http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/win091006.html
Quote:
It's still a few years away from actually happening, but it appears the appropriate wheels are in motion in getting an NHL franchise back to the city of Winnipeg.
According to the Winnipeg Sun, David Thomson, chairman of the Thomson Corporation and the richest man in Canada, seems to be involved in a group interested in bringing an NHL team back to Manitoba.
Thomson, a major shareholder with True North Sports and Entertainment, which runs the Manitoba Moose and the MTS Centre, has the deep pockets needed to support a move back to Winnipeg.
There has been serious talk that the Atlanta Thrashers have been up for sale for some time.
However, the group that owns the team, Atlanta Spirit, has a deal with the city that requires both an NBA and NHL franchise to call the Phillips Arena home or risk paying a huge $10 million annual penalty for several years.
While bringing a team to Winnipeg couldn't happen for at least two years, it's becoming more and more evident that there are people, with the necessary funds, interested in facilitating a move.
Files from: Winnipeg Sun
[ From the Editor ]
I'm not saying it's going to happen, but if David Thomson's involved, it definitely helps Winnipeg's chances. The NHL wouldn't mind getting into bed with someone like Thomson, but it has to be done properly. Atlanta's in trouble, everyone knows it. They're losing way too much money every year. That being said, it's going to take a few years (at most, five), to move them (be it to Winnipeg, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Hamilton, or anywhere). This won't happen over night, but luckily for Winnipeg fans, this group is willing to wait. -- David Pagnotta
According to the Winnipeg Sun, David Thomson, chairman of the Thomson Corporation and the richest man in Canada, seems to be involved in a group interested in bringing an NHL team back to Manitoba.
Thomson, a major shareholder with True North Sports and Entertainment, which runs the Manitoba Moose and the MTS Centre, has the deep pockets needed to support a move back to Winnipeg.
There has been serious talk that the Atlanta Thrashers have been up for sale for some time.
However, the group that owns the team, Atlanta Spirit, has a deal with the city that requires both an NBA and NHL franchise to call the Phillips Arena home or risk paying a huge $10 million annual penalty for several years.
While bringing a team to Winnipeg couldn't happen for at least two years, it's becoming more and more evident that there are people, with the necessary funds, interested in facilitating a move.
Files from: Winnipeg Sun
[ From the Editor ]
I'm not saying it's going to happen, but if David Thomson's involved, it definitely helps Winnipeg's chances. The NHL wouldn't mind getting into bed with someone like Thomson, but it has to be done properly. Atlanta's in trouble, everyone knows it. They're losing way too much money every year. That being said, it's going to take a few years (at most, five), to move them (be it to Winnipeg, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Hamilton, or anywhere). This won't happen over night, but luckily for Winnipeg fans, this group is willing to wait. -- David Pagnotta
Sweet!
