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Post by JETStender on Dec 29, 2008 18:47:18 GMT -5
FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 1974
HATSKIN CONFIRMS TALKS
Winnipeg Jets Up For Sale
By ELMAN GUTTORMSON Free Press Staff Writer
Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association are up for sale, club owner Ben Halskin confirmed Friday. Hatskin said in an interview that during the past two weeks he met with a group of Winnipeg businessmen concerning the sale.
He said the apparent idea the purchase to make the team a community operation similar to the Winnipeg Blue Bomber Football Club. Although he decelined to name the business men involved, he admitted they might include some of those associated with the Bombers.
Licutenant-Governor W. John McKeag revealed in a telephone interview from Toronto that he had been involved in negotiations since January which would bring Winnipeg businessmen, the province of Manitoba and the city of Winnipeg into an arrangement whereby they would buy the Jets and operate the team on a non - profit basis like the Bombers.
It is understood that if the deal materialized, the Jets would be bought for $2.3 million. The Jet owners would be paid $500,000 down with the Balance being paid over seven years at nine per cent interest.
The lieutenant governor, who has been co-ordinating the meetings, said the object of the group working on the deal was to get the province, the city and businessmen to each put up $300,000 interest free. He said 350,000 would be used for the down payment and the balance of working capital.
Mr.'McKeag said it was a lot of money to raise and anyone was welcome to loan money to assist in the purchase. He said if the Jets were operable on a non-profit basis, the team would save amusement tax and "we would be hopeful of getting a better deal with the arena." "I just hope it happens, Winnipeg can't afford to lose the team," said Mr. McKcag.
In the legislature Friday, Premier Ed Schreyer confirmed that the province, the cily and private interests were involved in negotiations to buy the Jets, He was replying to questions from Steve Patrick (L-Assiniboia) who wanted to know what the amount of financial involvement by the province would be if any deal were concluded. The premier replied that there is a percentage of involvement beyond which the province will not go, but that present discussions envision a one-to-one involvement with the city up lo a certain percentage of the total cost. He emphasized that while negotiations are taking place, no decision has been made
The premier said, in response to another question by Mr. Patrick, that he doesnt know whether the sale would i n c l u d e the contract with Bobby Hull.
Mr. McKeag told The Free Press that nothing will change with respect to Hull if the Jets are sold. "He will remain with the team." Mayor Steve Juba said Friday that he is "not aware that the city government is involved" in any negotiations to purchase the hockey club. He had only returned to the city Thursday after a trip to Israel.
The mayor said he did not "consider it a priority item .. . but if some members of the community are negotiating . . . that's fine. I want to see them (the Jets) stay."
Asked if the city would be willing to be involved in the purchase by making a low-cost loan to Ihe purchasers, the mayor said the city is constantly borrowing money for its own uses, "at high cost." He said it might be possible to aid the purchasers through providing reduced rental rates for the Winnipeg Arena, which is owned by the city.
"It's an investment because they (the Jets) do help the economy and provide entertainment Winnipeg," he said.
Mr. Hatskin, who is expected to remain as the Jet's trustee at league meetings if he sells the team, said public ownership is the only way to keep the team in Winnipeg. He confirmed that the team was operating at a loss "and that's no way for private enterprise to operate very long."
The Jets lost about $250,000 in their operation last year when the World Hockey Association was in its first year and Hatskin said it appears a similar deficit will result this year. Mr. Hatskin said it is tough to operate a private club in a small city such as Winnipeg
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Post by JETStender on Dec 29, 2008 18:52:31 GMT -5
SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 1974
Prospective Jet Buyers Hove 'Clout'
By REYN DAVIS Free Press Staff Writer
A chance meeting on an airplane led lo the first mention of what could result in the purchase of Winnipeg Jets by a non-profit, community-owned operation in the next two weeks.
Riding first class aboard a Northwest Orient flight out of Mlnneapolis-St. Paul were Lieutenant-Governor W. John McKeag, and the Jets' president, Ben Hatskin, and his lawyer, Telly Mercury, both of whom were coming home from a World Hockey Associalion meeling in Washington. That was January.
Since then, days — even weeks — of work have been Invested in a plan which would cover seven years to consummate the final payment of the purchase of the Jets. Mr. McKeag, an avid fan of the Jets, has spear-headed a drive among leading businessmen in Winnipeg to form an operation similar to that which operates Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
Two meetings have been held recently regarding the purchase. Prices mentioned range from $2.3 million lo $2.5 million. Financing would include a down payment of $500,000 with the balance being paid over seven years at nine per cent interest. Mr. McKeag said the group's object was to have (he province, the city and businessmen to each put up $300,000.
The purchase price would include Bobby Hull's contract. "There are 30 or 40 names on the list of potential investors, but there are 10 at the top, and they have a lot of clout," said Hatskin. "1 don't think they would have any trouble at all selling 6,000 season tickets. "And 6,000 season tickets is all you need to make this operation successful."
The business elite of Winnipeg has not enthusiastically supported the Jets to date. "I think people in Winnipeg are more inclined to support the community-run idea of professional sport than the Private approach," said Hatskin.
