The Complete Historical and Statistical Reference

[JETStender]

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1978
Hal Sigurdson
SPORTS EDlTOR

In effect, it is the Winnipeg Jets' intenseness of fair play that has set the cat loose among the cold cuts. the fesult could mean the end not only of the Jets, but also the entire World Hockey Association.

When then Jets' president Bob Graham sat down two years ago to negotiate a new contract with Ulf Nilsson, Anders Hedberg and Don Baizley, their lawyer, it was not your usual labor-management bargaining session. Since the Jets are a non-profit organization, taking a tight-fisted approach with the players was not going to mean larger profits for the friendly boss. In the same spirit, the players chose not to unfairly gouge the club.

What everyone agreed was the players should be paid the going rate for performers of their ability. Only since everyone Involved was relatively new at negotiating hockey contracts, no one could quite decide what that rate should be.

They solved the problem with a contract unique in sport and unwittingly set in in motion a chain of events which could change the face of professional hockey in North America.

Nilsson and Hcdberg were signed to fouryear contracts for an estimated $150,000 a season. But included was "The Clause" designed to determine their actual market value. In the second year, the players could receive bids from other teams. The players would then bring the offer they liked best to management and to keep them the Jets would have to come within $20,000 a season of matching it.

At the time it seemed like a reasonable deal. Back then, who could possibly imagine that offer would be a two-year contract calling for $475,000 a season? For each of them? The Jets undoubtedly anticipated they might have to up the ante a little in the third year of the contract, but obviously weren't expecting anything they couldn't handle. The players and Baizley must have felt the original figures were reasonable or they wouldn't have signed the contract in the first place.

There was no real reason for anyone to think otherwise. The Toronto Maple Leafs held Hedberg's NHL rights; Nilsson's belonged to Buffalo and neither team is noted for paying outlandish salaries to the hired help. The Jets were further comforted by the knowledge their two Swedish stars wanted to play together.

Only then the NHL threw a scud into this model of employee-employer relationships.' They declared Nilsson and Hedberg free agents, thus freeing any team in their league to bid for their services. More important, they could offer them a package deal.

We do not yet know for certain whether the New York Rangers i have made the gifted Swedes an offer they cannot refuse. But look at it this way: could you?

In two years each of them Would make just 50 grand short of a $1 million. A guy making $20,000 a year Would have to work 48 years to earn that much.

Can the Jets come within $20,000 a year of matching the New York offer? Even with help from their WHA partners, it's difficult to see how. As Free Press hockey writer Reyn Davis pointed out in his exclusive report here yesterday, if the Jets match the Rangers' offer they would be paying $1.2 million for the line of Hedberg, Nilsson and Bobby Hull alone. (Hull makes merely $250,000).

At approximately the same time as Baizley was disclosing the New York offer to WHA trustees in Quebec City, the Jets were announcing they would hold a $100-a-plate dinner designed to show a profit of $50,000. They'd need 23 more to pay the salaries of Hedberg, Nilsson and Hull.

If Nilsson and Hedberg go, it will have a domino effect on the Jets and the entire WHA. What would their departure do to the Jets' efforts to re-finance their present operation? Wouldn't failure to re-finance negate the city's commitment to build a new or expanded arena? Without a new arena, the Jets are on record they will have to go out of business. Can the WHA survive without the Jets?

These same questions undoubtedly occurred to the Rangers before they offered to make Nilsson and Hedberg the richest Swedes since Alfred Nobel. In today's market no hockey player, not even those as gifted as Ulf and Anders, are worth $475,000 a season. But how much is it worth to put out of business a rival league that has caused operating costs to escalate out of sight?

Remember, the Rangers have said how much they'll pay Nilsson and Hcdberg for the next two seasons. They haven't said how much they'll offer in the third j-ear. If the WHA goes out of business in the meantime, you can bet the price of hockey will be going down throughout the NHL.

Frankly, I don't sec how the Jets can possibly match the Rangers' bid. Nor can I imagine their proverty-stricken partners riding to the rescue. It might make sense, though, for the NHL Players' Association to do it. Collectively, NHL players will lose a lot more than that in salaries the first year
the WHA is out of business.

Without Hedberg and Nilsson that's exactly what's likely to happen, especially now that the roof has literally caved in on the New England Whalers. Sure, the WHA could-wish into the market and outbid the NHL for a few of the top graduating juniors. But no graduating junior is going to have the same impact on season ticket sales as a proven superstar. You build for the future .with junior grads. They do not supply instant success.

And it's all happening because men of good faith sat down at a bargaining table and tried to be fair.

[JETStender]

Friday JANUARY 20,1978

If they dectide to jump
Only Rangers interest Swedes
ByREVN DAVIS

It has been made perfectly clear by their lawyer that Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson will play for only one National Hockey League team, if they should choose to leave Winnipeg Jets.

"For the record, said Don Baizley, "if they play In the NHL it wilt be for the New York Rangers." Baizley and his clients have been remarkably close-lipped about the offer made by the Rangers that would make Nilsson and Hedberg the highest-paid players in the game.

The reported —and undenied — offer made by the Rangers is $475,000 for each player for each of the next two seasons.

Another point Baizley is eager to make clear is that it wasn't he who informed World Hockey Association trustees of the New York offer on Tuesday in Quebec City. The "jets did.

The Rangers' president, Bill Jennings, said Thursday: "We're hopeful we can sign them. We consider them world-class players. We've scouted them for two months; not just general manager John Ferguson but our whole staff."

However, the Rangers can expect a fight from the Jets and their WHA partners. "The WHA in its six years has never lost a player that it's considered an asset," said Ben Hatskin,, the league's chairman of the board.

Asked if he considered right winger Mark Napier of Birmingham Bulls an asset, Hatskin replied: "He's another story. The other two (Hedberg and Nilsson) mean something."

Napier, the WHA's rookie of the year in the 1975-76 season, has been quoted as saying he wants to jump to Montreal Canadians.

If Hedberg and Nilsson do indeed go to the NHL, it won't be the end of the WHA, insists Hatskin. "If war is what they want, war is what they'll get," he said. "We'll find some pretty talented players coming available too."

