((HT: WSB-TV Atlanta))
Consumer investigator Jim Strickland was thrust into the middle of a story that, some wished, already had an ending...
The HQ knows that, hopefully, the folks at True North Sports and Entertainment will give the team formerly known as the Atlanta Thrashers a good home. But the ownership group that sold the franchise, Atlanta Spirit (a group lacking in representation of both), is apparently holding season ticket deposits as long as they can...
From the WSB report:
Strickland also discovered the team's former owners, Atlanta Spirit LLC, haven't posted an update on the Web for weeks.
According to the website, before fans can get a 100 percent refund for next season, the NHL governors still need to approve the sale.
That happened nearly a month ago.
June 21st, to be accurate...
Remember...??? Apparently, Spirit has conveniently...
((HT: Sun News Network/JHendrix70))
The rationale is easy to figure- other than the major idea that the ownership group is looking to grab any kind of interest-bearing payment they can to improve their bottom line- which, really, is business...
Plain business... it's selfish, boorish, and completely unprofessional in a market where the NBA franchise is still owned by what's left of their coffeurs...
But it's business...
The HQ gets it... but any kind emotional capital they thought they had left (which, really, wasn't much) may be out the window...
Enjoy that lockout... which, being business, will mean Spirit won't have to spend any money on any level...
Showing posts with label Atlanta Thrashers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Thrashers. Show all posts
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
BREAKING: NHL Board Of Governors Approves Thrash Sale
The National Hockey League Board of Governors has approved the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment, allowing the club to move to Winnipeg.
It was pretty much a fait accompli with the city of Winnipeg coming out in full force to comply with the season ticket demand put out by True North when the sale was conditionally approved by the league and Commish Gary Bettman. But this is the nail...
The franchise price is US$170 million, which includes a relocation fee of $60 million. As determined by the league's Board of Governors, the relocation fee will be distributed among the other 29 teams.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is in the process of hiring a new head coach after former Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay was informed he would not be making the move.
And what about the NHL Draft on Friday...??? The Winnipeggers have the 7th pick, but they may not have their new logo and sweater ready in time for the Xcel Center. The kid may be wearing an NHL sweater...
“We deeply regret that Atlanta’s ownership was unable to secure local partners after exhausting every option and alternative,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “At the same time, we are delighted that NHL hockey is returning to Winnipeg and to a fan-base that already is showing so much support for its team. We congratulate Mark Chipman, David Thomson and True North on their patience, their preparation and their professionalism, and we look forward to the start of a new era for the franchise.”
More as the afternoon develops...
In the interim, here's Mark Chipman talking to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce explaining how the deal came to be...
((HT: Winnipeg Free Press TV))
It was pretty much a fait accompli with the city of Winnipeg coming out in full force to comply with the season ticket demand put out by True North when the sale was conditionally approved by the league and Commish Gary Bettman. But this is the nail...
The franchise price is US$170 million, which includes a relocation fee of $60 million. As determined by the league's Board of Governors, the relocation fee will be distributed among the other 29 teams.
General manager Kevin Cheveldayoff is in the process of hiring a new head coach after former Thrashers coach Craig Ramsay was informed he would not be making the move.
And what about the NHL Draft on Friday...??? The Winnipeggers have the 7th pick, but they may not have their new logo and sweater ready in time for the Xcel Center. The kid may be wearing an NHL sweater...
“We deeply regret that Atlanta’s ownership was unable to secure local partners after exhausting every option and alternative,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “At the same time, we are delighted that NHL hockey is returning to Winnipeg and to a fan-base that already is showing so much support for its team. We congratulate Mark Chipman, David Thomson and True North on their patience, their preparation and their professionalism, and we look forward to the start of a new era for the franchise.”
More as the afternoon develops...
In the interim, here's Mark Chipman talking to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce explaining how the deal came to be...
((HT: Winnipeg Free Press TV))
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Thrashers Captain Slams Old Owners
((HT: Winnipeg Free Press/TSN))
Not that this is much of a surprise, but here's the first ex Atlanta Thrashers player to poke the old owners between the eyes.
Andrew Ladd, who is looking for a new home as a player, came into town to kick the tires. The NHL's Bill Daly, Winnipeg's new GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, and co-owner Mark Chipman were around for the microphones and cameras to answer whatever the assembled media wanted to ask...
The money quote from Ladd: "How you're treated with ownership goes a long way and we didn't have a great experience with that in Atlanta," he said.
Here's the Ladd interview in full... thanks to WFPtv
Here's an edited version from the Free Press with Ladd and Daly...
Not that this is much of a surprise, but here's the first ex Atlanta Thrashers player to poke the old owners between the eyes.
Andrew Ladd, who is looking for a new home as a player, came into town to kick the tires. The NHL's Bill Daly, Winnipeg's new GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, and co-owner Mark Chipman were around for the microphones and cameras to answer whatever the assembled media wanted to ask...
The money quote from Ladd: "How you're treated with ownership goes a long way and we didn't have a great experience with that in Atlanta," he said.
Here's the Ladd interview in full... thanks to WFPtv
Here's an edited version from the Free Press with Ladd and Daly...
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
The HQ Knows The Score
((HT: ScoreRadio))
Last night, the HQ made another appearance on "Norm At Night" to talk about the move of moves... the Atlanta Thrashers heading to Winnipeg to become the Falcons, Jets, or whatever they're going to be called now...
"Stormin' Norm Rumack" had a long chat with us...
Listen to it hyah...
Last night, the HQ made another appearance on "Norm At Night" to talk about the move of moves... the Atlanta Thrashers heading to Winnipeg to become the Falcons, Jets, or whatever they're going to be called now...
"Stormin' Norm Rumack" had a long chat with us...
Listen to it hyah...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
PM UPDATE ATL-To-WPG: Gearon Gets Emotional
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
The HQ alluded to part-owner and member of Atlanta Spirit, Michael Gearon, Junior getting emotional throughout the day as his hockey team, the Atlanta Thrashers, became his ex-hockey team.
Here's the video version of that with FOSG Ken Rodriguez...
And, then, the tag-team version with K-Rod and equally FOSG Buck Lanford...
The HQ also finds it interesting that Spirit sought to trot out the local guy for sound instead of the actual Governor of the franchise...
Jus' thinking out loud...
FOSG Nubyjas Wilborn caught up with some 'Sconsonites in the Thrashers store to ask what they thought about the bombshell...
((HT: No Bias No Bull Sports/nwilborn19))
The HQ alluded to part-owner and member of Atlanta Spirit, Michael Gearon, Junior getting emotional throughout the day as his hockey team, the Atlanta Thrashers, became his ex-hockey team.
Here's the video version of that with FOSG Ken Rodriguez...
VIDEO: Thrashes Former Owner Reacts to Sale: MyFoxATLANTA.com
And, then, the tag-team version with K-Rod and equally FOSG Buck Lanford...