"For a city the size of Winnipeg the private way is tough. Private business can't stand quarter million dollar losses very long." Hatskin said the club lost money in its first year and will lose money in its second year. Total losses, he said, approacl $500,000. Particularly burdensome, he said, is the provincial government's 10 per cent sales tax. A non-profit group may be able to have the tax dropped he said.
It is not widely known, or appreciated, what impact Hatskin carries in the WHA. By title alone, he is the most powerful owner in the league. He is chairman of the board of trustees, the decision makers. Costs of operating the Jets have risen drastically since the club's founding in 1972. Travel, originally pegged for $75,000, now approaches $175,000. Total operations, including salaries, were projected to cost $1.1 million. Now the total cost of operating the Jets is $1.8 million.
"Selling the club to groups in other cities would be no problem," said Hatskin. "we could have gone 14 other places." He indicated he would be willing to continue to serve as the new group's trustee, but Hatskin expected the prospective buyers would definitely have the team run by someone of their own choosing. Already, the group has four names of prospective persons to run the club.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 29, 2008 18:55:01 GMT -5
Miami Touted As WHA Site
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Neotiations for a World Hockey Association franchise in Miami have been under way "but certainly nothing has been esablished," a league spokesman said Friday.
The spokesman said he could not identify the principals involved. "Miami is certainly a logical spot for..a franchise, but I don't know what the building situation is there," he said.
When the WHA was formed for the 1972-73 season, Miami had a franchise called the Screaming Eagles. But without an arena in Miami, that franchise wound up in Philadelphia before the inaugural season even began, (hen moved to V a n c o u v e r for the current campaign.
The WHA has added Indianapolis and Phoenix franchises to expand the league to 14 teams next season and the spokesman said a relocation,' rather than further expansion,] could be possible for Miami, San Diego or New Orleans. "We've been talking to people in Miami, certainly," he said.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 29, 2008 19:48:01 GMT -5
FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 1974
Won't Waive Rental
Landlord Role Reaffirmed By Corporation
Winnipeg Enterprises Corporation turned down Thursday a request for free rental of the Winnipeg Arena by a group of city businessmen negotiating to purchase the Winnipeg Jets. The businessmen, who hope to turn the World Hockey Association team into a non-profit, community-owned organization similar to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, had made a request at a corporation board of directors meeting last week to have all rental charges for the 1974-75 hockey season waived. In turning down the request. T h u r s d a y , the enterprises board passed a motion asking city council to consider other methods of financial aid to the prospective buyers.
The city owns the Winnipeg Arena and the Winnipeg Stadium, but has given the corporation power to operate the complex. The directors' motion says the corporation "should not be put in the position of having to give special consideration for rental and facilities over existing major t e n a n t s ' 1 and "should retain its present role as landlord."
Civic executive policy committee considered Thursday a request for a $300,000 interest free loan to the purchasers bill decided lo lay the matter over for one week for further study. Corporation director Jim Gilmour, who is also the city's acting finance commissioner, said at the hoard meeting that a meeting was held to discuss the matter Wednesday between the city's board of commissioners and members of executive policy committee.
He s a i d the councillors seemed "warm to the .idea" of the city making a grant to the purchasers to cover ice rental costs, which would* be repaid only if the hockey team's operations become financially profitable. Corporation director Councillor Warren Steen told the board the purchasers might reduce the size of the loan they are requesting from the city, depending on the outcome of negotiations with the provincial government.
He said the purchasers had changed their thinking on their original request for equal grants from the city and the province, as the city is being asked for an extra subsidy through the ice rental arrangement. He added that the province w o u l d receive more than $100,000 f r o m capital gains taxes on the sale of the team, i T h e businessmen, led by Lieutenant-Governor W. John I McKeag, hope to purchase the Jets for S2.3 million. They have I asked the city and the province! for S300.000 interest-free loans and plan to raise a similar share themselves to cover a $500.000 down payment on the purchase and to retain $400.000 for initial operating expenses next season.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 4:32:14 GMT -5
Apr 18 1974
Winnipeg Jets may stay
WINNIPEG (CP) — Winnipeg city council Wednesday night approved an interest-free $300,000 loan for a group attempting to purchase Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association.
The group of local businessmen, headed by Manitoba Lt.-Gov. Jack McKeag, has said they will raise $300,000 on their own and Premier Ed Schreyer said earlier the province would also agree to a loan of an equal amount if the city gave its support.
The group has already met with Ben Hatskin, president of the Jets, to discuss the sale. Hatskin has confirmed the club is for sale and the group wants to keep the team in Winnipeg as a community owned club similar to Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football team.
The sale price is believed! to be $2.3 million, with; a cash down payment of $500,000 and the remainder spread over a seven-year period. Councillors voted 30 to 17 in favor of the loan after about two hours of debate.