Sonny Werblin, the president of Madison Square Gardens, expressed his company's interest-in the two players. "We want them," he said. "We'll do all we can to get a winning team here, as fast as we can."

Nilsson and Hedberg enjoy a unique status. No one1 owns their NHL rights. They were never drafted as juniors and they have never played in' the NHL. Consequently, they were free to bargain with any NHL team. Eight clubs made offers. The Jets were informed of all of them.

Also "free" in the eyes of the NHL under the same provisions are Willy Lindstrom and Lars-Erik Sjoberg. However, both players signed new, multi-year contracts with the Jets last summer. When, and if, Nilsson and Hedberg sign New York contracts, the Jets will have 30 days to make a counter offer. They will automatically stay the property of the Jets if the Winnipeg offer is within $20,000.

[JETStender]

WEDNESDAY; FEBRUARY 1,1978

Hal
Sigurdson
SPORTS EDITOR

Perhaps the CBC's Don Wittman, an old golf course gamesman, is still in a snarly mood over losing football telecast partner and gin rummy rival Frank Kigney lo CTV.

Maybe he simply has a more devious mind than any of us suspected. Whatever, he offers the Winnipeg Jets an intriguing solution lo the Ulf Nilsson-Anders Hedberg affair.

As anyone who hasn't been living in a cave must surely know, New York Rangers have made a staggering offer for the services of Winnipeg's Swedish stars. Under terms of their contracts, the Jets must come within 20 grand a year of matching it or bid them fond farewell.

The precise terms of the New York offer are unknown — the latest "inside" tip places it at a $600,000 signing bonus for each plus Two-year contracts for $150,000 a season — but the Jets concede they cannot match it without help from the league. Now Howard Baldwin, the WHA president, tells us that help will not be forthcoming. At those prices, he suggests, even assets as precious as Nilsson and Hedberg become liabilities.
So all is lost right?

Well, perhaps not. Why not, suggests Wittman with malice (aforethought, match the offer to just one of them? Harold Ballard would love it, but frankly I can't sec the Jets going that route. It's not their style. Nevertheless, it is a proposal that ranks as a masterpiece in sheer bitchiness. It might even rate a spot in the Dog-in-the-Manger Hall of Fame.

It probably wouldn't really solve anything for the Jets, but it would certainly create confusion in the camp of their enemies. The Rangers would be left contractually obligated to whichever player the Jets elected not to keep. True, it would cost them only half as much money, but they wouldn't be gelling anywhere near half the value. II would be like getting Merrill without Lynch; Starsky without Hutch; Gilbert without Sullivan.

One does not question the ability of either Hedberg or Nilsson lo make it as a single, but their big attraction lo the Rangers was their availability as a package deal. They are far more marketable as a matched set. If the Jets kept say, Hedberg, the Rangers would still be getting a superb player in Nilsson but not, one suspects, a player they'd be prepared to pay nearly $1 million over Two years. The market impact would be lost. It would be an empty coup.

The Jets, on the other hand, would be coming out of the deal with much better than half a loaf. Either Nilsson or Hedberg would play much better as single In Winnipeg where they are known than in New York where they are not. And by retaining the services of one of their stars, they would reduce by far more than half any negative effect on season ticket sales.

But I don’t for a minute think the Jets will do it or even seriously consider so devious a ploy. For one thing they tend to dole on their stars and pulling that caper would create two most unhappy fellas. Whichever one was kept would no doubt disappear over the horizon as soon as his contract expired two years hence. And would pulling up even half the Ranger offer to keep a talented player only two years make any fiscal sense? Probably not.

Still, it's a delighfully machiavellian scheme. But who would have thought dear, lovable old Will had such a nasty turn of mind?

Probably the only route left open to the Jets is to let their Swedish stars go, convince potential investors they can survive as a franchise without them and pour whatever resources they have into signing two or three choice graduating juniors.

Bill Derlago of the Brandon Wheat Kings would make a nice start.

The Jets long-term survival is dependent on an eventual merger with the rival NHL. To make that happen, the older league must be convinced the WHA remains a viable operation that plans lo stay in business. A concentrated run at the graduating juniors is probably the fastest way lo make the point.

[JETStender]

Friday. February 10,1978

WHA owners not seeking merger

CINCINNATI (UPI) — World Hockey Association owners have agreed not to actively seek a merger with the National Hockey League before next season, deciding instead to take action aimed at strengthening their young league, Cincinnati Stinger Executive Vice President Bill DeWitt Jr., has disclosed.

Meeting privately in Chicago on Monday, the eight WHA owners reached "a general consensus logo forward with the WHA and not to pursue the NHL," DeWitt said Thursday.

"We're not going to refuse any overture from the NHL, we've got an open mind," explained DeWitt, also a partowner of the Cincinnati Stingers. "But we believe we are maturing and we want to build a solid, established league of our own."

When merger negotiations with the NHL fell through last summer, the WHA consolidated its operations with eight teams, four less than the previous season.

Among steps being considered to strengthen the league a re: —Expanding the WHA by two teams and realigning into two five-team divisions. DeWitt said there has been interest from several cities in establishing a new WHA franchise. "We discouraged them in the past until we felt the league was on solid footing."

—Assisting weaker franchises to preserve a competitive playing balance. The first such effort will be made in the next few days, as some WHA clubs will offer to sell a few players to the last-place Indianapolis Racers.

—Beginning a more aggressive effort to sign top college and junior players. As part of the drive to sign top amateur players, WHA clubs will make a coordinated effort to sign Canadian junior players soon after the junior season ends and before the annual NHL draft.

Asked whether WHA clubs will pool funds to keep Swedish stars Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsspn with the Winnipeg Jets, DeWitt said there was "no interest" in such an agreement shown at the owners meeting.

Several NHL clubs have been trying to lure Hedberg and Nilsson from the WHA for the 1978-79 season. The largest offer reportedly has come from the New York Rangers — some $475,000 a year for each man. But DeWitt indicated the Rangers' offer may be considerably higher than reported sums.

