NHL Franchise Notes: Barrie Could Remain A Lightning Investor

Lightning co-Owner Len Barrie said that he "gave up his exclusive window to try to buy the Lightning" from co-Owner Oren Koules "in late August." Barrie also confirmed that Koules is allowing Sansone Group Principal Tony Sansone Jr. to "continue trying to put together a deal that would keep Barrie as a minority owner." Koules declined comment, but Barrie said that Koules' move to "nullify his own exclusive buy period is logical." Barrie: "If Oren can come up with something and satisfy me, I would do it, and if I came up with an offer, he would do it. We're both trying to do what's best for the team and protect our investment" (Damian Cristodero, ST. PETERSBURG TIMES, 9/23).

OUT OF THE ORDINARY: In Pittsburgh, Rob Rossi reports the Penguins are "asking fans to 'Defy Ordinary' with their new marketing campaign." Penguins President David Morehouse said that the campaign is the team's "attempt to avoid the status quo ... and it is aimed at linking the team's on-ice success with its energized fans and the region's future." An online registration form for a fan contest to win a pair of season tickets is "available at the conclusion of a two-minute 'Defy Ordinary' video at www.pitttsburghpenguins.com," and fans have until 3:00pm ET Monday to register (Pittsburgh TRIBUNE-REVIEW, 9/23).

HERE TO PLAY HOCKEY: In L.A., Helene Elliott reported the NHL Kings Sunday on their Web site introduced their signature TV advertisement for the season. The spot, titled "Pride=Passion=Power ... We're Here To Play Hockey," features Kings players including RW Dustin Brown, C Anze Kopitar and D Rob Scuderi. Elliott wrote, "What were they here to do the past, oh, five years, if not to play hockey? ... At some point, someone connected with the Kings will realize that their best marketing tool is a winning team that's fun to watch" (LATIMES.com, 9/18).