The Buffalo Sabres today announced a brand new American League affiliation, in Portland, Maine, with the Pirates. Such news generally doesn't catch the OFB eye, but in this instance, the affiliate happens to be in one of our favorite towns, one we've blogged from before.

Portland of course was recently the affiliate for the Caps; in fact, the Caps' American League affiliation in Portland began when the Baltimore Skipjacks departed Charm City for Portland in 1993, carrying with them the Caps' affiliation. And it's where Kevin Kaminski's sweater is retired. It's also the home of the best breakfast in all of New England, Becky's. It ain't a bad bar town, either: the motto at Bull Feeney's is "Thirst is a shameless disease, so here's to a shameful cure."

After the Caps severed ties with the Pirates following the 2004-05 season, the Anaheim Ducks shipped their prospects all the way across the country to the quaint Maine metropolis. That was obviously impractical, and Anaheim will affiliate with the Iowa Stars beginning next season.

Earlier this year there was serious concern that pro hockey would depart Portland, as the Pirates' arena ain't exactly contemporary or state of the art. (But it has a lot of relic charm.) Last year the city authorized a $175,000 study to renovate Cumberland County Civic Center, the Pirates' home.

"Modern multi-purpose venues dwarf the building in both capacity and amenities," a Portland Press Herald story on renovation plans understates. Political support appears to exist for a substantial renovation of the building; one wouldn't imagine the Sabres entering into a long-term affiliation with the city otherwise.

The Sabres' agreement with the Pirates ensures that there will be an American League presence there through 2010-11, and the Sabres have an option to extend the affiliation two years beyond that.