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Backers of NHL team in Seattle hope for decision in June

A skateboarder leaps onto a platform in front of KeyArena, a sports and entertainment venue at the Seattle Center, Monday, Dec. 4, 2017, in Seattle. The Seattle City Council on Monday approved a memorandum of understanding with Los Angeles-based Oak View Group in a $600 million privately financed project to renovate the facility, formerly the home of the NBA's SuperSonics. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson) Photo: Associated Press/Elaine Thompson


SEATTLE (AP) — Famous supporters trying to bring professional hockey to Seattle say they hope to hear in June whether their application for an expansion team succeeds.

Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer, billionaire David Bonderman and Oak View Group Chief Executive Tim Leiweke spoke with reporters in a series of interviews Wednesday. The interviews came before Thursday’s launch of a season-ticket deposit drive meant to demonstrate fan interest in a hockey franchise.

It was the first time Bruckheimer and Bonderman have publicly discussed their interest in bringing a team to Seattle.

They say the city deserves one: It’s been more than a century since the old Seattle Metropolitans won the Stanley Cup and a decade since Seattle’s last major men’s professional winter sports franchise, basketball’s SuperSonics, bolted for Oklahoma City.

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