"The NHL is praising the lease agreement between Chicago investor Matthew Hulsizer and the city of Glendale, saying it will "finally lead to a transition of ownership of the Phoenix Coyotes." The city announced Friday that it had reached an agreement in principle with Hulsizer on a new lease for the team to play in the Jobing.com Arena. "It has always been the league's objective to secure ownership that will ensure the Coyotes' long-term future in Glendale," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement issued by the league. "And consummation of the proposed transaction will achieve that." The league bought the team out of bankruptcy more than a year ago and has said all along that a new lease was essential if the team were to stay in Arizona. "We are very pleased that the parties appear to have reached an agreement that will finally lead to a transition of ownership of the Phoenix Coyotes," Daly said. "... We look forward to working closely with the Hulsizer group and moving quickly toward the conclusion of this process." Hulsizer was en route to Arizona, where the Coyotes play their home opener on Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings. His spokesman, Judson Just, said Hulsizer "looking forward to seeing a great game tonight," but had no further comment beyond what the league and city had said." http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coy...hoenix-coyotes-lease-will-lead-sale-team.html
