OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

MAYOR PEREZ ASKS OWNERS OF PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

TO CONSIDER HARTFORD HOME

-----MEDIA RELEASE-----

(December 22, 2006)--- Mayor Eddie A. Perez has written a letter to Mario Lemieux and Ken Sawyer, encouraging them to add Hartford to the list of cities they are contemplating to move their hockey franchise. The Mayor has also informed Gary Bettman, the commissioner of the National Hockey League, of these intentions as well.

Mayor Perez writes, “I understand this is a difficult and disappointing time for the Penguins, but I believe strongly that Hartford is a City where your organization can begin a prosperous future.”

Mayor Perez is committed to bringing a professional sports franchise to the Capital City and is aggressively moving forward with the State Legislative leadership in regards to making that franchise an NHL team.

A recently released study showed that Hartford is one of the best markets for a professional hockey team with 23 million people living within a two and a half hour radius. The Hartford region has a strong economic and fan base as well.

The letter also states that over the last six years, Hartford has gone through a massive two billion dollar redevelopment and that the renaissance continues with a revitalized business district and strong entertainment venues. More people are also living in the Downtown neighborhood and would be within walking distance of a new, state of the art arena.

Mayor Perez says, “At this point, the process of developing a new facility is underway and moving forward rapidly. Hartford is looking for an NHL franchise to be a symbol of the revival of this City; I believe the Penguins are that franchise.”