Sold: Atlanta Thrashers Moving to Winnipeg: MyFoxATLANTA.com
The HQ also finds it interesting that Spirit sought to trot out the local guy for sound instead of the actual Governor of the franchise...
Jus' thinking out loud...
FOSG Nubyjas Wilborn caught up with some 'Sconsonites in the Thrashers store to ask what they thought about the bombshell...
((HT: No Bias No Bull Sports/nwilborn19))
Atlanta Spirit's Letter to Thrasher Fans... Whatever...
From Spirit their ownselves...
Believe at your own peril...
Earlier today, we, along with our partners, signed an asset purchase agreement to sell the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment. If ratified by the NHL, Commissioner Bettman and the league's Board of Governors, this will result in the relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg, Canada beginning with the 2011-2012 season.
It's extremely disappointing to all of us that it became necessary after all other options were exhausted. We want to express our gratitude to you, the fans, for the years of dedication you have offered to the Atlanta Thrashers.
As many of you know, for some time we have been seeking a buyer for the team or a partner willing to join with us in continuing to fund the team. We hired an investment banking firm to seek out potential investors with the express goal of finding someone who would keep the team here in Atlanta. In recent months, we openly indicated a growing urgency to secure assistance in off-setting our operating losses in hopes that our public plea would produce investors which, to that point, had eluded us.
After extensive effort, nobody has come forward. As a result, we had no choice but to explore the investment option presented to us by the NHL in the form of True North Sports and Entertainment.
Relocation of the Thrashers is not the outcome that any of us ultimately wanted. We knew when we purchased the club in 2004, that professional sports teams are seldom, if ever, money-making investments but rather vital community assets. We believed in the overall impact that the team had on the sports landscape of Atlanta, and over the past seven years, invested a significant amount of money into what we felt was an integral piece of the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. We are truly grateful to have been a part of this city's professional hockey history, to have made an indelible impact on the community through our players' outreach, our organization's activities and our foundation's donations, and most of all, to have been a part of paying tribute to you, our fans, each and every time our team stepped on the ice.
Thank you for the opportunity to be entertained, thrilled and inspired alongside you by Atlanta Thrashers hockey. None of this would have been possible without your support.
Sincerely,
Bruce Levenson and Michael Gearon
Believe at your own peril...
Earlier today, we, along with our partners, signed an asset purchase agreement to sell the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment. If ratified by the NHL, Commissioner Bettman and the league's Board of Governors, this will result in the relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg, Canada beginning with the 2011-2012 season.
It's extremely disappointing to all of us that it became necessary after all other options were exhausted. We want to express our gratitude to you, the fans, for the years of dedication you have offered to the Atlanta Thrashers.
As many of you know, for some time we have been seeking a buyer for the team or a partner willing to join with us in continuing to fund the team. We hired an investment banking firm to seek out potential investors with the express goal of finding someone who would keep the team here in Atlanta. In recent months, we openly indicated a growing urgency to secure assistance in off-setting our operating losses in hopes that our public plea would produce investors which, to that point, had eluded us.
After extensive effort, nobody has come forward. As a result, we had no choice but to explore the investment option presented to us by the NHL in the form of True North Sports and Entertainment.
Relocation of the Thrashers is not the outcome that any of us ultimately wanted. We knew when we purchased the club in 2004, that professional sports teams are seldom, if ever, money-making investments but rather vital community assets. We believed in the overall impact that the team had on the sports landscape of Atlanta, and over the past seven years, invested a significant amount of money into what we felt was an integral piece of the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. We are truly grateful to have been a part of this city's professional hockey history, to have made an indelible impact on the community through our players' outreach, our organization's activities and our foundation's donations, and most of all, to have been a part of paying tribute to you, our fans, each and every time our team stepped on the ice.
Thank you for the opportunity to be entertained, thrilled and inspired alongside you by Atlanta Thrashers hockey. None of this would have been possible without your support.
Sincerely,
Bruce Levenson and Michael Gearon
The Transition Begins: Waddell Out In ATL-WPG
From Sportsnet's Roger Millions, via Twitter:
Don Waddell is officially out as President when Thrashers move to Wpg..will do draft and then that's it.
The next stop in the hierarchy is at GM where Rick Dudley, by all accounts, a great hockey mind and builder is next up for a 1x1 with True North. True North is of the belief that they're GM, nine-year vet Craig Heisinger, is ready for the NHL. Will True North have Dudley work with Zinger or not...???
That's the next question...
Here's the announcement, thanks to our friends at TSN...
Word was, when Bettman's face showed up on the jumbotrons outside the MTS Centre, he was roundly booed... not shocking...
((HT: TSN/youtube))
More, importantly, here's how it broke in town...
This sounds a lot better...
((HT: Shaw Communications/CJOB-AM/youtube))
Waddell is set for a conference call within the hour...
More when we know more...
1615 UPDATE: We know more...
"If you have success, I think we were set up to build on the momentum in the market place," Waddell admitted in the conference call. "If you can win more, you can get people excited. So it played a part- a lot of things played a part- our lack of success may have contributed to that."
Waddell doesn't know what his own future holds, but he confirmed that he will be working with the franchise for the next month until he "turns over the keys." True North's Mark Chipman has told Waddell that there is an interest to fill some Winnipeg organizational positions and that there would be some interviews scheduled in the near future. He admitted that there would be some job loss inside the current structure, but there also would be some sliding over of personnel into open positions in other aspects of Atlanta Spirit.
"I want to make sure we hand the organization over in the best position we can," he said. "We had a lot of ups and downs, but when I put my head on the pillow at night, we did our best. We tried to make it work the best we can. I always say to our staff that we make the best decisions for the short-term, and long-term, for the best interest of the franchise. Unfortunately, we're to the point where it didn't work here and we have to move on."
Waddell is excited about the team Winnipeg is getting... they have a lot of good players as the franchise moves forward in good shape. He doesn't know about the coaching staff and they're future. Chipman knows Rick Dudley from their IHL days, and he's going to talk to scouts and other personnel. Until the franchise is "closed," they're prepping for the draft.
"It's better that there's a change there," in referring to his own job dissipation. "They're in very good hands up there."
Don Waddell is officially out as President when Thrashers move to Wpg..will do draft and then that's it.
The next stop in the hierarchy is at GM where Rick Dudley, by all accounts, a great hockey mind and builder is next up for a 1x1 with True North. True North is of the belief that they're GM, nine-year vet Craig Heisinger, is ready for the NHL. Will True North have Dudley work with Zinger or not...???
That's the next question...
Here's the announcement, thanks to our friends at TSN...
Word was, when Bettman's face showed up on the jumbotrons outside the MTS Centre, he was roundly booed... not shocking...
((HT: TSN/youtube))
More, importantly, here's how it broke in town...
This sounds a lot better...
((HT: Shaw Communications/CJOB-AM/youtube))
Waddell is set for a conference call within the hour...
More when we know more...
1615 UPDATE: We know more...
"If you have success, I think we were set up to build on the momentum in the market place," Waddell admitted in the conference call. "If you can win more, you can get people excited. So it played a part- a lot of things played a part- our lack of success may have contributed to that."