"There was talk at the meeting about having all the clubs contribute to salaries for Hedberg and Nilsspn, but there was no interest in it because of the staggering amounts of money involved," DeWitt said.

[JETStender]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1978

Finding an out not only problem
By REYN DAVIS

CINCINNATI — Finding a way out of the World Hockey Association and making peace with the previous owners posed bigger problems than either the refinancing of Winnipeg Jets or the gaining of a National Hockey League franchise.

"That's it exactly," said a Jets' spokesman Friday night.

Ben Hatskin, one of the men to whom the publicly-owned Jets owe $1.2 million and the chief executive officer of the WHA, would not discount the possibility that the first two conditions will be met.

The WHA trustees have scheduled a meeting Wednesday in New York to hear the Winnipeg request to be excused from the league at the conclusion of this season.

Essentially, the Jets are asking for the Houston amendment — the condition granted Houston owner Ken Schnitzer to take his Aeros out of the league and into the NHL without any legal blocking from the WHA.

New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques and Edmonton Oilers are also reportedly interested in seeking the same privilege. On the subject of the debt, Hatskin says he has a representative "working on it."

"I'm anxious to see something done," he said. However, he gave no indication he would agree to the forgiving of the $1.2 million debt. Hatskin, still very much the father of the league, said "I don't see anything wrong with the WHA." He called the NHL "a good league too" and indicated that he might be interested in being involved in some capacity if the Jets did go to the older league.

Asked if he'll take over the Jets it the club is unable to meet its next payroll. Hat ^kin replied "I'll never answer that question." The Jets say they are anxious, ion, to make a deal to Hatskin's and Saul Simkin's satisfaction and so that the community has complete autonomy of the club "without debenture holders looking over our shoulder every minute." As one expressed it.

But the forgiving of the debt seems unlikely unless, of course, the Jets have something tangible to offer in return. And season tickets in the reds for the next 50 years is obviously not what they have in mind.

[JETStender]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23,1978

Jets winners off ice, too
By REVN DAVIS

NEW YORK — Scolded in the morning and appeased in the afternoon, Winnipeg: Jets left a showdown meeting here Wednesday with buttoned lips and the divine right to negotiate their own entry into the National Hockey League.

The concession won is precisely what they asked for. . .the opportunity to join the NHL without the threat of legal repercussions from their World Hockey Association partners.

But the privilege is not Winnipeg's alone.

Every WHA franchise will be able to apply under the terms of a league plan devised here yesterday. Birmingham Bulls and Indianapolis Racers seem to be the unlikeliest applicants, while Cincinnati Stingers are definitely undecided. Most interested in joining the NHL are Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques, New England Whalers, Houston Aeros and the Jets.

Representing the Jets were club president Jack McKeag and lawyer Al Maclnnes. League president Howard Baldwin said the Jets were severely reprimanded for remarks made last week, rapping the WHA as a league sinking to minor league status.

Public disclosure of their gut feelings toward the league caused a furor among the other WHA trustees.

"They exercised very bad judgment," said Baldwin.

At the discussions here, McKeag was brutally evasive. . .to the extent he would Only mumble or giggle when asked to comment. However, he left the meeting trading smiles with Ben Hatskin, the Jets' founder to whom $1.4 million is owed. The Jets have asked him to forgive the debt.

"Today we'll let Howard do all the talkin'," said Hatskin, motioning toward Baldwin, surrounded by a battery of microphones in the 10th floor suite of the Statler Hilton Hotel. Later, however, he admitted he and the Jets have "reached an agreement" on the debt. "Now it's a matter of all the conditions being met," he said.

Hatskin did not disclose the terms, but said he and his partners (the Simkin family) would hold an ownership position if the Jets succeed in obtaining an NHL franchise. "But it's no big deal," he added.

"One way or another we'll be in business next season," said Baldwin. He said the league is involved to the extent that it will advance a plan to the NHL to set the stage for individual applications. "It's all news to me," said NHL president John Ziegler, contacted in his New York office by The Free Press. "I know this matter certainly wasn't the subject of discussion at our meetings in Atlanta this week."

Asked if he feels the NHL will listen to the WHA's plan, Ziegler replied, "Not to my knowledge."

Baldwin said he would arrange a meeting with Ziegler. The two league presidents are known to be friends.

Cincinnati trustee Bill DeWitt, a merger negotiator last summer, said he doubts the WHA will function next season if it's reduced to fewer than six teams. Birmingham trustee John Bassett left the meeting first. He was snarling. Indianapolis trustee Nelson Skalbania followed 'him.

Peter Pocklington, the Edmonton Oilers' trustee, said the conditions of entry into the NHL this time would be different.

"We'll insist on being equal partners," he said. "We don't intend to be a flock of lame ducks."

Pocklington said the conditions of last year's aborted merger would have relegated WHA teams to second class citizenship in the NHL.

"Now I'm just as happy the merger fell through," he said.

"Common sense tells me we have done something intelligently," said Baldwin. "Winnipeg is leaving this meeting contented and well they should. They brought this issue to a head quickly." What ever happens, Baldwin does not expect negotiations to drag through the summer. He indicated there would be final verdicts by the end of June at the latest.

"I'm taking the summer off," he said. "I owe myself one. You'll find me at my cottage up in Massachuetts."

BENCH BITS —Quebec Nordiques' vice-president Maurice Tashereau stepped out of the meeting every half hour to notify the club's owners in Toronto of what was happening. . .Nobody mentioned the word money — the bait that will probably be the determining factor in the acceptance of any franchise by the
NHL. . .

If Alan Eagleson has his way, the only WHA franchises that will be accepted are Winnipeg, Quebec, Edmonton and New England. . .

They are still trying to figure out why the roof collapsed in Hartford and that's holding up the reconstruction of the building. . .

Jets' chairman of the board, Bob Graham, didn't attend the New York session, but was all smiles in the press box at the Winnipeg Arena Wednesday night as he watched his team defeat New England. . .The smile was there before the Jets broke open a 2-2 tie. "I was tuned in by telephone all day," he said, "and the news is great. It's just what we wanted.". . .

