HAMILTON - Jim Balsillie today issued the following statement with regard to NHL motions filed in a Phoenix bankruptcy court:

"My response to the NHL motion, will be made in the appropriate forum at bankruptcy court for consideration by Judge Baum. I continue to respect the court process leading to Tuesday's scheduled hearing," Mr. Balsillie said.

"I can tell you this. I made a generous good faith offer to buy the Coyotes from Jerry Moyes, who I understand is the owner of the Coyotes. Who owns or controls the team is a distinction without a difference. The team itself is still bankrupt, voluntarily or not. The owner of the team has a fiduciary obligation towards the creditors."

"My offer, which goes the furthest in satisfying creditors' claims, is still the same. It's $212 million to buy the Coyotes and bring them to the best un-served hockey market in the world in Southern Ontario. We look forward to discussing this no matter what the outcome on May 19th."

"At the end of the day, this is about the passion Canadians feel for the game of hockey and a chance to provide those fans with the opportunity to support a seventh NHL team. That's what this is all about, great hockey fans in a great hockey market."

Statement on Copps Coliseum NHL Lease Option

HAMILTON - There are several points regarding the Copps Coliseum lease option arrangement that the Hamilton NHL bid team (Mr. Balsillie) wishes to clarify.

"I am investing nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in buying an NHL team to bring to Hamilton, and then will invest even more getting the team up and running and making it an eventual Stanley Cup winner," said Jim Balsillie.

"That's my dream and the dream of a lot of fans in southern Ontario. Yesterday we took a big step towards that dream because we got approval for a lease option of up to 32 years to rent space and play in the arena owned by the City of Hamilton, locking in our commitment to that city" he added.

- At no time will Jim Balsillie request government infrastructure funds for Copps Coliseum or an NHL franchise.

- Copps Coliseum remains a city owned facility and as such the City of Hamilton is responsible for upkeep.

- Mr. Balsillie is not going to ask for nor accept any tax dollars whatsoever in operating subsidies.

- Mr. Balsillie does not have a "lease but no NHL team." Mr. Balsillie has agreed with the City on an exclusive "lease option." Should his bid to purchase the Coyotes succeed, he would exercise the lease option and only at that point would the actual lease be in place.

- Should Mr. Balsillie exercise the lease option he would fund the immediate Phase I renovations required to prepare Copps Coliseum as home to an NHL franchise.