The Phoenix Coyotes are involved in a messy court battle over team ownership. The team originally owned by a group, which, included Gretzky, and Jerry Moyes was recently put up for sale. Canadian billionaire Jim Balsille made a deal Moyes to buy the team after they claim bankruptcy and move them to Hamilton. The NHL (National Hockey League) has been fighting Balsillie, and has put in an offer to buy the team, and keep it in Phoenix for one year.
Dave Tippett To Replace Gretzky as Head Coach
Media reports say Dave Tippett will replace Gretzky. Tippett has six years previous head-coaching experience with the NHL’s Dallas Stars. Over the course of those six years, his teams never finished below the break-even point of .500, and finished three seasons with more than 95 points. His assistants are said to be Dave King, and former Phoenix goalie Sean Burke.
Gretzky released a statement blaming the team’s ownership situation. In excerpts published on TSN.CA he said: “Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don’t fit into their future plans, I approached General Manager Don Maloney and suggested he begin looking for someone to replace me.” This ends a four-year stint behind the bench for Gretzky, in which he racked up a less than stellar record of .473. The team never made the playoffs with Gretzky behind the bench.
NHL (National Hockey League) Commissioner Gary Bettman was surprised by Gretzky’s resignation. In remarks published on espn.ca he said he hoped Gretzky’s departure wouldn’t be necessary: “I respect his decision but we hoped that wouldn’t be necessary.” Wayne Gretzky joined the team as a managing partner in 2000. He was named head coach five years later, and signed a five-year deal to become coach, as well as serving as the team’s alternate on the NHL’s Board of Governors.
Balsillie Revises Offer, Agrees To Keep Team In Phoenix For One Year
Canadian Billionaire Jim Balsillie has agreed to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix for one year. This is considered a major change for the Research-In-Motion co-founder because he has wanted to immediately move the team to Hamilton Ontario.
Phoenix suburb Glendale, home to the Coyotes’ arena, has sided with the league so far. Balsille’s revised offer includes what is termed in court papers as a $50 million insurance policy. $25 million will be given to the city up front, with the rest coming if Balsillie gets the team. The move is designed to help sell tickets, a task that because of the current instability is near impossible.
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