Politicking, intrinsic to Albany's legislative halls, has made its way to the ice rinks. Sen. Charles E. Schumer is urging the Buffalo Sabres to help bring their minor-league team to the state capital.

The Portland Pirates' lease with the Cumberland County Civic Center expires following the season, and ownership is investigating a move from Maine to Albany. The capital is losing its American Hockey League team to Charlotte, N.C., and Schumer hopes the Sabres' affiliate fills the hole.

"Albany is a first-class hockey town, and any AHL team — but especially an upstate New York team like the Sabres — would make a wise choice to move there," Schumer said in a statement. "Creating a Sabres fan base that stretches from west to east across all of upstate is a great idea, and I think that hockey fans in the Albany area will be motivated to root for a team also from upstate New York."

Schumer said he spoke with Larry Quinn this week and released a letter he gave the Sabres' minority owner. The Sabres, who have little to no say in the relocation process, will not comment on the Pirates' situation. Schumer, however, says Quinn confirmed Portland's owners are considering the move.

Pirates managing owner Brian Petrovek said last week his primary goal is to reach a new lease agreement in Portland.

The Pirates visit the Albany River Rats on Friday before playing Saturday and Sunday in Rochester. They have won nine straight games.

I'd rather see their affiliate back in Rochester, but I don't know how much of a longshot that is.

Why not move them to Hamilton? That would bring them even closer. We can have a team naming contest.

It will never happen unless there is another ownership change of the Amerks, and both parties were interested.

:angry-cussingblack:

Sorry Pf1969, the Hamilton situation is a running joke around these parts ever since some guy tried to get an NHL franchise to relocate their.

Schumer isn't a bad guy, but sometimes he just doesn't understand how things work.

Maybe Chuck should spend his time worrying about 9% unemployment instead of AHL hockey franchises.

He must have a friend this would benefit in Albany. There's no other explanation.

Or friends, considering all kinds of local businesses surrounding the Times Union Center benefit from having an AHL franchise in town, like the hotels that house players, the bars, restaurants, and shops that serve fans, among other things.

Albany is hurting bad enough. Letting the Rats leave town without finding a replacement would kind of suck.

I would think that particular micro-economy should be beneath the radar of a U.S. Senator at this point in time.

maybe that's just me.

not a problem, I recall Basille and the Coyotes thing. That was more in response to the general situation. I have been going to Pirates games for 17 years, and not happy with the rumors and speculation. I am hoping this is another posturing ploy to get a better deal with the city of Portland than an actual attempt to move. here's some perspective: I am a Pirates full season ticket holder. I live in Nashua NH, games are 1 hour and 40 minutes away, one way.

I'll be in Albany tomorrow and Rochester for the weekend for games.