More Cities in the Mix for the Pens?

With Kansas City already in the running to land the Pittsburgh Penguins, three more cities have thrown their hats in the ring.

Reports indicate Oklahoma City Blazers owner Bob Funk plans on inviting the Penguins ownership group to the Ford Center next week while sources say Houston and Portland are also interested in landing the NHL team.

''We've always had an interest in the NHL or anything that contributes to Oklahoma City or the Oklahoma environment,'' Funk told The Oklahoman newspaper. ''I think the NHL has a good future.''

Currently, Oklahoma City plays host to the NBA's New Orleans Hornets, who were displaced following the Hurricane Katrina disaster. But the Hornets may be returning to New Orleans next season, leaving the Ford Center without a major league tenant. The Blazers play in the Central Hockey League.

"Tthe first team in certainly would have the advantage,” Funk told The Oklahoman. "That ended up being the NBA. If the NBA is not going to be here, then I would think there would be corporate support for hockey.”

But an Oklahoma City group purchased the Seattle SuperSonics last season and gave that city one year to commit to building a new arena. If a deal cannot be worked out, the Sonics could be headed for Oklahoma City. That decision is expected as early as May.