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Home  Articles 97/98 Season Driller' staff given the boot
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Driller' staff given the boot |
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Written by Joanne Ireland
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Tuesday, 07 April 1998 |
All that's missing is the sign on the front door, the one that reads: Closed.
The Edmonton Drillers, winding down front office operations until the club's fate is decided, laid off 10 staff members Monday. All received two-week notices but were told they were welcome to clean out their desks as soon as possible.
"It hasn't hit home," said one, "but it's pretty final when you're cleaning out your desk."
Team president Zach Pocklington issued a release late Monday afternoon stating that reduced operations would be in effect and that the club's future would be evaluated when the issue of the Coliseum was settled.
"While we're waiting for that decision, we're just cutting expenses. That's the bottom line," he said.
"It leaves a lot of questions unanswered, I agree. I wish I had more answers."
Peter Pocklington purchased the National Professional Soccer League club last year to fill some dates at the Coliseum, a building he operates under Coliseum Management Inc. Zach, his 22-year-old son, has been running the club.
But the group that is in the process of purchasing the Edmonton Oilers also wants the building. If it doesn't change hands, will Peter hang on to the Drillers?
"I guess that's a decision he'll have to make," said Zach. "I wouldn't be able to answer for him, but I think there is a chance the Drillers will still go if he retains ownership. Otherwise, he'd shut it down immediately."
Peter Pocklington was unavailable for comment Monday. So too was NPSL commissioner Steve Paxos, who was travelling to Harrisburg. He has said he wants to keep a team in Edmonton but whether a new group is prepared to step up is the next question.
Rent would have to be worked out at either the Coliseum or the AgriCom, there could be startup costs if the Drillers handle is dropped, and on top of the team operating expenses, there are some hefty league dues.
Franchise fees are $150,000 US, a $100,000 US letter of credit must be posted every season, and then there's a monthly hit of $7,300 US to cover administration costs and referees.
"No one has approached myself or my father that I'm aware of," said Zach. "But if I know Joe, I'm sure he's looking for someone. He'll fight to the end to keep the Drillers in Edmonton."
At Joe Petrone's urging, Pocklington added the Drillers to his sports stable. For a nominal cost, Pocklington picked up the remains of the Chicago Power and transferred the franchise to Edmonton. Petrone was named vice-president.
"If the Coliseum is not in his hands, the franchise is not viable," said Petrone. "Then, obviously, new ownership may be the course of action.
"I've been given permission to look around and I'm doing that. We have some good, legitimate groups interested, but the key is the lease of the building.
"That's what everybody is concerned with."
The team, meanwhile, was on the road Monday. They fly home today, two days after bowing out of the playoff race. Head coach Ross Ongaro remains optimistic the team will not slide off the map.
"I still believe we'll have a team in Edmonton," he said. "Who the owner's going to be, I don't know. Right now, Peter's the owner so until something changes, he's calling the shots.
"But there's a big soccer following in Edmonton, so I'm optimistic that way. I don't think we've seen the end. One way or the other we'll be around."
The players will gather for a wind-up bash this week then head their separate ways for the summer. The front office staff will be looking for work.
"I'm still with the Drillers, for the meantime," said Zach. "I'm doing all the books, answering questions -- as soon as I can find out some answers myself."
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DOLLAR DAZE
* Edmonton Drillers' supporters who left a deposit for either 1998-99 season tickets or the two-game playoff packages can receive a refund by calling 414- 4430.
* Those who want the money applied to future ticket purchases can leave the cash in the account.
* Vice-president Joe Petrone said that money will be transferred to the Edmonton Oilers' controllers. "I can almost guarantee there will be a team here," he said. "Season-ticket holders shouldn't be worried about losing their money."
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 22 October 2006 )
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