HECFI bids keep NHL dream alive
By Andrew Dreschel
The city has been down this road so many times, most of us are probably a little reluctant to even step off the porch let alone shuffle down the sidewalk again.
But the three entertainment titans who are among the six companies expressing interest in managing HECFI could keep Hamilton running up that NHL hill recurrently.
All three are offering to help get a franchise.
The consultants’ report outlining their interest, which will be presented to city councillors today, notes none of the big dogs are promising to snag an NHL team.
But all have stated their willingness to put their expertise and skills at the city’s disposal.
As skeptical as bruised Hamiltonians might be about the odds of cracking the big league lineup, the offer of such high calibre help shouldn’t be treated lightly.
Each of the three giant entertainment and event firms that want to operate the HECFI facilities — Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Place, Convention Centre — have strong links to the NHL, either through direct team ownership or operating NHL arenas.
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/colum...hl-dream-alive