Peter "Puck" Pocklington, ex-owner of the Edmonton Oilers was arrested today in Riverside, CA. The former Canadian hero (turned villain) who signed (and sold) the Great One was taken in by the FBI on charges of bankruptcy fraud.
As part of the Canadian national's U.S. bankruptcy filing, Pocklington claimed debts of $20 million and assets of $50,000.
Really?
Nothing raises red flags like stating a net worth of -$19,950,000 on assets of $50k! Peter Puck's stated assets included: clothes, golf clubs, trophies, and cash. The charges detail that the former Oilers owner hid assets in domestic and offshore bank accounts and transferred assets to others. Pocklington is also accused of lying under oath. Prosecutors are attempting to classify Pocklington as a flight risk since he faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Oilers came into the NHL from the WHA under his watch and the the Arrested One owned the team from 1978 to 1998. He saw the team win five Cups in '84, '85, '87, '88 and '90.
Pocklington traded Wayne Gretzky to the Kings on August 9, 1988. He was subsequently burned in effigy in Edmonton.
Original Story:
http://propucktalk.com/2009/03/11/edm...
