Wings site redone
The Detroit Red Wings redid their website. I personally like the new look- it is now actually that bright red color instead of that maroon-ish color.
Sorry- I know that’s not much but I had a rough day pain-wise with my knee…first day back at school since surgery.
TV deal & expansion
In a USA Today poll, 18,432 individuals were asked “Will you ever forgive the NHL for canceling the season?” This poll, along with many others, show the sad state of affairs that is the NHL.
Yes, I just want them to play. - 19%
Yes, but they’ll have to beg for me to come back. - 18%
No, never. This has been too much. - 16%
NHL? Refresh my memory… - 47%
Getting ESPN to pick up the option for next season is going to be a challenge, especially since many of its replacement programs are bringing in better ratings. For example, college basketball on ESPN2 (0.4% of homes) has doubled the ratings of NHL games from last year (0.2%). “It’s not a good sign when your replacement programming is outperforming the NHL,” ESPN executive vice president Mark Shapiro said. Regular season games on ESPN only brought in 0.5% of US homes.
Jerry Green wrote a column for the Detroit News in which he placed the blame on Goodenow and Bettman. He then went on to vent about over expansion and the problems that went on with it.
The NHL, with such naiveté in its leadership, expanded and over-expanded in recent years. This is the root of the economic shortfalls that prompted Bettman’s agenda to wipe out an entire season rather than to continue the pay out of multimillion-dollar salaries. It was the owners who agreed to inflate the salary structure. And for most, it was a disaster.
It was absurd for the NHL to place an expansion team in Columbus. The town is the sporting property of Ohio State and football and wintertime basketball. It was folly to expand into Nashville, a music town with southern roots and the frail knowledge that Canada is someplace up north there.
The champions of the NHL, holders indefinitely now of the Stanley Cup, represent Tampa and St. Petersburg — two suncoast Florida cities with traditional sports roots. AS SPRING TRAINING SITES FOR BASEBALL!
Miami, Dallas, Phoenix!!!! No wonder the NHL has been at the abyss for a decade.
I couldn’t agree more. Tomorrow I go back to school so I won’t be able to update to the frequency I have this past week.
Pissed off at small-market owners & the media
WARNING: This entry is a pure venting and ranting session for me. If you don’t want to hear me get mad over small-market team owners and the media, please skip this entry or come back later.
After Wednesday’s announcement of the cancellation of the season, I was sad and frustrated that they could not come to an agreement to save the season. After hearing the result of today’s session, I am angry, pissed off, and really frustrated that an agreement was not made. As you could probably tell from previous entries, I always placed more blame with the owners, specifically Bettman for the mess we’re in. After today’s fiasco, my “belief” in who to blame has increased at least tenfold.
But first, I want to vent my frustrations over the media. I realize that many used sources who believed that this deal was going to happen, but then things changed at the last minute. When usually credible media like The Hockey News, TSN, and ESPN said the deal was imminent, I was excited but remained cautious. EJ Hradek kept guaranteeing a deal and said that in principle they had agreed and it was going to be done Saturday or Sunday. Same with Eklund. I wish they had reported them as rumors and to remain cautious instead of “the deal is going to happen this weekend, we’re just waiting for them to announce the un-cancellation of the season.” I got really excited around 3:45 about the prospect that in a couple hours they would be un-cancelling the season. In 30 minutes when the meeting ended, fans were in for a big surprise. The talks ended with sides further apart before and pissed off and angry players.
Talk about a roller coaster ride and I’m totally sick of it. If I didn’t love hockey so much and my Red Wings, I’d be gone from the sport forever. I’m truly worried about the state of this league whenever it returns (which who knows if we’ll even have it by this fall).
I feel that Bettman is pushing for a cap to “save” the teams in the non-traditional hockey-loving regions (ie. Miami, Nashville, etc.). Well after this lockout (and all that the fans have been put through in the past 4 days), the casual fan will probably be gone. That wipes out a majority of fans in those ‘problem’ regions putting us right back at square one even after an agreement is reached.
