The Cincinnati Gardens has reached a ''deal in principle,'' with the American Hockey League's Baltimore Bandits to play there next season, a league source has told The Enquirer.
AHL Commissioner Dave Andrews said Thursday he has no request from Baltimore for a transfer, the first step in any move.
And before Cincinnati becomes the battleground between pro hockey's two Triple A leagues - the new AHL franchise and the International Hockey League's Cyclones - the Gardens and owner Jerry Robinson must pass muster.
Robinson's ownership group must provide information that includes financial records from the past three to five years, and the league has to evaluate the arena.
Approval of three-fourths of the AHL's 18 teams is needed before for a move.
The club must also work out a financial arrangement with a National Hockey League affiliate.
Coincidentally, next year marks the 25th anniversary of the Cincinnati Swords' AHL championship.
Robinson refused to confirm or deny the deal, or disclose partners.
''I can't say anything until about
the middle of March,'' Robinson said. ''We are an impeccable group. No one's been indicted for a felony. What I'm telling you is we have good people. We have impeccable finances.''
With 13 teams in Canada, New England and upstate New York, it's questionable whether the AHL has the stomach for more travel. But there is a team in Lexington, Ky., a bus trip away.
Ed Anderson, CEO of the Providence, R.I., Bruins and member of the AHL's executive committee, said he would like to see a team in Cincinnati.
''I can't speak for the other members, but I don't see a problem,'' Anderson said. ''From a geographic standpoint, Cincinnati is a (flying) hub and bus to Lexington.''
Another obstacle could be the finances of the Bandits, top farm club of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. They have not only been miserable on the ice at 18-30-7, but also at the gate. Sources say attendance is between 2-3,000 per game and the club is financially unstable. It's unclear whether Robinson would have to pick up a debt, if any.
Bandits' owner Mike Caggiano has not returned calls to The Enquirer. Sources say he has been working with a skeleton staff as he prepares to bring an East Coast Hockey League team into the Baltimore area.
The AHL source said the Gardens won't have a problem getting an NHL affiliate with the Islanders, Pittsburgh and possibly Tampa Bay shopping.
Plus, Anaheim assistant general manager Dave McNab said Thursday his club would talk to the Gardens if the Bandits move.
''Delta, right?'' McNab asked. ''There's a non-stop flight from Baltimore to Los Angeles, and there's a non-stop from Cincinnati to Los Angeles. It's three hours and time change, it's no big deal. You can leave after a morning practice and get here for a game.''
PAUL DAUGHERTY COLUMN
