Amerks' true feelings finally surface

How bad did things get in Rochester? Players who came up to Buffalo toed the company line during the season about how they kept their focus on the ice -- even though none of us believed them. When the Amerks cleaned out their lockers Monday, a lot of the real feelings came out.

Check out Kevin Oklobzija's story in today's Rochester D&C. The truth finally came out about what a fiasco the Rochester franchise has become. The Sabres certainly created some of the mess with the decision to split the farm with Florida but plenty of these wounds were self-inflicted by Rochester owner Steve Donner.

This is no way for an NHL team to be developing players. Whether they go to Portland next season or anywhere else, the Sabres better make sure this kind of situation never happens again. It reflects horribly on the entire organization.

---Mike Harrington

Comments

[Jan]

I feel bad for the fans in Portland (or wherever the Sabres put their players) next year if they don't make changes. Either promote Cunneyworth to asst. coach with the Sabres or let him talk to other teams. He was
put in the middle of this mess. He did his best over the years to get players ready for the NHL-- the Sabres should be thankful for that. Randy deserves better than what he had to deal with over the past few years. They should also spend some $$ for a decent veteran player to help teach the prospects as well. We Amerk fans are very much aware of the "development" part of an affiliation, but we also want to see a competitive team as well-- Golisano, Quinn and Steve Donner are to blame for that. If this continues, the Sabres will have a hard time signing some of their draft picks.

[Jan]

I feel bad for the fans in Portland (or wherever the Sabres put their players) next year if they don't make changes. Either promote Cunneyworth to asst. coach with the Sabres or let him talk to other teams. He was
put in the middle of this mess. He did his best over the years to get players ready for the NHL-- the Sabres should be thankful for that. Randy deserves better than what he had to deal with over the past few years. They should also spend some $$ for a decent veteran player to help teach the prospects as well. We Amerk fans are very much aware of the "development" part of an affiliation, but we also want to see a competitive team as well-- Golisano, Quinn and Steve Donner are to blame for that. If this continues, the Sabres will have a hard time signing some of their draft picks.

[BBQ]

It doesn't matter if it's Rochester, Buffalo or on the moon. No matter what the location, Quinn is still an idiot. I'll forget the mistakes when they forget to charge me for tickets.

[Bobbo Kane]

Put the blame where it squarely belongs....LARRY QUINN. If it wasn't his boneheaded idea to put a dual affiliation here and Mr. Goli$anos decision to put NO veteran leadership in Rochester, NONE of this would have ever happened here. They took the CHEAP way out (familiar?) and thats the main reason it stunk so bad. The players that are that blaming their on ice problems on the off ice stuff are just making excuses.

Believe me, the Amerks fans are HAPPY Ouinn and his idiotic development ideas are GONE.

Have fun in Portland.

[TJ]

Regier was cited by the article as "doing anything he can to get Cunneyworth to the NHL". Well, I hope for one day, the sun shines through on the clouds that blur management's judgments and they promote Cunneyworth up to Ruff's team of assistants. McCutcheon can be let go - he's yet to prove he has a clue how to design a power play.

[hoopster]

Mike, It certainly seems you're right on about mismanagement of the Amerks situation. As an aside, was listening to 97 Rock this morning and they were discussing John Murphy's interview of Golisano. Their and Golisano's contention was everyone should forget about the Drury Briere fiasco, move on and support Sabres' management who are all working hard. The problem with this and the Amerks fiasco is that it is a sign of ineptitude. Plus the old axiom that those who ignore history are bound to repeat their mistakes. I'm afraid, and I hope I'm wrong, the Sabres haven't learned anything and will continue thier blundering ways.

[Mike Harrington]

BR: Cunneyworth is a Sabres employee. He not no obligation to Florida but you're right, I'd hire him quick if I were them.

[br]

Mike: How does Cunny's contract work? That article says he's under contract with the Sabres. Does he have any contractual obligation to Florida? It seems like he'd certainly be a top candidate for their job.