Senators Owner Eugene Melnyk is adamant he is not selling the team and "wanted to set the record straight about reports his team had been sold," according to Bruce Garrioch of the OTTAWA SUN. Melnyk in a statement said, "I am NOT selling the team -- period. My kids (had) first call on the franchise long ago.” He added that the "source of the talk he's selling may be the result of a routine refinancing of the team's debt." Melnyk: "Only thing I can think of is our routine refinancing of our debt involves a financial ‘roadshow.' Virtually every major Canadian, international and American bank have attended one of over 20 presentations in Toronto, Ottawa and New York. ... Hence, where the sale story must have come from." Melnyk ended his statement "emphasizing that he’d rather fans and critics to focus on the excitement" of Sunday's outdoor game against the Canadiens at Lansdowne Park. He said, "Let's concentrate on some of the good things I do decide on -- like bringing an Outdoor Game to Ottawa. Yes, that was my call -- and with a financial guarantee! I guess people quickly forget" (OTTAWA SUN, 12/14).
