Bye bye Pittsburg - hello....?

[Kabaka]

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/stor...-penguins.html

Originally Posted by CBC

Penguins' casino gamble folds

Gaming board's decision means no new arena from Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 | 12:37 PM ET
CBC Sports
The Pittsburgh Penguins' future became even more uncertain Wednesday when the Isle of Capri Casino, which had promised to build the team a new arena, was denied a slot licence.

Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. was one of several candidates that was bidding for a casino licence for a new downtown Pittsburgh slot machine parlour. The company had agreed that if it got the licence, it would build a new $290-million US arena to replace the 45-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest arena in the NHL.

Pittsburgh Penguin owner Mario Lemieux received some bad news Wednesday when the Isle of Capri Casino was denied a slot licence.
(Andrew Rush/Associated Press) Last week, after Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie withdrew his offer to purchase the hockey club, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledged that the Penguins' future in Pittsburgh was dependent on the granting of the Isle of Capri licence.

The Penguins say the state Gaming Control Board in Harrisburg, Penn., approved PITG Gaming Majestic Star of Detroit over Isle of Capri on Wednesday.

Forest City Enterprises was the other bidder for the slots licence.

Balsillie, co-chief executive officer of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd., had signed an agreement to buy the team in October for a reported $175 million, pending approval from the league.

According to sources, part of the reason the deal fell through was that Balsillie wasn't happy with the NHL's insistence that keeping the team in Pittsburgh be part of the deal.

Balsillie has indicated he's still interested in trying to purchase the Penguins but majority owner Mario Lemieux said any deal with the billionaire is dead.

On the weekend, another Canadian — Frank D'Angelo, owner of Ontario-based Steelback Breweries — expressed his interest in buying the Penguins.

The decision to pursue the Penguins was made after a six-hour meeting on Friday between D'Angelo and his business partner, Dr. Barry Sherman, the chief executive officer of pharmaceutical giant Apotex.

D'Angelo's bid for a CFL franchise in Ottawa was recently turned down.

Too bad, especially with all that young talent there.

So, where do you think they'll end up?

[MyKenk]

Mexico City

[Not Mike]

I think they'll end up staying.

The thing is, the NHL is INTENT on them staying there. So, anyone wanting to buy the team is going to come into the situation knowing that, and having to figure out a way to make it happen. The owners may have to pony up for a new arena by themselves, or work with the state/city/county through "Plan B" funding.

It would really suck to see a team with that much talent leave...

IF they leave, KC is always among the first places mentioned.

Mark Cuban to the rescue? That would be a dream come true.

[seabass]

The Hamilton area is also an option, or perhaps Winnipeg. Pretty crappy week for Pens fans, hope something ends up happening for them.

[hardinda]

Even the article spells it correctly, but you spell it wrong to title the thread

[Kabaka]

Originally Posted by hardinda

Even the article spells it correctly, but you spell it wrong to title the thread

oops and I knew the h was there too.

[Kabaka]

Originally Posted by seabass

The Hamilton area is also an option, or perhaps Winnipeg. Pretty crappy week for Pens fans, hope something ends up happening for them.

Winnipeg doesn't have the fan base willing to shell out for NHL games. And their new arena only holds 16 or so thousand - pretty small for NHL standards.

Don't know about Hamilton though, although it was rumored the 'RIM' guy who put in an offer was thinking about moving the team there if he got it.

[seabass]

Originally Posted by Kabaka

Winnipeg doesn't have the fan base willing to shell out for NHL games. And their new arena only holds 16 or so thousand - pretty small for NHL standards.

Don't know about Hamilton though, although it was rumored the 'RIM' guy who put in an offer was thinking about moving the team there if he got it.

It's small, but I've heard it sells out and there's a hankering there for a team. I dunno, I thought I heard something from over there when it first looked like the Pens would be moved. Hamilton is still a better option, though.

[Kabaka]

Originally Posted by seabass

It's small, but I've heard it sells out and there's a hankering there for a team. I dunno, I thought I heard something from over there when it first looked like the Pens would be moved. Hamilton is still a better option, though.

There's diehards that grab at any straw remotely available to drum up the 'Bring back the Jets' bandwagon. But, in reality, it's a bluecollar city who only really ponied up for the Jets in the year that everyone knew they were going. They left, AHL filled the void, and I think it's a better fit for the city.

[Da Bears!]

It's time to start talkin' Hartford Penguers!