Late in the day, Ziegler had a comment after Baldwin had suggested "maybe the NHL will hang up on us." The NHL leader said he would not hang up on Baldwin but made no other promises. . ."If a proposal is submitted, I think it is my responsibility as chairman and president to circulate it without comment and see what happens after that. My circulating it is not any form of endorsement or approval or anything else. Right now I know of no interest on the NHL's part to involve itself with the WHA in any kind of plan for merger, expansion, or otherwise."

[JETStender]

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23,1978

Edmonton GM lauds trustees agreement

EDMONTON (CP) — General manager Brian Conacher of Edmonton Oilers said Wednesday the agreement by World Hockey Association trustees to give individual clubs permission to apply for National Hockey League franchises is ''monumental, especially for this club."

The Oilers have a new 15,300-seat building and have been actively seeking NHL membership since it was learned earlier this season that Houston Aeros, Birmingham Bulls, Cincinnati Stingers, Indianapolis Racers and Winnipeg Jets have been experiencing financial difficulties.

Houston was the first franchise this season to openly declare its intention to seek an NHL affiliation. New owners came in before mid-season but agreed to finish the year only if the $2-million penalty for leaving the WHA was waived.

"It's a giant step forward for Edmonton's ambition to get into the National Hockey League," Conacher said. "This removes a giant hurdle that was standing in the way of making the change. "I know our fans are interested in having us pursue the National Hockey League."

.Conacher also forecast a Canadian Division some day within the NHL, with three WHA franchises — Edmonton, Winnipeg and Quebec City —joining the existing Canadian NHL teams, Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. "Edmonton is the only franchise that fits all the stated NHL criteria for membership," Conacher said.

"Winnipeg would have to show assurances it would have a suitable building and in the interim would have to show capacity to provide interim financing. "Quebec also needs a larger building, while Edmonton's building has the capability of expanding to hold up to 19,000 people."

[JETStender]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24,1978

New owners for Jets?
ByREYN DAVIS

A wealthy Winnipeg group is attempting to buy Winnipeg Jets, The Free Press has learned. The deal could be completed as early as today. Said to be Involved are the previous owners and founders, Ben Hatskin and the Simkin family, to whom $1.4 million is owed by the community-owned team.

New financing has been required to see the club through the last six weeks of the season. It is also understood that the National Hockey League would prefer a privately owned franchise if the NHL located in Winnipeg.

The would-be owners of the Jets are expected to make an offer that would keep the team's Swedish stars, Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson, in Winnipeg. Essentially, the mind-boggling offers of $1.9 million by New York Rangers for the pair for the next two seasons can be matched by the Jets without the depositing of a dime when the deadline of a counter offer expires Saturday.

If the Jets do make a counter offer within $80,000 of the $1.9 million, a mutually agreed upon arbitrator (Fred Dunsmore), can either insist on seeing the money right away or wait 14 days.

On the 14th day, however, the Jets must have put up half the money in the players' names. New owners, no doubt, would be interested in seeing the Jets in the NHL next season.

All eight World Hockey Association teams have been given permission to make their own deal with the NHL without fear of legal repercussion. However, the NHL is wary of anti-trust laws in the U.S. Alan Eagleson, executive director of the NHL Players' Association and a known Winnipeg sympathizer, said he considered the Jets' chances of being admitted to the NHL as "no better than 50-50."

"However," he added, "at the start of this week I would have said their chances were close to nil." Eagleson would like to see a 20-team NHL next season. He believes two NHL franchises could be purchased — Cleveland and Colorado — while two other teams could be admitted as expansion franchises to make 20 clubs in four divisions of five.

However, the sale and transfer of an NHL franchise must be approved unanimously by NHL governors. If the Jets did, indeed, keep Hedberg and Nilsson, and if they tried to buy the Cleveland franchise, they would need New York Rangers' approval. And that would seem senseless to expect. Conversely, if the Jets were to be voted upon for an expansion franchise, they would need the support of only 75 per cent of the NHL teams. And that would seem more reasonable to expect

[JETStender]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24,1978
Making bid sticky business
NEW YORK (AP) — Application for a National Hockey League franchise is not a cut-and-dried matter, a check of the National Hockey League constitution shows.

A decision by the World Hockey Association on Wednesday to permit individual teams to apply for NHL membership means interested clubs will once again have to deal with the red tape associated with entry into the established league.

It is known that Houston Aeros, Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets will apply. It is most likely that New England Whalers and Cincinnati Stingers will apply and would be no surprise if Quebec Nordlques, Birmingham Bulls and Indianapolis Racers make an attempt to join the NHL.

Here's what the applying teams have to do: Each club has to make a written application describing its organization, financial status and home rink. Each team must agree to abide by the NHL constitution and by-laws and must include with the application a returnable $25,000 cheque payable to the NHL.

That is step one. Step two would be a meeting by the NHL and a favorable vote of three quarters of the NHL teams on each application. NHL sources say Edmonton and New England are the two teams most likely to be accepted. Edmonton plays in a new building and would be attractive to the NHL because it would place another team in the western region of North America.

The Oilers' admission to league, therefore, might hasten the geographic realignment that so many clubs have sought to build rivalries back to the level they had reached during the days of the six-team NHL.

New England is favored because it is supported by a big-money conglomerate worth millions, if not billions, of dollars. There is no question as to its economic viability, competitiveness or fan support. And once the Hartford Civic Centre is rebuilt with a larger seating capacity, the Whalers' building problems will be solved.

The unanswered question is whether the NHL teams that voted against a six-team merger package last August will be more willing to vote favorably for the acceptance of individual teams. Don't expect any interesting details soon, even though WHA president Howard Baldwin has promised to "bring this thing to a head in a hurry."

The NHL board next meets March 6-7, and president John Ziegler says the agenda is crowded with NHL business.

[JETStender]

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24,1978
Blessing in disguise?
By The Canadian Press

Veteran superstar Bobby Hull, the man responsible for bringing credibility to the World Hockey Association, says the end of the young league after six seasons may be the best thing for hockey.

