The Saguenéens Deal

On May 2, 2000, it was reported in a number of newspapers, including The Dallas Morning News and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram, that Guy Carbonneau and five other investors had closed a deal to purchase the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Guy himself had the understanding that the transaction had been completed, but meanwhile negotiations broke down.

The controversy concerns the job security of General Manager and part-owner Gilles Cote, coach Martin Daoust and director of marketing Marielle Morin. Cote said on May 1, "That group does not respect the contracts that existed before. They said this afternoon they will not honour those contracts."

The team is still looking for a new buyer. "We are not closing the door," said Cote.

Carbonneau has been trying for several years to buy into the team, for which he played from 1976-1980. He was encouraged in the effort by longtime friend Patrick Roy, who is a part owner of the Quebec Remparts junior team. "I talked to Patrick a lot over the summer," said Guy recently. "He enjoyed the challenge and everything around it."

We hope Carbo's group will be able to keep negotiating, and we'll keep you posted!