The Portland Pirates introduced Kevin Dineen as the coach of the Buffalo Sabres' American Hockey League affiliate this afternoon at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

Dineen, 44, will enter his fourth year as coach of the Pirates. Previously, Dineen coached the Pirates as the affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks. In early June, the Sabres took over as Portland's parent club, meaning that Dineen now has a new employer in the Sabres.

"It's been an exciting couple of weeks," Dineen said. "It took a lot of patience to hold out and let things play out in the proper way."

Dineen is 135-76-13 with the Pirates, and led the team to two Eastern Conference finals. With the Sabres, Dineen has a two-year contract.