ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, November 5, 1996 TAG: 9611050027
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-9 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press
CHARLOTTE HORNETS OWNER George Shinn wants to bring big-time hockey to Tidewater.
The hunt for a National Hockey League franchise in Hampton Roads is getting serious. Hockey backers have given the NHL a $100,000 non-refundable check in hopes of securing an expansion team.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and George Shinn, the owner of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, flew to New York City late Friday, where Shinn presented the check to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
``We are in the hunt for an expansion franchise with the National Hockey League,'' said Fraim.
Hampton Roads was among nine cities meeting Friday night's deadline for expansion applications for a team that will begin play in the 2000-2001 season. Also applying are ownership groups from Houston; Raleigh, N.C.; Columbus, Ohio; Portland, Ore.; Oklahoma City; Nashville, Tenn.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Atlanta.
The applicants will make their proposals to NHL owners Nov.13-14 in New York. Shinn said the Hampton Roads bid would be strengthened if fans start putting down deposits for season tickets.
``It will be up to the community,'' he said. ``If they want this and are excited about it and embrace it, then obviously it will send a real loud signal to the NHL.''
Shinn decided to support the Hampton Roads effort after he was rebuffed in his effort to represent Raleigh in the expansion race.
``Their biggest need here was an owner, and I'm one,'' said Shinn. ``It just seemed to fit.''
If a team does play in Hampton Roads, the area will have to build an arena.
The decision to apply for a franchise came as a surprise to Page Johnson and Mark Garcea, co-owners of the minor-league Hampton Roads Admirals of the East Coast Hockey League.
``I'm kind of shocked that it happened this quickly,'' said Garcea. ``It caught me off guard. I feel I could have raised the money to bring an NHL team here, but I don't think the market can support it.''
LENGTH: Short : 49 linesby CNB