Waddell doesn't know what his own future holds, but he confirmed that he will be working with the franchise for the next month until he "turns over the keys." True North's Mark Chipman has told Waddell that there is an interest to fill some Winnipeg organizational positions and that there would be some interviews scheduled in the near future. He admitted that there would be some job loss inside the current structure, but there also would be some sliding over of personnel into open positions in other aspects of Atlanta Spirit.
"I want to make sure we hand the organization over in the best position we can," he said. "We had a lot of ups and downs, but when I put my head on the pillow at night, we did our best. We tried to make it work the best we can. I always say to our staff that we make the best decisions for the short-term, and long-term, for the best interest of the franchise. Unfortunately, we're to the point where it didn't work here and we have to move on."
Waddell is excited about the team Winnipeg is getting... they have a lot of good players as the franchise moves forward in good shape. He doesn't know about the coaching staff and they're future. Chipman knows Rick Dudley from their IHL days, and he's going to talk to scouts and other personnel. Until the franchise is "closed," they're prepping for the draft.
"It's better that there's a change there," in referring to his own job dissipation. "They're in very good hands up there."
The Drive To 13K Begins... Winnipeg Has Pro Hockey Back...
In a standard press release, it's over and attempted to be explained...
"Our objective was always to find a solution to keep the team in Atlanta, and we spent a considerable amount of time, effort and resources trying to do so,” said Co-Owner Bruce Levenson. “This is not the outcome we wanted and it’s extremely disappointing that a buyer or significant investor did not come forward that would enable us to keep the team in Atlanta.”
And, after a 15-minute delay, the presser to announce the shift of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg begins...
The parameters: Commissioner Gary Bettman is encouraging that the MTS Centre be sold out every night for "this to work." And the number of season ticket sales for consecutive seasons ranges from three to five- depending on which seat you want- and is 13,000 instead of the normal 10,000...
Which is fine... it shouldn't be a problem... even with the city of Winnipeg being the smallest Canadian city to join the fray once again.
Michael Gearon, Junior broke down in a difficult interview with FOSG John Kincade in the 680TheFan studios this afternoon. Few question Gearon's love for sport as a gentleman who grew up here, but more question his nature as a part owner of a geographically-disjointed, financially ill-equipped gaggle of dudes who seemed more interested in in-fighting, lawsuits, and suing their ex-lawyers than investing in their product in a proportionally-correct manner.
In the interview, Gearon expressed the idea that the one year the Thrash made the playoffs, they still lost US$20-million with a midline payroll. Thus the decision to grow talent citing previous examples in Tampa, Pittsburgh, or Nashville. The problem was the organization never recovered from the gutting of the team to make that playoff run ((See the Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik trades as your examples...))
FOSG Jeff Schultz went off the rails and poked Atlanta Spirit between the eyes...And, for that, we commend him...
"Hockey in Canada has never been stronger," said Commissioner Gary Bettman. "We get to be back in a place we wish had not left in 1996. Sometimes we simply have no choice, as was the case back in 1996 when the Jets left Winnipeg," he said.
The man, certainly, thinks that someone else was responsible for that move, eh...???
And for him to talk like it was a goal and aim if his to have a team there all along was an interesting contradiction in terms for the dynamic that was set forth.
The sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment is conditional the approval of 75 per cent of the league's owners at the NHL's Board of Governors meeting in New York on June 21.
Here's the obit from FOSG Buck Lanford
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
The Thrashers held a 1PM presser for selected media- the four television station network affils, Bloomberg, and the Associated Press...
Strangely typical... and equally cowardly.. it fits Spirit's modus operandi from the jump...
More when we know more...
1515 UPDATE: We know more...
FOSG Ted Bauer's sister station in London, Ontario "A-News London" caught up with Pegger property Robbie Schrempf and got his take...
((HT: ANews London))
Here's what it looked like at the key Winnipeg intersection of Portage and Main
((HT: youtube))
But the one aspect that the HQ wasn't a fan of during today's procession was a bump music out used on XMHomeIce: The Band's "The Day They Drove Ol' Dixie Down..."
Not cool... not cool at all...
More when we know more...
"Our objective was always to find a solution to keep the team in Atlanta, and we spent a considerable amount of time, effort and resources trying to do so,” said Co-Owner Bruce Levenson. “This is not the outcome we wanted and it’s extremely disappointing that a buyer or significant investor did not come forward that would enable us to keep the team in Atlanta.”
And, after a 15-minute delay, the presser to announce the shift of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg begins...
The parameters: Commissioner Gary Bettman is encouraging that the MTS Centre be sold out every night for "this to work." And the number of season ticket sales for consecutive seasons ranges from three to five- depending on which seat you want- and is 13,000 instead of the normal 10,000...
Which is fine... it shouldn't be a problem... even with the city of Winnipeg being the smallest Canadian city to join the fray once again.
Michael Gearon, Junior broke down in a difficult interview with FOSG John Kincade in the 680TheFan studios this afternoon. Few question Gearon's love for sport as a gentleman who grew up here, but more question his nature as a part owner of a geographically-disjointed, financially ill-equipped gaggle of dudes who seemed more interested in in-fighting, lawsuits, and suing their ex-lawyers than investing in their product in a proportionally-correct manner.
In the interview, Gearon expressed the idea that the one year the Thrash made the playoffs, they still lost US$20-million with a midline payroll. Thus the decision to grow talent citing previous examples in Tampa, Pittsburgh, or Nashville. The problem was the organization never recovered from the gutting of the team to make that playoff run ((See the Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhitnik trades as your examples...))
FOSG Jeff Schultz went off the rails and poked Atlanta Spirit between the eyes...And, for that, we commend him...
"Hockey in Canada has never been stronger," said Commissioner Gary Bettman. "We get to be back in a place we wish had not left in 1996. Sometimes we simply have no choice, as was the case back in 1996 when the Jets left Winnipeg," he said.
The man, certainly, thinks that someone else was responsible for that move, eh...???
And for him to talk like it was a goal and aim if his to have a team there all along was an interesting contradiction in terms for the dynamic that was set forth.
The sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment is conditional the approval of 75 per cent of the league's owners at the NHL's Board of Governors meeting in New York on June 21.
Here's the obit from FOSG Buck Lanford
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
Sold: Atlanta Thrashers Moving to Winnipeg: MyFoxATLANTA.com
The Thrashers held a 1PM presser for selected media- the four television station network affils, Bloomberg, and the Associated Press...
Strangely typical... and equally cowardly.. it fits Spirit's modus operandi from the jump...
More when we know more...
1515 UPDATE: We know more...
FOSG Ted Bauer's sister station in London, Ontario "A-News London" caught up with Pegger property Robbie Schrempf and got his take...
((HT: ANews London))
Here's what it looked like at the key Winnipeg intersection of Portage and Main
((HT: youtube))
But the one aspect that the HQ wasn't a fan of during today's procession was a bump music out used on XMHomeIce: The Band's "The Day They Drove Ol' Dixie Down..."
