Phoenix Beckons Jets

The prospective new owners of the Winnipeg Jets made it official, signing a binding letter of intent to move the NHL franchise to Phoenix for the 1996-97 season.

BG Hockey Ventures is buying the team for a minimum $65 million. The deal is to close in July, at the end of the current season, leaving Manitoba taxpayers to pick up losses estimated at $25 million for this season.

Coach Mike Milbury was appointed general manager of the New York Islanders. Milbury succeeds Don Maloney, who was fired Dec. 2. Darcy Regier had served as acting GM following Maloney’s dismissal.