VANCOUVER, British Columbia - The NHL and its board of
governors on Thursday announced the approval of the sale of 50
percent of the Vancouver Canucks and General Motors Place to
local businessman Francesco Aquilini.
Aquilini, who becomes an alternate governor of the Canucks, is
the managing director of the Vancouver-based Aquilini Investment
Group - which was founded by Luigi Aquilini nearly 50 years ago
and has ownership in various types of properties, including
hotels, golf courses and farms.
The company signed an agreement with John McCaw and Orca Bay
Sports and Entertainment in mid-November to obtain 50 percent of
the Canucks and their arena. The deal reportedly was approved
last week.
"Today is a very exciting and proud day for my family,"
Francesco Aquilini said Thursday. "The Vancouver Canucks have
been an integral part of British Columbia for almost 35 years
and the team's fans have demonstrated unwavering loyalty since
the franchise's first game in 1970.
"I grew up cheering for the Canucks and I look forward to my
responsibility to contribute and help grow this great franchise,
both on the ice and in the community. I am very proud to be a
local owner."