Oilers' brass visit to Seattle causes uproar in Edmonton
SEATTLE -- The Great One nearly caused a great panic.
Top brass from the Edmonton Oilers, including Wayne Gretzky, held court in a luxury suite at CenturyLink Field during "Monday Night Football," and fueled speculation they want to bring their team to Seattle.
Team President Patrick LaForge wouldn't answer direct questions about the future of the franchise, but would only tell KOMO 4 his opinion about Seattle: "I love it. It's a beautiful city."
The video spread through Canada and prompted exasperation from Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "They have a right to do what they're going to do. We hope that we're in the process of trying to negotiate something," he said.
Katz and the team recently asked the city for more support with taxpayer-funded subsidies. Mandel set a firm deadline for Oct. 17, hoping to get a full presentation and explanation from Katz about the future of the franchise.
In Seattle, SoDo arena developer Chris Hansen closed escrow on another piece of property near the arena site. A 26,000 square feet, $3.2 million paper warehouse could become a parking garage just south of Holgate on 1st Avenue. Tuesday's investment now puts Hansen's land total at more than $53 million.
Top brass from the Edmonton Oilers, including Wayne Gretzky, held court in a luxury suite at CenturyLink Field during "Monday Night Football," and fueled speculation they want to bring their team to Seattle.
Team President Patrick LaForge wouldn't answer direct questions about the future of the franchise, but would only tell KOMO 4 his opinion about Seattle: "I love it. It's a beautiful city."
The video spread through Canada and prompted exasperation from Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "They have a right to do what they're going to do. We hope that we're in the process of trying to negotiate something," he said.
Katz and the team recently asked the city for more support with taxpayer-funded subsidies. Mandel set a firm deadline for Oct. 17, hoping to get a full presentation and explanation from Katz about the future of the franchise.
In Seattle, SoDo arena developer Chris Hansen closed escrow on another piece of property near the arena site. A 26,000 square feet, $3.2 million paper warehouse could become a parking garage just south of Holgate on 1st Avenue. Tuesday's investment now puts Hansen's land total at more than $53 million.
The NHL and NBA have never been of real interest to me .I've watched a few big games and playoffs over the years. When I lived in Georgia. We had WGN so I followed the Bulls . I also watched a few Blachkawk games.
I so hope we have three sports venues within walking distance from the ferry in the next few years.
I don't see it happening with the Oilers. It would be great, but probably not likely.  I really do hope the NHL comes to town. What would we name them????  I would love to see the Thunderbirds on an NHL jersey
 @BornAndRaisedInWA ???? What would we name them??? I would hope that we look to our history & heritage. Seattle already has a team engraved on Lord Stanley's Cup. The 'Metropolitans,' http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Metropolitans
Though I prefer the Totems (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_Totems) for a team name.
@Honario @BornAndRaisedInWA Except "Metropolitans" doesn't make much sense or have much of a ring to it in this day and age. "Totems" just doesn't evoke a sporting vibe. It's a bit of a dull name, to be honest. "Thunderbirds" sounds great for hockey.
I have a feeling that this was sole done to "motivate" Edmonton to work somewhat harder & faster to get an arena deal done. Nothing to see here folks, this team is not coming to Seattle.
 @path_tech It has to be plan A for sure.  If it doesn't get them what they want in Edmonton maybe Seattle is plan B though, they have a very good young team.  Just not sure the owner wants to sell the team, could he work out something with Hansen to own the NHL team separate of his group.
 @path_tech Most likely but you never know. Maybe Edmonton will say screw you eh.
Suck it, Edmonton. Maybe you should have built that stadium...