Sources said recently that Portland, Maine, was a likely destination. It would end the Sabres’ 29-year relationship with the Amerks, the longest current partnership between an NHL team and its AHL affiliate.
Amerks President Steve Donner and businessman Walter Turek each own 40 percent of the franchise while Massachusetts-based investor Randall Latona owns the other 20 percent. Financial problems led to a power struggle with each other and the Sabres for the past several years.
Their feud is expected to result in Turek, once a top adviser to Sabres owner B. Thomas Golisano, and Latona being bought out in the next few weeks by an unidentified investor who would own 51 percent. Donner will probably own the rest. Regardless, the Amerks will likely continue their relationship with Florida and bid farewell to Buffalo.
“It’s disappointing and sad in many ways that we couldn’t find a way to resolve our differences,” Donner said. “Given the nature of how our relationship is right now, a fresh start for both sides is probably a positive thing.”
Amerks President Steve Donner and businessman Walter Turek each own 40 percent of the franchise while Massachusetts-based investor Randall Latona owns the other 20 percent. Financial problems led to a power struggle with each other and the Sabres for the past several years.
Their feud is expected to result in Turek, once a top adviser to Sabres owner B. Thomas Golisano, and Latona being bought out in the next few weeks by an unidentified investor who would own 51 percent. Donner will probably own the rest. Regardless, the Amerks will likely continue their relationship with Florida and bid farewell to Buffalo.
“It’s disappointing and sad in many ways that we couldn’t find a way to resolve our differences,” Donner said. “Given the nature of how our relationship is right now, a fresh start for both sides is probably a positive thing.”
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