The loan is contingent, however, upon the business group their full commitment and incorporating the hockey club as a non-profit corporation.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 4:38:18 GMT -5
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 1974 WFP
Schreyer Opposes Jets-Loan Proposal
P r e m i e r Ed Schreyer of Manitoba doesn't want to see the provincial government involved as one of the main promoters in any deal designed to keep the Winnipeg Jets hockey club in Winnipeg. The premier told his weekly press conference Friday that he doesn't mind giving a provincial loan to a group of private citizens if-there is enough community interest to keep the club here but the present deal being proposed to the government is quite different. "Frankly, I Just can't see the province involved in any annual deficit," he said, adding that there appears to have been a distinct change in. the proposal made to the province.
Not only do the promoters of the idea now want the province to be one of the main sponsors of the club, he said, but they want the government to pick up a share of a projected $ 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 annual deficit and there doesn't appear to be much security for the $300,000 interest-free loan the province is being asked to make.
He said it appears that the vendors' security will take precedence, on the first $1.8 million and only after that would the city, arid the' province gel security on their loans. The premier repeated his earlier statement that he expected to be able to announce a decision on the mailer next week.
He said he doesn't see any problem in the fact that Lieutenant Governor W. John McKeag, the titular head of the Manitoba government, is involved as one of the promoters of the idea to keep the Jets in Winnipeg. "He was only acting in the role of a community-minded citizen," the premier said, adding that he doesn't feel the lieutenant-governor w o u l d break with tradition in such a case and act in a manner not in accordance with the advice received from his minister: (the cabinet).
W i n n i p e g city counci Wednesday night approved its share of the funds for the purchase of the club by approvinj a $300,000 interest-free loan on the condition that the province also loan an equal amount of money.
The promoters of the scheme hope to raise 390,000 by tapping the city, the province and private subscribers, and use $500,000 of the money as a down payment on the $2.3 million purchase price. The other $400,000 would be used for the club's interim operating expenses.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 4:45:17 GMT -5
WINNIPEG, MONDAY, APRIL 22, 1974
Our Jets By Fred Clevetloy
Imagine me, a humble taxpayer, part-owner of someone as exotic as Bobby Hull. And yet there it was, the news that city council had decided to help buy the Winnipeg Jets, future deficits and all. I must be in Manitoba.
It must be pointed out that I was not among the people who thronged Portage and Main to see Bobby (as partowner, or probable owner, I think I can dispense with Mr. when referring to him collect his million-dollar cheque.
I remember thinking it was a little too much like a lottery in which the winner was known in advance. However,I was thankful I hadj not been forced to buy a ticket. I was doubly thankful i that my route home didn't take me through that crowd.
In the two years that the Jets have been based Winnipeg, courtesy Benny Hatskin, I have never seen them play. I am not among those 6,500 people who, on the average, turn out for the games. Having never been Incarcerated (that's a twodollar word for being jailed) or underprivileged, I have never been eligible for one of. the 510,000 worth of tickets my taxes have helped buy each year, for the provincial government to dispense free to their chosen
My wife has been unsuccessful in attempting to get me to attend. I keep telling her it would bother me to think that I was buying at least three tickets if I took her to a game — hers, mine and that fellow's sitting next to her, who must have received one of those government tickets.
I never listened to the games on radio, and I was not particularly concerned this year when the Jets were eliminated early from the playoffs, because I wouldn't be asked to finance them further than the $100,000 in free- tickets.
But the city has changed all that. I will now be most concerned when I hear the Jets have lost, because of the impending increase in deficits I will be asked to bear. I will worry about B o b b y Hull's health (he might sprain a wrist carrying home the interest on that million dollars). From what my sports-fan friends tell me, Mr. Hull is my one hope of saving future deficits, because, they say, the rest of the team is aging and uninspired.
In fact, my interest in the team and Mr. Hull may become so great that I might well become one of those extra 2,500 fans per game the Jets need to break even. Who knows, I may become concerned enough to buy a season ticket, even travel to some of the out-of-town games, to make sure my deficit insurance is not injured.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 4:46:59 GMT -5
Jets LoanCertain, Says Asper
Liberal Leader Izzy Asper said Sunday he is convinced the Manitoba government will loan $300,000 to a group of Winnipeg businessmen who are negotiating a deal to buy the Winnipeg Jets hockey team. Speaking at the annual meeting of the Manitoba Liberal Party, Mr. Aspsr said Premier Ed Sehreyer, Progressive Conservative Leader Sidney Spivak and himself had informally discussed the possibility of a government loan to the business group.
"What we are seeing now is political footwork," Mr. Asper said. "But I am satisfied the p r o v i n c e of Manitoba will match the city of Winnipeg loan $300,000)." Mr. Asper said it is imperative that the Jets remain in Winnipeg because of the revenue they bring to the city.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 4:59:59 GMT -5
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1974
PROSPECTIVE BUYERS LOOK FOR ALTERNATIVE The Jets: 'Enough People Willing To Pay The Price?'
By REYN DAVIS Free Press Staff Writer
Staggered by a broken promise, but buoyed by the patience of present owners, community-minded businessmen desperately searched for ways today to keep the Jets in Winnipeg.
