T he buzz continues to escalate throughout the Fraser Valley real estate community that Francesco Aquilini has his sights set on buying the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre and the land it occupies.

By extension, Aquilini would cut a deal with the Calgary Flames that would result in the Vancouver Canucks No. 1 farm team, the Chicago Wolves, moving to Abbotsford.

Abbotsford city officials say the rumour is an old one and there's no deal in the works while an owner of the Abbotsford Heat says it's news to him.

Calgary's American Hockey League affiliate - the Abbotsford Heat - are locked into a 10-year supply fee agreement with the City of Abbotsford and after three years, it's been a disaster.

The Heat played four post-season games this season in their home building that can accommodate 7,046 fans for hockey and drew an average of 2,389.

There is a hockey board meeting scheduled for Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. in Abbotsford.

Ken King, president of the Calgary Flames, will be there.

Lane Sweeting, chairman of Fraser Valley Sports and Enter-tainment as well as Abbotsford Heat Hockey Ltd., says he doesn't know anything about a potential Aquilini takeover.

"Nobody has talked about it or mentioned it to us," he said, adding he would be an unlikely first point of contact for any expressions of interest.

"If Vancouver really wanted to do that, they'd talk to the Calgary first," said Sweeting.

"We'd be the last to find out." The Heat ownership group has seven years left in their 10-year contract and has no plans other than to see it through.

"We're happy with the contract and I'm sure Calgary is happy with the contract," said Sweeting.

Frank Pizzuto, city manager, said the proposal is not an impossibility but he's had no indications of interest from the Canucks' owner about a new deal.

"I never say never, but there's nothing happening at this point around either a new AHL team relocating here or us selling the building," said Pizzuto.

"Council would have to consider it if such a proposal came forward and I know of nothing in the works at this moment."

Aquilini did not respond to messages left for him Friday.

editorial@abbotsfordtimes.com