Kings Pursue U.S. Skiing CEO

Faced with a sizable rebuilding task off the ice, the Kings are trying to hire Tim Leiweke, president and chief executive officer of U.S. Skiing.

Leiweke, working for U.S. Skiing only since September, has been courted by several pro franchises in recent months, and one source close to the situation believes he will take the high-profile job with the Kings.

His new job would probably be similar to his current position, but those involved with the Kings made it clear that any potential move does not mean team President Rogie Vachon is being pushed aside. Vachon has taken an increasingly active role in hockey department decisions.

Leiweke, 38, is known for his marketing abilities and innovative ticket-selling programs. Before the U.S. Skiing job, the sports executive worked for the Denver Nuggets, first in marketing and later as the team’s president. Previously, he was the first director of marketing for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

In Denver he established close ties to King co-owner Philip F. Anschutz and team governor Robert Sanderman. Sanderman and Leiweke were unavailable for comment Thursday.

“I’ve been contacted by a half-dozen pro sports teams since I’ve been in this job and I haven’t left yet,” Leiweke told the Denver Post. “But this is different because Phil Anschutz is such a good friend.”