((HT: CBC Sports))
A civil case former NHL'er Steve Moore has against Todd Bertuzzi and the Vancouver Canucks could be in court late next year.
The target date for the Ontario Superior Court trial to begin ((if there is no settlement)) is September 24th, 2012 if Bertuzzi is still an active player. If he's not, it's set for October 22nd if he's not.
Court-ordered mediation between the sides has failed to lead to a settlement.
Shocker, there...
Moore suffered three fractured vertebrae and said back in 2007 that it was not possible to undertake strenuous exercise for long stretches.
Here's the hit...
((HT: NHL/FSN/youtube))
And the presser immediately after Bertuzzi returned from the Toronto NHL offices...
He's sorry...
((HT: NHL/BCTV-GlobalTV/youtube))
Should be interesting come 2012...
Showing posts with label NHL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL. Show all posts
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
BREAKING: Arena Deal Reached For CBJ To Stay
((HT: WBNS-TV))
The Blue Jackets have agreed to remain in Columbus after a deal was reached between the city, state and Franklin County ((OH)) to buy Nationwide Arena, according to WBNS-TV.
The arena, which will still be called Nationwide Arena, will be managed by the Franklin County Facilities Authority.
The Blue Jackets said that the franchise was losing $12 million ((and has reportedly lost close to US$80M since the lockout ended six years ago)). Part of the blame is pointed at the lease agreement on Nationwide- which is privately financed to begin with.
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce released a report in late 2009 that the Blue Jackets' continuing financial losses could result in the team's departure from the city.
Considering the current climate, that would have been an easy thought. But the location for relocation is, and always will be, the question as the only markets ready to support hockey regularly are Canadian markets.
The HQ would like to congratulate the powers that are to keep CBJ around...
More when we know more...
The Blue Jackets have agreed to remain in Columbus after a deal was reached between the city, state and Franklin County ((OH)) to buy Nationwide Arena, according to WBNS-TV.
The arena, which will still be called Nationwide Arena, will be managed by the Franklin County Facilities Authority.
The Blue Jackets said that the franchise was losing $12 million ((and has reportedly lost close to US$80M since the lockout ended six years ago)). Part of the blame is pointed at the lease agreement on Nationwide- which is privately financed to begin with.
The Columbus Chamber of Commerce released a report in late 2009 that the Blue Jackets' continuing financial losses could result in the team's departure from the city.
Considering the current climate, that would have been an easy thought. But the location for relocation is, and always will be, the question as the only markets ready to support hockey regularly are Canadian markets.
The HQ would like to congratulate the powers that are to keep CBJ around...
More when we know more...
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
DEVELOPING: KHL Yaroslavl Franchise In Plane Crash, 36 Reported Dead
A Yak-42 passenger jet carrying members of the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl crashed on takeoff with the majority of players from the roster on board. Numbers from 43 to 37 were reported on board- presumably including crew and officers. The lone survivor is said to have critical injuries.
A handful of former NHLers were on Yaroslavl's roster, including Ruslan Salei, Pavol Demitra, and head coach (and former Atlanta Thrashers assistant) Brad McCrimmon. No word on who and how many from the roster were on board the plane itself, but there is talk that the plane was packed with the entire roster... details below...
According to Puck Daddy, the franchise was heading to its KHL season opener in Belarus.
From Puck Daddy:
Lokomotiv official tells Sovetsky Sport 'everyone from the main roster was on the plane plus four players from the youth team.' Lokomotiv official said the entire team was on the plane because they were traveling for the 1st game of the season, a celebration.
More when we know more...
Here's Russian news coverage from Russia24 and youtube
"People were drawn to Demo. He was a great friend and great teammate," Matt Keator, Demitra's agent, told Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He was always the type to bring people together. This is just awful. He was such a popular guy with everyone he has ever played with."
Here's crash scene video, thanks to youtube again...
"We have no team anymore," Vladimir N. Malkov, the team spokesman, said in a telephone interview with The New York Times. "All our starting players, and all the service people, they all burned in the crash."
Coach Brad McCrimmon, forward Pavol Demitra, defenseman Ruslan Salei, forward Josef Vasicek, defenseman Karel Rachunek, forward Jan Marek, forward Alexander Vasyunov, defenseman Karlis Skrastins and goalie Stefan Liv are among the confirmed fatalities.
