The ownership group trying to bring an NHL expansion team to Seattle got one step closer to its goal when the league’s board of governors’ executive committee recommended proceeding with Seattle’s application. The only step remaining is a vote by the other owners, that will take place Dec. 3-4 when they meet at St. Simon’s Island, Georgia.
To gain approval, Seattle only needs 24 of 31 yes votes. After making its case in New York City on Tuesday, and gaining the endorsement of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, it seems like a mere formality.
“The notion is to have the board vote on expansion,” Bettman said. “And assuming, as I think everybody is, that it would be approved – I don’t want to be presumptuous of the board’s prerogative – but everything seems to be on track.”
Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, who along with members of the ownership group, Oak View Group, made a presentation to the nine-member executive committee, was optimistic about the city’s chances.
“I’m very confident we’re going to be able to move forward and get what we need from the NHL and the team and stick to the schedule so we have hockey in 2020,” Durkan said. “They know we want it in 2020 and (the league would) like to have it in 2020, too, if we get the team.”
Rush to Meet Deadline
The start date for the new Emerald City hockey team seems to be the only sticking point. The league, as well as the ownership group, want to start by the 2020 season.
In order for that to happen renovations to the proposed team’s home would have to be completed in less than two years. Oak View has said making Key Arena, where the NBA’s Supersonics played until they moved to Oklahoma in 2008, hockey ready, would cost an estimated $700 million. The city council approved the plans last December.
Oak View is comprised of longtime sports executive Tim Leiweke, investment banker David Bonderman, and Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer. Leiweke’s brother, Tod, is CEO of the team.
Why NHL Will Approve
Having another team in the Pacific time zone makes sense for several reasons. First, it balances the Western Conference and Eastern Conference with 16 teams apiece.
Secondly, it will provide a close rival for neighboring Vancouver, cutting down on the Canucks travel. Vancouver owner Francesco Aquilini told ESPN he welcomes the idea of the new team.
“It looks good,” Aquilini said. “It’s exciting. We want a team in Seattle. It’s great for Vancouver. It’s great for the league. It’s eventually going to happen. Key Arena is going to be built. So I think it’s imminent.”
Name Game
No word yet on what the team will be called, though one internet sportsbook was offering odds on the team’s moniker. The Emeralds was the favorite at 9/2. The Totems were next at 6/1 and the Raineers were third at 13/2.
The city had a minor league hockey team from 1958 to 1975 called the Totems. It was a nod to the area’s Native American population, but some have called a totem pole an offensive symbol to the indigenous people.
Gov. Jay Inslee could have possibly leaked out the team’s name. In talking about a high-speed rail project the governor could have let it slip, or it is just a ruse to keep fans guessing.
“We cannot wait to get on a high-speed rail line to come up and have the greatest hockey rivalry in North America, which is the Seattle Totems versus the Vancouver Canucks,” Inslee said in a statement.