Anaheim Ducks Owner Samueli Suspended by NHL, Club Governor Announced
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After it was announced by the NHL that Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli had been suspended for recent legal issues, today the organization announced Chief Executive Officer Michael Schulman has been named Club Governor. Henry Samueli’s wife, Susan, a co-owner of the Ducks said she would abide by the terms of her husbands suspension from the NHL.
“I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension,” said Henry Samueli. “I’m confident the team will be in great hands in my absence.”
“In support of my husband and to avoid any improper appearance, I’ve notified the league of my intention to abide by the terms of Henry’s suspension,” said Susan Samueli.
The regular operations of the franchise will not be changed, as both Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke and Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Tim Ryan both will be reporting to Schulman.
Henry and Susan Samueli purchased the organization in June, 2005. They immediately revamped the team with a new image replacing the old Disney ties with a new more Orange County feel. The new ownership and team changes were the beginning to a fantastic 2007 season which saw the Ducks become the first California-based hockey club to win the Stanley Cup. With the Samueli’s ownership, the club has also created several new charitable initiatives benefiting Orange County, including educational programs, fundraisers and monetary donations.
“Although we will not be involved in decision-making, we will be cheering on our Ducks as loudly as ever.” said Susan Samueli.
Article Source: Ducks, Anaheim. "Ducks Name Schulman Club Governor." Anaheim Ducks online 24 Jun 2008 24 Jun 2008.
3 comments:
I have to wonder if one underappreciated aspect of this will be that it all but guarantees Burke walks at the end of the season and takes the Toronto job. I'd say the ownership situation being a mess makes it less desirable to stick around (though nothing could be more dysfunctional than the ownership group in Toronto), but mainly because with the Samuelis unable to have a hand in team business, there's no one really to try to keep Burke in the fold.
Yeah, Burke and Henry were buddy buddy. Could be a real mess before its all over.
The captian, the owner, I'm kind of curious who's next. Maybe Wild Wing will get caught with a stash of kiddie porn.
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