Flames President & CEO Ken King said that the team will "receive a cheque from the NHL this year under revenue-sharing agreements," according to Annalise Klingbeil of the CALGARY HERALD. King, speaking at a Calgary Chamber of Commerce event, said that the Flames have "crossed the line after previously performing as a top 10 revenue-contributing team." King: "We wrote the cheques in the last few years to help the other teams. We are now receivers. We’ll get a cheque this year. Isn’t that ridiculous, in this beautiful market? It shows you where this is heading and it’s in the wrong direction." He added, "I can say, sadly, that we have crossed one of the remedies off the list, and that is the new facility. I honestly do not know where that part of the story is going to end." King acknowledged the arena "saga but refused to answer any questions" about the venue. King said, "We are no longer pursuing a new arena in Calgary with the City of Calgary. And anyone who mocks that statement, suggesting its posturing or part of the negotiation, doesn’t know us very well" (CALGARY HERALD, 9/26). The GLOBE & MAIL's Tait & Maki noted King's appearance had been "scheduled for months, and the topic, 'The future of the Flames: Business and hockey,' was especially alluring." The arena is an "election issue --Calgarians go to the polls on Oct. 16 -- although King insists his group is apolitical" (GLOBE & MAIL, 9/25).
