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Former Oilers owner Peter Pocklington might avoid jail time amid perjury charges

Former Edmonton Oilers owner Peter Pocklington has been in some legal trouble the last couple years, but it sounds like he will most likely avoid jail time on perjury charges, according to CBC News.

The documents filed in U.S. District Court show the prosecution is seeking two years of probation and six months of house arrest.

In May, Pocklington pleaded guilty to perjury in a 2008 bankruptcy fraud case. Whether the 68-year-old businessman gets the sentencing proposed in the documents depends on the judge and Pocklington’s willingness to file tax information that’s been requested.

Pocklington filed for bankruptcy in August 2008, claiming almost $19.6 million in debts and $2,900 in assets. But he actually had control over two bank accounts and two storage units, he admitted.

Along with two years of probation, Pocklington may also be subjected to wear an electronic monitoring device, the documents say.

Of course, many Oilers fans and Canadian hockey devotees will claim that Pocklington was guilty of ripping out their collective hearts when he pulled the trigger on the infamous Wayne Gretzky trade. (Then again, there have often been murmurs that Gretzky was more than a bit interested in the bright lights of LA, but that’s another discussion for another day).

The CBC News reports that Pocklington’s sentencing hearing will take place on Monday, so we should hear more then or on Tuesday.