The Flames "need to sell about 90 season tickets a day
for the next six weeks to keep club owners from putting the
team on the auction block," according to Phil Novak of the
CALGARY HERALD. Flames Vice Chair Harley Hotchkiss revealed
yesterday that 10,100 season tickets have been sold so far
in the team's pursuit to sell 14,000 by June 30. Of the
10,100 announced yesterday, renewals accounted for 8,100,
giving the team a 90% renewal rate, while 2,000 new ticket
plans make up the rest (CALGARY HERALD, 5/18). In Calgary,
George Johnson writes yesterday's announcement "is certainly
what the Flames organization hopes is a springboard to
reaching the 14,000 plateau." While the renewals "fell
slightly short" of the 95% targeted, Johnson notes that 900
of the 9,000 season-ticket holders have yet to commit, "so
that percentage may even inch up some." Hotchkiss noted
that the renewal rate was "far head of the average rate of
80-85%." Hotchkiss, noting only 103 plans were cancelled:
"I'm cautiously optimistic. I think we're going to get
there" (CALGARY SUN, 5/18). Meanwhile, the CP is reporting
that IHL Aeros Owner Chuck Watson "recently made contact"
with Hotchkiss "to discuss the team's status in Calgary."
Hotchkiss called the conversation "direct and simple."
Hotchkiss: "I said to him, 'I know you're interested (in
purchasing the Flames,) but we're committed to staying in
Calgary.' If we can't make it work then that's another
situation" (CP/Toronto GLOBE & MAIL, 5/18).
NHL NOTES: The Oilers' season-ticket commitments for
the 2000-01 season have reached 11,565 with two weeks left
in the team's bid to reach the 13,000 required to qualify
for the NHL's Canadian Assistant Plan (Oilers)....Wayne
Gretzky told the EDMONTON SUN's Terry Jones he is
"wrestling" with the majority ownership offer from the
Coyotes. Gretzky: "I don't want to be a coach. I don't
want to be a GM. My wife is leaving the decision to me.
But she knows I love hockey." Jones: "So what's Gretzky
waiting for? To find out if [Oilers GM Glen] Sather would
be his general manager?" The Coyotes has asked for
permission to speak to Sather (EDMONTON SUN, 5/18).
