Sports & Recreation — 08 June 2011
Winnipeg should soon see the arrival of the Atlanta Thrashers as their new NHL team. Having lost the Jets to Phoenix in 1996, the Manitoba city is thriving on the opportunity to have a national hockey league back.
The first announcement took place in Winnipeg on May 31, with True North Sports and Entertainment Chairman, Mark Chipman, announcing the acquisition of the Atlanta Thrashers, subject to an approval process by the Board of Governors of the NHL on June 21.
There will be two votes taking place in New York that day, one on the new ownership of the team, as well as an additional vote on the relocation of the Thrashers. Transfer of ownership requires a 75 per cent vote of approval, while relocation requires a majority vote.
One of the conditions were for True North to sell a minimum of 13,000 season tickets, which was done in under 17 minutes. Manitoba Moose season ticket holders had the first opportunity to buy the NHL tickets, with over 7,100 seats snatched up before general sales even began.
The Moose will now be looking for a new home, as the NHL team will take priority in the city. The Moose are currently looking at a move to St. John’s.
David Andrews, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hockey League, said, “While our league will not be the same without the Manitoba Moose, our loss will be the NHL’s gain. Mark Chipman has been an influential leader as an owner in the AHL, playing an important role in our expansion to absorb the former IHL and serving on the league’s executive committee for 10 years. He will be a terrific addition to the NHL Board of Governors.”
“Manitoba deserves to have NHL hockey, and we have no doubt that the NHL will be successful in its return to Winnipeg. Our sincere thanks go to the Manitoba Moose fans who have supported the American Hockey League loyally and passionately for the past 10 years,” said Andrews.
Winnipeg’s MTS Centre will be home to the currently unnamed Winnipeg NHL team, with a capacity of just over 15,000, the smallest in the league. Tickets sales will range from $39 to $129.
By Ally Dunham
Share
Related Articles
Related News
By Chris Marchand
Mike Nerino isn’t ashamed to admit he shed a tear or two in front of his students as his classroom’s smartboard broadcast the historic announcement on live television ...
READ MOREAbout Author
Ally Dunham
(0) Readers Comments
"Science to the government is just an expensive luxary." Putting my final touches on my story regarding the closure of ELA @DrydenObserver3 days ago from web
RT @LindseyEnns: Heading over to the Dryden Police Station on King Street to celebrate OPP week! See you there! @DrydenObserver4 days ago from Twitter for iPhone
Latest Classified Ads
- LostCar licence plate lost somewhere between Dryden area and Eton Rugby. [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- Scaffolding Part-quick fastenerDelivery Detail: 30days Specifications scaffolding quick fastener Thickness: 5mm, Scaffolding... [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- Garage Sale 171 Second St.MAY 12 Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 171 Second St. [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- Garage Sale 134 Morton RoadMAY 12 Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 134 Morton Road. [Click the title for the full listing] […]
- WANTED HUNTING LAND TO LEASE NEAR DRYDEN OR VERMILION BAYWANTED HUNTING LAND NEAR DRYDEN OR VERMILIAN BAY TO LEASE FOR THE FALL OF 2012 (FOR MY WIFE,MYSELF,... [Click the title for the full listing] […]
