Hammister Granted Extra Week to Purchase Sabres

[RedEyE]

Possible state assistance package key to deal

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Associated Press


BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Mark Hamister received a one-week extension from the NHL on Friday and political support for an estimated $30 million state assistance package to buy the financially troubled Buffalo Sabres.


The fate of the franchise staying in Buffalo now hinges on whether Gov. George Pataki approves the assistance package currently being drafted by the Empire State Development Corporation, a state economic development agency.


Pataki's decision could come as soon as Wednesday, when the governor is scheduled to make his annual state of the state address.


Hamister, whose purchase bid is contingent on government financial support, was hopeful even though he and majority partner Todd Berman initially asked the NHL for a two-week extension to get their financing in place.


"I'm an optimist. I think the week just means I'm not going to have Sunday off this weekend,'' said Hamister, a Buffalo businessman. "I'd say after the events today, we're much closer to getting it done.''


While the NHL gave conditional approval to Hamister and Berman to buy the Sabres last November, their 45-day exclusive-rights period was to run out Friday........

more----> http://espn.go.com/nhl/news/2003/0103/1486732.html

[Sabre Ally]

already posted in the It's Friday thread.