On Friday, the NHL Board of Governors approved the sale of
the Jets to a group headed by Richard Burke and Steven
Gluckstern, as well as relocation of the team to Phoenix. The
Board also approved the sale of the Stars to Thomas Hicks (NHL).
Gluckstern said they are "very satisfied" with its arrangements
with Jerry Colangelo and America West Arena. Whalers Owner Peter
Karmanos had called the deal in Phoenix "crummy." Burke said he
agreed with Gluckstern's assessment and said Karmanos' statements
were something "I'm sure he'd prefer hadn't been said" (Steve
Weston, ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 1/10). Colangelo is profiled in
today's USA TODAY, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman calling him
"the consummate sports businessman" (Greg Boeck, USA TODAY,
1/22). Jets players took the All-Star break as an opportunity to
visit Phoenix and do some house-hunting (Alan Adams, CP/Toronto
GLOBE & MAIL, 1/20). After being given formal approval of his
purchase, Hicks went on a tour of Boston's FleetCenter and then
flew back to Dallas. Former Stars Owner Norm Green was also at
the meeting and said it was "kind of emotional" saying goodbye to
"a lot of good people" (Terry Egan, DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/20).