"If there's a way," said a disappointed spokesman for the group, "we'll stumble across it." Ron Graham, the young president of a gas company, crawled out of bed at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning just to think ... think' of what lie would say later in lite day when he would meet the men who own the Jets, Ben Hatskin and Saul Simkin, representing the estate of his late cousin, David Simkin.
"These men," said Graham, "could sell this club right now for $3.5 million. Yet they are giving it every chance to stay in Winnipeg for $2.3-million. "How many people do you know who would do a thing like that?" An announcement late Tuesday night that the Manitoba government had refused a request for a $300,000 interest- free loan, completely wrecked plans that had begun as early as January when the Lieutenant-Governor, Jack McKcag, put the wheels in motion for a non-profit, community-owned hockey club, purchased with initial loans from three sectors — private, city and provincial.
The Jets were founded by Hatskin, in 1971 as an entry in the new-born World Hockey Association. They finished first in the Western Division in 1972-73 and fourlh in 1973-74.
"The premier's announcement came as much as a shock to them as us," said Hatskin. "These men had done a lot of work." I n i t i a l l y , Premier E d Schreyer had indicated his support of the request for a loan. The city government approved its $300,000 loan but one of the conditions stipualtcd that the province, too, must contribute or the city loan is annulled.
Following Mr. Schreyer's announcement, s u d d e n l y S600.000 became unavailable to the task force of business negotiating the sale for a community-run team. "lie (Schreyer) pulled the plug at the last moment," said Graham. "But that's yesterday's news. Now we're talking to the owners to sec if there is an alternate way to finance the purchase of the team."
Only on a "viable" basis w i l l the present owners agree to a sale, indicated Graham. Public investment is being considered as a means of raising capital to effect a,purchase. "We are trying to calculate whether there is enough support to qualify it," said Graham. "Are there enough people who will pay the price? And where does it stop?"
Over a cup of coffee in the Arena Wednesday afternoon six people signed pledges of $1.000 each to indicate their enthusiasm for public prescriptions. H a t s k i n said he would know "within a week" what the prospects were of effecting a sale locally. "You can't go public just like that" he said. "There is plenty of red tape. It takes time."
Councilor Ed Kotowich. a supporter of the city's decision to provide the loan and chairman of Ihe board of Winnipeg Enterprises, landlords of the Arena, expressed his disappointment in the Schreyer government's decision. "They promised . then hedged." said Kotowich, "I just don't understand it.
"II seems to me that if there is the possibility we'll lose the .lets, then i think they should become a little more involved than they are now." Kotowich is not a subscriber to the charge that Winnipeg is Canada's "sports cemetery." "This is not a bush leauge," he said, "but it's up to us and the province to help the community concept off the ground. The province benefits as much as us, if not more.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 5:06:22 GMT -5
Apr 27 1974
By PHILIP ANWYL
There can be little doubt channelling public funds into a professional sports operation is a questionable use of the taxpayer's dollar. But had the provincial government decided to match the City of Winnipeg's offer of a $300,000 interest-free loan and agreed to pick up a share of any deficit incurred by the Winnipeg Jets, it would not have been the first example of a public treasury being used for a dubious purpose, nor would it have been the last. In fact, when one puts into perspective the staggering rate of government spending at both the provincial arid municipal levels and looks at some of the so-called benefits derived from such expenditure, the proposal that taxpayers should finance the takeover of Winnipeg's World Hockey Association club doesn't seem totally unreasonable.
Today, the "what's a million?" philosophy is pretty well entrenched in the minds of governments. It's clearly reflected in the spending trends chartered by the provincial administration and the City of Winnipeg — and there's no indication the upward spiral is about to ease. As the public is gripped with a n inflationary psychology, . so government is gripped with a spending psychology.
In the light of this, a group of Winnipeg businessmen might well express surprise and disappointment that its bid for a provincial government loan to help Benny Hatskin's hockey team stay in Winnipeg has been turned down. A sum of 5300,000 represents peanuts by today's standards of excessive government spending. Winnipeg's civic leaders have already obliged, providing the government throws in its share, but have been let off the hook following Tuesday's announcement by Premier Schreyer that the government was not going to play ball.
There are no strong hopes that the City of Winnipeg will decide to increase its offer and fill the. gap left by the provincial government decision not to go along with the deal. Not every councillor was a fine Winnipeg patriot brimming with civic duty when so willingly and quickly okaying a $300,000 loan to the business group that plans to buy the Jets. There's a feeling that a few of those city leaders were engaged in a little act of political oneupmanship in that nothing would please them better than embarrassing the NDP administration. They succeeded. Premier Schreyer was put right on the spot. His refusal means the city can back out of the deal without losing face. It can point the accusing finger at the provincial government and say, "Look who drove the Jets out of Winnipeg. Not us, we were willing to put up our share of the money, but the NDP refused to go along with the deal."
