The Portland Pirates are gearing up for their first year as the affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and it is starting to get exciting.  Kevin Dineen will remain as the coach of the Pirates but will begin his first season with the Buffalo Sabres organization.  Dineen will start talking about this season beginning tomorrow when he joins The Howard Simon Show on WGR 550.  He will be on a 7:30 AM but if you miss it you can check out the audio vault.  He continues his radio tour on Thursday when he goes on two different radio stations in Portland.  At 8:10 AM he will be on Q 97.9 FM and at 8:30 AM he will be on WBLM 102.9 FM. 

In addition to the excitement surrounding the coach the Sabres have plenty of players that have Pirates fans excited.  The Sabres will be returning players like Mark Mancari, Marc-Andre Gragnani and hopefully Mike Weber and they have plenty of newcomers.   The Sabres signed  many of their young prospects in preparation for their first season in Portland.  Hobey Baker Award nominee Nathan Gerbe should spend at least part of the season in Portland.  Forward Tim Kennedy and Goalie Jhonas Enroth should be a big part of the Pirates team this year as well.

With the season just about two months away, it is time to start getting excited for Portland Pirates Hockey!