Not cool... not cool at all...
More when we know more...
BREAKING: It's Done... Noon Winnipeg Presser, Thrashers Gone...
((HT: NHL.com))
From the league their ownselves...
True North Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group reported to be in negotiations to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers and relocate the team to Winnipeg for the 2011-12 NHL season, has called a Tuesday press conference to make a "significant community announcement."
The media event will take place at noon ET at the MTS Centre arena in Winnipeg. NHL.com and NHL Network will carry the press conference live.
More when we know more...
Here's TSN's coverage from yesterday as the announcement was nigh...
Sara Orlesky was being driven sideways by the wind at Portage and Main
((HT: TSN/JHendrix70))
And here's Dutch and Darren before everything became official...
From the league their ownselves...
True North Sports and Entertainment, the ownership group reported to be in negotiations to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers and relocate the team to Winnipeg for the 2011-12 NHL season, has called a Tuesday press conference to make a "significant community announcement."
The media event will take place at noon ET at the MTS Centre arena in Winnipeg. NHL.com and NHL Network will carry the press conference live.
More when we know more...
Here's TSN's coverage from yesterday as the announcement was nigh...
Sara Orlesky was being driven sideways by the wind at Portage and Main
((HT: TSN/JHendrix70))
And here's Dutch and Darren before everything became official...
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 11: ATL-To-WPG- It's Up To The Lawyers...
((HT: TSN/Sportsnet/Winnipeg Sun/Winnipeg Free Press via Howard Bloom))
Here's what we've found out via the HQ's subscriptions to various dudes...
TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that Winnipeg lawyers have signed off on the deal, but are awaiting Atlanta lawyers to sign off. On his Twitter account:
Soon as they sign off, deal is done, pending board approval. If ATL lawyers sign off today, announcement tomorrow morning. If ATL lawyers don't sign off today, drags out another day or two.
Winnipeg police are preparing for parties and street closures in the downtown core, particularly the corner of Portage and Main. City officials have not been informed by True North of a firm time for any announcement.
True North Sports and Entertainment, the company trying to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers, has informed local media to be on standby.
"They were told to be ready as early as tomorrow," TNSE spokesman Scott Brown told the Winnipeg Sun...
Ken Wiebe's article in the Sun we hear from Bill Daly at the NHL:
"It's certainly possible something could be finalized this week," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Sun on Monday.
Darren Dreger of TSN added on his Twitter: The waiting continues. True North is waiting for Atlanta Spirit to complete some of its legal fine tuning. It's now an hour by hour wait.
Meanwhile, Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet says "barring any last minute changes, the plan is to formally announce the Thrashers move to Winnipeg as early as 10 a.m. Tuesday."
Once the deal is complete, obviously, it still must obtain approval from the NHL
board of governors and their next meeting is scheduled for June 21 in New York.
Winnipeg's Scott Taylor is thinking somewhere between Tuesday and Thursday...
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is relaying that haggling is still going on...
So, now we may actually be closer than we think...
FOSG/WXIA-TV-11Alive's Jeff Hullinger caught up with part of the ASG, Rutherford Seydel... it sounds like a dirge...
Crystal Goomansingh was in Winnipeg for the preview of the inevitable celebration...
((HT: GlobalNews))
Here's what we've found out via the HQ's subscriptions to various dudes...
TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that Winnipeg lawyers have signed off on the deal, but are awaiting Atlanta lawyers to sign off. On his Twitter account:
Soon as they sign off, deal is done, pending board approval. If ATL lawyers sign off today, announcement tomorrow morning. If ATL lawyers don't sign off today, drags out another day or two.
Winnipeg police are preparing for parties and street closures in the downtown core, particularly the corner of Portage and Main. City officials have not been informed by True North of a firm time for any announcement.
True North Sports and Entertainment, the company trying to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers, has informed local media to be on standby.
"They were told to be ready as early as tomorrow," TNSE spokesman Scott Brown told the Winnipeg Sun...
Ken Wiebe's article in the Sun we hear from Bill Daly at the NHL:
"It's certainly possible something could be finalized this week," NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told the Sun on Monday.
Darren Dreger of TSN added on his Twitter: The waiting continues. True North is waiting for Atlanta Spirit to complete some of its legal fine tuning. It's now an hour by hour wait.
Meanwhile, Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet says "barring any last minute changes, the plan is to formally announce the Thrashers move to Winnipeg as early as 10 a.m. Tuesday."
Once the deal is complete, obviously, it still must obtain approval from the NHL
board of governors and their next meeting is scheduled for June 21 in New York.
Winnipeg's Scott Taylor is thinking somewhere between Tuesday and Thursday...
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun is relaying that haggling is still going on...
So, now we may actually be closer than we think...
FOSG/WXIA-TV-11Alive's Jeff Hullinger caught up with part of the ASG, Rutherford Seydel... it sounds like a dirge...
Crystal Goomansingh was in Winnipeg for the preview of the inevitable celebration...
((HT: GlobalNews))
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Another Local Suitor For Thrash...??? Meh...
((HT: AJC.com/Vivlamore, IllegalCurve Radio))
Now that we're at Day 9 of this will-they-or-won't-they when it comes to the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg, Atlanta Thrashers team president Don Waddell is back to announcing the idea that there's a filmmaker out there interested in kicking the tires and keeping the team in Atlanta...
We're back to Stephen Rollins... and FOSG Buck Lanford- who are walking...
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
From Friday:
"Along with all other groups who have expressed an interest in pursuing an ownership opportunity, which has happened as recently as earlier this week, we have said continuously that ‘until an agreement is signed and approved by the board of governors, it’s never too late but they will have to move very quickly and decisively. Ownership still is committed to selling at a greatly reduced price to anyone committed to Atlanta.’"
Translation: The team has always maintained that their asking price to keep the team in town is US$110-million as far back as anyone can recall when the team has been on the market...
Here's a report on a conversation FOSG Ken Rodriguez had with Michael Gearon, Junior... About what you'd expect from Gearon...
The HQ is still banking on Tuesday for an announcement...
Now that we're at Day 9 of this will-they-or-won't-they when it comes to the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg, Atlanta Thrashers team president Don Waddell is back to announcing the idea that there's a filmmaker out there interested in kicking the tires and keeping the team in Atlanta...
We're back to Stephen Rollins... and FOSG Buck Lanford- who are walking...
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
Atlanta Thrashers Owner Talks to FOX 5's Ken Rodriguez: MyFoxATLANTA.com
From Friday:
"Along with all other groups who have expressed an interest in pursuing an ownership opportunity, which has happened as recently as earlier this week, we have said continuously that ‘until an agreement is signed and approved by the board of governors, it’s never too late but they will have to move very quickly and decisively. Ownership still is committed to selling at a greatly reduced price to anyone committed to Atlanta.’"
