Lightning to get new ownership

National Hockey League News

Aug 7, 2007, 15:30 GMT

Tampa, FL - The Tampa Bay Lightning announced Tuesday that Absolute Hockey Enterprises has put together a purchase and sale agreement with Palace Sports & Entertainment to buy the franchise.The sale, which is subject to approval by the National Hockey League Board of Governors, includes the franchise's lease agreement with Hillsborough County, owners of the St. Pete Times Forum.Absolute Hockey Enterprises includes co-chairman Doug MacLean, who has spent over two decades in the NHL as a head coach as well as a front office executive with several teams.'The Tampa Bay Lightning is one of the most exciting teams in the NHL and its future looks incredibly positive,' said MacLean upon making the announcement at a press conference. 'Having won the Stanley Cup in 2004 as part of a string of four consecutive postseason appearances with the same core of young, talented players, we see a very bright season in 2007-08 along with many more in succession. The fans in Tampa Bay are very knowledgeable and passionate about their team. We look forward to building upon the existing winning tradition while keeping the Lightning and its management team right where they belong, in Tampa.'MacLean, who guided Florida to the 1996 Stanley Cup Finals, most recently served as president and general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 1998 until he was fired this past April.'In transferring title of the team to Absolute Hockey, we are pleased to be turning the franchise over in a much better state than when we acquired it eight years ago,' said Tom Wilson, current chairman and governor of the Lightning. 'Thanks to a strong leadership group on and off the ice and the great fans of Tampa Bay, the Lightning continues to compete on the ice at the very highest level, making the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, while improving the business side on a regular basis.'Tampa Bay captured the Stanley Cup in 2004.© 2007 The Sports Network

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