As of 1400 HRS, the only survivor in the crash is one of the crew...
A handful of former NHLers were on Yaroslavl's roster, including Ruslan Salei, Pavol Demitra, and head coach (and former Atlanta Thrashers assistant) Brad McCrimmon. No word on who and how many from the roster were on board the plane itself, but there is talk that the plane was packed with the entire roster... details below...
According to Puck Daddy, the franchise was heading to its KHL season opener in Belarus.
From Puck Daddy:
Lokomotiv official tells Sovetsky Sport 'everyone from the main roster was on the plane plus four players from the youth team.' Lokomotiv official said the entire team was on the plane because they were traveling for the 1st game of the season, a celebration.
More when we know more...
Here's Russian news coverage from Russia24 and youtube
"People were drawn to Demo. He was a great friend and great teammate," Matt Keator, Demitra's agent, told Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He was always the type to bring people together. This is just awful. He was such a popular guy with everyone he has ever played with."
Here's crash scene video, thanks to youtube again...
"We have no team anymore," Vladimir N. Malkov, the team spokesman, said in a telephone interview with The New York Times. "All our starting players, and all the service people, they all burned in the crash."
Coach Brad McCrimmon, forward Pavol Demitra, defenseman Ruslan Salei, forward Josef Vasicek, defenseman Karel Rachunek, forward Jan Marek, forward Alexander Vasyunov, defenseman Karlis Skrastins and goalie Stefan Liv are among the confirmed fatalities.
As of 1400 HRS, the only survivor in the crash is one of the crew...
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
BREAKING: Enforcer Wade Belak Found Dead
The Nashville Predators, Belak's final team, have confirmed that he was found dead in a Toronto hotel this afternoon and is dead at the age of 35.
The OPP are not suspecting foul play and there are rumors floating around about an apparent suicide, but nothing is confirmed as of now...
The Predators released this statement:
“The entire Nashville Predators organization and family is shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Wade Belak. Wade was a beloved member of the organization, a terrific teammate and wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jennifer and children Andie and Alex. We offer our full support to them at this very difficult time.”
Belak played 15 games last season for the Predators, finishing with 18 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating. He was placed on waivers by the club in February and retired shortly after clearing waivers unclaimed.
Belak is the third enforcer to die in the last four months and his death is now raising questions about whether or not the roles he, Rick Rypien, and Derek Boogaard have played a role in their deaths...
To remember what Velak was to the game, Jody Vance caught up with Belak during his time with the Preds and continued their "Wade A Minute" riff on LeafsTV...
((HT: jodyvancevids/LeafsTV))
And adventures with Wade Burgundy, Anchorman...
Thoughts to the Belak families and fans...
The OPP are not suspecting foul play and there are rumors floating around about an apparent suicide, but nothing is confirmed as of now...
The Predators released this statement:
“The entire Nashville Predators organization and family is shocked and saddened by the sudden and untimely passing of Wade Belak. Wade was a beloved member of the organization, a terrific teammate and wonderful father and husband who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Jennifer and children Andie and Alex. We offer our full support to them at this very difficult time.”
Belak played 15 games last season for the Predators, finishing with 18 penalty minutes and a minus-1 rating. He was placed on waivers by the club in February and retired shortly after clearing waivers unclaimed.
Belak is the third enforcer to die in the last four months and his death is now raising questions about whether or not the roles he, Rick Rypien, and Derek Boogaard have played a role in their deaths...
To remember what Velak was to the game, Jody Vance caught up with Belak during his time with the Preds and continued their "Wade A Minute" riff on LeafsTV...
((HT: jodyvancevids/LeafsTV))
And adventures with Wade Burgundy, Anchorman...
Thoughts to the Belak families and fans...
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
27-year-old Rick Rypien found dead on Monday
 |
| Rick Rypien |
They haven't even played a game yet and the Winnipeg Jets/Atlanta Thrashers are mourning the loss of a player.
27-year-old Rick Rypien was found dead Monday by a family member at or near his home in southern Alberta, Canada.
According to reports, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police say they don't believe the death was suspicious. For his part, Rypien had some demons that he was dealing with as well. He went on leave while with the Vancouver Canucks on 2 different occasions last season. He signed a contract July 4th, to play for the new team in Winnipeg.