Translation: The team has always maintained that their asking price to keep the team in town is US$110-million as far back as anyone can recall when the team has been on the market...
Here's a report on a conversation FOSG Ken Rodriguez had with Michael Gearon, Junior... About what you'd expect from Gearon...
The HQ is still banking on Tuesday for an announcement...
Atlanta Thrashers Owner Talks to FOX 5's Ken Rodriguez: MyFoxATLANTA.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Your Atlanta-To-Winnipeg Update: Probably Next Week...???
((HT: Winnipeg Free Press/CBSSports/GlobeSports))
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz told reporters he thinks an NHL announcement could happen before the end of the week.
BUT... and this is the standard sized, big BUT...
Remember, the sale and the move have to be approved before the Board of Governors- even if Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has thrown in the towel...
"I do believe something before the end of the week is likely," Katz said following a city council meeting earlier in the week.
Commissioner Gary Bettman is in the "Stay calm, all is well" mode as always. He was a guest on Tampa radio station WDAE...
"Nobody’s announced anything and frankly if there is something going on nothing is going to happen until it actually happens, which means it may not happen.
"So I think people need to take a deep breath and pause."
This coming from the same man who tells Atlanta people that their way of protesting the ownership by Atlanta Spirit was "interesting" by not supporting their team that way.
From Jeff Schultz's piece from two days ago:
“Demonstrating your dissatisfaction by not going to games is an interesting strategy. It’s your absolute right. But if it becomes a turnoff for anybody who might want to buy the franchise, the long-term consequences could be severe.”
So, then if people don't go and spend money on a bad product, it's their fault if the project fails...
Makes perfect sense...
So, the Free Press even went as far as to ask what fans would like their soon-to-be new team's nickname should be...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC confirms also that Anson Carter and his Atlanta Sports and Entertainment group have withdrawn their name as an interested party for all Spirit properties as well.
But Gary Lawless of the Free Press reports through his sources that there are issues still on the table that have to be waded through...
Details described as "consent, owner approval, proof of financial information, etc." remain on the table.
"There are complex issues that take time to work through," said a source.
The Stanley Cup schedule has been announced. Game One has been set for Wednesday, June 1st. In theory, if all parties work through the Memorial Day weekend, with US banks closed on Monday. Tuesday, the day before Game One, seems a logical jumping off point...
For now... and, as always it's subject to change...
Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz told reporters he thinks an NHL announcement could happen before the end of the week.
BUT... and this is the standard sized, big BUT...
Remember, the sale and the move have to be approved before the Board of Governors- even if Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has thrown in the towel...
"I do believe something before the end of the week is likely," Katz said following a city council meeting earlier in the week.
Commissioner Gary Bettman is in the "Stay calm, all is well" mode as always. He was a guest on Tampa radio station WDAE...
"Nobody’s announced anything and frankly if there is something going on nothing is going to happen until it actually happens, which means it may not happen.
"So I think people need to take a deep breath and pause."
This coming from the same man who tells Atlanta people that their way of protesting the ownership by Atlanta Spirit was "interesting" by not supporting their team that way.
From Jeff Schultz's piece from two days ago:
“Demonstrating your dissatisfaction by not going to games is an interesting strategy. It’s your absolute right. But if it becomes a turnoff for anybody who might want to buy the franchise, the long-term consequences could be severe.”
So, then if people don't go and spend money on a bad product, it's their fault if the project fails...
Makes perfect sense...
So, the Free Press even went as far as to ask what fans would like their soon-to-be new team's nickname should be...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC confirms also that Anson Carter and his Atlanta Sports and Entertainment group have withdrawn their name as an interested party for all Spirit properties as well.
But Gary Lawless of the Free Press reports through his sources that there are issues still on the table that have to be waded through...
Details described as "consent, owner approval, proof of financial information, etc." remain on the table.
"There are complex issues that take time to work through," said a source.
The Stanley Cup schedule has been announced. Game One has been set for Wednesday, June 1st. In theory, if all parties work through the Memorial Day weekend, with US banks closed on Monday. Tuesday, the day before Game One, seems a logical jumping off point...
For now... and, as always it's subject to change...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Atlanta Mayor Sees No Hope To Keep Thrashers
((HT: 11Alive.com/WXIA-TV))
And leave it to Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed to make a statement when he knows it's too late for anyone to, short of "The Balkan," keep the Thrashers and/or own all three properties and get them away from Atlanta Spirit...
Here's Jennifer Leslie with hizzoner...
Well timed, sir...
Enjoy the wake you're creating...
And leave it to Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed to make a statement when he knows it's too late for anyone to, short of "The Balkan," keep the Thrashers and/or own all three properties and get them away from Atlanta Spirit...
Here's Jennifer Leslie with hizzoner...
Well timed, sir...
Enjoy the wake you're creating...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Ex-Thrash Coach Anderson Talks About Old Team, Moores-Hawks Deal Dead For Now...((UPDATED With Off-Ice Personnel Decisions))
((HT: NHLHomeIce/Sirius XM Radio))
The HQ will be the first to admit that Anderson didn't get anything close to a fair shake when he was head coach of the Thrashers.
He was a successful minor-league coach who was fully respected. He was also economically-feasible for Spirit's choice for a head coach at the time.
Anderson was on NHLHomeIce this afternoon to discuss the possible/probable/inevitable move of the Thrashers to Winnipeg...
Among his money quotes...
"It's very difficult when you have an owner not willing to spend the money, or have a solid interest in the team itself."
And, from Tim Tucker at the AJC, the time period that soon-to-be-ex San Diego Padres owner John Moores had to negotiate exclusively with Spirit is wiped off the books.
"We no longer have an exclusivity," Gearon told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It was ended by mutual agreement after preliminary discussions."
Eklund and his HockeyBuzz-ness are relaying that the only way that True North fails in getting a team to Winnipeg is by not making an appointed season ticket number of 14,000. True North is also saying, through Eklund's sources, that they want it written in the deal that Spirit won't get a dime until that marker is achieved.
1800 UPDATE: In what may be another sign of the coming hockey demise in town, the flagship radio station for the Thrashers broadcasts, WCNN-AM/680TheFan, has let go all associated, on-air personnel that were not directly under contract with Atlanta Spirit itself. Remember what we were telling you about good people now having to find work because of the abject hubris of others...???
Here's the first salvo of that...
The HQ will be the first to admit that Anderson didn't get anything close to a fair shake when he was head coach of the Thrashers.
He was a successful minor-league coach who was fully respected. He was also economically-feasible for Spirit's choice for a head coach at the time.
Anderson was on NHLHomeIce this afternoon to discuss the possible/probable/inevitable move of the Thrashers to Winnipeg...
Among his money quotes...
"It's very difficult when you have an owner not willing to spend the money, or have a solid interest in the team itself."
And, from Tim Tucker at the AJC, the time period that soon-to-be-ex San Diego Padres owner John Moores had to negotiate exclusively with Spirit is wiped off the books.
"We no longer have an exclusivity," Gearon told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It was ended by mutual agreement after preliminary discussions."
