The Edmonton Oilers are still trying to increase revenue in
order to qualify for league assistance of small-market teams,
according to the CANADIAN PRESS. Owner Peter Pocklinton has
threatened to move the team if revenues don't increase, but he
"needs the approval of the city and Edmonton Northlands, which
owns the Coliseum." As of now, Pocklinton does not meet NHL
requirements for small-market assistance. Mighty Ducks President
Tony Tavares: "Edmonton has to show it wants NHL hockey." To
qualify for a US$5M grant from the league, the Oilers must "have
sold 13,000 season tickets, sold all rink board advertising and
all the luxury boxes" by May 31. Currently, they have sold about
7,000 tickets and have 15 boxes left. Oilers spokesperson Bill
Tuele said the club will achieve the guidelines, and he believes
they will stay (CP/VANCOUVER SUN, 2/14). In Toronto, Jim
Proudfoot notes Pocklinton can't move the team before placing it
on sale locally for C$60M as part of an earlier deal for Coliseum
improvements. But NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is "dedicated to
maintaining" the value for an expansion franchise at US$80M.
Bettman is trying to generate support in Edmonton so the Oilers
can qualify for cash help, as without it, Pocklinton would have
to make the C$60M offer (TORONTO STAR, 2/14).
