As was first reported by Maine Hockey Journal, the Portland Pirates announced their opponents for the upcoming 2010-‘11 season today.

The Pirates will play all 80 regular season games against Eastern Conference teams.

A total of 64 of the Pirates games will be played against Atlantic Division including 12 games (six on home ice and six on the road) against each of Manchester, Providence and Worcester. The Pirates will also face Springfield and Bridgeport 10 times (five home, five road) each and Hartford eight times (four and four).

The Pirates will play their remaining 16 games against teams from the East Division, including four contests (two home, two road) against the Charlotte Checkers, formerly the Albany River Rats and Norfolk Admirals.

The complete 2010-11 American Hockey League game schedule is slated for release in August.

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Also reported first on Maine Hockey Journal yesterday, Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier announced today the Sabres have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with restricted free agent winger Derek Whitmore.

Whitmore, 5-11, 185-pounds collected 34 points (18g, 16a) in 78 games last season for the Portland Pirates. In 163 career AHL games with Portland and Rochester, Whitmore has amassed 57 points on 30 goals and 27 assists.

The Rochester, NY native played four seasons at Bowling Green University where he picked up 102 points (70g, 32a). Whitmore is ranked in the top 20 in BGSU all-time goal scoring list with 70 goals.