"I've always felt that the best thing for hockey was to have one league, providing the people with the best possible entertainment," Hull said Thursday. "I thought after the WHA started it would be only a matter of a few years before that happened.

"But the WHA has struggled along for six years now and the best thing that could happen is the WHA cease to operate and the good franchises in the WHA be allowed to join forces with the NHL."

Hull made the comments a day after the WHA owners agreed to allow Winnipeg Jets, and all other franchises, to seek entry into the NHL.

But at the same time Hull says he's not overly optimistic things will be any different from last summer when the NHL said it was interested in a merger with the WHA but then vetoed the idea in August.

"The only thing different this year is that there will not be lawsuits banging over the heads of NHL governors," Hull said. "The NHL led the WHA down the garden path last year. Who's to say they wouldn't do it again?"

Hull said if the NHL does accept WHA clubs it will be through the merger of individual franchises in the two leagues and not expansion.

"I believe there will just be a joining of forces between the weaker NHL franchises and tho better WHA franchises." Hull admits the end is rapidly approaching for the WHA.

"Yes, it's all over," he said. "It's only my opinion but I can't see the league getting through this."

Despite the apparent impending death of the league he helped give birth to when he jumped from Chicago Black Hawks of the NHL to the Jets, Hull says he's not sad to see the end because the time is right.

"I did everything in my power to keep things alive and if what I've done has had anything to do with the six years, then that's fine," he said. "From adversity sometimes comes good and if the WHA-is doomed then something good will come of it."

[JETStender]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1978
Jets' day of decision
By REYN DAVIS
Winnipeg Jets have tentatively scheduled a press conference at 4 this afternoon, ostensibly, to reveal the names of new owners and to announce a counter-offer for the services of their two Swedish stars, Ulf Nilsson and Anders Hedberg.

The community-owned team is broke and another $135,000 payroll is due Wednesday. Today is the deadline for the Jets to make a counteroffer that could keep Hedberg and Nilsson in Winnipeg rather than New York with the Rangers next season.

[JETStender]

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1978
Hal Sigurdson
SPORTS EDITOR

WEEKEND W1NDUP: There is only one piece of advice to"be offered that group headed by Michael Gobuty which is aiming to buy the Winnipeg Jets and lead them into the National Hockey League. . .The'advice: bring money. . .It will require a large pile of the stuff to reach that goal, and an even bigger one if the group also intends to retain the services of Anders Hcdbcrg and Ulf Nilsson. . .

The emergence of the Gobuty group is merely the latest curve thrown into the puzzling maze that has formed the local hockey picture in recent days. . .What makes it even more difficult to decipher is trying to figure how Bobby Hull fits in. . .Thursday the Gobutys' family firm, Victoria Leather, announced the appointment of Hull as vicepresident of marketing. . .But the relationship between Hull and Michael Gobuty goes deeper than merely a business relationship. . .They are also close friends. . .

But the other clay, following that emergency WHA meeting in New York which freed member teams to pursue whatever future course they wish without the threat of legal action. Hull stated he still remains pessimistic about the chances of WHA teams gaining membership in the NHL. . ."They've led us down the garden path before," he warned. . .It is, perhaps, a warning which should be heeded, yet here we have Hull's friend and business associate risking substantial capital on the prospect of Winnipeg obtaining an NHL franchise. . .Strange, is it not? . .

You may also make what you will of this: Benny Hatskin, who will be part of the new ownership picture, recently purchased a combination golf course-real estate complex in Palm Springs and will be spending a great deal of his time in California for the next while.

[JETStender]

WFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27,1978

Eight businessmen revive Jets' hopes

Winnipeg Jets, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, have been taken over by eight businessmen including their star left winger, Bobby Hull.

Other members of the group are Michael Gobuty, Marvin and Barry Shenkarow, John Shanski, Harvey Seder, Bob Graham and Dr. Gerry Wilson.

The group hopes to keep hockey in Winnipeg by gaining entry Into the National Hockey League.

The first move by the new owners was to match the contract offers received by the club's two Swedish stars, Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson, from New York Rangers.

[JETStender]

WFP MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27,1978

Gobuty key figure among new Jets owners
Will it be safer in a boardroom?

By REYN DAVIS

Michael Gobuty has dodged pucks for six seasons behind the net at the north end of the Winnipeg Arena.

One slapshot shattered his seal. His wife's purse slopped another. Silting in the first row of Section 2 and ducking shots has been dangerous, but fun. Now, he's taking his love of the Jets into the boardrooms where it's safe, but expensive.

Spearheading a group of eight young Winnipeg businessmen, representing some of the city’s oldest, most established families, Gobuty is the new champion of Winnipeg's cause to gain a National Hockey League franchise.

Winnipeg Jets have been taken over by two brothers, Marvin and Barry Shenkarow; John Shanski Jr., Harvey Seder. Bob Graham, Dr. Gerry Wilson, Bobby Hull and Gobuty.

Their initial investment is $700,000 — a $100,000 settlement of a $1.2 million debt with the loam's original owners, Ben Halskin and Saul Simkin; The repayment of a $200,000 loan from Hatskin and Simkin to meet the last payroll; and $400,000 to operate the club for the balance of the season.

Three and one half hours before a deadline expired, the new owners of the Jets also announced they have matched the contract offers of New York Rangers to the Swedish stars, Anders Hcdbcrg and Ulf Nilsson. However, it could be il days before it's exactly known who they'll play for next season.

In two weeks lime money must be put in escrow. Then, the plot may well thicken. Gobuty made it perfectly clear the group's mission is "NHL or Bust". "If we can’t do it, nobody can," he said, evaluating the Jets' chances of gaining a NHL franchise.

Gobuty is the executive vice-president of Victoria Leather, for whom Bobby Hull became a vice-president in charge of marketing last week.

The Shenkarow brothers are grandsons of the late Morris Neaman, a highly-successful Winnipeg businessman and community leader. Barry Shenkarow is a lawyer with thc firm of Thompson Dorfman and Sweatman. Marvin Shenkarow is the president of Sterling Stall, a clothing manufacturer.

