(Rochester, N.Y.) – On Tuesday, the American Hockey League’s Board of Governors approved the sale of a majority stake of the Rochester Americans to Canadian businessman Curt Styres and his company, Arrow Express Sports.
Styres is a principal in Grand River Enterprises, a Canadian cigarette manufacturer. Styres is also purchasing the Knighthawks lacrosse team.
Current team president Steve Donner would retain minority stake. Donner has said he would remain in a management role.
The city of Rochester has said it won’t renew the Amerks’ lease at the Blue Cross Arena if Donner remains in management.
The city is also concerned that Donner’s debts stemming from the Rochester Rhinos put the Amerks in jeopardy. In response to the city’s position, Donner threatened to move the team out of town.
Mayor Robert Duffy, who is traveling, issued a statement saying he would not comment on the sale until he learns more about the management structure.
Tuesday night, Donner declined to comment whether he would be involved in daily operations of the team.
