Hamilton’s hockey future determined by end of week

The future of the NHL in Hamilton will have to wait until the end of the week.

Arizona bankruptcy judge Redfield Baum informed a packed courtroom early June 9 that a decision on whether Research In Motion co-CEO Jim Balsille can purchase the Phoenix Coyotes for $212.5 million, then relocate the franchise to Hamilton would be made later in the week.

Court also inadvertently heard that the NHL, after meeting June 8 to ponder Mr. Balsillie’s application to purchase the Coyotes, would charge the billionaire $100 million in a relocation fee.

Judge Baum indicated he would consider mediation so both sides could agree on an “indemnity fee” for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL. The mediation deadline would be prior to the June 22 auction, set by Judge Baum in an earlier court ruling.

Judge Baum, during the first part of the hearing which lasted for nearly four hours, grilled the Coyotes majority owner Jerry Moyes’ lawyer, the NHL’s representative and Mr. Basillie’s representative over anti-trust legislation, and whether or not the money-losing Coyotes can be moved.

He indicated the NHL’s constitution may not violate the U.S.’s anti-trust legislation. But he also stated that the NFL’s Baltimore Colts’ departure to Indianapolis did not hurt the NFL.

The NFL, the NBA and MLB have all filed a legal brief supporting the NHL against relocation.
Attorney’s for Mr. Moyes argue that Mr. Balsillie’s offer provides the most benefit to the team’s creditors, and that the application for ownership and relocation meets all NHL rules.