The only way a new plan to keep the Jets in Winnipeg can
even be proposed is to have Spirit of Manitoba President Cam
Osler and Chair Alan Sweatman step aside, according to Kelly
Taylor in the WINNIPEG FREE PRESS. Taylor writes the only
alternative is a new ownership group with enough private "risk-
capital" available to get the team through the money-losing years
until a new arena is constructed and new revenue sources are
discovered (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 8/13). After admitting the
group is nearly C$20M short of the C$80M necessary by tomorrow,
Spirit officially withdrew their request for an extension to
raise the funds, according to Nick Martin in the WINNIPEG FREE
PRESS. Martin cites a source close to the last-minute meetings
between Spirit members and the Jets ownership group who reported,
"The candle is burning very dim" (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 8/12).
Scott Edmonds writes, "The puck was back on Barry Shenkarow's
stick yesterday," as the Jets President has to decide what to do
about Spirit's "call for help." Appearing in "no hurry to end
the suspense," Shenkarow will not make a statement until later
today (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 8/12).
