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Wednesday, June 18, 1997

Houston loses out on NHL bid

By MICHAEL LUTZ / AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) - Houston was passed over Tuesday in its bid for an NHL expansion franchise, but the owner of the city's minor-league hockey team says he isn't giving up.

Aeros owner Chuck Watson, who bid for an expansion team with his business partner Bob McNair, said their efforts to bring major-league hockey to Houston will depend on a November referendum. Mayor Bob Lanier is seeking voter approval for a new arena for the NBA Houston Rockets and an NHL franchise.

"If the city doesn't support a new arena, it is like saying the Rockets can leave in 2003 and that they aren't interested in hockey or basketball in Houston," Watson said.

The Rockets have a lease to play in The Summit through 2003. The International Hockey League Aeros currently play there.

The NHL on Tuesday tentatively approved expanding to Nashville, Tenn.; Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio; and Minneapolis-St. Paul in the next four years. Houston and Oklahoma City lost out.

"There were three issues the NHL looked out with reference to expansion: ownership, the location and the state of an arena," McNair said. "The NHL was very satisfied with Chuck and I as owners and they certainly are interested in the Houston market, but the issue of an arena was a concern."

Watson said the NHL wanted a "firm commitment" on a new arena.

"They had commitments from four other cities that were not contingent on a referendum at a later date to provide a new arena," he said.

Rockets owner Les Alexander has been strongly opposed to sharing a new arena on an equal basis with the hockey franchise.

Last week, he said he was trying to buy the financially troubled Edmonton Oilers and move them to Houston.

Lanier said he would press forward despite the NHL decision.

"We'll keep the process going to see if we can't find an agreement between Alexander and Watson that will allow for both the hockey and basketball franchise to occupy the arena," Lanier said.

Watson said he's going to keep trying.

"We have every indication from the NHL that the league is supportive of Houston's efforts to bring the NHL to the city and will be supportive of our efforts to pursue other options," Watson said.

"Over the next couple or three months, we will be actively looking at opportunities," he said. "It would be bad for Houston not to continue with its plans for a new arena." Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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