Back to the Calgary Flames Newsfeed

Comedian John Oliver rakes Red Wings, Coyotes over arena deals

The NHL didn't escape the wrath of comedian John Oliver on Sunday night.

The Detroit Red Wings and Arizona Coyotes were among many sports franchises across the four major leagues in the U.S. that were singled out for criticism from Oliver for their use of public money to fund stadiums and arenas in recent years.

"Two years ago, Detroit got approval to spend more than $280 million in taxpayer money on a new arena project for the Red Wings, just six days after the city filed for bankruptcy," said Oliver. "Even though the Red Wings owner is Mike Illitch, the founder of the Little Caesars pizza chain, who's worth an estimated $5.