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Old Posted Jun 24, 2013, 2:20 PM
thistleclub thistleclub is offline
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NHL says Markham got incorrect info and league hasn’t endorsed arena promoter
(Toronto Star, Tony Van Alphen, Jun 24 2013)

Markham council received inaccurate information in a secret meeting that bolstered the credibility of the controversial promoter of its $325-million proposed arena and chances of an NHL franchise, according to the league.

Minutes of a private council meeting show councillors saw documents of a “confidential nature” and other reports, including one from Mayor Frank Scarpitti, two months ago that upheld the business integrity of promoter Graeme Roustan.

The minutes, obtained by the Star, also say Roustan was a finalist in bidding for the Montreal Canadiens in 2009 and someone with the right connections to secure a franchise for the 20,000-seat arena project.

But a senior NHL official and a top sports industry source are questioning the information, which suggested Roustan is a player in the hockey world who has influence with league commissioner Gary Bettman.

Frank Brown, group vice-president of media relations for the NHL, said the league and Bettman have never endorsed Roustan as a franchise owner or indicated any positive view about a second NHL club in the Toronto area market.

“In summary, insofar as these minutes refer to the league and to the commissioner, we do not believe they are accurate,” said Brown.
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