Canucks owner scores win in court challenge

OTTAWA (AP) -- The owner of the Vancouver Canucks scored a victory in Canada's top court regarding his hold on the team.

The Supreme Court of Canada has sided with Francesco Aquilini, dismissing an appeal from two Vancouver businessmen.

Tom Gaglardi and Ryan Beedie wanted the court to overturn two provincial court rulings that rejected claims they should have been included in Aquilini's purchase of the NHL team.

British Columbia's supreme and appeal courts found Gaglardi and Beedie were no longer Aquilini's partners when he bought half the team in 2004 from Seattle businessman John McCaw in 2004. The purchase came days after negotiations for the team fell through with Gaglardi and Beedie.