It wasn't exactly a rubber-stamp formality but, as expected, the Board of Governors of the American Hockey League met yesterday in Boston and approved the sale of the Bandits franchise to Mike Caggiano.
"We're certainly glad to see Baltimore remain in our league, as it's a key city for us," said AHL commissioner Dave Andrews, speaking for the representatives of the 17 other league teams.
There wasn't much doubt that Caggiano, a Northern Virginia entrepreneur born and raised in Baltimore, would cruise through a background and financial check by the AHL. He's fairly well known on the minor league sports scene, having owned the Prince William (Va.) Cannons baseball team of the Carolina League from its inception in 1987 through 1990.
Caggiano's bid was chosen from among three submitted to the previous Bandits owners, financially troubled Bob Teck and Alan Gertner, New Jersey businessmen.
He took over the day-to-day operations of the franchise on Feb. 25. Then, three days later, the league introduced him as the new unofficial owner of the team, pending approval by the owners. This and other business necessitated a league meeting yesterday.
Caggiano, 35, left immediately after the meeting and could not be reached for comment.
Pub Date: 3/14/96