Local Winnipeg business leaders have already begun meeting
to discuss purchasing an IHL franchise for the city, according to
the WINNIPEG FREE PRESS. Jets President Barry Shenkarow: "I have
said I would lend help in making that kind of thing happen."
Local sports entrepreneur Jeff Thompson said he is part of a
group that has talked with not only the IHL, but also the Western
Hockey League. John Douglas and Paul Samyn report that Winnipeg
may already be on the IHL's expansion list, and that a Winnipeg
team could "trigger" a Canadian Division in the IHL to include
Halifax, Toronto, Saskatoon and Quebec City, which has been
awarded a franchise for the '96 season (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS,
8/17).
BACK TO THE JETS: Winnipeg Mayor Susan Thompson yesterday
met with local officials on how to keep the Jets' losses (which
are taxpayer-backed) at a minimum this year, according to the
WINNIPEG FREE PRESS. The mayor also has meetings scheduled with
Manitoba Finance Minister Eric Stefanson and other senior
provincial officials. Noting that the taxpayers can't afford a
"lame-duck season," Thompson added, "The reality is, we need a
filled arena for every game" (Nick Martin, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS,
8/17).
