Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont used the Arizona Coyotes’ setbacks to encourage a Hartford Whalers return.
In an interview with the News 8 WTNH network, the politician revealed that he had contacted National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner Gary Bettman to let him know that he had put together an investor group that was willing to support the Youtes to buy.
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“I’m working hard on it,” Lamont said. I spoke to Gary Bettman. Currently, the Coyotes have no option to play permanently. So they try to find a solution. Connecticut is definitely on their radar. We love hockey here.”
“There are a lot of ideas in the air,” he added to his interview with the commissioner. I had to tell him that this place is passionate about ice hockey. You don’t have to subsidize this team, people will love it.”
The future of the Coyotes in Arizona was shattered in May when the people of Tempe rejected in a referendum a proposed plan for the development of a new district that would include a new arena for the NHL club.
Prove yourself
Founded in 1972, the Whalers played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) until 1979 and then joined the NHL. The franchise moved to Raleigh and became the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997.
According to Lamont, Connecticut needs to do its homework to find an NHL team.
“We have to prove ourselves,” he said. We have to show that we can sell the luxury suites, we have to show that we have a group of buyers who want to make a difference. We also need to prove that we’re willing to modernize the XL Center to ensure it’s NHL-ready. I think we can do those three things.”
In addition, the governor recalled that his government already has an $80 million project to redevelop the XL Center. However, he said that was not enough to attract the Bettman scene.
“It’s enough to start, it’s enough to build simple luxury suites. To reach NHL standards, it would cost a lot more.”
Located in Hartford, the sports hall can currently accommodate up to 16,294 spectators. Here is Wolf Park, the farm club of the New York Rangers of the American Hockey League.