Leiweke: Seattle fans proved they want an NHL team and they're worthy of it

Tim Leiweke says hockey fans in Seattle made a big-time statement Thursday.

The CEO of Oak View Group, which is overseeing the renovation of KeyArena, implied as much to Sportsnet's Irfaan Gaffar after fans made 10,000 season-ticket deposits in the first 12 minutes of the ticket drive and 25,000 overall on Thursday.

"Congratulations to Seattle. The fans have spoken, and now we'll go through the process with (NHL) Commissioner (Gary) Bettman to hit the other milestones that we need to hit and hopefully by June (we'll) be able to deliver a team to this town, because I think today they proved they want it and they're worthy of it, "Leiweke said.

The longtime sports executive admitted he was surprised by how quickly the goal of 10,000 was met after the season-ticket drive opened at 10 a.m. PST.

"I'm shocked ... 12 minutes, that's pretty amazing. It shows you the pent-up demand for hockey in the Northwest," Leiweke said, before adding that he really shouldn't have been too shocked considering the rapid growth of the Seattle market.

"We have 35 million people that are part of our base here, and so we're really excited about the ability to (possibly) be the regional team, but I think it also shows you how quickly Seattle's (growing)," he said.

"It's the fastest growing city in North America. When you drive around this city and you see the cranes, I don't think you should be surprised and shocked. It's an amazing place, it's an amazing city, and it has an amazing future in front of it, and we couldn't be prouder to be a part of it."

Leiweke also expressed pride in Seattle's hockey fans, specifically.

"(I'm) really proud of the marketplace. What a resounding message they (sent) back to the other 31 (team) owners and to Commissioner Bettman, but now the exciting part gets to start."

The prospective Seattle ownership group, which also includes renowned Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer and investment company billionaire David Bonderman, submitted its formal NHL expansion application last month.

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