On top of that, these problem areas actually veto the only deal/chance we had to truly save the season! According to Fan 590, the owners of the Preds and Panthers totally opposed increasing the cap by $2.5 million to $45. They then whined to 6 other teams and convinced them to veto the deal. Now no further talks are scheduled and they are further then ever. Fellow Wings fans in the LetsGoWings.com forum voiced some opinions following that report:
- Further reason to contract the Preds and Panthers.
- How can two owners who don’t even deserve teams call the shots of the entire league?
- “It upsets me that hockey is canceled because owners who have no right to have a team are ruining it for fans who go out and support their teams. It’s not fair that owners like Carolina and Nashville, even Chicago can’t draw fans because of fan apathy have ruined hockey, possibly forever, for fans who can and strongly support their teams. So I apologize for my outburst, but I do hope you understand the anger directed at owners like Nashville’s who have ruined it for every hockey fan…over $2.5MM dollars no less.” (Barnes52)
I couldn’t agree more. I’m sorry that you two owners were stupid enough to agree to a franchise in an area that most likely wasn’t going to work- it’s not my fault. I’m sorry that you aren’t getting enough attendance and can’t afford the expensive payrolls. But hello- a salary cap of $45 million does NOT mean you have to spend that much. Seriously, that’s the MAXIMUM and not the minimum.
And I also have problems with some of the teams who were rumored to have also taken part in the “veto 8.” (1) Boston. Stop being cheap and deal with it. You are in a region that loves hockey and you can afford $2.5 more in a salary cap. Once again, you don’t HAVE to spend up to that limit. (2) Chicago. We all know Wirtz is not making the most of a great sports city, much less a hockey-loving one. If you actually made wise business investments, you’re franchise could be doing amazing. (3) Edmonton. I don’t mind as much that they opposed this. They do have many small business owners owning the team and are not rich like the single person owner who has millions or billions of dollars. But Canada loves hockey, why would you want do axe this season because of $2.5!? (4) Carolina. Even after they reached the Stanley Cup finals in 2002, attendance was still poor. I’m not denying there are some passionate fans there, but the region just doesn’t support hockey.
The result of today’s meeting only reaffirmed my beliefs for a need of contraction and my blame for the owners. I don’t really blame the Wings’ owner, Ilitch. Yes, he certainly most helped play a role in the quick increase of player salaries. However, he could afford to pay these contracts. Even if he faced a loss after the end of the season, he was willing to continue to cough up money for the star players. Owners who can’t afford to cover or aren’t willing to cover those expensive contracts (whether it be b/c of a bad region or poor attendance or whatever) should not get those players. It’s a matter of simple business, really.
“At this stage of the lockout, the fans are licking their wounds and trying to find some closure in knowing the season is cancelled. So all talks should’ve been via email, phone, and totally secret from us. There is no reason for them to be publically meeting right now…You don’t make your loyal fans believe something is going to get done when that is as far from the truth as we’ve learned. It is totally irresponsible and shows a lack of respect to the fans and everyone that cares. The damage they did by holding this public meeting this morning is huge. By waking up the fans and giving us hope again, we expected a result other than what we’ve seen for the past 9 months.” - Brian at On The Wings
After today’s bizarre roller coaster ride, I’m disgusted with how they (NHL/NHLPA/Media) did things. This only worsened the image of the league and crushed the (at the time) realistic hopes of thousands of fans. You ruined your chance at ESPN picking up the option to the TV deal or keeping some of your big advertisers. You’ve cost restaurants/bars/businesses based on hockey or surrounding arenas money and lost jobs. You’ve turned dedicated fans away from the sport and you even have players pissed off at the owners, not just frustrated anymore.
Why would you have a meeting only 3 days after cancelling it if it wasn’t to save the season (and be fairly confident to do so)? You know the fans needed time for closure and let the wounds heal. It’s like they put salt on an already open wound. Thanks a lot.
Benefits of a 28 game season
Update: Things aren’t looking good anymore at 4:20. Fan 590 reported that talks broke off at a bad point with players pretty angry. I’m getting really frustrated with this insane rollercoaster. If they keep this kind of stuff up, more and more fans are just going to give up and leave. This isn’t good…
————–
As of 3:41pm (eastern), I’m hearing too many positive media comments about a deal being reached. Team 590 reportedly found the place of the bargaining and there were wires and everything going out to prepare for a press conference. Eklund (if you choose to agree or disagree) says that rumor has a press conference at 6pm today.