Shanski is the president of Sprague Distributors, a lumber-related company. Sector is the president of the Winnipeg-based chain-store, Ricki's Graham is president of Unicity Gas and Dr. Wilson is an orthopedic surgeon.

One of four conditions presented to the community-owned learn by the group's originators (Gobuty, the Shenkarows, Shanski and Seder) was that Graham. Dr. Wilson and Hull be Included. The Three other conditions for takeover were that they could settle the debt with the previous owners, negotiate an acceptable Arena rental with the city's Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation and leave the World Hockey Association without legal repercussions.

Dr. Wilson and Graham represent groups of people previously involved in the operation and management of Winnipeg Hockey Club Inc., the community- owned venture. "My goals are simple," said Dr. Wilson. "I want to sec hockey stay in this city, and be in the NHL. I see that happening now." Graham has been the brains and energy behind the Jels since the successful public campaign to purchase the team in June of 1974.


He was president for two years, and chairman of the board for two more. He devised the tax-shelter scheme that would have refinanced the Jets until it became clear staying in the less viable WHA posed a serious risk.

On Feb. 16, the Jets asked 80 city businessmen if they would buy 40 limited partnerships costing $10,000 apiece so $100,000 could be raised lo operate the team for Ihe balance of the season.

Four offers came forward while the Jets' executive came up with five. But $90,000 wouldn't even meet the first payroll, due tomorrow. ".Jeez This isn't going to work al all," said Barry Shenkarow, nudging Gobuty at the meeting of prospective investors at the Arena. 'There are too many people involved." Gobuty called a meeting In his office the next morning "lo talk it over".

On Friday the Jets received the group's written request, posing (lie four conditions. "I just couldn't imagine a winter in Winnipeg without the Jets." said Gobuty. "What would we do?" Graham was asked what price the group is willing lo pay for an MIL franchise.

He looked al his partners, and said: "Whatever it lakes." If the new owners arc unable lo secure a NIIL franchise, They intend lo sell it back to Winnipeg Hockey Club Inc., the public company.

In that event, the community owned company will have two options — to pay back the group the $700,000 it invested, in which case all of the assets will be resumed; or to take back the club for a cost of $1, in which case the private group will, have the right to keep three players' contracts of their choosing.

If, indeed, an NHL franchise is secured, more investors will be sought, especially among the founders in the community-owned operation while subscribers may be offered reductions in the cost of season- tickels matching their investments in 1974.

A press conference to announce the takeover was originally scheduled at 4 p.m. Saturday. However, the conference was postponed when negotiations bogged down. Then media people were told there would be no press conference until Monday, and that appeared as if no counter offer would be made lo Hedberg and/or Nilsson.

"About 1:30 p.m.. A and B and C came together," said Marvin Shenkarow. "Until then it looked pretty gloomy." Finally, media members were called again and told there would indeed be a press conference at 4 p.m.

However, it wasn't until 8:08 p.m. that the last detail of the Hedberg- Nilsson offer was agreed upon. The players, themselves, were less than ecstatic about the Jets' counter offer that hasn't seen a dime surface yet.

Said Nilsson: "It's not settled until April 9. That's when they have to come up with the money. 1 guess il's a good business deal biit.. .'"

Added Hedberg: I guess there are advantages to going to New York and advantages to staying. We don't have the luxury of a choice."

Hull broke up the press conference when someone asked if the players' lawyer, Don Baizley, could step lo answer a couple of questions. Baizley had stepped out

"Don just went out to order Anders' and Ulf's furniture back from New York," said Hull.

Eddie (Spider) Mazur, one of the Jets' 50 directors under community ownership, said he was delighted with the makeup of the new ownership. "I'm especially happy that they had the good sense to invite some hockey minds into the operation," said Mazur. "They won't regret have Gerry (Dr. Wilson) and Bobby (Hull) in there."

[JETStender]

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978

“Decision a farce”- Baldwin

HARTFORD (AP) — Howard Baldwin, World Hockey Association president and managing general partner of the league's New England Whalers, is not optimistic about WHA teams being admitted to the National Hockey League.

Last week, after WHA owners met In New York, Baldwin said they had come up with a plan lo let individual teams apply for admission to the NHL.

We have a plan that we feel is in the best interest of hockey, a position with which we think the NHL will agree," Baldwin said al the lime.

But this week, Baldwin has changed his tune. "What happened last week was a farce," Baldwin told a meeting with reporters. "That's all II was. I have no confidence al all for a merger. I can’t sec us being anything else but the WHA. My personal feeling is that we're In the WHA and will be next year."

The plan worked out last week resulted from a strong push by Winnipeg Jets who said the only way they could survive was if they were permitted to apply for NHL membership without the WHA imposing a penalty. Winnipeg also had some other money troubles, and new owners emerged and new money surfaced.

The WHA kingpins decided that if Winnipeg could apply, so could all the other franchises.

But Baldwin said there's no encouragement from the NHL, no indication that any WHA club will be accepted and in his opinion, no immediate hope for anything other than two leagues.

"I'm not pessimistic, I'm realistic. Essentially, the plan is this: if and when we're ready, there will be no liability on the NHL's part if they accept or reject an offer. The future for the good of hockey is one league. How it comes about is the problem, and I don’t Think it will happen this year."

Baldwin, upset that Winnipeg aired its financial Troubles publicly, assured: "Winnipeg will play in the WHA next year. One guy in Winnipeg had a big mouth, that's all. No team in hockey hasn't refinanced itself in the last six years, except perhaps Philadelphia, Montréal or Toronto. We've had to do it a couple of times ourselves.

"But, you usually do it behind closed doors. Maybe they will get in the NHL, but I doubt It." He said trying to get into the NHL by "gelling down and begging on your knees" is wrong. "You show them your strengths."

He said the Whalers may apply ' but a final decision has not been made.

