The Ontario government is "willing to allow property-
tax relief" for its two NHL teams, according to Gray & May
of the OTTAWA CITIZEN, who wrote that it's a "move that
throws the fate of professional hockey in Canada squarely
into the lap" of the Canadian government. Gray & May added
that Ontario is "considered a pivotal player in any deal" to
aid Canada's six NHL teams and its decision "paves the way
for other provinces to come to the table, putting pressure
on the federal government to come up with its offer."
Senators Chair Rod Bryden: "I see this as a major
breakthrough that should unlock the logjam and let this
issue get resolved once and for all." Ontario Finance
Minister Ernie Eves wrote in a letter the province is
"opposed to any lottery proposal that would compete with and
undermine provincial lotteries," but it is "willing to
consider possible property-tax relief" for sports arenas as
long as it has "the support and participation of the
municipalities themselves." But Eves warned, "If the NHL is
not part of the solution, regardless of what governments do,
Canadian franchises will be in the same position a few years
from now" (OTTAWA CITIZEN, 9/18). In Toronto, Campbell &
Walker reported that the NHL is "willing to form
partnerships with provincial lottery corporations" in order
to keep its six teams in Canada. The NHL has offered the
lotteries the right to use team logos to help increase the
estimated C$171M Canadians "bet legally" on NHL games each
year. Campbell & Walker added that "in return," the teams
would receive C$34M per year, plus half of the additional
revenue generated "due to the league's involvement." The
NHL also said that it's "willing to dedicate a portion of
its share back into amateur hockey" (TORONTO STAR, 9/18).
NO DEAL? In Toronto, Damien Cox, on the NHL's offer for
financial aid: "It doesn't mention that Canadian teams will
suffer anyway in the absence of NHL efforts to control
ridiculously skyrocketing salary costs" (TOR. STAR, 9/18).
DOLLAR FIGURES: In Philadelphia, Tim Panaccio reported
that according to an internal NHL document that lists every
team's revenues from gate receipts after taxes, the Senators
were 17th in the league "at just over" $22M. Meanwhile, the
Flyers were third at just over $35M. Flyers Chair Ed
Snider: "The problem in hockey is pretty much evident right
now. Clubs are losing money. Clubs like St. Louis
practically gave their team away to the Lauries for nothing.
They got the team for free by buying the building. These
are big companies, and they are losing money" (PHILADELPHIA
INQUIRER, 9/19). Senators Chair Bryden, on reopening the
CBA which expires in 2004: "It is my understanding that the
league's official position is that it would prefer to open
the agreement early. But it is certainly the position that
-- we have an agreement, we'll live by it" (CP, 9/18).
RETURN TO OLYMPICS? USA TODAY's Kevin Allen reports
that the NHL and the NHLPA are expected to reach an
agreement to "send NHL players to compete" in the 2002
Olympics. Allen adds that the agreement is "expected to
include a provision for a World Cup tournament in 2004, an
important issue for the players" (USA TODAY, 9/21).