I’ve also heard many people complaining about having a 28 game season. I think it’s better then no hockey until this fall. Here are my reasons why:
1) TV Deal and advertisers. The New York Post brought up a couple of good points:
“Bettman, meanwhile, has his own issues with which to contend. Not only has ESPN made it clear that it may exercise its freedom of choice not to televise the league next year, not only have a significant number of mid- and large-market teams urged the commissioner to get on with the victory lap, but The Post has learned of warnings from a major advertiser that it will move its money elsewhere if a deal is not completed in timely fashion.”
2) Players are going to be rusty whether it’s now or this fall. For some, they’re not playing league hockey. Another 7 months isn’t going to help their conditioning, probably worsen it. Plus, if the players over in Europe leave to come back for NHL hockey- some players get their jobs back on the team. Same with UHL/AHL players.
3) If the rumors are correct, the NHL can test out new rules on the shortened season. Referees will probably be more likely to consistently make calls in a shortened season. If the rules don’t seem to be working or making the changes wanted, it’s only a 28 game season plus playoffs. Better that then an 82 game season plus playoffs to see how new rules would work.
4) There would be a draft, which is in jeapordy as long as they can’t come to an agreement. We could see the likes of Sidney Crosby and others fulfilling their childhood dreams of making it to the NHL.
5) Like someone mentioned on the LetsGoWings.com forum, this is the most publicity hockey has received since the Bertuzzi incident. I mean the news about the lockout has actually been everywhere in the US, the likelihood of drawing curious onlookers is heightened. On the flip side, with this emotional roller coaster some previous fans may leave the sport.
Bettman Rant // Part 2
There will be a meeting this weekend between the NHL, NHLPA, Gretzky, and Lemieux. I’d love to be optimistic, but I’m tired of this roller coaster ride. I’ve invested too much hope in resolving this, that I was crushed Thursday. Until I hear that the season is back on, I’m not getting optimistic (but I’d sure love to hear it).
Back to my Bettman Rant, Part 2: This morning, I visited numerous blogs and newspaper websites collecting anti-Bettman quotes. Yes, I’m biased. I really do believe everyone is at fault, but I have to pick someone for the basis of my frustrations and Bettman is the man for that job! So below are those anti-Bettman quotes and any comments I may have.
“The National Hockey League did not move in six months. Whenever Gary Bettman told you he offered a compromise, he was lying.” - Andy Berstein, Sports Business Digest on WFAN with Steve Somers / Hockey Rodent
For all of you who enjoy reading about what’s really going on in Gary’s mind, visit Rob’s interpretation of his announcement of the season cancellation or Jes Golbez’s comments on Gary’s lil speech.
One of my favorite players, Kris Draper, is known as the Detroit’s media go-to player. After I interviewed him for half an hour personally in 2003, I saw his passion for the game and his family and I’ve been a big fan ever since. He’s been particulary vocal over the last couple of weeks. “To lose a season over how close we are is very disappointing and I blame that all on Bettman,” Draper told the Detroit Free Press. While Draper wishes he’d been heading to the Joe next week for some hockey, he’s going on a vacation with his wife, daughter, and son since they put “up with me through the whole process” and so he can “drown my sorrows for 10 days.” After waking up the next morning after Bettman cancelled the season Draper said “I feel like I had a bad nightmare yesterday, and I can’t wake up from it.”
Then Mitch Albom, a columnist for the Detroit Free Press, wrote a column yesterday entitled “Hockeyfrown.” He too voiced his problems and concerns with Bettman.
And it died, finally, in a news conference Wednesday afternoon, when Bettman, the NHL commissioner, said, “I have no choice but to cancel the 2004-05 season. This is a sad, regrettable day that all of us wish could have been avoided.”
Excuse me while I throw up.
Know this: If the season is dead, it’s because Gary Bettman wanted it dead. The commissioner - and the owners he represents - won this war with the players as surely as Sitting Bull beat Custer at Little Big Horn. All that’s left is the scalping. And it seems that Bettman won’t be happy until he’s waving those scalps in the air and screaming, “Hear me, oh, Ice Gods, I claim everything!”
