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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Backers of NHL team in Seattle hope for decision in June

This computer drawing provided by the Oak View Group shows the planned appearance of the interior of a remodeled KeyArena in Seattle. (Associated Press)
By Gene Johnson Associated Press

SEATTLE – Famous supporters trying to bring professional hockey to Seattle say they hope to hear in June whether their application for an expansion team succeeds.

Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, billionaire David Bonderman and Oak View Group Chief Executive Tim Leiweke spoke with reporters in a series of interviews Wednesday. The interviews came before Thursday’s launch of a season-ticket deposit drive meant to demonstrate fan interest in a hockey franchise.

It was the first time Bruckheimer and Bonderman have publicly discussed their interest in bringing a team to Seattle.

They say the city deserves one: It’s been more than a century since the old Seattle Metropolitans won the Stanley Cup and a decade since Seattle’s last major men’s professional winter sports franchise, basketball’s SuperSonics, bolted for Oklahoma City.