Breaking News...According to reports from TSN, True North has bought the Atlanta Thrashers to move the team to Winnipeg in time for the start of 2011-2012.
The City of Winnipeg lost their Jets 15 years ago when the team relocated to the desert in Phoenix. Today, the capital of Manitoba will finally get another chance to witness a professional hockey team, pending on the approval of the NHL Board of Governors.
The price tag for the sale of the franchise is "$170 Million which also includes a $60 Million relocating fee will be distributed by the other 29 teams." TSN
Because the deal happened so late into year, it is believed that Winnipeg will have to play in the Eastern Division for one year, until the new hockey schedule is set up for the 2012-13 season.
More to come.
It’s good to hear Winnipeg will have an NHL team again, pending approval from the league’s board of governors. The city and its fans have been strong supporters of minor league hockey and the Manitoba Moose ever since the Jets left in 1996. I think fans will quickly embrace the team, and it will have greater success north of the border. It's just unfortunate they have to play in the Southeast Division because they will have to deal with increased travel time.
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ReplyDeleteI agree 100% percent. The city and the fans were great then, but they will be even better this time around. You can almost bet that the Oilers and Jets will have a great rivalry.
ReplyDeleteFor me, there should be more teams just past the the boarder. Less travel expenses, players wouldn't be as tired etc. I can think of a few other teams who should move up to Quebec and/or Seattle.