Look. The owners wanted a salary cap. They got one. They wanted pay cuts. They got 24 percent. They wanted recognition that the game can’t go on under their greedy watch, because they can’t control their free-agent appetites — fine, they got that, too. And they’re gonna chuck it all over $6.5 million?
Then I read fellow Michigan-born, Mike Modano, and Detroit Red Wings player, Mathieu Schneider, break out on Bettman’s poor regime as commissioner.
Mathieu Schneider: “I think at some point Bettman took our willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness. We’ve done everything in our power to get the game back. I’m of the opinion that Gary Bettman has not only failed in this negotiation, but that he’s failed in his last 10 years as commissioner. I don’t know how Gary sleeps at night these days.”
Mike Modano: “The NHL has totally deteriorated the last 10 years under Gary’s regime. The game isn’t like it used to be.”
Mark Cuban posted a blog entry congratulating Bob Goodenow on losing $1 billion by not accepting the owner’s offer. Of course Cuban is going to side with the owners, I mean come on. Anyways, I was reading some people’s responses to his entry and here they are:
“The main problem I have with Bettman is that he never owns up to the fact that the league is in the financial trouble it is because of him, the owners, their greed and expansion. The league needed a fix and the wounds were self-inflicted. Don’t want to go too long on a blog response, but that fact is critical to the situation. Bettman blames the escalating salaries - find a mirror. In the end, if they fix the financial balance of the league and get it done right, then I guess this is for the best. Tell that to the concession workers and guy who owns a bar across the street from an NHL arena…” - Tom
“While both sides may be at fault here, I put the blame 100% on Gary Bettman and the owners for the shape the NHL is in at this time. First, for over-expanding into the US, where hockey was never going to be a major sport, while letting franchises leave Canada, and second, for overpaying marginal players. Many will say the players care only about the money, but they probably care more than the owners, who no doubt have their own egotistical reasons for being in the sport. And they certainly care more than Mr. Bettman, who obviously doesn’t care at all. There was never a doubt that his only goal was to break the union.” - Kevin Reimche (my emphasis added)
I keep trying to find ways that I could place the majority of blame on the players, but I just can’t. How can we blame players for accepting the best business offer? If you’re looking for a job, you’re going to usually take the one offering the most money in that field. Can we blame the players for taking advantage of some owner’s open checkbook? If the owners are having such a hard time economically and over 2/3 are facing losses, they shouldn’t be offering players these expensive contracts! Secondly, it was the players who finally went with a salary cap. It was the players who were willing to take a 24% salary cut. The NHL refused to negotiate, like at all. All I remember hearing from them is, we’re rejecting they’re offer but we’ll take their 24% cut AND add it to our non-negotiable salary cap offer.
Teams’ statements to their fans
Since I’ve been a bit bored during recovery from my knee surgery, I went to every single NHL team website to see what kind of statement they left their fans. I then copied some of it onto this entry as you can see below.
The only team that had absolutely no personal statement or audio clip about their team and the lockout is the Detroit Red Wings’ website, a fact that disappointed me. Their GM Ken Holland did hold a press conference, but you wouldn’t have known that looking at their website.
The Buffalo Sabres held a press conference following the cancellation of the season, but they didn’t post a statement or letter on the website just an audio clip.
Maple Leafs: They too held a press conference, but no letter or statement to the fans. The website only had the audio version of the conference.
Edmonton Oilers: I visited their website and they had a link to hear an audio clip from the Oilers’ press conference but it didn’t work for me.
Now onto the rest of them:
Lou Lamorielle (CEO/President/General Manager) of the New Jersey Devils:
“On behalf of our entire organization I would like to express how difficult it is to believe that time has run out for us to be able to salvage this season…Although we are terribly disappointed that the season has been cancelled, we are hopefuly we will be playing hockey in the fall. Please accept our sincere apologies.”