According to an article in the Winnipeg Free Press, Rypien said his issues were personal, but not drugs, alcohol or substance abuse.
Read more from the Free Press RIGHT HERE
Rypien wasn't married, but was a cousin of former NFL quarterback Mark Rypien. There's no indication whether the incident is still under investigation. There also is no indications of funeral plans.
Our sympathies to the Rypien family.
Rypien's reputation in hockey was that of a scrappy little guy who wasn't afraid to mix it up with the bigger players or defend his teammates. He was apparently very well liked within the hockey community.
This is Rypien mixing it up with first a player, then a fan, which led to a suspension and eventually one of his absences in 2010.
From YouTube:
Friday, July 8, 2011
Has Scruggs Had Enough...??? Are The Coyotes Really Done...???
((HT: KPNX-TV Phoenix))
Since Matthew Hulsizer pulled out of the latest deal to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, the team that calls Glendale home is now on the clock...
And, yes, we know people in Atlanta are now kicking themselves over this one...
But now with the NHL and Glendale pointing fingers over who caused the Hulsizer exit, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs either sees the writing or is trying to court Jerry Reinsdorf one last time before she has to figure out whether out another US$25-million can come from city coffers...
Kevin Kennedy got a sitdown with the mayor...
So, the larger question is: Where do they go since Winnipeg is out of play...? Quebec City...??? Kansas City...??? The options are slim and he's heading out of town...
Since Matthew Hulsizer pulled out of the latest deal to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, the team that calls Glendale home is now on the clock...
And, yes, we know people in Atlanta are now kicking themselves over this one...
But now with the NHL and Glendale pointing fingers over who caused the Hulsizer exit, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs either sees the writing or is trying to court Jerry Reinsdorf one last time before she has to figure out whether out another US$25-million can come from city coffers...
Kevin Kennedy got a sitdown with the mayor...
So, the larger question is: Where do they go since Winnipeg is out of play...? Quebec City...??? Kansas City...??? The options are slim and he's heading out of town...
Monday, July 4, 2011
Heatley For Havlat As Sharks And Wild Deal Again
((HT: CSNBayArea))
When San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson found an opening to trade post-season-offensively-challenged forward Dany Heatley, Wilson found a dance partner in an old flame- Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher- the guy whom he just had enough fun with in his Burns-for-Setoguchi deal.
So, now Wilson gets speed in exchange for a confusing amount of talent and head-scratching ineffectiveness...
“Marty is a player that we have had an interest in for a long time,” Wilson said via press release. “He can play either wing and brings creativity and breakaway speed to our group of top-six forwards. We are excited about the versatility he adds to our lineup.”
This comes two years after Heatley demanded a trade out of Ottawa, and before that, the chance for Heatley to start anew leaving Atlanta after all the Dan Snyder ghosts chased him
Here's, what turned out to be, Heatley's exit-exit interview at the end of the season...
When San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson found an opening to trade post-season-offensively-challenged forward Dany Heatley, Wilson found a dance partner in an old flame- Minnesota Wild GM Chuck Fletcher- the guy whom he just had enough fun with in his Burns-for-Setoguchi deal.
So, now Wilson gets speed in exchange for a confusing amount of talent and head-scratching ineffectiveness...
“Marty is a player that we have had an interest in for a long time,” Wilson said via press release. “He can play either wing and brings creativity and breakaway speed to our group of top-six forwards. We are excited about the versatility he adds to our lineup.”
This comes two years after Heatley demanded a trade out of Ottawa, and before that, the chance for Heatley to start anew leaving Atlanta after all the Dan Snyder ghosts chased him
Here's, what turned out to be, Heatley's exit-exit interview at the end of the season...
Saturday, July 2, 2011
DEVELOPING: Richards Chooses Rangers
((HT: Sportsnet Radio FAN590))
Brad Richards has decided to sign a nine-year, $58.5-million contract with the New York Rangers. The contract will be a front-loaded deal, with Richards making $50 million in the first five years in New York.
A lot of pundits that the HQ watches and/or listens to thought that the Rangers wold, in fact, swoop in at the last minute, come up with the biggest deal, and grab him away from Toronto, LA, and everyone else...
And they did...
More when we know more...
Brad Richards has decided to sign a nine-year, $58.5-million contract with the New York Rangers. The contract will be a front-loaded deal, with Richards making $50 million in the first five years in New York.
