The Hockey News apologizes to Minnesota Wild owners Craig Leipold and Phil Falcone

The Hockey News deeply regrets and retracts the publication of its June 9, 2011 story entitled: "Source: Craig Leipold to acquire additional 40 percent of Minnesota Wild if minority owner Philip Falcone forced out." The story appeared on thehockeynews.com.

The story was erroneous concerning the proceedings of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the SEC's plans or decisions with respect to Mr. Falcone or his company, Harbinger. We were also incorrect as to Mr. Falcone's business plans and the potential sale of his minority ownership in the Wild and in stating that Mr. Falcone loaned Mr. Leipold the money with which he bought his interest in the Wild.

Our comparison of Mr. Falcone to other NHL team owners with legal problems was unfounded and wrong.

The parties mentioned in the story were not contacted to verify the information in the article prior to publication and we are sorry.

We apologize to Mr. Leipold, Mr. Falcone and our readers.

The story does not reflect the high journalistic standards applied by The Hockey News. Measures have been taken to ensure those standards continue to be upheld.