The commissioners halted talks with Roustan United Of Richland and its partner, Global Spectrum, to operate the Johnstown War Memorial arena.

Tuesday, commissioners would only say that the companies were asking too much of the county and its taxpayers.

In an e-mail from the commissioners sent to Roustan, the commissioners said, "We would like to meet with you as soon as possible, to achieve a long term contract with the Chiefs, as a *tenant* of the War Memorial, not as a manager."

A study recommended the arena be managed privately to help stabilize finances and keep the Chiefs as its primary tenant. But the breakdown of talks came just days before an April 10 deadline for the hockey club to tell the East Coast Hockey League if it will operate in Johnstown next year.

With the clock ticking, Mark Pasquerilla, a Johnstown businessman, is offering to help cut a deal.

"I think the most logical owner of the Chiefs is Roustan. Not because of their love for Johnstown, but their love for hockey. They respect the hockey tradition of Johnstown and they're in the hockey business. I think it's dangerous for the arena. I talked to the consultant for the county and ... his recommendations were that, if the Chiefs leave, he would mothball the building," Pasquerilla said.

He said Johnstown could not just lose its hockey team, but also its arena. He said the Chiefs generate the most concession revenue for the arena, which provides a venue for other entertainment about 30 times a year.

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Previous Stories: November 25, 2008: Chiefs Could Remain In Johnstown July 16, 2007: War Memorial Secure If Chiefs Leave Johnstown July 11, 2007: Meeting Takes Place To Discuss Johnstown Chiefs' Future July 6, 2007: Commissioner Confident Chiefs Hockey Will Stay In Johnstown