Northland Properties, the holding company for the Stars, yesterday announced that it had "completed the acquisition" of the AHL Texas Stars, bringing the two franchises "together under the same umbrella for the first time" since '11, according to Sean Shapiro of the AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN. The move "locks in minor league hockey as a Central Texas fixture for at least 20 more years." Northland Properties "will lease the Cedar Park Center" until '34 "as part of the deal" with the city of Cedar Park, Texas. Stars Owner Tom Gaglardi: "If we’re leasing the building, we’re not going to move our AHL team. That was part of our discussion. Let’s re-commit here and continue to build our brand in a market we feel is very valuable." Shapiro notes the AHL Stars will take on the "victory green" colors of their parent club. The move also "paves the way for the development of the tract of land around the Cedar Park Center" (AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 12/18). In Dallas, Mike Heika writes by "becoming one of 14 owners who control both the NHL team and its AHL affiliate," Gaglardi "is digging the roots of the franchise." Gaglardi: "It makes sense, I think, for the long-term to be able to have control and be able to build our brand. I think it makes a statement that we are very excited about hockey in the Austin area and throughout Texas. I think this makes us stronger throughout Texas." Heika notes Northland bought the AHL club "from the family" of former NHL Stars and MLB Rangers Owner Tom Hicks "for a price that was not revealed." Gaglardi has "been pursuing the purchase" of the AHL affiliate "for more than a year." He said that the 17 acres surrounding Cedar Park Center "will be developed with a hotel and other businesses." Heika writes the development "could be an entre for Northland Properties to do even more development in Texas" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/18).