A lot of pundits that the HQ watches and/or listens to thought that the Rangers wold, in fact, swoop in at the last minute, come up with the biggest deal, and grab him away from Toronto, LA, and everyone else...
And they did...
More when we know more...
Friday, July 1, 2011
DEVELOPING: NHL Free Agent Frenzy 2011
((HT: NHL on TSN))
We have had a busier day here this year than last, and the biggest fish on the board is still there- and Brad Richards could be there all weekend long if he chooses.
Newport Sports in suburban Toronto has been the center of the hockey universe with Richards holding court...
Gord Miller and Darren Dreger discuss who could be holding the trump card...
The tally at the close of business hours is 51 players and US$225-million has changed hands so far...
The highlights:
Buffalo signs Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino (6 years for US$27M)
Montreal gets Erik Cole away from Carolina (4 for 18)
Edmonton gets angrier picking up Andy Sutton in a trade from Anaheim and signing Ben Eager and Darcy Hordichuk
Colorado trades for Simeon Varlamov (2 for 5.5M)
Washington gets Cam Ward (4 for 12), Roman Hamrlik (2 for 7), and Jeff Halpern
Phoenix signs Raffi Torres (2 for 3.5) and goalie Mike Smith
Philadelphia signs max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr (1 for 3.3)
Dallas picked up Michael Ryder for 2 years...
Florida spent all this money and was still under the basement for the salary cap:
Tomas Fleischmann (4 for 18), Eddie Jovanovski (4 for 16.5), Scottie Upshall (4 for 14), Jose Theodore (2 for 1.5), and traded for Kris Versteeg for draft picks...
More when we know more...
We have had a busier day here this year than last, and the biggest fish on the board is still there- and Brad Richards could be there all weekend long if he chooses.
Newport Sports in suburban Toronto has been the center of the hockey universe with Richards holding court...
Gord Miller and Darren Dreger discuss who could be holding the trump card...
The tally at the close of business hours is 51 players and US$225-million has changed hands so far...
The highlights:
Buffalo signs Christian Ehrhoff and Ville Leino (6 years for US$27M)
Montreal gets Erik Cole away from Carolina (4 for 18)
Edmonton gets angrier picking up Andy Sutton in a trade from Anaheim and signing Ben Eager and Darcy Hordichuk
Colorado trades for Simeon Varlamov (2 for 5.5M)
Washington gets Cam Ward (4 for 12), Roman Hamrlik (2 for 7), and Jeff Halpern
Phoenix signs Raffi Torres (2 for 3.5) and goalie Mike Smith
Philadelphia signs max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr (1 for 3.3)
Dallas picked up Michael Ryder for 2 years...
Florida spent all this money and was still under the basement for the salary cap:
Tomas Fleischmann (4 for 18), Eddie Jovanovski (4 for 16.5), Scottie Upshall (4 for 14), Jose Theodore (2 for 1.5), and traded for Kris Versteeg for draft picks...
More when we know more...
Saturday, June 25, 2011
2011 NHL Entry Draft Day One: Go Jets Go!
((HT: NHL on TSN/NHL/JHendrix70))
First, here's what unbridled enthusiasm sounds like...
This is how the official announcement came in from the True North folks on their new nickname...
Not that there isn't any coolness with bringing back the Jets or anything like that...
And, then, we go to pick 15 and the New York Rangers...
An absolutely class move by the Rangers in recognizing the late Derek Boogaard with his brother Aaron on stage...
((HT: Versus/TSN/NHL/youtube))
The draft continues today with Rounds Two through the end...
First, here's what unbridled enthusiasm sounds like...
This is how the official announcement came in from the True North folks on their new nickname...
Not that there isn't any coolness with bringing back the Jets or anything like that...
And, then, we go to pick 15 and the New York Rangers...
An absolutely class move by the Rangers in recognizing the late Derek Boogaard with his brother Aaron on stage...
((HT: Versus/TSN/NHL/youtube))
The draft continues today with Rounds Two through the end...
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))
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Canucks Raymond Has Fractured Vertebrae
((HT: NHL on NBC/youtube))
It took all of the first shift in last night's game six for the Vancouver Canucks to have another injury saddle their roster for Wednesday's Game 7...
