Balsillie's focus turns to family, company
October 02, 2009
Ken Peters
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/645926
Jim Balsillie is out of the Hamilton hockey market.
A Balsillie spokesperson told The Spectator yesterday the Waterloo billionaire is stepping back from his National Hockey League pursuits to focus on his Research In Motion business.
"He and his family have been through a lot, and his choice now is for a graceful exit," said Bob Reid. "This path has come to an end, and he's going to move forward managing one of the world's most successful businesses.
"Never say never again ... but certainly (it's) the end of this effort and for the foreseeable future."
He said Balsillie was in Hamilton Wednesday night shortly after a court rejected his bid to buy and relocate the Phoenix Coyotes to Hamilton. He was at the Tragically Hip concert at Hamilton Place.
Meanwhile, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said that while there is league interest in the Hamilton market, the league is not planning to make any moves.
"We are always interested in areas and markets that are excited to support NHL hockey. And we have little doubt that Hamilton is one of them. Hamilton and the southern Ontario region will continue to be on our radar screen, but we remain committed to our current markets.'"
Balsillie's pursuit of the Coyotes closed when an Arizona bankruptcy court rejected his $242.5-million bid.
Balsillie announced immediately he would not appeal the decision.
Balsillie was rejected by the NHL in 2006 and 2007 in his bids to secure and relocate the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators here. The latest round included the NHL directly attacking his character and integrity.
Richard Powers, associate dean and executive director of the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, believes it's three strikes and out for Balsillie.
"Yes (Balsillie is out of the game). As long as (Gary) Bettman is there," said Powers of the NHL commissioner, who has been personally critical of the prospective Hamilton owner.
Mayor Fred Eisenberger was hoping to have a private chat with Balsillie yesterday to thank him for his efforts on the city's behalf.
Eisenberger acknowledged he will try to convince the publicity shy Balsillie to attend a public function in the city to give Hamilton hockey fans a chance to show their support and appreciation for his efforts to bring a team here.
Balsillie's lease pact for Copps Coliseum is set to expire in two weeks. Eisenberger said once that happens, he will begin working the phones in a bid to attract another NHL suitor. He also believes Balsillie has left Hamilton as the focus for a future franchise.
"I have no doubt about that. There have been other suitors that we have had discussions with. We know there is interest and we will continue to pursue that interest.
"I think Jim's work in terms of highlighting the viability of hockey in this market and the interest of hockey in this market indicates people are very excited about this opportunity and would support a team coming to Hamilton. I think he has done a spectacular job and service to our community."
Indeed, the NHL acknowledged during the five-month bankruptcy hearing that a Hamilton team would be the fifth best in terms of league marketability and would be successful.
Powers agrees Balsillie's efforts have put a second Greater Toronto Area team on the league radar.
"I think the case has been made. The case is there. There is a very strong market here, the research, everything suggests that southern Ontario, whether it's Hamilton or Toronto, can and will eventually support another team."
Powers also believes the chances of Hamilton landing a franchise are 50-50. The lack of a corporate base here hurts the chances. And the second obstacle is the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"They still hold out that they have the veto," Powers said. "It certainly has to be a factor. Everyone has been silent about it."
Powers noted Ottawa Senators' owner Eugene Melnyk suggested recently he believes a Leafs' veto is in effect.
Richard Peddie, president of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment Ltd., was unavailable for comment yesterday.
But the NHL has contended that no individual team owns a veto.
"Let's get that issue on the table," Powers said.
Powers said the City of Hamilton must avoid making disparaging remarks about the NHL while signalling to potential investors that the Copps Coliseum doors will soon be open for business.
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But I'll still take the Leafs for now. I don't want to. I'd much rather have a better team, and a local team. But that's the choice I have, and with the Leafs at least I'm screaming at the TV every two minutes instead of every thirty seconds...
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