The Oilers are reportedly closing in on the season ticket
goal of 13,000, according to Jim Matheson of the EDMONTON
JOURNAL. The "phones have been ringing" since the club announced
last week that sales had stalled at 10,500 in the pursuit for
Canadian assistance of $1.67M for the past season. The team
needs to reach its goal by May 31. That figure could grow for
'96-97. NHL Board of Governors Chair/ Flames co-Owner Harley
Hotchkiss said $7.5M will be available, with a three-way split
between Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa meaning $2.5M apiece. But
Oilers Owner Peter Pocklington said the fund could be as much as
$11M. Pocklington also noted league information indicated the
Oilers were 23rd in per-game gate revenue at $273,000. Only
Winnipeg, Washington and Tampa Bay are worse. Tops were the
Bruins at $883,000, the Rangers at $745,000 and the Red Wings at
$739,000. Oilers VP/Business Ops Doug Piper said they expect "no
problem" in selling the final six of the 53 luxury boxes
(EDMONTON JOURNAL, 5/19). In order to qualify for aid, teams
must sell 13,000 season tickets, all rink-board advertising and
all boxes (THE DAILY).