NHL TEAM NEWS: In Calgary, Eric Francis writes that the
Flames are "in jeopardy of missing out" on a C$4M
equalization payment "crucial to the team's survival." The
Flames have sold 9,000 season tickets and average "only"
13,500 fans per game. Flames Vice Chair Harley Hotchkiss:
"We're very concerned about that right now." More
Hotchkiss, on the nine-member ownership group's "unity ...
coming into question" about the franchise's future in
Calgary: "I wouldn't want to get very far into that -- we've
certainly had some healthy debates. There's no division in
our desire to stay, but some may question more than others
whether it will be possible" (CALGARY SUN, 10/29).
CANADIENS: CP's Bill Beacon writes that after a 3-8
start this season, the Canadiens are averaging 19,651 fans
per game, down 665 from last season. Canadiens President
Pierre Boivin: "I understand the fans' frustration. Ticket
prices are high and the results on the ice are not
convincing." Beacon notes that "for the first time in
memory," the team is advertising tickets. Boivin: "We want
to be more visible in the community" (CP, 10/29).