In view of its past record, the provincial administration's attitude must strike many as a little strange. In fact, its annoyance that Broadway should also pick up part of the deficit the. Jets would almost certainly be incurring, appears almost absurd. There is one thing you can say for the provincial government — it has never been particularly bashful ia meeting the losses sustained by some of its disastrously costly ventures into the world of business. And pro sport is exactly that — a business and little else.
So far, the Manitoba government corporation, if one includes its rather "celebrated" adventure in the forestry business at The Pas, has sustained losses of approximately $200 million. Boiling it down to terms that the taxpayer can comprehend, these losses are the equivalent of $1 in every $5 the provincial government will be spending this year.
So what's all the fuss about a- $300,000 loan from the taxpayer? To the government the sum represents a drop in the bucket. What changed the mind of Premier Schreyer, who earlier reportedly aired a receptive view to the idea? Possibly pressure from some members of the NDP caucus who have never been - particularly sympathetic to anyone who happens to be reasonably well off. Mr. Hatskin, owner of the Jets, is reputed to be a millionaire, which are not the best of creditentials when your name crops up in the caucus room of the NDP. Mr. Hatskin paid $250,000 when he bought the WHA's Winnipeg franchise. Although the Jets have been financially a losing proposition in its two years of operation here, Mr. Katskin's losses will be more than made up if he sells the Jets. The franchise is worth anything up to $4 million — and that, in the eyes of many a good socialist, is an unconscionable profit.
Of course, this still doesn't answer the question — why shouldn't government back professional sport in the same way as public funds are used to subsidize the arts. After all, isn't a sports fan — and in numbers there's a lot more of them than lovers of . art — as much a taxpayer as followers of ballet or theatre? There can be no argument on that one but can one really make a true comparison on the merits of the arts and professional sport? Comparing the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and professional hockey seems a little like trying to compare Nijinsky's footwork with the knuckle exercises of the Philadelphia Flyers "goon squad." Mind you, A. J. Laebling came as close to a comparison of a kind when he observed if there were grounds for banning fighting there was just as good a case for banning ballet because it produced batty people like Nijinsky.
People who oppose the concept of taxpayers' money being channelled into professional sport do have a point. It is a questionable use of public funds but so is spending $170,000 on an obscure education program in the north which basically seemed to feature the political philosophy of Cy Gonick.
Winnipeg's WHA entry does have a few points in its favor, which might justify subsidization. It's estimated the province can claw back $200,000 a year in income taxes from the club's playing staff, but what might be one of the Jets' most telling advantages, is its status as the only institution in Winnipeg which can boast North American-wide popular recognition. This type of appeal serves as a useful publicity function to a city which is on the verge of entering the major leagues in the highly competitive convention business. And this aspect of the Jets will become more important should the WHA eventually achieve the status of the National Hockey League. The government's refusal might turn out to be a short-sighted decision — not to mention if its going to continue to spend money at the present dizzy rate Winnipeggers might feel the money better spent flying with the Jets rather than nose-dived into an aircraft plant that produces planes which nobody wants to buy.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 5:18:10 GMT -5
May 22 1974
Drive To Start To Keep Jets
By REYN DAVIS Free Press Staff Writer
Every Tom, Go Jets Go and Harry, Cora, Lil and Cynthia who has ever thought about owning a hockey club is going to have the chance to buy one. The Jets.
Since no other major league hockey club is publicly owned, it's difficult to determine how successful a drive to buy the Jets will he. If Tom's spare $100 or Cora's hidden S10 or Harry's free $1,000 can be pooled with whatever Go Jets Go, Cynthia and Lii arc w i l l i n g lo donate, maybe enough money can be raised by the general public to really make the Jets Winnipeg's.
As early as next week a campaign will be launched to pool private donations. Details will be a n n o u n c e d either Thursday or Friday. The present owners have had another offer to sell the Jets to interests outside the city, and, quite possibly, the country. Club president Ben Hatskin, the team's founder, and the Simldn family, co-owners of the team, have expressed a desire to sell the team locally and, preferably, to the community at large.
The price tag is $2.3 million. Present owners will not sell the club for less than $3.5 million to private concerns. Exactly how much must be raised by the fan on the street has not be established, although the figure is believed to be' in Ihe neighborhood of $300,000 . . . or 3,000 donalions of $100.
Already a group of more than 50 b u s i n e s s m e n has pledged an amount in excess of $300,000 . . probably closer to $400,000.
"We considered the response to the mail-in poll every encouraging," said Bob Graham. "There is a big build-up of interest in keeping the Jets. 1 think now is the time to go ahead and start collecting donations. "And if it doesn't go through we'll give it all back." Graham, president of a gas company, lias unselfishly devoted hours of Ills time to keep the campaign humming.
He lias been co-ordinating the drive and bucking the rebuffs ot politicians in the Legislature who turned down any loans of public money. "Although o u r committee now numbers well over 3,000, afler the mail-in poll, we have to act like dictators right now by making these plans." Nobody seems to be protesting. As long as something is. happening that can possibly keep this team in Winnipeg for years to come.
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Sjoberg Next Signing Jet?