Eklund and his HockeyBuzz-ness are relaying that the only way that True North fails in getting a team to Winnipeg is by not making an appointed season ticket number of 14,000. True North is also saying, through Eklund's sources, that they want it written in the deal that Spirit won't get a dime until that marker is achieved.
1800 UPDATE: In what may be another sign of the coming hockey demise in town, the flagship radio station for the Thrashers broadcasts, WCNN-AM/680TheFan, has let go all associated, on-air personnel that were not directly under contract with Atlanta Spirit itself. Remember what we were telling you about good people now having to find work because of the abject hubris of others...???
Here's the first salvo of that...
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thrashers Rally More An Irish Wake
((HT: Rogers Sportsnet))
First and foremost, here's the video that FOSG Scott Singer shot in the Gulch and inside Philips Arena...
And here's Thrashers GM Rick Dudley discussing the idea at the Memorial Cup...
Dudley says he doesn't know and doesn't want to know- otherwise it's a distraction the team doesn't need...
But in Brother Phil's story, it was what it was...
The self-provided entertainment, whether liquid or soon-to-be-prepared meat by product, was more of the rule of the day. It was a cookout, a reminiscence, and a chance to vent.
For the folks at Atlanta Spirit to trot out Harry Hawk in the Gulch for the assembled wasn't only boorish, but it personified what is wrong with the situation. Spirit doesn't get it, and apparently, never will.
"Now he's trying to eat my girlfriend's head, which is disgusting," said Bryce McNeil, a 33-year-old professor at Georgia State. "Having Harry the Hawk here -- it's not that I have anything against the Hawks, but it's the Atlanta Spirit shoving their other asset in our face, which is just deplorable."
But what McNeil didn't tell you was that he's from Nova Scotia... he gets it. It's not a US versus Canada-thing, his thoughts are more turned toward what was going down in Glendale. THAT, he thinks is more criminal than anything else.
Most folks bore no grudge against their northern neighbors soon to grab a franchise. Some did under the guise of liquid courage. But most of the blame went to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the owners who dared not show their face when signs like "Owning a hockey team isn't a hobby, Gearon!" were hanging from tent stakes.
Fans thought that the acts of ASG were criminal and one guy went as far as to tell the HQ that if Spirit ever owned a third hockey team and were to play a side from the Taliban that the guy would root for the Taliban or even go as far as buy a sheet and root for the KKK if they could get a side together.
Complete with doctored sheet overhead...
There were sweaters from every era- marginally successful or otherwise- from the team's history: Stefan, Bogosian, Pavelec, Hossa, Ladd, Stewart, Hedberg. And they're all moving on if they haven't already...
Here's FOSG Ken Rodriguez giving the HQ props for the breaking news when it went down last week...
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
At the time, we were flipping what Brunt was telling us... but being the local beacon is never a problem...
Listen...
Does this suck...? Yep...
Is there anything that can be done about it right now...??? Nope...
Unless you want to make a point to Spirit and tell them to stick it for their hubris, deception, and all out lack of respect for the Atlanta sports fan...
Either that or make a point not to support the other properties they currently own and are trying to get rid of...
((ed. note- OSG Sports caught up with Jay Clemons to discuss "The Balkan." Clemons said that JB Smith and his backers are waiting for everything to pan out with or without True North. Then, they'll make a play if all three properties are still for the taking. Otherwise, it's "thanks but no thanks."))
And may their Lord help them if they have the hubris to hold an exit presser like Richard Adler did when the IHL Knights left town in 1995. It better be with one of those chicken wire guards or bulletproof glass.
Spirit has screwed the pooch and there is no emotional capital left for them to play with. You really feel for the people on staff that we've come to know over the years. Good people who, probably, now have to find work in a difficult environment because of the stupidity of others.
It was attributed to Michael Gearon, Junior once that he said part of his attraction to be an owner was that he was a fan of the local sides...
This is Lesson Number One: Fans do not, and will never make, good owners.
Business comes first...
That and if you don't have the cash, don't check out with more groceries than you can afford.
First and foremost, here's the video that FOSG Scott Singer shot in the Gulch and inside Philips Arena...
And here's Thrashers GM Rick Dudley discussing the idea at the Memorial Cup...
Dudley says he doesn't know and doesn't want to know- otherwise it's a distraction the team doesn't need...
But in Brother Phil's story, it was what it was...
The self-provided entertainment, whether liquid or soon-to-be-prepared meat by product, was more of the rule of the day. It was a cookout, a reminiscence, and a chance to vent.
For the folks at Atlanta Spirit to trot out Harry Hawk in the Gulch for the assembled wasn't only boorish, but it personified what is wrong with the situation. Spirit doesn't get it, and apparently, never will.
"Now he's trying to eat my girlfriend's head, which is disgusting," said Bryce McNeil, a 33-year-old professor at Georgia State. "Having Harry the Hawk here -- it's not that I have anything against the Hawks, but it's the Atlanta Spirit shoving their other asset in our face, which is just deplorable."
But what McNeil didn't tell you was that he's from Nova Scotia... he gets it. It's not a US versus Canada-thing, his thoughts are more turned toward what was going down in Glendale. THAT, he thinks is more criminal than anything else.
Most folks bore no grudge against their northern neighbors soon to grab a franchise. Some did under the guise of liquid courage. But most of the blame went to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the owners who dared not show their face when signs like "Owning a hockey team isn't a hobby, Gearon!" were hanging from tent stakes.
Fans thought that the acts of ASG were criminal and one guy went as far as to tell the HQ that if Spirit ever owned a third hockey team and were to play a side from the Taliban that the guy would root for the Taliban or even go as far as buy a sheet and root for the KKK if they could get a side together.
Complete with doctored sheet overhead...
There were sweaters from every era- marginally successful or otherwise- from the team's history: Stefan, Bogosian, Pavelec, Hossa, Ladd, Stewart, Hedberg. And they're all moving on if they haven't already...
Here's FOSG Ken Rodriguez giving the HQ props for the breaking news when it went down last week...
((HT: MyFoxAtlanta))
No Deal Yet on Thrashers Search for Owner: MyFoxATLANTA.com
At the time, we were flipping what Brunt was telling us... but being the local beacon is never a problem...
Listen...
Does this suck...? Yep...
Is there anything that can be done about it right now...??? Nope...
Unless you want to make a point to Spirit and tell them to stick it for their hubris, deception, and all out lack of respect for the Atlanta sports fan...
Either that or make a point not to support the other properties they currently own and are trying to get rid of...
((ed. note- OSG Sports caught up with Jay Clemons to discuss "The Balkan." Clemons said that JB Smith and his backers are waiting for everything to pan out with or without True North. Then, they'll make a play if all three properties are still for the taking. Otherwise, it's "thanks but no thanks."))
And may their Lord help them if they have the hubris to hold an exit presser like Richard Adler did when the IHL Knights left town in 1995. It better be with one of those chicken wire guards or bulletproof glass.
