31 replies to this topic

[wildcat48]

I figured I create a thread to keep you updated with news and notes about the Pirates -- if you'd like?? If not then you can just delete it.

Editorial: Amerks fan base has more to worry about then the Portland Pirates

Since it was rumored that the Buffalo Sabres were heading to Portland, it’s been nothing but a diatribe of comments and statements on websites, message boards and other forms of media that would make one want to curl up in the fetal position.

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[Todrick]

this is cool...

it'll give you an excuse to keep coming back here

[wildcat48]

That was one of my ideas.......

[DropThePuck]

We'll be glad for any news you share with us wc!

Well, other than any victories Portland may get over Iowa ...

[wildcat48]

We'll be glad for any news you share with us wc!

Well, other than any victories Portland may get over Iowa ...

That's good to know and besides Portland won't be going to Iowa unless they get to the Finals.

[DropThePuck]

... besides Portland won't be going to Iowa unless they get to the Finals.

And that's not a possibility for Portland???

[Dark Knight]

Portland and Buffalo Announce Affiliation

"This is an exciting day for fans of hockey throughout our state to partner with an eastern US city with one of the richest histories in professional hockey dating back to the turn of the century. From an initial meeting with Larry and Darcy last fall and our follow-up with Chief Operating Officer Dan DiPofi, we knew this would be a great fit for our fans and our business, one that we expect will bring exciting, championship caliber performances on the ice for years to come, along with a deeply rooted commitment to our community off the ice as well. Today's announcement represents another important building block in our growth and commitment to professional hockey in Maine," said Petrovek and Bullard in a joint statement.

Read More >>

[wildcat48]

New trading partner??

"It's something we will look at," said Sabres' GM Darcy Regier referring to bring back a member of the Pirates from the Ducks regime. "I did have a brief conversation with Brian Burke on that front and we exchanged some idea. I won't guarantee anything, but it is something that we'll consider looking at."

[Marshy]

I liked our affiliation with Portland and am kind of sad to see this happen.

[wildcat48]

Pirates and Sabres join forces

Portland, ME – After close to six months of speculation and rumors, the worst kept secret in the AHL was finally revealed today as the Portland Pirates announced a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Buffalo Sabres.

For the last three seasons, the Pirates were the affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, but after being informed by Ducks management that they intended to explore options that were closer to California, instead of signing an agreement to extend the deal, completing the original five-year affiliation agreement.

Pirates’ Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek wasted little time in looking for another dance partner.

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[DropThePuck]

The Pirates, Portland's American Hockey League team, had been affiliated with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The agreement with the Mighty Ducks expired at the end of this season.

<WCSH6 link>



{click on image for readable version}

[wildcat48]

Persson staying in Europe

Just last week, the Buffalo Sabres announced they had signed Sabres’ prospect Dennis Persson to a three-year entry-level deal.

During a press conference to announce the signing of another prospect – Tim Kennedy –, Sabres’ GM Darcy Regier commented that Persson was likely to stay in Europe for another year.

It was confirmed yesterday as Persson signed a one-year deal with Timra of the Swedish Elite League.

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[Barmy Army]

I liked our affiliation with Portland and am kind of sad to see this happen.

Yeah me too. I wish nothing but the best for the Pirates and their fans.

[wildcat48]

A pair of Tyler’s find themselves in blue and gold

Ottawa, ONT – It was a night of Tyler’s for the Buffalo Sabres.

The Sabres, with two picks, were full of options in the first round, but decided on staying the course selecting Tyler Myers and Tyler Ennis in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Both may one day be gracing the ice in blue and gold.

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[wildcat48]

Sabres add size with promising draft

Ottawa, ON – With the Sabres 2008 draft now complete, it’s time to reflect on what they’ve accomplished.

Buffalo has to get semi-high marks for the draft because they took the best player available while also addressing their long-term needs, which was getting bigger, while not losing any offensive ability and strengthen their blueline. Taking four defensemen, including 6-7, 206-pound Tyler Myers, the Sabres followed a pattern of the Anaheim Ducks, one that’s familiar to many Pirates fans, taking big, strong defensemen who can handle and shoot the puck.