W i n n i p e g Jets have called a press conference for Thursday afternoon and the speculation is,that another key member of the Swedish National hockey team will have been signed by then.
The man mentioned most frequently is Lars Sjoberg, a defcncemaii of the same stature and style as I'at Stapleton. Sjoberg was the only Swede named to the first all-star team at the world championships this spring in Helsinki, Finland.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 5:23:31 GMT -5
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1974
Full Throttle To Save Jets
A group of Winnipeg businessman attempting to co-ordinate public support for the purchase of Winnipeg Jets has been given until July 1 to raise the n e c e s s a r y money.
Team president Ben Hatskin said following a meeting with the group Thursday that the present owners of the club — himself and the Simkin family — have agreed to give the group another five weeks.
"I'm pretty sure they will be successful," Hatskin said, but added that if the group is not, the club will probably be sold to outside interests , . . such as Miami.
"I'm not prepared to say what will happen if the local group cannot come up with the money, but if they don't then the Jets could be long gone."
Bob Graham, spokesman for the local group, said he is confident they can raise $ 6 0 0 ,0 0 0 by the deadline. That would be sufficient for a down payment on the $2.3 million purchase. Businesses, some of which have already pledged their support, and private Individuals will be invited to help.
Graham said the group will conduct two basic campaigns to raise the funds. They will approach large businesses and individuals to try to obtain $1,000 "interest free founders' loans". "We will also go to the general public to sell membership shares," he said. "These will be $25 for individuals and $100 for families." For t h e s e membership shares there will be no financial return. "We'll accept any donation of any size," said Graham. "But we would expect to get donations of $25,000 from several companies."
Already an office has been opened in the Marlborough Hotel and there is a distinct possibility that the vacant Winnipeg Hydro Building on Portage Avenue .will also be put into service as a collection point in June. Graham believes it will be at least a week before the campaign can begin. Information brochures are being printed and newspaper ads will appear, explaining the program and asking support. Office equipment and staff will be donated by business firms.
Graham is optimistic the $ 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 figure can be reached. And he still holds hope the city will also agree to pitch in with the $300,000 It originally pledged. The provincial government's suggested role will he a lottery to provide a continuing source of income for years to follow
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 5:39:21 GMT -5
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 19:36:16 GMT -5
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1974
The Blitz is On The blitz campaign to keep the Jets in Winnipeg will get underway in earnest Monday . . . .The key people behind the drive to keep professional hockey here — Jim Burns, Bob Graham, Val Johnson, Nestor Swystun, Bill Shields and Art Coulter — are confident Winnipeggers will "rally to the $600,000" said public relations and advertising chairman Oscar Grubert, "so it all boils down to a case of put up or shut up" . . . Grubert and Bob Graham say at least $125,000 is needed from the "little guy" the fellow who can afford to give $25 for a subscribing membership certificate . . . "Their contribution is most important to the success or failure of the campaign", added Grubert, who feels Winnipeggers will come through with colors flying.. . . And so do we ... The Jets arc an important asset to the life of this city . . . If they should be lost, it's hardly likely we'll ever see professional hockey here again . . . And that would be a great, tragedy, for the caliber of hockey in the WHA is improving and will continue to do so in the next few years . . . Elsewhere on these pages today will be found a coupon carrying an advertisement ... Get the ball point in your hot little hands and fill it in ... Commit yourself for $25 bucks, or better still $100, 5500 or $1,000 if you can afford it.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 19:38:46 GMT -5
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1974
New Name For Knights
SAN DIEGO (AP) — New Jersey Knights of the World Hockey Association will be called San Diego Mariners next season. The new name was announced Friday by John Murphy, assistant general manager of the team, which is moving from the East Coast.
The colors of the Knights— royal blue, white and orange —will be retained. the Mariners is "an appropriate name for a team from San Diego, a great seaport," Murphy said.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 19:48:38 GMT -5
Friday June 7, J974
Punch Imlach: NHL Should Battle WHA With $$
TORONTO (AP) - The National Hockey League should take a "hard-nosed approach" to ils dealings with the rival World Hockey Assn., Punch Imlach, general manager of the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL, said Thursday.
He said he is annoyed with what he considers the NHL's overly-cautious approach with the WHA. "There is only one way to really hurt that outfit and that, is with money, big money," Imlach added.
He said the NHL should be going after big names — stars the WHA lured from the league. "If we approached a WHA' star, some NHL club would scream that we were tampering with someone whose rights it held." he said. The two leagues' don't offer much talent comparison, Imlach said,
"I watched the Toronto Toros beat the Cleveland Crusaders in a WHA playoff in Toronto and the next night I took in a New York Ranger- Montreal Canadian Stanley Cup playoff. There was no comparison. I don't think more than five players from the Toronto-Cleveland game could have made either the Rangers or Habs.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 19:57:01 GMT -5
MONDAY, JUNE 10, 1974
Two Wild-Card Teams To Make WHA Playoffs
RANCO LA COSTA, Calif. (CP) — World Hockey Association teams will adopt a three division format in the 1974-75 season.