Mike Milbury (General Manager) of the New York Islanders:
“I speak today for the Islanders and how this affects us. We accept some responsibility for letting the business get away from us…Over the last few years – and I do not blame them – the players took complete advantage of the situation. As a former very active player representative, I would clearly have encouraged them to do the same. But the seemingly endless supply of money is now gone and, unfortunately, it left behind a sense of entitlement and an ideology that there has to be a totally free market for the players. Unfortunately, they got what they asked for. They can work wherever they want – just not in the NHL…Again, I acknowledge that the league and the Islanders have got to accept responsibility for letting the business get away. But we can’t throw good money after bad, and we won’t.â€
A Letter to New York Rangers’ fans:
“This a difficult time for all of us who love this sport and, in particular, for all of us who have a passion for the New York Rangers. We are confident that when the NHL resumes play, both the League and the Rangers will be poised for long-term success. We are committed to our rebuilding plan and the future of the organization is bright. As a Rangers fan, you are a member of a very treasured family whose loyalty and dedication has always been second to none. You are part of a 78-year old hockey legacy. We are proud of that family, proud of that legacy and we thank you for remaining with us through this time of uncertainty.”
Ed Snider (Flyers Chairman) of the Philadelphia Flyers:
“I was granted a franchise in this league in 1966. Without question, this is the saddest day that I have ever had in my career in hockey…After all these years and so many great experiences with the Flyers, I am at a loss for words to describe how troubled I am by the situation. Most of all, I want to apologize to the fans for being part of something so unfortunate. I wish with all my heart that we could be playing hockey again…For the good of the game, we must chart a course for fiscal stability that includes cost certainty and reliable spending controls. Our goal is to form a true partnership that is mutually beneficial for the players, the teams and most importantly, our fans. I want to thank our fans for their tremendous support of the Flyers, and for their continued patience and understanding during this difficult time.”
Mario Lemieux (CEO/Chairman) and Ken Sawyer (President/Governor) of the Pittsburgh Penguins:
“The Pittsburgh Penguins want to let our loyal fans know how sorry we are that the cancellation of the 2004-05 NHL season has become necessary. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time…From a business and financial standpoint, we have been well-positioned to deal with the challenges of a work stoppage. We are committed to a bright future here in Pittsburgh and are confident that once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached, we will be able to put an extremely competitive team on the ice and provide many nights of exciting entertainment for our fans and sponsors.”
Harry Sinden (President) of the Boston Bruins:
“On behalf of the Boston Bruins, I want to let you know how sorry we are that this has become necessary and appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time. As Commissioner Bettman has indicated, the objective of the National Hockey League in these negotiations is and continues to be, the creation of a partnership with the players that provides great entertainment at affordable prices, and the confidence that the Bruins can compete for the Stanley Cup each season. Although, we are terribly disappointed that the season has been cancelled, we are hopeful we will be playing hockey in the fall. A new economic system is essential to ensuring a strong future for the Bruins.”
Pierre Boivin (President) of the Montreal Canadiens:
“I think it’s impossible to predict what’s going to happen. What is certain is that we’re absolutely convinced the fans understand the situation – they’re not happy about it but they understand it – and more importantly, they support us in making sure we put into place a long-term solution. No one wants a band-aid, and no one wants to be back in this situation a few years from now. I think Montreal is fortunate to have a large and passionate fan base, and we’ll do everything we can to stay connected to our fans through our community programs and through our grass roots minor hockey programs.”
Eugene Melnyk (Owner/Governor) of the Ottawa Senators:
“On behalf of the Ottawa Senators, we want to let you know how sorry we are that as a league we had to take this step, and how much we appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time…We hope you will continue to support our efforts to build a strong NHL team for our community and for you to cheer on. We value your loyalty and sincerely hope you will continue to support the Ottawa Senators at this time when that support is needed most.”
Steve Belkin, Michael Gearon, Bruce Levenson, Ed Peskowitz, and Rutherford Seydel (Owners) of the Atlanta Thrashers:
“We are owners, but above all are fans that love NHL hockey and are committed to do everything in our power to ensure the Thrashers have a long and bright future in Atlanta…We sincerely apologize for the disappointment this work stoppage has caused you. You, our fans, partners and supporters throughout the community are the Thrashers’ greatest asset. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at Philips Arena soon for the return of the thrill of Thrashers hockey.”
