Skip to content

Manitoba studies bid to aid NHL team

The return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg hinges on a financial assist from the Manitoba government, according to a report in the Winnipeg Free Press.

WINNIPEG — The return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg hinges on a financial assist from the Manitoba government, according to a report in the Winnipeg Free Press.

True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd., which owns the MTS Centre, is reportedly looking to the province to help it manage the debt load it carries on the downtown arena in order to free up money to help pay for the relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg.

A source told the Free Press that request from True North is being studied by the province and will in all likelihood be accepted. The value of the request, or if it involves a low or no-interest loan, is not known.

Premier Greg Selinger has reportedly declined to comment on the matter and his officials have said the deal between True North and the Thrashers is a private business matter.