Thu Jun 19 15:31:42 2008

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NHL threatening Rangers' owners

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New York, NY (Sports Network) - The National Hockey League could start disciplinary proceedings against the ownership of the New York Rangers, if a judge agrees that the team breached its contract by challenging league rules.

League actions that could be taken against Madison Square Garden, which owns the Rangers, could include a suspension or termination of ownership.

The NHL filed a counterclaim in a U.S. District Court on Thursday, asking a judge to allow the league's Board of Governors to start disciplinary action against the club's ownership. The league also wants compensatory damages, stemming from those breaches.

Madison Square Garden had previously sued the league in September over control of the team's website, and the NHL has a provision that says owners cannot go to court against the league.

The NHL wanted the Rangers' website to adhere to the league's common technology platform, but MSG argued that such control violated antitrust laws.

In November, a judge ruled against MSG and in favor of the league.

Madison Square Garden responded to Thursday's counterclaim, calling the league's actions "bullying tactics."

"Not surprisingly, the NHL is once again proving why an independent judge must address our claims," the MSG statement read. "Despite trying to resolve our differences privately, the league has responded with excessive fines and now threats that have nothing to do with the merits of our position.

"Every American citizen or business has a right to go to court and have its dispute heard by an impartial judge. The NHL shouldn't be afraid of the judicial system. We will pursue our case vigorously and will not be intimidated by the NHL's bullying tactics."

Madison Square Garden also owns the NBA's New York Knicks and WNBA's New York Liberty.