Canadian group still desires NHL team
Share with others:
It appears the group from Canada that withdrew its bid to buy the Penguins is interested in bringing the NHL to Hamilton, Ontario.
It's just not likely to be the Penguins.
A group whose money men are so secretive that only a few well-placed government officials know their identity has had a $200,000 deal with Hamilton that gives it proprietorship over Copps Coliseum. That deal expires in about six months, but there were talks recently to extend it.
It's believed to be the same group -- or some semblance of it -- that had the high bid for the Penguins at $175 million or more and was on the verge of signing a letter of intent to buy the club.
The bid was withdrawn over the weekend, apparently because of concerns over not being able to move the Penguins in case financial problems arose with the issue of a new arena.
There is no indication at this point that the high bidder will re-enter the Penguins sweepstakes.
Copps Coliseum, home to a minor-league team, was designed so that the roof could be raised and the facility upgraded to meet NHL standards.
Hamilton twice was in the running for an expansion NHL team in efforts headed by local officials, and once had 15,000 season-ticket holders lined up in a 24-hour period.
This time, the effort is being spearheaded by the anonymous, deep-pocketed group.
There are concerns because Hamilton is between Toronto and Buffalo, two NHL cities. It's thought that the biggest issue would be television revenue, and that Toronto and Buffalo could be placated with financial compensation.
The four other bidders for the Penguins remain in the running. A decision is expected any day.
First Published July 20, 2006 12:00 am
