Posts filed under 'NHL Hockey'
The Winnipeg Jets are back in 2011-2012, and I’m loving every minute of it.
I had thought my interest in the NHL faded because it was a childhood fad which had run it’s course… however, it is now apparent it was solely due to the Jets leaving town for cactus country.
Now I am following the Jets and the NHL this year as much if not more closely than the years preceding the Jets’ departure.
And by the way – that’s not a bad thing in my books.
So, let me offer my “now educated” opinion on the Jets as they currently stand – a week prior to their first trade deadline.
Goal: Ondrej Pavelec and Chris Mason.
IceCaps Depth: former NHL’er David Aebischer.
This is the best tandem the Jets have ever had… sorry Pokey and the Bandit weren’t even close to the current pair.
If these two can both be kept happy, the Jets are in really good shape.
OPINION: leave the goalies alone if you can.
Pavelec is a restricted free agent and isn’t going anywhere, but Mason is an unrestricted and may want to try to find a starting job next year.
Defence: Dustin Byfuglien, Zach Bogosian, Toby Enstrom, Ron Hainsey, Johnny Oduya, Mark Stuart, Randy Jones, Mark Flood.
IceCaps Depth: Derek Meech (UFA), Paul Postma, Arturs Kulda, Brett Festerling.
The Jets are deep in NHL caliber defencemen both in Winnipeg and St. John’s.
None of the 12 defence listed above have looked out of place when they have appeared in Jets uniforms this year.
In fact, this depth has created a problem for one player in particular, that being Mark Flood – who the Jets can’t send down without losing him to waivers… but haven’t got a steady opening for him in Winnipeg either.
OPINION: Byfuglien, Bogosian and Enstrom are “untouchables” – beyond that, the Jets may be looking to deal from their strength to find a scoring forward.
Oduya, Jones and Flood are all unrestricted free agents this year as well.
Forwards: Not going anywhere – Bryan Little, Blake Wheeler, Evander Kane, Alexander Burmistrov, Andrew Ladd, Chris Thorburn.
Available due to free agency – Kyle Wellwood, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Tim Stapleton.
Available – Nik Antropov, Eric Fehr, Antti Miettinen.
IceCaps Depth: Jason Jaffray (UFA), Patrice Cormier, Aaron Gagnon, Spencer Machacek.
No doubt the Jets don’t want to give up or lose any of their potential free agent forwards, especially 2/3 of the GST line.
Fehr and Miettinen are disappointments, and not likely to garner alot of value or interest… but Antropov, who is a journeyman rental player anyway, may get a few passing glances.
OPINION: the Jets will probably be sellers, but to what extent is the big question.
Unlikely is the Jets packaging a successful deal for a big name scoring forward… even though that is the fans’ best wishes.
The Winnipeg Jets aren’t likely to make a huge splash before the trade deadline – but it sure is fun playing the guessing game.
Jets management have been content to build from the draft and system depth so far… but does any of this change with the team being within striking distance of a playoff appearance in their first season?
Perhaps the strategy shifts slightly for the right price.
dave@cflcentral.net
February 20th, 2012
I know I am going to annoy a few hardcore Blades fans, and perhaps some citizens of St. John’s, NL… but that’s life in the fast lane.
The topic of the day is the former Manitoba Moose, now the St. John’s IceCaps of the AHL, who are the farm team of the NHL Winnipeg Jets.
My theory is… this team belongs in Saskatoon, SK, playing at the Credit Union Center.
First, the chronic underachieving Saskatoon Blades of the WHL have a lease with CUC until 2013.
This would have preempted any consideration by True North Sports & Entertainment (owners of the Jets and IceCaps) in re-locating the Moose to Saskatoon in 2011.
BUT… Saskatoon has grown from the sleepy rural town into a rapidly expanding city – and in the process has outgrown the minor league WHL.
The WHL is perfectly suited for large towns and small cities in western Canada and the USA… and the Blades would have no difficulty finding a new and suitable home, and perhaps more interest for the team in the process.
Second, one of the most successful AHL franchises in the Manitoba Moose (former Vancouver Canucks farm team) found themselves orphaned in Winnipeg.
Once the sale and move of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg was complete, suddenly there was no room at the inn for the Moose in River City.
So the best deal that could be had on the fly for TNSE, was to replace the St. John’s Maple Leafs (farm team for the Toronto Maple Leafs who were moved to Toronto and re-named the Marlies) in Newfoundland.
BUT… the Jets are bound to discover the same thing that the Baby Leafs did – travel costs and time changes for an AHL franchise in NL are going to be monumental problems, which will inevitably adversely affect the bottom line.