Spirit has screwed the pooch and there is no emotional capital left for them to play with. You really feel for the people on staff that we've come to know over the years. Good people who, probably, now have to find work in a difficult environment because of the stupidity of others.
It was attributed to Michael Gearon, Junior once that he said part of his attraction to be an owner was that he was a fan of the local sides...
This is Lesson Number One: Fans do not, and will never make, good owners.
Business comes first...
That and if you don't have the cash, don't check out with more groceries than you can afford.
Thrasher fans rally, reminisce and prepare for inevitable
 |
| Thrashers Rally/Courtesy: Hyosub Shin ajc.com |
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 250 Atlanta Thrashers fans gathered near Philips Arena to show their support, remember the good times and to all-but-confess that their days are numbered.
As most of you know, the team is in the process of being sold and the acknowledged front-runner to buy the woebegone franchise, is planning on moving them to Winnipeg, Canada. It's been the cause of much celebrating in Winnipeg, and much commiserating in Atlanta.
More from AJC.com RIGHT HERE
Brother Jon was at this event and hopefully will file a story sometime today on it. All we'll add from the Northern Bureau is that its a sad, sad day. We really feel bad for the fans of Atlanta, of which there are more than you think.
They weren't the problem. Never were. When the team showed signs of success early on...people showed up, in droves. We saw it with our own two eyes. A weekend game in January in say 2003, 2004 or 2005, you could bank on 15,000 or so in the house. A legit 15,000.
But as the years progressed and the Atlanta Spirit stopped spending money on the team, the apathy grew. Atlanta is a weird Sports town, always has been. People will come if they think there is a chance for success. But if not, they won't. Though Heir Bettman (Gary) says "It's a weird way to show support", it wasn't, it was more a way of showing disdain for the way the team was run.
It's truly a shame nobody in Atlanta was willing to step in and take over the team. Because we know full well there are people there who could. But, we suppose what's done is done, and we'll move on.
We wish the Thrashers and/or whatever they'll be named in Winnipeg the best of luck. We wish the hockey fans of Atlanta the same thing. And though it isn't "NHL" hockey, just remember, you do still have some professional hockey in town, even if it is the ECHL. They live about 30-minutes outside downtown, in Duluth. They would be the Gwinnett Gladiators.
Here's the TV story on the rally from our friends at 11Alive:
Thursday, May 19, 2011
And Now The Denials Start... Or Is Brunt Right ((And Kypreos, Too))
Let's see if we can get them all under one story...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC...
CTV News Toronto
Zach Klein on WSB-TV in Atlanta via twitter...
Don Waddell told me deal to Winnipeg is "not done". True North spokesman Scott Brown to Toronto Star on reported done deal "It's not true"
But Steve Simmons of TSN has a point...
Who owns the Globe and Mail? David Thomsen. Who's buying the Thrashers? David Thomsen. Why would owners paper be wrong on team he is buying
CBC's Jeff Marek...
Just talked to someone at True North who tells me the story is not accurate and no plans for a Tuesday announcement at this time.
ANALYSIS: This, probably, means that a deal is in place- in principle...
The league, however, wanted to make the announcement first and Brunt beat them to the punch. This could have been, with all the denials now in place, one of those last-ditch, Hail Mary chances for the local group to cobble something together and get a fire under their collective asses to come to the table as the home town team.
Odds are they ((the local "they")) were given a timetable to make something happen by the end of the business day Friday to challenge the True North bid...
If the locals flamed out by 5:00 Friday, it's True North's for the taking...
That's our best guess at present...
More when we know more...
2250 UPDATE: Brunt appeared on SportsRadio1290 in Winnipeg saying...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
And...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
0015 UPDATE: We know more...
Rogers Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos is confirming that the deal is done...
Confirming Brunt story #Winnipeg deal done. Told Thomson/Chipman in full partnership. Hear re-location fee alone for #NHL between 50-60M.
David Pagnotta over at 4th Period has the following:
ATL sale to True North could be officially finalized as early as tmrw, then would require NHL board approval (won't be a hurdle).
Fans are now gathering at Winnipeg's Portage and Main...
((HT: Illegal Curve))
We anticipate a lot of people calling in sick for work tomorrow...
Here's the appearance of Stephen Brunt on a very special "Blossom..."
Otherwise known as the "Hustler and Lawless" show on Sportsradio1290 in Winnipeg...
But Gary Lawless sends across this caveat from his article at the Winnipeg Free Press
The NHL’s board of governors will not approve a deal to move the franchise to Winnipeg until a test market ticket drive is completed and they are satisfied the market is viable according to a source involved in the negotiations
More when we know more...
Chris Vivlamore of the AJC...
CTV News Toronto
Zach Klein on WSB-TV in Atlanta via twitter...
Don Waddell told me deal to Winnipeg is "not done". True North spokesman Scott Brown to Toronto Star on reported done deal "It's not true"
But Steve Simmons of TSN has a point...
Who owns the Globe and Mail? David Thomsen. Who's buying the Thrashers? David Thomsen. Why would owners paper be wrong on team he is buying
CBC's Jeff Marek...
Just talked to someone at True North who tells me the story is not accurate and no plans for a Tuesday announcement at this time.
ANALYSIS: This, probably, means that a deal is in place- in principle...
The league, however, wanted to make the announcement first and Brunt beat them to the punch. This could have been, with all the denials now in place, one of those last-ditch, Hail Mary chances for the local group to cobble something together and get a fire under their collective asses to come to the table as the home town team.
Odds are they ((the local "they")) were given a timetable to make something happen by the end of the business day Friday to challenge the True North bid...
If the locals flamed out by 5:00 Friday, it's True North's for the taking...
That's our best guess at present...
More when we know more...
2250 UPDATE: Brunt appeared on SportsRadio1290 in Winnipeg saying...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
And...
"I'd be celebrating if I were in Winnipeg tonight."
0015 UPDATE: We know more...
Rogers Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos is confirming that the deal is done...
Confirming Brunt story #Winnipeg deal done. Told Thomson/Chipman in full partnership. Hear re-location fee alone for #NHL between 50-60M.
David Pagnotta over at 4th Period has the following:
ATL sale to True North could be officially finalized as early as tmrw, then would require NHL board approval (won't be a hurdle).
Fans are now gathering at Winnipeg's Portage and Main...
((HT: Illegal Curve))
We anticipate a lot of people calling in sick for work tomorrow...
Here's the appearance of Stephen Brunt on a very special "Blossom..."
Otherwise known as the "Hustler and Lawless" show on Sportsradio1290 in Winnipeg...
But Gary Lawless sends across this caveat from his article at the Winnipeg Free Press
The NHL’s board of governors will not approve a deal to move the franchise to Winnipeg until a test market ticket drive is completed and they are satisfied the market is viable according to a source involved in the negotiations
More when we know more...
