Whitman Intervenes

Gov. Christie Whitman asked the owners of the New Jersey Devils to put a counteroffer on the table if they’re serious about negotiating a new lease and keeping the NHL team in the state.

The Devils on Wednesday rejected the latest lease offer from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

The Florida Panthers signed 1994’s top NHL draft pick Ed Jovanovski to a four-year deal. Jovanovski was charged last winter with sexual assault in Canada while playing in the minors.

He was charged with sexual assault of a 24-year-old woman. A preliminary inquiry is scheduled next week.

Rick Carriere signed a two-year contract to coach the Red Deer Rebels, general manager Wayne Simpson said. Carriere replaces Peter Aholt who resigned in March after three seasons as the coach.