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[wildcat48]

Could the Pirates be looking for a new head coach??

When the Portland Pirates step on the ice this fall, many already knew it was going to be a different cast of characters on the ice. Back in early June, the Pirates announced a new three-year affiliation agreement with the Buffalo Sabres, ending their previous relationship with the Anaheim Ducks.

It was going to be a new experience for the Pirates, but the Sabres were expecting to see many of the same faces make the jump from Rochester, the Sabres previous affiliate for the past 29 years, to Portland.

That may not be the case now.

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[LightItUp4126]

Weinrich. I'll call it now.

[DropThePuck]

I copied this over from our Duck Eggs forum's Iowa thread ...

It's the Pirates franchise who would have raised a banner, if the Pirates won.


Ironically, the Pirates are raising a banner as Atlantic Division Champs -- although there is some debate that they actually won the Division.

What is there to debate? Who's debating?

[wildcat48]

I copied this over from our Duck Eggs forum's Iowa thread ...



What is there to debate? Who's debating?

In reality, the Pirates didn't win anything other than two rounds in the playoffs.

The Emil Francis Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Atlantic Division and according to the AHL website, the Providence Bruins won the award for winning the division during the "regular season".

Yet, after bringing this up to the Pirates brass, there's still some discussion as to who won what and the Pirates still intend on raising a banner.

[wildcat48]

Pirates awaiting moves, but not too anxiously
Until parent club Buffalo settles other personnel matters, Portland will wait for a coach and other staff.

Five weeks after the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL became the parent club of the Portland Pirates of the AHL, the hockey operations personnel -- coaches, equipment managers and athletic trainers -- still aren't in place for the Pirates.

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[wildcat48]

We can officially say now that Randy Cunneyworth will not be heading to the Pirates as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres new AHL affiliate in Portland.

Cunneyworth, who spent the better part of the last eight seasons has head coach of the Rochester Americans, was hired by the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday as an assistant coach, joining former Pirate Todd Nelson who was also hired as an assistant coach.

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While the Sabres still haven’t announced a coaching staff for Portland, they have begun signing players, good players, too, who could potentially find themselves in a Portland Pirates uniform.

The Sabres haven’t made the official announcement, yet, but it looks like they’re holding up their end of bargain, signing Mathieu Darche to a one-year contract with Buffalo. It will be a two-way deal, meaning he’ll most likely be heading to Portland as depth player and veteran.

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[ladiesandgentlemen]

Weinrich. I'll call it now.

This article quotes Darcy Regier as saying it won't be a player coach, but someone outside of the organization:

The Sabres need a new minor-league coach, as Randy Cunneyworth has been hired as an assistant with the Atlanta Thrashers. It was time for Cunneyworth's call-up, since he was Rochester's longest-tenured leader with eight seasons behind the bench.

The impact cannot be underestimated. Cunneyworth was trusted 100 percent to groom the Sabres' prospects and decide which one should be called up. The Sabres need to find someone who can build that same relationship with Lindy Ruff....

Just talked with General Manager Darcy Regier, and McCutcheon will not be going to Portland. It also won't be a player-coach. Regier plans to hire someone from outside the organization in about two weeks. No names were given. The Buffalo News link >>

That last statement seems to put the kebosh on Weinrich.

[DropThePuck]

The Buffalo Sabres have spoken with Kevin Dineen during the past week about remaining head coach of the Portland Pirates.

Dineen coached the Pirates for the past three seasons when the AHL team was affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks.

"You can say we've had some positive discussions and we're looking forward to wrapping things up soon," Dineen said Friday.

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[ladiesandgentlemen]

<link>

In virtually the same article written by the same writer but published in another paper that was posted by Wildcat over in the Iowa thread, there is this quote:

"We're not overly concerned about putting together a first-class staff," said Brian Petrovek, the Pirates' CEO. Link

That sounds a little... chinchy?

[wildcat48]

PORTLAND, ME- The Portland Pirates have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, August 5th at 2:00pm to introduce their head coach. The press conference will be held in the Captain’s Club at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

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