was announced today that the Pirates have extended their affiliation agreement with the Buffalo Sabres.

The news comes as both the Civic Center trustees and Pirates ownership work toward a new lease to keep the franchise in Portland. Pirates’ owner has confirmed that he spoken to Albany, NY about moving the Pirates to Times Union Arena, but has steadfastly stated he wanted to keep the team in Portland.

Prior to coming to Portland, the Sabres spent the last 29-years as the NHL parent club of the Rochester Americans.

The Pirates are currently in the second year of their original deal (a five-year deal with two options season) with the Sabres. The new extension is a long term agreement that re-affirms the commitment between the two franchises.

“Lyman (Bullard, the Pirates Chairman/Governor) and I are thrilled to share this great news with our fans, our sponsors and the entire community, who have experienced firsthand, over the past two seasons, the quality and exciting style of Buffalo Sabres hockey at the AHL level at the Cumberland County Civic Center,” Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek said. “Greater Portland has embraced a group of world class players, coaches and team staff who have been and continue to be outstanding professionals and people both on and off the ice. We’re looking forward to our future together with high hopes and expectations as we continue to do our part to help develop future Buffalo Sabres and compete for Calder Cup Championships.”

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