Pens Tidbits

[SteelCityMan786]

Probably better, that way they don't have to worry about it till at least they do know if they have an arena no matter what or not.

[Petesburgh66]

Super Mario is super pissed

PITTSBURGH (CP-AP) - Owner Mario Lemieux says the Pittsburgh Penguins are finished with Jim Balsillie, criticizing the Canadian billionaire for backing out of a deal to buy the NHL team.

Balsillie, co-chief executive officer of BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd (TSX:RIM), was quoted over the weekend saying he still might try to purchase the team despite pulling the plug on his agreement Friday. But Lemieux says that won't happen.

''We were shocked and offended that Mr. Balsillie would back out of such an important deal at the last minute - and less than a week before a decision on the funding of a new arena that will have far-reaching implications on our franchise, our city and our region,'' Lemieux said in a statement Monday.

''As a result, we intend to retain Mr. Balsillie's deposit because we believe him to be in breach of our agreement. We can say unequivocally that the deal with Mr. Balsillie is dead.''

While one potential owner is gone, another buyer has appeared. Toronto brewery owner Frank D'Angelo officially declared his interest in the Penguins on Monday.

Confirming what he told The Canadian Press on Sunday, the president and CEO of Steelback Brewery and D'Angelo Brands issued a statement Monday saying he is putting together an offer for the Pens in the wake of the Balsillie deal falling through.

D'Angelo said former hockey legend Phil Esposito was to co-ordinate a meeting with Penguins president Ken Sawyer. D'Angelo also repeated he has no interest in moving the Penguins.

''Absolutely not,'' he said in the statement. ''Pittsburgh has a rich history of championship hockey with an established fan base in the world's premier league. This team isn't going anywhere.''

Balsillie's deal fell through, according to sources, due to his unhappiness with the NHL's conditions in the final sale agreement that would see him make every effort to keep the team in Pittsburgh.

D'Angelo, whose bid for a CFL franchise in Ottawa was recently turned down, says he and billionaire partner Barry Sherman were teaming up to make an offer.

This is a big week for the Penguins. Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., has promised to build a US$290-million arena to replace the 45-year-old Mellon Arena - at no cost to taxpayers or the team - if it obtains a slot machine licence from the state.

A decision on the licence is expected Wednesday. Isle of Capri is one of three bidders for the licence, the others being Detroit casino magnate Don Barden and Forest City Enterprises Inc. of Cleveland.

Both have said they'll contribute some money for a new arena over 30 years under a so-called ''Plan B'' being proposed by city and county officials that would include public funds. But that plan also calls for the Penguins to help pay for the arena.

D'Angelo told CP on Sunday that he and Sherman could build their own rink if Isle of Capri loses out on the slot machine licence, benefiting from the building's naming rights and supplying the beverages there.

If Isle of Capri doesn't get a slot-machine licence, Lemieux said Monday the Penguins would have to ''consider all of our options.''

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is also believed to have renewed interest in looking at the hockey club.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=188936&hubname=

Good riddance to Balsillie the weasel.

Heck, I live in Canada and there is no way I want the Penguins moved. Move one of the southern belt teams for all I care. They can't draw flies to crap.

[83-Steelers-43]

At this point, ANYBODY who's name pops up with this purchase will be looked at as a shady character.

Jesus Christ: I would like to buy the Penguins

Penguin fan: I don't know about this guy. What's he about? What are his motives? I don't know about this guy.

[Petesburgh66]

D'Angelo is a weird duck to begin with. His commericals done for his products in Canada prove that.

And Balsillie should have been red flagged a shady character to begin with. He has spent legal fees in the past to find a way to get a team into Canada and has also poked his nose into other teams in the NHL that are not finacially stable. The difference between those teams and the Penguins is Crosby and Malkin. A better chance of winning a cup with the Penguins in the near future than say the Panthers or Coyotes.

[SteelCityMan786]

Let Mark Cuban own the team. It would be great to have local ownership when Mario is gone.

[X-Terminator]

At this point in time, I could care less who decides to buy the team so long as they make a commitment to keeping the team here. That would also exclude Sam Fingold, who is also in the hunt. I had Balsillie pegged as a liar from day one - the man repeatedly lied over the summer when he said he wasn't interested in buying the Pens, and then all of a sudden, he became the front runner. That should have sent the alarm bells off right there that this guy was NOT on the up-and-up and had absolutely no intention of ever making a solid commitment to keeping the team here. Hey, if this D'Angelo guy wants the team, I'd be all for it - I believe him when he says he wants to keep the team here no matter what happens. Same goes for Murstein and especially Cuban should he throw his name in the hat again. Honestly, Cuban would be my preference as well - local ties, deep pockets, commitment to the city and a burning desire to win. Can't ask for more than that.

[83-Steelers-43]

Originally Posted by SteelCityMan786

Let Mark Cuban own the team. It would be great to have local ownership when Mario is gone.

For me, I've had it up to here with Mark Cuban. I honestly believe that weasel simply enjoys seeing his name in the paper and the signs inside Mellon Arena and PNC Park stating "Mark Cuban please save us".

Hopefully I'm not the only who finally sees through his pathetic attempts for attention. For us in Pittsburgh, do us a favor Mark................Open your mouth when the check is signed.

[skidboot]

The NHL doesn't want Balsillie to be owner of the team IMO.
Here....you can be owner of the Penguins BUT you have to do exactly what we say....
I'm sure he'll put up 175M under those conditions.

Harrah's....keep an eye on them. I think Harrah's has some inside track with Penn Gov't Officials.



Balsillie has wanted to get a team for awhile. Atlanta, Florida will be on his list.



The NHL will have THEIR guy take over the team.

[SteelCityMan786]

That might be the case skid.

[skidboot]

they better come up with more than 175M also.