It’s not that the people of St. John’s won’t support the team – but rather that their city is still halfway to England… just simply reality.
Some say Saskatoon is not a “sports town”… and I disagree.
I believe Saskatoon would be a fine “pro sports city”… which I remind people – already sells out all the annual NHL exhibition games in pretty short order.
With the Riders in Regina, it makes sense the next step is pro hockey for a tailor-made AHL arena in Saskatoon.
It is totally within the realm of possibility, that in a couple years the Jets are looking to move their affiliate alot closer to Winnipeg – and at the same time, far closer to the rest of the AHL as well.
The Saskatchewan Moose is a practical solution and fit for the Jets and the population base in Saskatoon.
This would also re-kindle the history the Winnipeg Jets have with Saskatoon – having held training camp and exhibition games in Bridge City with the past franchise.
Besides… IceCaps are better served at Tim Hortons than the Mile One Center in Newfieville anyway.
Ok, there’s the cheap shot and cue the haters!
dave@cflcentral.net
July 30th, 2011
A final kick at the NHL can, before we turn 100% of our attention to the CFL (and hopefully the NFL) for the season.
The tale of two teams headed in opposite directions… the old Jets, and the new Jets.
First the former Atlanta Thrashers, and now the Winnipeg Jets – have been the rage in Winnipeg since their unofficial arrival a month or so ago.
The 13,000 season tickets as mentioned, were snapped up in mere minutes – and a waiting list was capped at 8,000.
Now remember, this is a 5 year commitment on the tickets, not a one year scenario… which makes it more impressive.
Even the draft from Minneapolis which was broadcast into the MTS Center in Winnipeg, drew around 5,000 fans… and that would be considered a respectable crowd for an actual game in Atlanta.
Somehow I don’t think this winter will seem so cold in Winnipeg.
And what about the former Winnipeg Jets, and currently the Phoenix Coyotes?
The City of Glendale prevented the team from relocating to Winnipeg, by stepping in and promising the NHL 25 million dollars to keep the team for another year.
Now word on June 27th that the lone prospective owner has walked away from any intention to purchase the team… even though between Glendale city council and Gary Bettman, they did everything except gift-wrap the Coyotes for Matthew Hulsizer.
But let’s all face a couple facts:
1. Hulsizer was never a serious player… he was a tire kicker that Glendale dressed up to be alot more interested than he ever was.
2. After the intense media scrutiny left the desert, Hulsizer obviously examined the Coyotes scenario and realized that even with the short term sweetheart incentives offered by Glendale regarding the arena, there was going to be no way around the red ink with the team in Arizona.
3. When the new arena was built over an hour away from the “fan-base”, good things were not destined to happen.
Picture this in Winnipeg Jets terms – the Jets return to Winnipeg, but the new arena is built in Portage la Prairie… not a recipe for success.
4. Which object doesn’t belong? Sand, sun, golf, bikini’s, cabanas, cactus, hockey. And it’s about that simple.
The Coyotes WILL be leaving Glendale… likely in 2012.
And any potential investor WILL move the team out of the desert.
The biggest enemy of Glendale now, is the frenzy in Winnipeg – which has turned a boat anchor franchise into one of the model citizens, virtually overnight.
You can bet the NHL Board of Governors are sick and tired of the Coyotes saga, and the drain on their wallets… and will be anxious to try and duplicate the rags to riches Winnipeg story with the Coyotes as soon as is possible.
There are a few other franchises besides Phoenix that are in trouble – so the quicker that situation is disposed of, the better for all concerned.
The probable players:
Pierre Karl Péladeau – owner of Quebecor… looking to return the Nordiques to Quebec City.
Quebec is in the process of building a new arena – but have le Colisee Pepsi (the Pepsi Coliseum), the 15,200 seat former home of the Nordiques which underwent a major face-lift only a couple of years ago before the World Championships… and is adequately suited for NHL hockey until the new arena is completed.
James Laurence “Jim” Balsillie – owner of RIM (Blackberry)… looking to bring NHL to Hamilton.
Balsillie has previously made attempts to purchase and relocate the Nashville Predators, and more recently the Phoenix Coyotes… and both times he was thwarted by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, with the Coyotes drama being settled in bankruptcy court.
Since then, Bettman has let it be known that Balsillie is not out of consideration if he “follows protocol”… which means, the NHL realize they are eventually going to NEED Balsillie.
