tagged w/ franchise relocation
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Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsillie has tried like hell to purchase an NHL franchise and relocate it to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He had sights on the Nashville Predators, he had interest in teh Pittsburgh Penguins and most recently and publicly -- he had all intentions to purchase and relocate the Phoenix Coyotes from Glendale, Arizona to Hamilton.
Jim's made enemies along the way, though, with his hardline tactics. Those enemies include a majority of the owners in the NHL. Instead of willingly going through the process of becoming an owner -- Balsillie has repeatedly tried to force his way onto the scene.
That's what makes the comments from San Jose Shark's co-owner Kevin Compton so interesting.
"Jim loves hockey. Jim's got a lot of money. Jim's got a lot of passion." Compton said he was "100%" certain Balsillie will be an NHL owner in the future. When asked why the owners were locking out Balsillie, he said he did not know. He added, "Owners aren't."Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsillie has tried like hell to purchase an NHL franchise... more
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