19.05.12

I'm not the biggest Golisano fan, and I certainly think that he left the sabres with an unnecessary bitter attitude...

But people really forget how much he did for the franchise. Brought it out of bankruptcy. Coming out of the lockout - we had the cheapest ticket prices that have been seen since the early 90s. Introduced variable pricing which kept tickets for most games affordable, while making sure to maximize the revenue from games like toronto. Made huge changes to the game experience: HD Scoreboard, the huge video projections on the ice (I know there is more). Under him and Quinn - the Sabres came up with the idea for the Winter Classic and hosted the inaugural game. Started the Blue & Gold club. Family oriented amenities like the Sabretooth house.

There's even more than that. But its all on top of bringing Buffalo two of the most exciting seasons of hockey that I've ever been a part of.

People say he was cheap, but he spent a ton of money on the product and his instruction to Darcy Regier was to not lose money. Not to make money, but to make sure that the organization wasn't losing. And for the most part, their salaries were always fairly close to the cap. Personally - I had no problem with this. I want the Sabres to be financially successful in Buffalo - I don't want to ever have the discussion of them leaving again. How can you blame the owner for wanting financial stability? I think we're a little spoiled now with Pegula - but not everyone, has $4billion in LIQUID assets. Golisano was worth billions, but its all in the company that he owns, he doesn't have a $2billion bank account just ready to go.

Source: Buffalo Rising