Copps Coliseum is the 17,400 seat arena in Hamilton – which was built for a future NHL franchise back in 1985… and while some major renovations are planned, the facility is “hockey ready” with some minor alterations to the press box etc, for the NHL.
That’s it.
Time to push hockey aside for a couple months at least and get at some football!
Give it a game or two… and I’m sure we will all have our first complaints of the season.
dave@cflcentral.net
June 28th, 2011
THE GOOD
The 2011 Stanley Cup has been awarded to the far superior team… the Boston Bruins.
Tim Thomas is the poster boy for “effective isn’t always pretty” in his style – and well deserving of the Conn Smythe MVP award.
And the Bruins seem sort of like the Blackhawks last year… even the majority of people not cheering for them during the series, are ok with the win.
And hey, the team with the most Canadians, and North Americans won… so it all makes sense.
THE BAD
The Canucks have mega millions tied up in the 3 biggest goats of the Cup finals.
Luongo was ordinary to terrible in 4 of 7 games… which is one more than allowed to be successful.
But as soft as Roberto may have been in game 7, when you are spotted a 0 goal lead – it is hard to mount a comeback, and impossible to win.
That is on the other 2 high paid culprits… the twin Sedins, who disappeared like typical Europeans in the playoffs.
THE AFTERMATH
The bureaucrats who give the cops in Vancouver their marching orders just simply do not get it.
Your goals going into last night:
1. no repeat of 1994.
2. don’t lose control, and snuff the problems before they get going.
3. disperse the crowd in an orderly fashion.
Three big swings and misses, strike 3, you’re out.
What is the point of dressing a bunch of cops in riot gear to stand and watch?!
You have water cannons, tear gas, concussion grenades, clubs, beanbag shells, rubber bullets, real bullets… USE THEM!
If the police put a few hoods {criminals} in the hospital, jail and the morgue – that already sets you ahead of the game for next time, by sheer reputation.
When an idiot realizes that his stupidity may result in his death, it tends to dampen the enthusiasm to act like a moron.
Of course the city and cops are using the excuse of “too big a crowd to control” today.
This is the same bunch that thought it was a good idea to set up big screens and invite tens of thousands of people to congregate in an uncontrolled environment.
And their only defense on prevention was “hey, we closed the liquor stores early”!
Well newsflash, even dumbasses have enough brain cells left to comprehend the shop before 4 concept.
Now that Winnipeg have their NHL team back, I can return to cheering against Vancouver and laughing at their “bridesmaid, never the bride” status.
I don’t think it’s a real surprise to anyone in Canada that Montreal and Vancouver have the hockey hooligans.
Hopefully the city planners on the left coast use the next 17 years a little more wisely in planning for the next Canucks dud.
dave@cflcentral.net
June 16th, 2011
Personally speaking, 1996 was the one year in my life I would like to eradicate from the history of my existence… a year of loss and chaos.
In no particular order – the family farm where I had grown up and had the ultimate freedom of movement and privacy all my life, was sold.
My mother passed away, after years of illness finally took their toll.
The family cat who had been in our home for around 11 years, died after complications from surgery for a bad infection.
Oh, and after the emotional roller coaster ups and downs over two or three years… the Winnipeg Jets left town and headed for Arizona.
When the Jets left Winnipeg, they took a piece of the city and province with them.
Non-hockey fans can scoff all they want at that notion – but when I hear the new billionaire owners, the Prime Minister, the Premier, the Mayor, even the media – all acknowledge that a hole was left in the heart of Jet country… I’ll go with that, because I felt it as much as anyone.
But… the heart transplant, the re-birth was oh so sweet.
Atlanta made their 2nd failure (and presumably last) official, by selling the former Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment.
As depressing as sitting in the Winnipeg Arena was for that final playoff game against Detroit, the feeling of being there for opening night 2011 is going to be phenomenal.
Equally satisfying was Gary Bettman having to endure the enthusiastic media and the thousands of people that came out to cheer the announcement.
Bettman doesn’t want to be back in Winnipeg, don’t kid yourself and believe his diplomatic rhetoric for one second.
He is all about big US markets, whether hockey friendly or not.
Now, the name… WINNIPEG JETS
Here’s hoping the new ownership who seem to be in tune with the fanbase and community, actually are.
With all sorts of polls that have been held, both official and informal… the results have always been overwhelming in favor of returning to the historical name Winnipeg Jets.
Frankly I can’t comprehend NHL hockey in Winnipeg NOT being called the Jets.
Anywhere in North America, indeed the world, in most cases if a person has heard the name Winnipeg, it was associated with the Jets.
