Hamilton Predators a reality?

[BillsSabresB.C.T. Fan]

According to the Globe and Mail, the city of Hamilton will be the destination of the Nashville Predators if Research in Motion CEO Jim Balsillie buys then moves the franchise.

The Globe is reporting that Balsillie and the city could announce the deal after a meeting on Wednesday. This agreement would mean that the area of Kitchener-Waterloo would be out of the running for the franchise as had earlier been speculated.

Balsillie signed a letter of intent to purchase the Predators in May for $220 million US.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=210671&hubname=

[BillsSabresB.C.T. Fan]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

Jim Balsillie's representatives and lawyers for the City of Hamilton are expected to reach an agreement this morning that if he completes the purchase of the Nashville Predators and decides to move the team, it would be moved only to Hamilton.

A source familiar with the negotiations said the Hamilton city council hopes to announce the deal, which Balsillie and his representatives insist is a contingency plan, after its meeting tonight. Also expected to be announced is an agreement that Balsillie will take over management of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc., a city corporation that operates Copps Coliseum, a convention centre, Hamilton Place and a parking garage.

The new agreement would take the Kitchener-Waterloo area of Ontario out of the running.

However, the plans are conditional on Balsillie's $220-million (U.S.) purchase of the Predators. One National Hockey League governor, who requested anonymity, said he and a number of his peers are not happy with the way Balsillie is conducting his bid for the team.

They are upset that while Balsillie is telling people in Nashville the team will not move as long as an arena lease (which has an out-clause based on attendance) is in place, he is also negotiating with Hamilton.

"If you join a club or a fraternity, it is a bunch of people who have to work together in a partnership," the governor said. "Sometimes you have to give up what you want for the greater good of the league. This is not the way to come in [to the NHL].

"In my travels, I've already had people, unasked, say, 'Who is this clown?' I've had three clubs mention this to me."

The governor said the three clubs were not in Southern Ontario, a reference to the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Buffalo Sabres. Under NHL rules, a team cannot move within 80 kilometres of the corporate limits of another NHL city without that club's permission and the approval of the board of governors.

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070613.wsptpredators13/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home

[hammerbillsfan]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

Looks like it more and more everyday. I'm very surprised, didn't think it was going to happen.

[Bill Brasky]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

"this is bull****!" - the paki guy from 40 year old virgin

[hammerbillsfan]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

"this is bull****!" - the paki guy from 40 year old virgin

Says the guy who got a $1000 bill from Buffalo General for 5 stitches today.

[Bill Brasky]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

oh man, is that from the leafs game?

i swear to god i would have obliterated that dude's life in a split second... sabres fan or not. nobody messes with my homies... your jersey looked like somethin outta a jason movie

[hammerbillsfan]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

yep!

thanks man!

[Typ0]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

How is this bad news for the Sabres?

[lordofgun]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

How is this bad news for the Sabres?

I was wondering the same thing.

[BillsSabresB.C.T. Fan]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

because the Sabres could lose the fans that live in Hamilton that come to the games now that they have a pro hockey team, not only the Sabres but the Leafs too.

[Dozerdog]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

Historically the Sabres have drawn up to 15- 20% of their base season ticket holders from over the border.

With recent success and a salary cap in place now, It is not as big an issue.


I don't think the majority of US owners are thrilled with it though. One less US market that hurts attempts to get maximum buck for their next TV deal

[Bill Brasky]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

i think this would hurt the leafs more than the sabres, but that is just my opinion.

[Dozerdog]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

i think this would hurt the leafs more than the sabres, but that is just my opinion.

Nah.... Toronto is like New York- they could have 2-3 teams and they would all do well (if not completely inept)

[BillsSabresB.C.T. Fan]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

If the Preds move to Hamilton, the Sabres' attendance would be hurt.

[CuseJetsFan83]

Re: Hamilton Predators a reality?

If the Preds move to Hamilton, the Sabres' attendance would be hurt.

if the preds move to hamilton, it will allow the common fan from syracuse like me the chance to see a game without paying 500bucks from ebay

its a good and bad thing...... territorially it sucks, but for the greater good of rivals and close rivalries its great