Former NHL owner arrested on bankruptcy fraud charges


Back when he was the owner of the Edmonton Oilers, Peter Pocklington traded Wayne Gretzky to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for $15 million cash and three Kings' first-round draft picks in 1989, 1991 and 1993.

The trade made it to the Canadian House of Commons where NDP House Leader Nelson Riis demanded that the government block the trade of the best hockey player in history to the United States.

Now Pocklington is back in trouble with the law -- but this time it's for real. Now 67 years old, he was arrested at his California home yesterday and indicted on charges of making false statements in bankruptcy and making false oaths and accounts in bankruptcy. He faces up to ten years in prison.

Mr. Pocklington had fallen on hard times before his personal bankruptcy filing. He reported $19.6 million in debt and assets worth just $2,900 – including $500 worth of golf clubs.

According to the Associated Press, he is failing to disclose two bank accounts and the contents of two storage units.

On his official website, Pocklington lists his "Peter's Laws of Business" -- a pretty interesting endeavor for a guy who now purports to have less than $3,000. I was hoping to find something ironic in light of the allegations, but actually he doesn't exactly claim to be the most straightforward guy. Here are a few of my favorites:
  • Do it by the book...but be the author!
  • If you can't win, change the rules!
  • If you can't change the rules, ignore them!

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