NHL Dreams

The Toronto Legacy?

Well, it's a better name than the Mighty Ducks.

And while the name may sound a little off, it's clear the people behind the proposed NHL expansion franchise are very serious. With $1 billion in resources, plans for a 30,000-seat arena in Downsview and a commitment to giving 25% of profits to charity, the Toronto Legacy group carries a lot of heft.

The NHL says it knows nothing about the bid. And Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment is making noises about territorial rights. But you have to wonder if the league might prefer this kind of approach over Jim Balsillie's buccaneering attempt to force another GTA team down its corporate throat. And expansion has, in the past, been music to Gary Bettman's ears. Here's what Steve Milton thinks.

What do you think?

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Don't forget us!

Jim Balsillie will need to share the NHL headlines - at least for a few days. A Toronto group is going to trot out its vision for another GTA team at a supper-club announcement Friday. They don't have a team. There's no arena, no NHL involvement and no word on where the $1 billion the group claims to have is coming from.

Charity seems to be the key to this bid. A portion of profits would go to good causes. Organizers pledge the team will honour Canadian heroes while supporting cancer research and children's charities. Sounds like a business plan. Read more.

Stop the presses! A poll released this morning says 90 per cent of the folks in Hamilton and southern Ontario think a city team would be a money spinner. The survey - conducted for Balsillie's sports and entertainment group, says 83 per cent of those surveyed think a Hamilton franchise would be more successful than Phoenix.( And 88 per cent think the sun will rise tomorrow. Just kidding.)

And the NHL players' association is finally weighing in. Get out of Phoenix is the message they're delivering. That doesn't mean they endorse the Hamilton bid. just that they dislike Phoenix more. Read on.

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NHL? What NHL?

Jim Balsillie's quest for a National Hockey League team may be gripping Ontario media, but it's barely causing a ripple these days in Phoenix. After a brief flurry when the BlackBerry Knight first made his offer, the story seems to have floated right off the map.

Need proof? Have a look at the Arizona Republic's website. Today, the story ranked No. 9 on its sports site, lagging behind a softball title, a baseball player appearing on General Hospital and the Arizona Cardinals signing a fifth-round draft pick.  Even then, the story is a pretty cursory examination of Balsillie's rationale for moving the Coyotes.

The Spectator's Ken Peters takes a more detailed look at the plan. He says it's clear Balsillie expects to make a profit on his investment right from the start.

You wouldn't think a multi-billionaire would need letters of reference. But Balsillie has delivered a stackl of letters of commendation from politicians, business tycoons and a charity. You'd think he was applying for a job.  Have a look.

For full details on today's Coyotes file For full details on this and other stories, see The Spectator’s print edition tomorrow. Subscribe here.

Watch Balsillie explain his plans.

Balsillie makes his bid

Jim Balsillie's relocation bid went forward today. The BalckBerry Knight told the NHL why it should let him buy and move the team.

Why shouldn't the Coyotes stay in Phoenix? $136 million in losses since the team left Winnipeg. Tepid fan interest and no other buyer who could keep the franchise going.

Hamilton advantages? Hockey mad market. Hockey mad owner. Prospective owner so rich he can weather any losses, however unlikely.

Read the relocation bid.

For full details on this and other stories, see The Spectator’s print edition tomorrow. Subscribe here.

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