The WHA's board of trustees, winding up their annual spring meeting Saturday, gave unanimous approval to two divisions of five teams and one of four. The two-year-old WHA expands to 14 from 12 teams next season with the addition of Phoenix and Indianapolis take active status. A 15th team, Cincinnati, will compete in 1975-76.
The re-structuring calls for an all-Canadian division consisting of Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Blazers, Winnipeg Jets, Toronto Toros and Quebec Nordiques. The West Division will be comprised of Houston A e r o s , Minnesota Fighting Saints, Phoenix Roadrunners, San Diego Mariners, formerly New Jersey Knights, and Michigan Stags, formerly Los Angeles Sharks. The East Division will consist of Chicago Cougars, Indianapolis R a c e r s , New England Whalers and Cleveland Crusaders.
President Dennis Murphy, a leading advocate of the three division concept, said that the two top teams in each division will qualify for the playoffs, along with two "wild-card" teams. "Innovation is the WHA's trademark" said Murphy. "We feel that our new playoff formula utilizing wild-card teams, as they do in the National Football League, will generate much additional incentive throughout the league and added interest among the fans." In the NFL, a team makes the playoffs with the next highest percentage to the first-place clubs. One club qualifies from each NFL conference.
Cincinnati will be placed in the East Division in 1975-76. The WHA also said it will experiment with the elimination of the centre red line during exhibition games. Teams will be permitted forward passing from their own zone to their opponent's blueline, and be permitted to clear the puck into the attacking zone once beyond their own blueline. New rules that will be put in force for the 1374-75 season concern the elimination of alternate captains and the dressing of a third goaltender during a game if one of the two prioi dressed netminders suffers an injury.
Only the learn captain will be permitted to -discuss an issue with the referee. He will be allowed to come off the bench and in the event the captain is not playing, the coach will delegate an acting captain before the game. 'All these rule innovations are designed to streamline the game," said Jack Kelly, general manager of the Whalers who serves as the rules committee chairman. "This business of a captain and his alternates arguing endlessly with game officials serves no purpose other than to drag games out."
While no definitive action wai taken toward future expansion Murphy said the WHA has received expansion application from groups in Miami, New York, Birmingham, Dallas-Fort Worth, Portland, Denver, Seattle, and New Orleans.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 20:06:27 GMT -5
Thursday. June 13,1974
Seattle, Denver Gain Teams In NHL
MONTREAL (AP) - Seattle and Denver were awarded National Hockey League franchises Wednesday, conditional on the two cities' ability to provide money and a home for the clubs
NHL President Clarence Campbell made the announcement just minutes before he began the expansion draft to stock new teams in Kansas City and Washington, scheduled to join the league this coming season.
The franchises will cost $6 million each, with an initial down payment of $185,000. A further payment of $750,000 must be made by each new franchise by the time its team is ready to play in the 1976-77 season, the NHL said.
However, Seattle Mayor Wes Uhlman said shortly after the announcement he would press for city ownership of the franchise. Uhlman said the move would represent "a departure from all previous precedent of the National Hockey League" Uhlman also had traveled to Montreal to seek an NHL franchise.
The granting of the franchises also is contingent on both cities supplying buildings that meet NHL requirements The Denver municipal arena seats 16,000, and the Seattle Center Coliseum will have a seating capacity of 14.750
The decision to add the two new teams was made at a morning meeting of the league's board of governors Under long-range expansion plans, the board had been faced with selecting two of three bids which had been submitted to it.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 20:12:51 GMT -5
FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1974
Mrs. Sifton's Purchase Emphasizes Jet Bargain
By REYN DAVIS Free Press Staff Writer Thursday's news that a Winnipeg businesswoman had purchased 25 per cent of the Vancouver Blazers' stock for $750,000, reinforced Oscar Grubert's belief that Winnipeg Jets are a bargain for $2.3 million. : . community style, that is.
Mrs. June Sifton, widow of the late John Sifton of the FP Publications newspaper chain, said her interest in investing in a h o c k e y team became aroused last winter when her name was linked to a group investigating the -purchase of Winnipeg Jets.
Grubert, public relations chairman for the Save The Jets campaign, said the money spent by Mrs. Sifton "bore out the fact that this franchise here in Winnipeg is worth a .lot of money." There is no doubt in 'my mind that this franchise could be sold to Miami or New Orleans interests for at least $3 million.
"What the present owners are offering us is a plum at a bargain basement price." A meeting of 'the campaign c o, m m i 11 e e Thursday dealt m a i n l y with the corporate fund-raising drive. Handsome promises h a v e been made by many firms but, before the promises can be turned into hard cash, many pledges must first be cleared by the companies' boards of directors.
Complicating the fact is that many head offices of major Winnipeg firms are located in Toronto and Montreal, where civic pride in the Jets is, quite naturally, minimal. Yet there have been encouraging reports that the campaign will be supported generously by businesses, small and large.
Manitoba credit unions have already raised $100,000 with their sights set on $300,000. Meanwhile, the $25 membership certificates keep pouring in.' to campaign headquarters in the Marlborough Hotel.
