Len Barrie (born June 4, 1969 in Kimberley, British Columbia) is a retired professional ice hockey forward who played 184 games in the National Hockey League. He played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and Florida Panthers.
Barrie is currently a real estate & resort developer in the Victoria BC area. He is a major partner in the Bear Mountain Resort development in Langford municipality. It includes the Bear Mountain Westin Hotel, golf course, and housing (single family homes and condominiums).
The success of this venture prompted the NHL board of governors, on June 18, 2008, to approve the sale of the Tampa Bay Lightning to an investment group which included Len Barrie and Oren Koules.[1]
Recently it is alleged that Lightning Owner's Len Barrie and Oren Koules have begun to disagree on team management issues, that are believed to include NHL superstar Vincent Lecavalier being traded. This has become such a problem that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has had to intervene and have a meeting with the two owners.[2]
The development of Bear Mountain resort has been criticized for damaging sensitive ecosystems and historic native sites.[3] Barrie has also faced controversy surrounding his treatment of First Nation elders and protestors.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.sportsline.com/nhl/story/10870156 Sale of Oilers, Lightning unanimously approved by owners
- ^ http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article1012505.ece
- ^ http://zoeblunt.gnn.tv/blogs/27806/The_Bull_of_Bear_Mountain
- ^ http://wtflangford.blogspot.com/2009/04/len-barrie-asks-wheres-my-bailout.html
[edit] External links