Peter Karmanos, Jr. (Owner) of the Carolina Hurricanes:
“It is with great sincerity that I apologize for the disappointment this cancellation will cause you, our loyal fans and partners. We remain confident that the right agreement will be reached, and our team will return to the ice here at the RBC Center. We are grateful for your dedication, and please know that your continued support is paramount to the success of this franchise.”
Michael Yormark (Chief Operating officer) and Mike Keenan (General Manager) of the Florida Panthers:
“On behalf of the entire Florida Panthers organization, we want to let you know how sorry we are and that we appreciate your patience and understanding. We can’t thank you enough for your tremendous dedication and loyalty throughout this process.”
Ronald J. Campbell (President) of the Tampa Bay Lightning:
“No one is more disappointed that we are not playing hockey this year than the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. As the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, I can assure you that no team wanted to see an end to the work stoppage and a commencement of the season more than the Lightning. We certainly realize how difficult this is for our fans, especially you, an impassioned season ticket holder and loyal Lightning supporter. A silver lining to all of this is that hockey will be back. When play resumes, we will raise the Stanley Cup Championship banner in a memorable event this community will never forget. We will celebrate our historic season and defend the Cup with all new vigor. We will remember how, and why, the excitement of our championship run took hold of us all.”
Ted Leonsis (Majority Owner) of the Washington Capitals:
“As one of 30 owners of an NHL team, I must take my share of the responsibility for this lockout and the decision to cancel the season. As painful as it may be, it is vital for us to fix the NHL so that it has a sustainable business model, one that allows each team to have an opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup on a regular basis…And, the Washington Capitals will be viable, financially stable and well positioned to be successful. We have one of the youngest teams in the NHL and a significant amount of flexibility in terms of payroll. Not only are we well funded but we also have a loyal fan base that is sticking with us…Hockey is a great game. I’m excited about our future and can’t wait until we welcome back our loyal fans. I’m sorry, however, we couldn’t deliver hockey to you this year.”
William W. Wirtz (President) of the Chicago Blackhawks:
“On behalf of the Chicago Blackhawks, I want to let you know how sorry we are that this has become necessary, and that we appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult time…Although we are terribly disappointed that the season has been cancelled, we are hopeful we will be playing hockey in the fall. A new economic system is essential to ensuring a strong future for the National Hockey League and the Chicago Blackhawks.”
John H. McConnell (Owner) of the Columbus Blue Jackets:
“It is with a heavy heart and great disappointment that I express to all fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets and the National Hockey League how extremely sorry I am that this day has come. The relationship between the Blue Jackets, our fans and the city of Columbus has been a very special one. I know that relationship has been strained by current events, but I promise you we will do everything we can to keep or win back your respect and support.”
Craig Leipold (Owner) of the Nashville Predators:
“I am deeply disappointed after hearing Commissioner Bettman’s announcement today regarding the cancellation of the 2004-05 National Hockey League season, and offer sincere apologies to our fans, our staff, our game-night employees, the city of Nashville and our local businesses and that have been affected through the course of the work stoppage…The Nashville Predators are here to stay, and we will see this process through to its completion. I truly believe that when the NHL returns, the Nashville Predators will be positioned for greater success than ever before, with a young, talented team, a strong organization, a committed and passionate fan base and an economic model which allows for all teams to succeed.”
Mark Sauer (President/CEO) of the St. Louis Blues:
“We expected to play at some point this season and apologize that the result of the lockout is a disappointing one. For now, be assured that we remain committed to two things - one, reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the NHLPA that will ensure the future health of the NHL and all 30 of its franchises, including the Blues; and two, the best long-term interests of our fans and, in particular, our season ticket holders. Your patience and understanding during this difficult process is appreciated.”
Ken King (President) of the Calgary Flames:
“We failed. And to those emotionally and financially invested in this failed process we apologize. We couldn’t take, what by any standard, is a massive salary pool and convince those that would receive it that it was adequate. The players almost certainly feel the same way and they too, have moved miles…Our staff, once numbering nearly 140 full timers and over 1,200 part timers have endured shortened work weeks, loss of income, and in many case sought and found other employment. They have done things above and beyond that which should be reasonably expected to do. The have done so with brave faces and an attitude of doing what needs to be done and did so with personal sacrifice. They now, will be asked to endure further…I am confused and upset that we have not yet reached a solution. Everyone deserves better. We are the responsible for hockey at the highest professional level and this process has clearly tested the resolve of everyone that loves the game.”
