Balsillie scheduled to show up as Coyotes bankruptcy saga reaches critical phase

Balsillie set to show up for crucial hearing

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Coyotes saga seems to be stumbling toward some sort of conclusion, and the lead character in the twisted drama finally is scheduled to make an appearance.

After almost four months of legal wrangling and nearly 900 court filings, a hearing is scheduled in U.S. Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday to argue most of the sticky issues still facing Judge Redfield T. Baum.

For the first time, Canadian billionaire James Balsillie will be in the courtroom, according to a filing Tuesday by PSE, the company he formed to pursue the Coyotes. Balsillie wants to buy the team with the intention of moving it to Canada.