"This definitely won't be a Brett Favre situation; there will be no comeback this time, that's for sure. I am super excited about this opportunity. It was kind of a nervous summer and I wasn't really sure about what was going to happen. When I talked with Darcy when they made the announcement about the new affiliation, I knew I was on the radar, but there were many candidates out there, so for Kevin to consider me it's a great honor," said Eric Weinrich.

"Eric has been with us two years now so he is aware of his role and expectations. Given his long playing career, I feel he will be a strong addition to help develop our Sabres prospects," said Kevin Dineen.

Weinrich, 41, was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils (2nd round, 32nd overall) in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. He competed for 18 seasons at the NHL level with Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Montreal, New Jersey, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Vancouver. Before turning pro, he spent three seasons at the University of Maine (1985-1988) and has participated in nine World Championships for Team USA - the most of any American-born player. He also played in the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, the 1991 Canada Cup and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey. Weinrich finished his NHL career playing in 1,157 games with 388 points (70 goals, 318 assists) and 825 penalty minutes. He ended his playing career with the Portland Pirates in the 2007-08 season, after playing in 88 games spanning over two seasons and recording 22 points (3 goals, 19 assists).

"We're just thrilled that Eric has agreed to join Kevin's staff to work with our team and help develop the Sabres prospects. It's not often that businesses like the Pirates can add someone to its family who has such deep local roots combined with a world-class reputation and professional playing career. With Kevin and Eric at the helm, our team is in great hands," said Pirates Managing Owner/CEO Brian Petrovek.

Prior to his NHL career, Weinrich played in the AHL with the Utica Devils from 1988-89 (where Petrovek served as Executive Director while working for the New Jersey Devils) while being called up to New Jersey for portions of both the 1988 and 1989 seasons. During the 1989-90 season, he was named the winner of the Eddie Shore Trophy (AHL's Outstanding defenseman) and also was named an AHL First Team All-Star. At the University of Maine, Weinrich registered 69 points (16 goals, 54 assists) in 83 games over three seasons with the Black Bears. In 1987, he was named a Hockey East First Team All-Star and also earned NCAA East Second Team All-American honors. The following year he played on the US Olympic Team.

Previous to his college career, he spent two years at North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) in Yarmouth, Maine. From 1983-1985, Weinrich played in 37 games, notching 29 goals and 54 assists during his time at NYA. In 1985, he led NYA to the school's first Class A State Hockey Championship. In June of 2003, NYA retired Weinrich's number making him one of just two players (the other being Travis Roy) to have his number retired at NYA.

Eric, his wife Tracy and two kids, Ben (14) and Emily (12), live on Cousins Island in Yarmouth.