Smaller Markets In Nhl Have Hope

Some small-market NHL franchises in Canada may benefit under a program proposed Friday at the league’s owners meetings.

“It’s a joint partnership,” commissioner Gary Bettman said. “If the team is going to get the support it needs from the local community, the league is going to help do its share to try and keep the smaller revenue generating clubs in Canada in their markets.”

With the Canadian dollar worth about 74 U.S. cents and salaries set by the U.S. market, the issue is of vital importance to franchises such as Edmonton and Calgary.

The move of Quebec to Colorado and the proposed move of Winnipeg to Phoenix illustrates the dilemma some of the Canadian teams are facing.

“Basically, we are creating a framework where we believe that there will be some assistance to certain eligible Canadian teams to deal with currency problems,” Bettman said.

The exact details of the proposal may be voted on as early as next week by teleconference. The uncertain future of the Florida Panthers also was addressed. With rumors that the Panthers will be sold and moved to Nashville, Tenn., a recent proposal to build an arena in Sunrise, west of Fort Lauderdale, has attracted the interest of Panthers owner H. Wayne Huizenga.

“The people in Sunrise and Broward County are trying to see if there’s a package that they can put together that will get a building built in a time-frame that is quick and certain so that the Panthers will have a suitable home to play in,” Bettman said.

The proposed sale of the Dallas Stars to Tom Hicks and the relocation of the Stars to Arizona is expected to be approved when owners meet Jan. 19.