Comrie Buys the Gulls; Hahn Eyes NHL Team

SAN DIEGO — Even as Fred Comrie, furniture chain owner, was being officially introduced as the new owner of the Gulls Wednesday, bigger things loomed on the horizon for San Diego professional sports.

Comrie, 38 and owner of Arnold’s Furniture, bought the Gulls from San Diego Sports Arena owner Harry Cooper and developer Ron Hahn, but his immediate thoughts Wednesday were of the Gulls beating Peoria in the IHL playoffs.

If things go favorably, the city could have a NHL commitment before the end of the year, Hahn said.

He said Wednesday his plans to build a new arena and lure a NHL tenant are on schedule after a series of delays.

Hahn’s group, which includes Los Angeles Lakers and Forum owner Jerry Buss, is expected to close escrow and take over the Sports Arena this month, starting the pursuit of a new arena and major league teams.

“There’s no question San Diego is a target market for the NHL,” Hahn said. “They want a coastal team. What it’s gonna take to get one is a new arena.”

Once the group’s plans for a new arena are completed, Buss is expected to apply for an NHL expansion team. The NHL, with plans to expand from 22 to 28 teams, is thought to be interested in San Diego and Seattle. Hahn said there is also the possibility of buying and moving an existing team that is financially strapped. Mentioned often are the Hartford Whalers and the Winnipeg Jets.

The arena group also has hopes of getting an NBA team, though the NBA has no expansion plans. Bruce McNall, owner of the NHL’s Kings, is interested in getting an NBA team in San Diego.

Said Hahn: “In six months we should have a real good idea and be in a position to announce something. By that time we should know where we’d like the arena and have a time schedule to get things done.”

Hahn, whose focus is on a downtown arena, said he, Buss and McNall “are philosophically in sync,” pending arena plans. “Once we deliver (the arena) they start working with the franchises,” Hahn said.

Though Comrie said he’d like to be part of an NHL effort, he has no official position with the arena group. His immediate concern is pumping up interest in the Gulls, particularly through increased promotion.

Comrie revealed a plan to do 100 advertisements on TV in the near future. He said the Gulls’ playoff games in Peoria will be broadcast, though he doesn’t have a TV contract yet.

Comrie also introduced a partner, Rich Shillington, a Calgary oilman who will take over the business operations from Don Waddell, who continues as the Gulls’ coach and general manager.

Shillington said he hopes to increase season tickets in the business community. Shillington and Comrie met in January through Hahn, who wanted to sell to a local resident.

“We really want to promote . . . season-ticket holders,” Comrie said. “That’s the key to this team.”

Comrie wouldn’t reveal the price of the Gulls, but the IHL franchise fee is $1.25 million. “That’s what teams are going for. That’s all I’ll say,” he said.

Waddell said this transaction is good for the Gulls, saying Comrie “is making the commitment to try to do what he’s done in his other business--put in money and promote. That’s the one thing we’ve never done here. It’ll be nice to have an owner involved day-to-day.

“It’s very positive for the team. The players have always been treated well but he brings something to the table that hasn’t been there--he’s played, and he can feel for these guys.”