[JETStender]

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1978

Sympathy nil from NHL brass
Special to The Free Press

NEW YORK — Member clubs of the World Hockey Association, particularly the Winnipeg Jets, are advised not to hold their breath while waiting to gain acceptance to the National Hockey League.

That's the scuttlebutt from Stan Fischler, the man about hockey for the Free Press in the Big Apple. Fischler button-holed a few NHL dignitaries at Nassau County Coliseum during a game there this week between the New York Islanders and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

"The sentiment among NHL directors and owners," said Fischler, "is that they won't go beyond the present 18 teams and that they want to put their own house in order before even considering any applications from the WHA."

In other words, there will be no thought of expanding or merging and the only way any WHA club might break the barrier is by buying one of the struggling NHL franchises. A few have been mentioned, most notably Cleveland, but Fischler said Harold Ballard, the Toronto owner, told him he is not yet convinced Cleveland is a losing proposition. With a contending team, it could be turned around, he suggested.

The consensus appears to be that the only WHA centre the NHL would be interested in is Edmonton — because of its facilities, its buoyant economy and its geographical location to the western precincts of the senior league.

As for Winnipeg, one NHL governor told Fischler: "It's rink isn’t big enough; it hasn't got the money to fill it if it was; and it's a pass-the-hat town populated by nickel-and-dimes."

Another NHL official said he and his cohorts have gone over the player lists in the WHA and have come to the conclusion that only 12 players in the league could make it in thc NHL. Only about 20, he added, would be worthy of being invited to camp.

Mark Howe of New England, Marc Tardif of Quebec, Bobby Hull of Winnipeg and of course, Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson of the Jets — coveted by New York Rangers would be among those 12.

As for the new owners of the Jets matching the Ranger offer to Hedberg and Nilsson, Fischler said he contacted Bill Jennings, president of the Rangers, and the answer was "no comment."

The Lester Patrick awards dinner is scheduled Monday in New York City, at which time the NHL governors and owners hold meetings. The subject of WHA applications lo join Their league may come up then, but generally, the subject is being treated with disdain at the moment.

[JETStender]

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8,1978

Wait for sale- Eagle
By REYN DAVIS

Alan Eagleson came to town yesterday to whisper sweet something’s in the ears of those willing to pay Winnipeg's way into the National Hockey League.

"Wait," he warned, "for a franchise to go up for sale, then go after it."

He mentioned some possibilities — Cleveland, Colorado and Minnesota, and he emphasized the latter. However, the Toronto lawyer who might be the most powerful man in hockey made it perfectly clear the NHL is scared stiff of anti-trust violations.

"Unless it can be established that we won't be sued by a disgruntled WHA partner, or their players' association, or even a player, the NHL won't even consider moving into a WHA city," he said.

Eagleson was the feature speaker Tuesday night at a $100-a-plate fundraising dinner at the International Inn for the community-owned company that operated the Jets from the summer of 1974 until 10 days ago when they were taken over by the Michael Gobuty group, formally called 8 Hockey Ventures, Inc.

Proceeds of the dinner, which attracted 650 people, enter the account of Sport Centrepoint, Inc. Undoubtedly, the roasting wit of CBC television's John Robertson was the highlight of the dinner. Upstaged was comedian Arte Johnson, of Laugh-In fame. Eagleson was Eagleson — informative, blunt, fiercely nationalist, blindly blue Conservative, self-enamored, patronizing and grudgingly condescending.

"It should not be presumed that I'm soliciting the support or supporting the Winnipeg group," said the executive director of the National Hockey League Players Association. On the other hand, be had a meeting with them before the dinner.

The decision of Judge Leon A. Higginbotham in the fall of 1972, clearing the way for players to leave the NHL to play in the WHA, also enjoined the NHL from enticing any WHA teams to leave that league or anti-trust suits could follow.

"Until lawyers for the NHL and WHA have met anti-trust lawyers, and established that it is not an antitrust violation for the Jets to leave the league, they won't be considered by the NHL," said Eagleson.' He said he finds it impossible to believe the Jets could possibly know what their fate will be by April 9, the absolute deadline for putting up the money to keep Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson under contract at almost half a million per season apiece for the next two years.

However, the Jets say money can be spread out over 10 years, if necessary. Eagleson believes the players will wind up in New York with the Rangers who offered them $1.9 million. "The Rangers are going to be paying twice as much as they have to," said Eagleson. "Vancouver wasn't 50 per cent that high."

If they do go, Eagleson expects they will find NHL defenses much tougher than the defenses of the WHA. "The NHL has tough, miserable defenceman like (Denis) Potvin who'll tear you apart," he said. "Hedberg will be good in the NHL; Nilsson not so good. And neither will make the all-star team. Why? Sammy's got 11 guys like them." "Sammy" is general manager Sam Pollock of Montreal Canadiens.

Oddly enough, Pollock is said to be a great ally of the Jets in their continuing bid to land an NHL franchise. And allies are needed. Eagleson is considered one, too. Even if he's too blinded by the television lights of the NHL to see how brightly the stars are shining in Winnipeg.

BENCH BITS: The Jets have made their dressing room off-limits to visitors an hour before, games and 10 minutes after. . ."It got to be ridiculous," said coach Larry Hillman. "One night, just 10 minutes before game time, I saw one of my players discussing forward-averaging with a guy".

Eagleson says Bobby Orr hasn't yet cashed one of his cheques from Chicago Black Hawks.

The NHL's biggest opponents of any kind of an accommodation with anyone from the WHA are Jack Kent Cooke of Los Angeles Kings and Paul Mooney of Boston Bruins. .

Eagleson also said that to expect any kind of political pressure from Ottawa to work on the NHL on behalf of the three Canadian teams in the WHA is akin to expecting Canada to have any say in a merger of American Motors with General Motors.

[JETStender]

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8,1978

Second venture for Graham
By REYN DAVIS

The chairman of 8 Hockey Ventures Inc. is Bob Graham, the man who spearheaded the Save the Jets campaign in 1974.

Now he's one of eight equal partners in the first private ownership of the team since Ben Hatskin and the Simkin family operated the franchise founded by them in 1972.