The Bruins Johnny Boychuk DDT'ed Mason Raymond into the boards during the early stages of last night's game and the early diagnosis is a fractured vertebrae that will keep him out of action from four to six months...
Raymond was on the ice for several minutes before being helped off the ice. He was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, and there is no word on whether or not Raymond is well or stable enough to travel back to Vancouver at present.
Raymond, who played alongside Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins on the Canucks' second line, was replaced by Jannik Hansen last night...
More juggling for Alain Vigneault for the new lines... which will be revealed tomorrow morning- and again tomorrow night...
Here's the call from last night...
It took all of the first shift in last night's game six for the Vancouver Canucks to have another injury saddle their roster for Wednesday's Game 7...
The Bruins Johnny Boychuk DDT'ed Mason Raymond into the boards during the early stages of last night's game and the early diagnosis is a fractured vertebrae that will keep him out of action from four to six months...
Raymond was on the ice for several minutes before being helped off the ice. He was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation, and there is no word on whether or not Raymond is well or stable enough to travel back to Vancouver at present.
Raymond, who played alongside Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins on the Canucks' second line, was replaced by Jannik Hansen last night...
More juggling for Alain Vigneault for the new lines... which will be revealed tomorrow morning- and again tomorrow night...
Here's the call from last night...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
So, Balsillie's Not Persona Non Grata...???
((HT: TSN/Forbes.com))
Just when you thought he may not get another sniff of anything hockey ever again, word comes out that Research In Motion owner Jim Balsillie could get his hands on an NHL franchise if he stays clean of any more shenanigans...
Mike Ozanian's must-follow work leads us to yet another nugget of information tied to Gary Bettman's off-ice nemesis and on-ice bid-ness partner...
Turns out that Bettman, according to my source, has told Balsillie that if he behaves himself and doesn’t create any more spectacles or bad publicity for the league, he will eventually get a team.
Here's a discussion involving irony the HQ has included on purpose...
"The Agenda With Steve Paikin" talks about Phoenix, Balsillie, and Ontario...
((HT: TVO/AgendaStevePaikin))
But we all kinda knew that with the RIM logo on every segment like this one, that Bettman didn't think Balsillie's money was all bad...
Did he...???
Just when you thought he may not get another sniff of anything hockey ever again, word comes out that Research In Motion owner Jim Balsillie could get his hands on an NHL franchise if he stays clean of any more shenanigans...
Mike Ozanian's must-follow work leads us to yet another nugget of information tied to Gary Bettman's off-ice nemesis and on-ice bid-ness partner...
Turns out that Bettman, according to my source, has told Balsillie that if he behaves himself and doesn’t create any more spectacles or bad publicity for the league, he will eventually get a team.
Here's a discussion involving irony the HQ has included on purpose...
"The Agenda With Steve Paikin" talks about Phoenix, Balsillie, and Ontario...
((HT: TVO/AgendaStevePaikin))
But we all kinda knew that with the RIM logo on every segment like this one, that Bettman didn't think Balsillie's money was all bad...
Did he...???
Monday, June 6, 2011
DEVELOPING: Bruins Horton Plowed Early In Game 3
A possible rule violation where Rule 48.1 is concerned... while Aaron Rowe did not leave his feet, he targeted the head of the Boston Bruins' Nathan Horton...
And here's what happened...
((HT:NHL/Versus/HockeyFights.com))
The update on Horton is that he was moving all of his extremities when he arrived and was initially examined at Mass General Hospital...
Good news as the game got immediately chippy...
More when we know more.,..
And here's what happened...
((HT:NHL/Versus/HockeyFights.com))
The update on Horton is that he was moving all of his extremities when he arrived and was initially examined at Mass General Hospital...
Good news as the game got immediately chippy...
More when we know more.,..
Saturday, June 4, 2011
They Sold 13,000 In Winnipeg, Dudley Not Going
((HT: Winnipeg Free Press))
It took all of 17 minutes...
After a little over 7,000 season ticket packages were sold to Manitoba Moose season ticket holders, the online version was opened up today in the Peg...
And it took that long for the addition 5,000-plus to get wiped off the books...
The Board of Governors meeting should now be a formality on the 21st. Shortly after 2 p.m., a ticket waiting list had been capped at 8,000 people.
Capped... at 8,000 people...
