It may be the “slow season” of the hockey calendar, but that doesn’t mean major news can’t break at any given moment. The Buffalo Sabres have announced that the team has “mutually agreed to part ways” with former team president Ted Black.
Replacing Black as President will be current Buffalo Bills Managing Partner and President Russ Brandon.
“Since we purchased the Buffalo Bills last October, we have been highly impressed with the business acumen that Russ has shown with the Bills,” Owners Terry & Kim Pegula said in a team-issued press release. “Now is an appropriate time to give him additional responsibilities with the Sabres. Russ will work with Pegula Sports & Entertainment to create strong synergies between the Sabres and Bills. With Russ’ strong ties to the area business community and sponsorship partners, he will effectively position both organizations for future growth. We are grateful to Ted Black for all he has done for the Sabres organization and wish him much success in his future endeavors.”
Black had been with the Sabres organization since the Pegulas purchased the team in February 2011. Prior to joining the Sabres, Black had worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the team’s Vice President.
Brandon will now oversee all of the business operations of the franchise as well as represent the ownership’s interests with the NHL in both local and regional aspects. He has been a part of the Bills organization since 1997, and became team President in 2013 after being the team’s Chief Executive Officer.
“I would like to thank Terry and Kim for the confidence they have placed in me,” the new Sabres President said in the release. “With so much excitement surrounding the Sabres, there is also great opportunity. We have a strong staff at the Sabres that I will be relying on and there is much from my Bills experience that can be applied at the Sabres. I look forward to the opportunity to engage with the Sabres great fans and lead the business operations of both teams.”
The hiring of Brandon will have no impact on the work of general manager Tim Murray, who will still report directly to the Pegulas.