The Portland Pirates announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached with the Buffalo Sabres to supply prospects to Portland beginning with the 2008-09 season. On hand for the announcement in Portland were Pirates managing owner/CEO Brian Petrovek, Pirates chairman/governor Lyman Bullard, Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn, and Sabres general manager Darcy Regier.

“This is an exciting day for fans of hockey throughout our state to partner with an eastern U.S. city with one of the richest histories in professional hockey dating back to the turn of the century. From an initial meeting with Larry and Darcy last fall and our follow-up with Chief Operating Officer Dan DiPofi, we knew this would be a great fit for our fans and our business, one that we expect will bring exciting, championship caliber performances on the ice for years to come, along with a deeply rooted commitment to our community off the ice as well. Today’s announcement represents another important building block in our growth and commitment to professional hockey in Maine,” said Petrovek and Bullard in a joint statement.

The Pirates had been affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks for the past three seasons. The Pirates enjoyed success with Anaheim as their affiliate. They made the playoffs two out of the three seasons and played in the Eastern Conference finals both times; losing in seven games to Hershey in 2006 and seven games to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in 2008. Anaheim announced on June 3rd that they would be moving their prospects to Iowa.

The Sabres had spent the past 29 seasons affiliated with the Rochester Americans, but announced in 2007 that this season would be their last in Rochester. Speculation began to mount this season that Buffalo would occupy Portland when the Dallas Stars announced that they would be moving their affiliate Texas. Anaheim was then rumored to be moving to Iowa, which set up the move for Buffalo into Portland.

The Sabres enjoyed success in Rochester which included nine division championships, three conference titles, and three Calder Cups. The past three seasons saw troubled times fall in Rochester. The Amerks missed the playoffs two of the past three seasons and was the worst team in the AHL this season with 58 points.

“We are excited to begin our AHL affiliation with the Portland Pirates and the city of Portland,” said Buffalo managing partner Larry Quinn. “I am looking forward to working with Lyman Bullard, Brian Petrovek and Brian Williams, and the entire Pirates organization. I have been impressed with their professionalism from day one and am excited to build our new relationship both personally and professionally.”

Buffalo becomes the third NHL affiliates in Pirates history. The Washington Capitals spent time in Portland and most recently with the Ducks from 2005-2008. The new agreement with the Sabres ensures that hockey will be in Portland through 2011.