Pierre Lacroix (President/General Manager) of the Colorado Avalanche:
“We cannot fully express how saddened we are by this announcement today, and on behalf of the Colorado Avalanche, we want to let our fans know how apologetic we are that this terribly disappointing situation has become necessary. Colorado is an outstanding hockey market, and over our first nine seasons, we have established an unbelievable relationship with our community. The support we have received from you, our fans and sponsors, has been tremendous, and hopefully you will remain with us as the National Hockey League is moving forward in its effort to bring about an agreement. I want to thank everyone for the patience and loyalty you have given us during this difficult process and assure you that it will be our same goal to provide an exciting and dynamic product on the ice and be positive members of our community when we return.”
Doug Risebrough (President/General Manager) of the Minnesota Wild:
“This is a disappointing day for hockey, a disappointing day for hockey fans and a very disappointing day for Wild fans, business partners and community partners that have been so supportive of our team and our franchise, and so passionate about the game. To them, thank you for your patience and support through these trying times…This is not a time to blame anyone. I love our players’ commitment to team, the skills that they demonstrate on the ice and the courage they play with. This was about a failed CBA negotiation…The next step, with the cancellation of the season, is to build the game back for our passionate fans. NHL HOCKEY WILL BE BACK.”
Dave Nonis (Senior Vice President/General Manager) of the Vancouver Canucks:
“Despite our frustration with the current situation, a new CBA is essential. A system that ultimately reduces the huge disparities in team salaries, and contributes to a more competitive balance within the league will be of great benefit for our fans and for the long-term success of our team in Vancouver. In the meantime, we will continue to focus the efforts and talents of our staff and coaches on fostering the values of grassroots hockey in British Columbia…Having been a Canucks fan all my life, I understand that this is a very difficult time for all of us who love the game. On behalf of the entire Canucks organization, I want to say how much we appreciate your support and passion for your team. Although it seems difficult at this time, we will remain positive because eventually this will be resolved, and we’ll be back on the ice at General Motors Place. We look forward to that moment, and to rewarding your patience and loyalty.”
Al Coates (Senior Vice President/Interim General Manager/Alternate Governor) of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks:
“On behalf of our entire organization, we want to say thank you to you, our loyal fans, sponsors, media partners and all those affected during what has been a difficult process. Your patience and understanding are very much appreciated. The 2004-05 season has now been officially cancelled; our commitment to this community is not. Your loyalty is neither understated nor under appreciated. We will be back. We remain committed to you.”
James R. Lites (President) of the Dallas Stars:
“The National Hockey League has made the announcement that the 2004-05 season has been officially cancelled. The Dallas Stars share in the disappointment of hockey fans everywhere…While we won’t speculate what the coming months may bring as the NHL continues to negotiate with the Players Association, we will continue to keep you informed with any updates we have. We appreciate your support. Our entire organization is committed to deliver a great product at affordable prices. We’re confident that the Dallas Stars will be playing hockey this fall and we hope to see you there.”
Tim Leiweke (President) of the Los Angeles Kings:
“First and foremost, I would like to apologize profusely to our fans. They have been nothing but loyal to us, the past five or six years in particular, when we have had record attendance and record support in our marketplace. I am very apologetic that we have to take them through this process. We have certainly put ourselves in a position where we have done irreparable damage to our sport and to our relationship with our fans. Secondly, I am disappointed, but not surprised, that we find ourselves where we are today. For the last three years, the Kings have been very outspoken regarding the economic situation facing our game. We are not shocked or surprised at where we currently find ourselves. Commissioner Bettman is doing what we are asking of him on behalf of the owners and continues to receive our full support in this painful process. We are committed and passionate about the long-term future of hockey.”
Douglas Moss (President) of the Phoenix Coyotes:
“This is a sad day for the National Hockey League and the Phoenix Coyotes. On behalf of the entire Phoenix Coyotes organization, we would like to express our sincere appreciation to our season ticket holders, corporate sponsors, and all hockey fans in Arizona for their incredible loyalty and support throughout this very difficult time. We are fortunate to have some of the most passionate hockey fans in the entire National Hockey League right here in the Valley and we thank you for standing by us.”