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Post by JETStender on Dec 30, 2008 20:28:45 GMT -5
THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1974 City Pledges Loan Would-Be Buyers Of Jets Receive $300,000 Promise By MIKE O'SHAUGHNESSY Free Press Urban Reporter Winnipeg city council has reaffirmed its decision to provide an interest- free loan of $300,000 to a citizens group attempting to buy the Winnipeg Jets hockey team. Council had approved the loan earlier this year on condition that the provincial government agree to provide a similar loan but, when the province decided not to participate, the loan was withheld. The decision was made at Wednesday's council meeting which was unofficially only eight minutes short of the record late closing time. It ended at 2:22 a.m. Thursday. The record is 2:30. The original recommendation lad sparked a long debate before it was approved but there was none at Wednesday's marathon meeting— possibly because it was past 2 a.m. Thursday when the motion was introduced. The motion to approve the loan, presented by Councillor Go Jets Go Wankling (Independent Citizens Election Committee — Fort Garry) specified three conditions on which it is to be made. They are: - That the group incorporate as a non-profit corporation (which it already has done).
- That it raise contributions from the private sector totaling not less than $600,000.
- That, in the event the franchise should be sold, transferred or merged in the future, "the total amount so advanced by the city shall be a first charge on the net proceeds of the sale and also that interest be payable from the date of advance of said loan at the
prime interest rate."
Coun. Wankling's motion had called on the group to raise o n l y $500,000 from private sources, but this was amended to $600,000 on a motion by Coun. Bob Bockstacl (ICEC - St. Boniface). The group is currently conducting a campaign to raise money for the purchase of the W o r 1 d Hockey Association team and has announced contributions to date in excess of $200,000. It has also received a pledge to raise another $300,000 from the province's 160 credit unions a n d expects to receive a n u m b e r of large donations from business firms before the campaign closes July 1 The group has been offered the club by its present owners, represented by Ben Halskin, for $2.3 million. Terms of the sale are that the group must nake a down payment ot $500,000 and pay the balance over the next seven years "at nine per cent simple interest." Approval of the loan by city council carried by a vote of 25 to 13. Voting in favor of it were councillors Michael Dennehy (ICEC — St. Boniface), Geoff Dixon (ICEC — Midland), Stan Dowhan (ICEC - East Kildonan), Al Ducharme (ICECSt. Vital), Harry Enns (ICEC — Fort Garry), Ken Galanchuk (ICEC - Lord Selkirk), William Hallonquist (ICEC — St. James-Assiniboia), Morris K a u f m a n (ICEC - Fort Houge), Adam Klym (New Democratic Party — Centennial), Bill McGarva (ICEC — Midland), P e a r l McGonigal ( I C E C — St. James-Assi n i b o i a ) , Doug McEwen ( I C E C — St. James-Assiniboia). Gerry Mcrcier (IGEC - Fort Garry), Jim Ernst (ICEC - St. James-Assiniboia), B i l l Norrie (ICEC — Fort Rouge), Roy Parkhill (ICEC - Assiniboine Park), Alfred Penner (ICEC — East Kildonan), W. II. (Bill) Sasaki (ICEC - West Kildonan), J im Smith (Independent — East Kildonan) Doug Slancs (ICEC — St James-Assiniboia), W a r r e n Steen (ICEC — Assiniboine Park), Wankling, June Westbury (ICEC — Fort Ilougc) Bob Wilson (ICEC — Midland) and Bcrnie Wolfe (ICEC - Transcona). Voting against the motion w e r e councillors Bockstael Robert G. Cartwright (NDP— St. Johns), Lawric Chcrniack (NDP— Centennial), Olga Fuga (ICEC — Lord Selkirk), Norm Hudson (Ind. — Lord Selkirk), R o b e r t Johannson (NDP — Fort Rouge), Don Perry (NDP — Transcona), Florence Pierce (ICEC — St. Vital), Phil Rizzuto (Ind. — 'ranscona), Alf Skowron (NDP — St. Johns), Robert Steen (ICEC—Midland), Alan Wade (NDP — Centennial), and Joe Zuken (Labor Election Committee, Communist — Lord Selkirk). Absent from the meeting or out of their seats when the vote vas called were councillors C. W. (Charlie) Baker (ICEC — Vest Kildonan), Al Coopman ICEC — Assiniboine Park), Joe Cropo (ICEC — St. Johns), C. John Gee (ICEC — St. Boniace), E. J. (Ed) Kotowich ICEC — St.' Boniface, Lomeeech (ICEC — St. Vital), George Munroe (Ind. — Cenlenninal), Rebchuk (Ind.— St. Johns), Eldon Ross I C E C — St. .1 a m e s - Assiniboina), Norm Stapon (ICEC— East Kildonan), and D. A. Abe) Yanofsky (ICEC — West Cildonan). Coun. Bob Taft (ICEC — Fort Rouge) was chairman of he meeting in the absence of Mayor Steve Juba and did not vote. However, he had shown his support for the motion by seconding it.
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