In Calgary, Nova Pierson reports that the Flames "must
sell more than" 100 season tickets per day for the next 11
"to keep the NHL franchise in town." Team officials hope
this week's NHL draft in Calgary "will help them get the
urgent message across to fans." Flames spokesperson Peter
Hanlon: "Hopefully we can use that as a soapbox for us." As
of last night, the team was 1,293 season tickets short of
their goal to have 14,000 by June 30 (CALGARY SUN, 6/20).
SAVEOURROCKETS: In Houston, Eric Berger reported on
SaveOurRockets.com, an online fanzine created by fan Jeff
Balke, "dedicated to keeping the team" in Houston. Balke
has become "a player in [the team's] politically charged
dealings with the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority to
obtain public financing" for a new arena. Rockets COO
George Postolos: "We've seen the impact that the
SaveOurRockets Web site has had on this process because of
its ability to capture the attention of our supporters and
key leaders in the community" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/19).
NO CHARGES FILED IN WRIGLEY MELEE: The man who caused
last month's brawl at Wrigley Field between fans and members
of the Dodgers after he took the hat of Dodgers C Chad
Kreuter "will not face criminal charges," as the Cubs "have
decided to drop the matter" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/20).
