21°c N/A
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
They'll need a miracle
The next week will likely result in an announcement that either the Phoenix Coyotes are being sold and remaining in Arizona or the NHL is moving on and exploring options, such as a sale for relocation.
Here are the players involved:
Related Items
-
Columns
THE CORONER
Somewhere there's one of those CSI windbreakers waiting for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. He alone can determine when this sale is dead. Bettman has been checking the pulse on this deal for some time. Make no mistake -- Bettman wants the patient to get up and live but even he can't work miracles.
MEN IN WAITING
True North Sports and Entertainment partners Mark Chipman and David Thomson have the cash and wherewithal to bring Canada its seventh NHL franchise. They've played by the NHL's rules and except for letting their intentions be known, have done little talking on the matter. The strategy has played out nicely and they've been vetted by the league. Should Bettman elect to enact a relocation strategy, the deal will be theirs to make or pass on.
THE BAGMAN
Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer is willing to take the Coyotes and keep them in Glendale but his terms are costly for the Phoenix suburb. Hulsizer wants a total finance package of $197 million -- $100 million up front and $97 million over five years -- from Glendale in order to be their white knight.
THE SNIPER
The Goldwater Institute -- an Arizona taxpayer watchdog with a mission that states "the Institute develops innovative, principled solutions to pressing issues facing the states and enforces constitutionally limited government through litigation." Goldwater believes Hulsizer's demands constitute a breach of the state's gift clause, which prohibits government from funding private business with taxpayer money.
THE DUPES
Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and selected members of her staff and city council have been squeezed and worked over on this deal from all sides. City staff and Hulsizer negotiated a deal, which Goldwater warned long ago looked illegal. Staffers and the mayor ignored Goldwater and assured the NHL and Hulsizer the institute would not be a factor.
THE SHARKS
The NHL has been actively working on putting together some financiers willing to purchase bonds floated by Glendale in order to finance their end of the purchase price. Goldwater's insistence that the deal is illegal has served to scare away investors as well as drive up the interest rate the bonds will pay. The NHL is seeking a small group of investors willing to put up about $100 million for the bonds. The risk is high but so is the yield.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition March 7, 2011 C1
- Back to Top
- Return to Hockey
Poll
Most Popular Hockey
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- B's bring their A game
- Kane's days are numbered in 'Peg
- Ready for prime time
- Jokinen says Jets a good fit for him
- Don Cherry criticizes Canucks general manager Gillis on Coach's Corner
- Buff just 'sitting around a lot' now
- Frk's four points leads Mooseheads
- Jets cut ties to ECHL club
- Canucks fire head coach Vigneault after suffering first-round sweep
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Ready for prime time
- Winnipeg Jets among most expensive pro teams to watch
- Jets cut ties to ECHL club
- Burke will be back; he's just that good
- 'It's the worst feeling'
- Ex-Jets MacLean, Carlyle on Sochi coaching list
- Kane's days are numbered in 'Peg
- Fast start for Hawks
- Colin Greening has OT winner in Senators 2-1 victory; Penguins lead series 2-1
- Enough of Buff: Get rid of him
- For first time, Jets GM Cheveldayoff is poised to put stamp on the franchise
- Chevy's choice: Stick with Noel or pursue Vigneault
- Young prospects will get every opportunity to stick with the big club: Cheveldayoff
- It's broke - Fix it
- Jets' playoff hopes dealt fatal blow
- This end-of-season scenario old, and Jets fans and players know it
- Win against Montreal Jets' last hope in playoff push
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Caps just too much for Jets
- Winnipeg Jets among most expensive pro teams to watch
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Burke will be back; he's just that good
- The Gretzky of Gretzky collectors sells hoard that brought him closer to game
- Avalanche remain silent on report that former star goalie Patrick Roy may return as coach
- Enough of Buff: Get rid of him
- Winnipeg Jets among most expensive pro teams to watch
- It's broke - Fix it
- When money talks, it says, 'End fighting in the NHL'
- Burmistrov wants out of Winnipeg
- Manitobans go fourth, fifth in WHL draft
- Slideshow: Things that didn't exist the last time the Leafs were in the playoffs
- Summer could be a sizzler
- Wheat Kings land Patrick after draft day deal
- Chevy's choice: Stick with Noel or pursue Vigneault
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.