Matthew Hulsizer close on deal with Phoenix Coyotes
Chicago based businessman Matthew Hulsizer is close to closing a deal with the Nation Hockey League and the city of Glendale, which would make him the owner of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Although the deal is not yet done, it is the closest thing the team has had to a prospective owner since Ice Edge Holdings backed out in the summer.
The NHL has made it clear that the deal is not yet completed, but the three parties are moving towards an agreement. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke about the possible sale of the club, stating. “We’re moving toward an agreement, which we’re hopeful
can be concluded relatively quickly. The next step will be proceeding to the NHL ownership approval process. We are hopeful this represents the beginning of the end of this long process, which if successfully completed, will ensure the long-term future of
the Coyotes in Glendale.”
The Coyotes have had a tumultuous year off the ice, as various ownership groups have come forward with the intent to purchase the club, only to back away at the last minute. The club is currently owned by the League and operating under heavy losses. The
NHL has agreed to keep the team in Glendale for one more year while the city council searches for an appropriate owner. Unfortunately, time is running out for the Phoenix suburb and Hulsizer may very well be their last option.
Recently the Coyotes have been successful on the ice, but have still had a great deal of trouble attracting fans to their building. Last season the Coyotes made the play-offs but still averaged a League low in attendance per game, coming in at just under
12,000. If this trend continues it will be hard for anyone to keep the Coyotes in Arizona much longer.
The NHL, Glendale and Hulsizer have not written up an agreement, leading many to speculate that a deal will not be in place until at least late November.
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