From a marketing and merchandising standpoint, you have a brand that was not only kept alive by Jets fans for the 15 years of absence, but is still one of the most popular selling NHL products.
While Quebec and Hartford have basically been packed away as historical memorabilia, the NHL was unable to do the same with the Winnipeg Jets… people still wanted it.
Logistics vs time are going to force Winnipeg to play in the SouthEast division for 2011-2012, which isn’t a bad thing and fans had better enjoy it.
Once Winnipeg is moved to the West in 2012, appearances from players like Ovechkin, Crosby, Stamkos, etc will be rare.
The average Canadian hockey fan will benefit as well… because Hockey Night in Canada will FINALLY have another option beyond their tired old matchups week after week.
So… go Vancouver, and let’s get 2010-2011 over with and start next season!
I for one dread winter and desperately cling to every ounce of summer every year.
However, for 2011 I’m ok with fast forwarding summer.
GO JETS GO!!
* Addendum:
The goal was 13,000 season tickets for Winnipeg.
When the tickets went on public sale, they were sold out in 2 minutes.
Admin also compiled a waiting list, which they were forced to cap at 8,000.
Those are Toronto Maple Leaf type stats folks… and well done Winnipeg!
dave@cflcentral.net
May 31st, 2011
The only thing that is clear with the ongoing Phoenix Coyotes saga which has now moved firmly into the absurd category… is Gary Bettman has no regard for hockey in Canada.
Let’s go way back in life to 1993 when the NHL hired Bettman away from his job in the NBA to become the next NHL commissioner.
Immediately Bettman began to implement his “southern experiment” in moving teams from traditional hockey markets in the cold north to the sunny locales in the warm south.
First came expansion.
Three of the next four teams added to the NHL were Tampa, FL – Anaheim, CA and Miami, FL.
The ONLY thing that prevented the Senators from actually becoming a Dallas franchise in the last hours, was an owner committed to Ottawa.
Then came relocation:
The Minnesota North Stars headed south to Texas to become the Dallas Stars, the Quebec Nordiques went to Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche, the Winnipeg Jets were dispatched to Arizona to become the Phoenix Coyotes, and the Hartford Whalers were whisked to Raleigh to become the Carolina Hurricanes.
No court fights, no choices given… done and quick, and if you blinked you missed the moves.
To complete the palm tree circuit:
The Nashville Predators and Atlanta Thrashers were added to two more southern spots.
* Minnesota got their franchise back when the Wild were added with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2000.
Fast forward to today:
ONLY the Colorado Avalanche are successful financially out of all the southern teams that were added.
Ironically, the people in Denver were happy to finally get another chance after losing the Rockies to New Jersey in 1981.
Add to the list of teams in trouble… Columbus, St. Louis (again), and the New York Islanders.
The worst problems are in Phoenix and Atlanta… both well documented.
As of April 29th, the NHL has given the City of Glendale a bill for $25 million for their “share” of the Coyotes latest season.
This is the same NHL and Glendale who have been fighting to keep the Coyotes in a place that costs mega millions annually in losses.
This is the team which has lost money every year since moving to Arizona.
But Gary Bettman, with fires burning all around him and his great southern adventure in tatters… is still holding on with every ounce of strength he has, to every franchise.
He chased billionaire Jim Balsillie out of Nashville and then Phoenix via the courts – in order to keep Balsillie from relocating a team to Hamilton.
He has continually shunned multi-millionaire Mark Chipman and billionaire David Thomson in their quiet efforts to relocate the Coyotes back to Winnipeg.
He has dismissed any notion of billionaire Pierre-Karl Peladeau moving the Thrashers to Quebec City – saying they don’t have an arena… even though the Quebec government and Paladeau have committed to building one once they have a team, which could easily play in Le Colisee (former home of the Nordiques) until the new building is ready.
So why is Bettman being so brick-headed with relocation?
Reason 1… it would be an admission that his legacy of southern hockey was a failure.
Reason 2… the first team that is allowed to move would set precedent and start a wave of moves that the NHL Board of Governors could not control.
Reason 3… it isn’t his money, so what does Bettman have to lose?
Reason 4… Bettman is an American with no personal exposure in his life to the culture of hockey in Canada – all he has to go on is his pro sports knowledge gained in the NBA offices.
The only good thing in all this circus sideshow action in the south… it can’t be contained much longer, and in a couple cases the clock has almost burned through the 11th hour now.
