Reaction to News That Coyotes Are Staying

It happened after the work day was over for most of us, but Judge Redfield T. Baum ruled yesterday the proposed sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie was not possible by Balsillie’s imposed deadline of June 29.

So, the Coyotes are staying. At least for now. NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly issued the following statement last night:

"We’re pleased the Court recognized the validity of League rules and our ability to apply them in a reasonable fashion. We will turn our attention now toward helping to facilitate an orderly sales process that will produce a local buyer who is committed to making the Coyotes’ franchise viable and successful in the Phoenix/Glendale area. We are confident that we will be able to find such a buyer for the Coyotes and that the claims of legitimate creditors will be addressed." —NHL.com

Coyotes president and chief operating officer Doug Moss held a press conference last night at Jobing.com Arena regarding the team’s future in the Valley. Watch it below.

Meanwhile, north of the border, the folks in Hamilton are feeling like bridesmaids again. Not so fast, Balsillie and his lawyer say. Richard Rodier says he expects Balsillie to file a new motion to buy the team and move them to Southern Ontario.

The Canadian Press video showing Balsillie’s feelings on the matter can be seen here.