Winnipeg group looks for gov't help in scoring NHL team

The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, May 18, 2011 9:56AM EDT

WINNIPEG - A Winnipeg newspaper says a group that wants to bring NHL hockey back to the city is looking to the Manitoba government for financial help in carrying out its game plan.

The Free Press says True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd. wants the province to help manage the debt load it carries on the downtown MTS Centre in order to free up money for a possible relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers.

It's not known if the request for assistance involves a low or no-interest loan.

Premier Greg Selinger is not commenting on the matter and his officials have said the deal between True North and the Thrashers is a private business matter.

Previous reports have indicated True North is negotiating with the Thrashers' ownership group to purchase the team and move it to Winnipeg.

Private-sector investors put up $93 million and the province, city and federal government contributed more than $40 million for MTS Centre, which opened in the fall of 2004.

Photos

A child holds up a sign during the first period of the pre-season NHL game between Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks in Winnipeg on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)

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