It's my Parting Shot for my chance to weigh in on the big news of the day.....

       First of all, I finally have a "real" N-H-L team to root for again!

       It's been 15 years since I really had passion for a particular N-H-L club since the Jets departed for Phoenix. I'm happy to report that the Habs, Oilers and Senators have not been able to win a Stanley Cup while I had my "voodoo" trained on them!

       Of course, today's announcement isn't a done deal as hockey fans in Winnipeg...and to a lesser extent the province of Manitoba have until June 21st to show their support by buying no fewer than 13-thousand season tickets. I wouldn't be surprised if that minimum requirement for the N-H-L Board of Governors to see as positive support for the return of N-H-L hockey to the Manitoba capital, as being a viable city, is achieved before the first phase of the ticket-selling drive passes on Friday evening!

       Current season seat holders of the American League's Manitoba Moose, along with mini pack holders and corporate supporters, will have exclusive, first rights at buying N-H-L tickets between tomorrow morning and Friday evening. I wouldn't be surprised if that group at least doubles their commitment from A-H-L to N-H-L, leaving the general public with very little to pick over come Saturday morning!

       I may call Saskatoon "home"...as I have for almost 17 years...but I'm from Winnipeg as the first 35 years of my life were spent in that city and province. And, I know that Winnipeggers have hoped against hope that this day would come...meaning whatever the N-H-L needs from the city to acquire the Thrashers will be met in spades!

       My only hope is that this is a long-term "love affair", not a novelty or "puppy love"! Who knows, success in Winnipeg and issues in other American "Sun-Belt" cities might mean Saskatoon could one day be home to an N-H-L team!

       Dare to dream!!

       That's my Parting Shot, I'm Les Lazaruk.