BREAKING: Canadian Newspaper: Thrashers to Winnipeg is done deal...True or not? ((UPDATED WITH ALLEGED ANNOUNCEMENT INFO))
 |
| Winnipeg Jets Logo/Old School |
The Toronto Globe and Mail is reporting the on-again/off-again, on-again/off-again, on-again sale of the beleaguered Atlanta Thrashers to True North Holdings in Winnipeg is not only on again, but done...and has been done for some time.
If you don't believe us, read Stephen Brunt's story RIGHT HERE
Your counter story from Tim Tucker of AJC.com RIGHT HERE
From Tucker's report, quoting Gary Bettman from his Thursday night radio show: "We get reports, speculation, that the team's gone. And there's no deal," Bettman said. "I can tell you that with certainty that there is no deal for this team to move. Am I predicting that there will never be or that there won't be at some point in time? No, I'm not saying there is or there isn't.
Before we jump to conclusions, we'll report the other side of this by saying that the "Experts" are saying some conflicting things.
Kevin Allen of USA Today said "It's not done" but then qualified it later by saying "Yet"
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com said "Just spoke to True North, they say deal is not done yet, talks continue."
What sayeth you? Are you growing as tired of this as we (well, actually me--Jon loves this story) are? Do you care anymore?
Is there really anyone in Atlanta who is going to step in and stop this? No, we think that time has finally passed. We'd like to think someone will step in at the last minute and save them, but that looks less likely by the day. Smart money is saying that if it isn't done...or moving forward by this time next week, they are gone.
Part of our interest is our knowledge of the Thrashers and many of the people employed by them. And also the crapped upon hockey fans in the city of Atlanta who will never have a professional hockey team located there again.
But enough is enough, if they are going to go, then just do it already. Don't continue dragging this out by saying "It's done" and "No, it's not done". Because to be honest with you NHL and Gary Bettman, we are feeling a "LeBron James--Decision" moment coming and that would really suck!
2200 UPDATE: Brunt is reporting that preparations for an announcement are being set for Tuesday... but, of course, if the deal wobbles that could be pushed back...
Attention Atlanta: Bettman says Not so fast my friends
 |
| Gary Bettman/Courtesy: viewfrommyseats.com |
We've reported at length about the trials and tribulations of the wayward Atlanta Thrashers and their...according to all reports, inevitable move to Winnipeg, Canada.
Well, late Wednesday night, the Bettman (Comm. Gary Bettman), spoke. He told Team-1040 Radio in Vancouver that "There has been so much speculation". "How many people in your line of work were reporting the Coyotes were going to Winnipeg? Where is that coming from? It's made up. It didn't happen. The minute the Coyotes made it clear they're staying, we're on to Atlanta."
That being said, he did not deny the reports True North Entertainment is discussing a purchase with the Thrashers, saying "True North is going about their business and taking a businesslike approach. We are pleased with that, but there is nothing to report. I never say never about anything. There is no deal right now."
Interesting. We've already told you about the "Allegedly Mysterious" JB Smith, called "The Balkan" by an Atlanta area radio host and allegedly interested in purchasing the Thrashers along with the Hawks and the arena. Unfortunately, the deeper we and everyone else digs on Mr. Smith, there seems to be quite a few red flags being raised. The NHL probably will not look kindly at someone being sued for $1.9 million. Just sayin'.
Others have reportedly stepped up or are at least interested. And while True North has a decided financial advantage, they have to wait their turn. The league is obligated to allow local groups to be vetted first in this process. Whether or not a group throws their name in the hat and can pass the test, remains to be seen. But as The Bettman insinuates, the Thrashers may or may not move, either way, that decision isn't happening for awhile.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Your Wednesday Thrashers-To-Winnipeg Latest: JB Smith Has Problems
((HT: AJC/Schultz))
According to Jeff Schultz over at the AJC, venture capitalist JB Smith has some problems that are more pressing than chasing after the Hawks, the Thrashers, and Philips Arena...
Other than waiting in line at the negotiating table...
From Schultz:
Two companies, iSekurity and Equity 11, have put out a news release, disassociating themselves with Smith. In fact, the headline on website reads, “JB Smith Not Associated With Equity 11 and iSekurity.”
Reuters has a copy of the news release itself...
Equity 11, Ltd. and iSekurity, an identity theft security and restoration firm comprised of former United States Federal Agents, announced today that media reports about JB Smith's association with Equity 11 and iSekurity are untrue.
"The shareholders of Equity 11 and iSekurity removed JB Smith from all positions he held with our companies in June 2010," said Jim Juliano, Equity 11's and iSekurity's Chairman. "In addition, the Oakland County Circuit Court entered a $1.9 million judgment against JB Smith, banned him from all positions with Equity 11 and iSekurity and ordered him to relinquish any ownership in these companies. JB Smith has not made any payments on this judgment. Several other creditors are also seeking payment from JB Smith." The Court took this action in Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 10-1100121-CB."
So, then if Smith doesn't have the US$2-million to end the association ((or dis-association as the case may be)) with his ex-mates at Equity 11, who in the Sam Hill thinks he can pick up a mid-nine figure property on the whole- without being properly vetted by the leagues interested in what happens to their franchises...???
There's talk that Smith will be at the "Save Our Thrashers" rally Saturday. It'll be interesting what response he gets if he shows...
So, where would the new Winnipeggers be if their get their team...???
TSN's James Duthie and Darren Dreger discuss...
((HT: TSN/JHendrix70))
According to Jeff Schultz over at the AJC, venture capitalist JB Smith has some problems that are more pressing than chasing after the Hawks, the Thrashers, and Philips Arena...
Other than waiting in line at the negotiating table...
From Schultz:
Two companies, iSekurity and Equity 11, have put out a news release, disassociating themselves with Smith. In fact, the headline on website reads, “JB Smith Not Associated With Equity 11 and iSekurity.”
Reuters has a copy of the news release itself...
Equity 11, Ltd. and iSekurity, an identity theft security and restoration firm comprised of former United States Federal Agents, announced today that media reports about JB Smith's association with Equity 11 and iSekurity are untrue.
"The shareholders of Equity 11 and iSekurity removed JB Smith from all positions he held with our companies in June 2010," said Jim Juliano, Equity 11's and iSekurity's Chairman. "In addition, the Oakland County Circuit Court entered a $1.9 million judgment against JB Smith, banned him from all positions with Equity 11 and iSekurity and ordered him to relinquish any ownership in these companies. JB Smith has not made any payments on this judgment. Several other creditors are also seeking payment from JB Smith." The Court took this action in Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 10-1100121-CB."
So, then if Smith doesn't have the US$2-million to end the association ((or dis-association as the case may be)) with his ex-mates at Equity 11, who in the Sam Hill thinks he can pick up a mid-nine figure property on the whole- without being properly vetted by the leagues interested in what happens to their franchises...???
There's talk that Smith will be at the "Save Our Thrashers" rally Saturday. It'll be interesting what response he gets if he shows...
So, where would the new Winnipeggers be if their get their team...???
TSN's James Duthie and Darren Dreger discuss...
((HT: TSN/JHendrix70))
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