Next up: Under the big top of the three ring circus in Arizona and other choice NHL non-markets.
dave@cflcentral.net
April 30th, 2011
10 SIGNS OF SPRING:
1 PELICANS ARE SPOTTED IN SASKATOON . . .
2 THE ONLY BLADES IN ACTION ARE THE BLADES AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR LAWN MOWER . . .
3 SPEAKING OF WHICH, THE JACKASS NEIGHBOR’S 7am SNOWBLOWER RUMBLE IS REPLACED BY THE JACKASS NEIGHBOR’s 7am LAWN MOWER HUM . . .
4 THE SOUND OF KIDS PLAYING VIDEO GAMES IN THEIR BASEMENT INSTEAD OF SHINNY OR ROAD HOCKEY IS REPLACED BY THE SOUND OF KIDS PLAYING VIDEO GAMES IN THEIR BASEMENT INSTEAD OF RIDING BIKES, PLAYING BALL, SOCCER OR COWBOYS AND INDIANS . . .
5 SPEAKING OF WHICH, ANOTHER SIGN OF SPRING IS THE SASKATOON CITY POLICE’S PREDICTABLE “NO SIGNS OF FOUL PLAY” STATEMENT AFTER THEIR OWN INVESTIGATION OF THE DISCOVERY OF VARIOUS SETS OF HUMAN REMAINS AFTER THE SNOW MELT – IN DISCREET LOCATIONS IN OR AROUND THE CITY – DEJA VU . . .
6 THE ANNUALLY-PLANNED CEREMONY TO ANOINT ROBERTO LUONGO AS THE BEST GOALIE IN THE WORLD IS ABRUPTLY POSTPONED FOR ANOTHER YEAR . . .
7 EVERY RACK ISN’T HIDDEN BY LAYERS OF POLAR FLEECE AND GORE-TEX . . .
8 DON CHERRY HAS MORE FACE TIME THAN THE POLITICAL LEADERS . . .
9 BANKS OF SNOW ON THE ROADWAYS HAVE RECEDED TO REVEAL BANKS OF PEA-GRAVEL WHICH WILL ADORN THE PARKING LANES UNTIL SHORTLY BEFORE THE FIRST SNOWFALL . . .
10 SELF-GRATIFYING EGOCENTRIC CHRIS PRONGER DUSTS OFF HIS PREPARED SCHTICK FOR THE MINIONS – ALTHOUGH HIS LASCIVIOUS PURSUITS IRONICALLY LEAVE HIS HAND SO CRIPPLED THAT HE CAN BARELY HOLD HIS STICK . . .
HONORABLE MENTION TO RICHARD KENT AUSTIN WHO IS BUSY RELOADING THE CORNELL BIG RED (SOMETHINGS) FOR ANOTHER SHOT AT THAT ELUSIVE 3-WIN SEASON . . .
tracy@cflcentral.net
April 30th, 2011
Brett Favre comparisons aside, have we all had about enough of the Peter Forsberg saga ?? Play, don’t play – nobody except the Colorado Avalanche cares anymore.
Peter Forsberg reminds me of the Grinch and Frosty the Snowman – appearing for about a month every winter before fading onto memory until the following Christmas . . .
tracy@cflcentral.net
February 13th, 2011
It is time for the the CBC to divest itself entirely from the business of hockey.
The CBC and the entire hockey world has talked about precious little aside from the revamped 2011 NHL AllStar game for about 3 weeks now. The idea to change the format of the game and renew interest in some NHL markets was a great one. Go figure that the CBC wouldn’t realize that there are only 8 people in Canada who are more concerned about an otherwise meaningless curling Skins game – and they are the two foursomes on the pebbled ice. CBC doesn’t deserve to be a rights-holder for the NHL broadcasts – this is the same turkey outfit that can afford to pay Don Cherry ~700 large but they didn’t think it was worth holding on to the immediate sensory-grabbing, memory-invoking icon that was the Hockey Night In Canada Anthem. The brainiacs choose to overlap their bread-and-butter with a mid-season curling match. Nothing short of the Brier final should have stepped on the NHL broadcast. Oh, yes, they lost the Brier playoffs a few years ago – right around the time they lost the CFL.
As meaningless, “who gives a rat’s rear” mid-season games go, I think the NHL holds a little more allure than the latest incarnation of the ‘Skins Game . . .
tracy@cflcentral.net
January 30th, 2011
6 games for this mindless act ?? not much deterrent — should have been 3 times as long — then again, who cares ?? he would have to jump twice to become a marginal player, so his absence from the Canucks lineup may be more of a blessing to them — 5+ years, 113 games, 15 points and not even enough penalty minutes to be considered a goon — how much will he really be missed ??
tracy@cflcentral.net
October 23rd, 2010
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