By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Anthony Masiello says he's "very concerned" about the NHL player lock-out and the effects it will have on the Sabres season and the city.
One year after the dust settled over the uncertainty of the Sabres future, there is yet another major stumbling block. The entire hockey season is in question as a labor dispute between the National Hockey League and its players marches on.
Without the home games played at HSBC Arena, there will be an economic ripple effect on businesses that benefit from Sabres fans. That has Masiello worried about revenue losses.
"Everyone is impacted in this economy by this action," Masiello said. "It is harmful to all of us, including the Sabres, but especially small businesses."
Masiello says the Sabres also provide "spin-off" money for the city of Buffalo and Erie County. But the Mayor is also troubled by the effects it will have on the hockey club that has worked so hard to be a successful venue in downtown Buffalo.
"I feel badly because I think the Sabres have done a masterful job in creating a great product -- a young hockey team that I think is a year or two away from the Stanley Cup finals," Masiello said. "They've kept their costs down and they're doing everything right. We gave them a beautiful building to play in and there is a great fan base. Unfortunately, the league has some very serious issues that must be resolved. But in the meantime, all of us have to pay the price."
Sabres Owner Tom Golisano released a statement Thursday. He apologized to those affected by the lock out. But Golisano says he "strongly" supports the league's effort to negotiate a new economic system that will control team costs, and at the least allow the clubs to "break even."
Golisano says it will be the only way for the Sabres to survive and be competitive in the coming years.