Greg Jamison (CEO/President) of the San Jose Sharks:
“Like you, we in the Sharks organization are extremely frustrated by the outcome of the negotiations. And while it is unfortunate, it is of vital importance that the NHL develops a new economic system in order for the league to remain viable. As we’ve stated many times before, we respect and appreciate our players. This is not about them. It is about the need for correction to the current system in which we manage our business partnership. We thank Sharks fans everywhere for their continued support, patience and understanding during this time of adversity. We’ve heard from so many of you, and your passion fortifies the fact that you are the most loyal fans in hockey. This truly is Sharks Territory.”
RIP NHL
I had to give myself some time to think after I heard that the NHL season had been cancelled. I knew from the beginning that they wouldn’t be able to come to an agreement, but Tuesday night I felt like there was hope. They were only $6.5 million apart in the salary cap and I just thought that they would be able to meet somewhere in the middle. But the fact is they didn’t even talk, email, or negotiate Wednesday morning. Both sides were too stubborn and just trying to save face. A lot of polls have been done with one primary question: who do you blame? The owners, players, or both? While I most definately can recognize that both sides got us to this point, I place the most blame on one man- Gary Bettman.
In the press conference yesterday at 1pm, Bettman started off by saying this:
“Every professional sports League owes its very existence to its fans. Everyone associated with the National Hockey League owes our fans an apology for being unable to accomplish what is necessary for our game and our fans. We are truly sorry.”
Well Mr. Bettman, I don’t and I won’t accept your apology. Look at the league before Bettman came in and compare it to now. Bettman came into the NHL back on December 11, 1992. In 12 years, there are 9 new franchises including ones in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. During this lockout, Bettman is focused on finding an economic system that will benefit all 30 clubs. There shouldn’t be 30 clubs. He expanded too much and too fast so now he’s trying to figure out how to economically support all 30 of them. Bettman also dealt with a big increase in revenues (some of it from the money of the creation of new franchises) from around $400 million to $1.6 billion. While revenues may be up, expenses have also gone up. Wall Street Journal reported that over 2/3 of the NHL clubs had losses in 2002-03.
Under Bettman’s 12 year “reign,” the NHL has locked out its players twice in ‘94-95 (104 days) and in 2004-05 (entire season). The referees even went on strike in 2001. Who knows when the NHL and NHLPA will come to an agreement now that the NHL took back their most recent offer.
Bettman: “That offer is off the table. By necessity we have to be back at linkage … Nobody knows what the damage to the sport will be, nobody knows what revenues we can count on or predict on … We’re going to have to look at a different economic model and it’s going to have to have linkage. The best deal that was on the table is now gone…”
They were fairly close Tuesday night, but now the owners want revenue linkage and the players don’t want the salary cap. We were so close but now we could very well go into the next season before the two sides come together on a deal. And what do the fans get? Absolutely nothing. Jason Kirk at Predator’s Den said:
“In the end, of course, what I got was absolutely nothing - which was exactly 82 regular-season games of hockey less than the old, broken system would have gotten me. That’s a funny way to fix a system.”
NHL hockey is a broken system and in a previous entry, I suggested ways to improve the NHL. Since there will have been no NHL, fans will have lost interest and the fair-weather fans will have lost any interest for the sport. Whenever the two sides figure out the economic stuff, the game needs to be changed for the better and the NHL needs to market like crazy to get the fans back for the next season. According to an ESPN poll, 48.1% said they “couldn’t care less” that the NHL season was cancelled. This league needs CPR to come back to life and be able to even compete with baseball, basketball, and football. I totally agree with what Eric at Off Wing said:
“In a lot of ways, the NHL is like a patient that has just been diagnosed with a critical illlness. Without drastic treatment, we know the patient is going to die. But instead of plowing ahead, and working together to find a cure, NHL fans are saddled with a medical staff that would rather argue with each other than come up with a plan of action.”
I could most definately go on, but I should stop for today. I had knee surgery on Monday, so expect some more frequent posting while I recover. RIP NHL.