NHL Visits ESA as Possible Venue for Draft, All-Star Game

The NHL's director of events inspected the Entertainment and Sports Arena Wednesday.

The ESA is being considered for the 2003 draft -- an event which draws hundreds of team representatives, players and reporters.

"The entire NHL community comes in for what is essentially a very large business meeting that's open to the public. [The NHL] looks at that and the success of the event as perhaps a springboard for other things," says Frank Supovitz, NHL event director.

Local business leaders and the Carolina Hurricanes hope getting the draft will help bring the NHL All-Star game to the Triangle in 2004.