Graham has been a controversial figure in the World Hockey Association, but at home he proved an organization of volunteers could operate a major league franchise, professionally and profitably.

Admired in that he had an "ear" for everyone, but firm in every judgment, Graham's invitation to be an investor in the so-called Gobuty Group is said to been a condition of Bobby Hull's entry.

Here, Graham talks about the Jets' ambitions to enter the National Hockey League, satisfying the founders and subscribers of the community-owned club, handling the threats of John Bassett, Jr., what happens,if the bid is rejected and urging the federal government to lend its support in seeing that franchises in Edmonton, Quebec City and Winnipeg become part of the NHL.

On the Jets' plans to enter the NHL:
"I can't be specific at this time, but I'm happy so far with what's been accomplished. We've started to work on our formal application."

On the federal government's offer of help if it's asked:
"I didn't really think our elected representatives had to have a formal request. But if they need a formal request, then they'll get one. We're always talking to them."

On the takeover of the Jets by 8 Hockey Ventures, Inc.:
"Instead of 40 guys putting up $10,000 apiece to raise $400,000, eight guys came along and put up more than $600,000. It was a criticism of the NHL's of us last year that the Jets, under community ownership, could not turn to one identifiable group with $3 or $1 million invested if they needed answers in a hurry, just in case things didn't turn out. Now they can."

On the founders and subscribers who were involved in the community ownership of the Jets:
"We ask the founders and subscribers to live on the promise that they won't be forgotten. We'll remember who our friends are. Founders will probably be given first right to become actively involved in the program again. As for paying them off, it should be understood that at a directors meeting the founders and members voted to sell the team to private interests. Otherwise, it would have folded. I haven't heard one dissenting voice. If there are any dissenters, I wish they'd call me and air their feelings."

On the chance that the NHL bid fails:
"It doesn't follow that if this group doesn't succeed, that there'll be no Jets in Winnipeg in the WHA next season. Suppose we don't get into the NHL, then the team goes back to the community free of any debenture to the original owners and free of any bank debt. The decks have been cleared. It's a can't lose proposition for Winnipeg."

On the group's ability to afford an NHL franchise:
"This group has swat. It was formed to finance its way into the NHL. These people have the time and interest and means to make Winnipeg an NHL city."

On the city's $300,000 founder's loan:
"We have agreed to pay back the city at a rate of $50,000 per year, commencing the first fall of the season after a new or expanded arena has been built."

On the expressed intention of Birmingham trustee John Bassett, Jr., that he'll prevent Winnipeg from leaving the WHA:
"No way can he prevent us from going to the NHL. Of course, we'd prefer to have a release from him. While everyone else chose to take the Houston Amendment, he refused. I suppose he could sue us for damages but if we leave the league we've done nothing to him. I think we can smooth things over with John, if it becomes necessary. We don't consider it a problem."

[JETStender]

WINNIPEG FREE PRESS TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 1978

Will maintain full WHA slate

NEW YORK (CP) — Howard Baldwin, president of the World Hockey Association, said Monday he expects all eight WHA teams tb be operating next season.

The WHA's board of trustees met for five hours Monday to discuss what was described as "maintenance" business. '

"It was just an update on each franchise, that's all," Baldwin said. "We feel we're going in the right direction, but we're not without our problems. I wouldn't kid you on that." Asked whether any of the franchises such as Houston Aeros, which lost $2 million this season, will be dropping out, Baldwin replied: "No, everybody including Houston is in."

Baldwin disputed reports that the Houston owners had said the club wouldn't play in the WHA next season. Baldwin conceded that his renewed efforts last February to set up a merger between the WHA and the National Hockey League had failed.

He said the WHA owners now are more concerned with building up their franchises. "We're doing it, some better than others." Baldwin said he didn't have the figures for this season's financial losses but he said the over-all picture is better than it was last season.

The WHA president said his own club, New England Whalers, was doing well at the gate until the collapse of the rink roof in Hartford, Conn. At present, Baldwin said there are no plans for expansion. "We want to solidify what we've-got."

[JETStender]

Syracuse POST-STANDARD WEDNESDAY. MAY 10. 1978

Houston Aims for NHL Spot

HOUSTON (AP) - The majority owner of the Houston Aeros says efforts to obtain a National Hockey League franchise will continue despite failure of the World Hockey Association team's campaign to sell 7,000 season tickets.

"We will continue our merger discussions with existing NHL teams/' Kenneth Schnitzer said. Schnitzer mentioned no specific NHL teams but speculation has centered on the Cleveland and Colorado franchises.

"I wish to emphasize that success is not guaranteed, only that we will continue to use our best efforts, he said. Schnitzer earlier had acknowledged having had discussions with owners of the Cleveland team.

A prepared statement was released in Schnitzer's behalf after a Monday tabulation revealed a 30-day campaign that ended last Thursday night brought in 6,391 orders for season tickets but with only 4,987 being accompanied by a 10 percent down payment.

A preliminary Friday count had indicated 6.800 orders had been received. A spokesman said duplications discovered Monday reduced the number. In announcing the 30-day campaign. Schnitzer had said the current owners would not operate an Acres' team next season if the 7,000 goal failed. His new statement, however, indicates the response was sufficient.

"Even though the numbers fall short of our goal, the present ownership group has decided to continue its best efforts to gain admission to the National Hockey League and thus keep the Aeros in Houston," Schnitzer said. He said he expects the Houston application to be submitted in time for the NHL annual meeting on June 12.

The application, he said, will include "certain conditions that the present owners consider essential to the success of the franchise, including the right on our part to protect certain key players, some of whom have strong followings among Houston fans, from a dispersal draft."

"There also will be a requirement that no economic conditions be imposed upon acceptance of our application which would make the continued investment in the franchise an unrealistic business proposition for our ownership group," he said.

"Naturally, the same conditions which will be contained in our NHL application must be acceptable to any NHL team with which we have merger discussions," When the Schnitzer group gained ownership of the Aeros earlier this year it was announced the WHA had authorized the group to seek NHL membership.