From the Free Press article by Ed Tait:
"It’s a testament to everybody in the city and we owe a lot to our fans in the city, this province and across Canada because we had people buying from across Canada," said Jim Ludlow, President & CEO, True North Sports & Entertainment.
"It’s a very, very powerful message that goes out throughout North America to 29 other NHL cities. (Commissioner) Gary Bettman has issued a statement as to the power of this marketplace.
"Many of us are beyond words to explain what’s happened in the past three or four days. This was one of the most anticipated on-sales that we’ve had in our history in Winnipeg so we did have a sense Winnipeggers would push through this very, very quickly."
Here's the presser from the Free Press...
And here's "analysis" from InTheOT.com
Nice drop by Jim Hughson there, eh...???
PM UPDATE: Atlanta Thrashers GM Rick Dudley is not joining the franchise for its run in Winnipeg. No immediate word on an interim GM, but odds are this is the push for True North to give current Maniyoba Moose GM Craig Heisinger his shot..t
Not entirely a surprise considering the True North contention that 'Zinger is ready for his first pro-GM gig...
It took all of 17 minutes...
After a little over 7,000 season ticket packages were sold to Manitoba Moose season ticket holders, the online version was opened up today in the Peg...
And it took that long for the addition 5,000-plus to get wiped off the books...
The Board of Governors meeting should now be a formality on the 21st. Shortly after 2 p.m., a ticket waiting list had been capped at 8,000 people.
Capped... at 8,000 people...
From the Free Press article by Ed Tait:
"It’s a testament to everybody in the city and we owe a lot to our fans in the city, this province and across Canada because we had people buying from across Canada," said Jim Ludlow, President & CEO, True North Sports & Entertainment.
"It’s a very, very powerful message that goes out throughout North America to 29 other NHL cities. (Commissioner) Gary Bettman has issued a statement as to the power of this marketplace.
"Many of us are beyond words to explain what’s happened in the past three or four days. This was one of the most anticipated on-sales that we’ve had in our history in Winnipeg so we did have a sense Winnipeggers would push through this very, very quickly."
Here's the presser from the Free Press...
And here's "analysis" from InTheOT.com
Nice drop by Jim Hughson there, eh...???
PM UPDATE: Atlanta Thrashers GM Rick Dudley is not joining the franchise for its run in Winnipeg. No immediate word on an interim GM, but odds are this is the push for True North to give current Maniyoba Moose GM Craig Heisinger his shot..t
Not entirely a surprise considering the True North contention that 'Zinger is ready for his first pro-GM gig...
Friday, June 3, 2011
Gilbert Brule picks up hitch hiker by the name of Bono
 |
| Gilbert Brule'/Courtesy: oilers.nhl.com |
True story, Edmonton Oiler forward Gilbert Brule' was out in his West Vancouver neighborhood with his girlfriend headed to a park with his girlfriend to take their dog for a walk. They saw someone who they thought was hitchhiking near the park when it started to rain. He looks over and thought it looked like Bono but then thought "I had no idea what he'd be doing in Vancouver or why he'd be hitchhiking for that matter".
Finally, his girlfriend yelled "Bono" out the window...and got a reaction.
Bono told the couple he got lost and needed a ride to Horseshoe Bay, so they drove him over there and who comes out and greets the car? The Edge.
During the ride, Brule' told Bono he was a hockey player and Bono gave him a ticket to the U2 Concert a couple of nights later in Edmonton.
Brule' and his family got to go backstage, meet the band and got called out during the concert.
Not bad for someone who's never picked up a hitchhiker before.
Check out who he picked up, in case you've never heard of him:
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Burrows Enjoying In-Game Meal During Stanley Cup Finals... ((UPDATED: No Suspension))
((HT: NHL on NBC))
To say the Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals has been a chippy one is a bit of an understatement... face washes, cross-checks, and two high-sticking on Zdeno Chara's face are just the beginning...
The HQ thinks we'll be here a while...
Alexandre Burrows may not after this...
((HT: PuckDaddy))
Our guess is that there will be a one-game suspension from NHL League Minster of Defence pro tem Mike Murphy...
At least... silly play at a bad time...
OFF DAY UPDATE: Burrows is not suspended...
"After reviewing the incident, including speaking with the on-ice officials, I can find no conclusive evidence that Alex Burrows intentionally bit the finger of Patrice Bergeron," Mike Murphy said in a statement.
Burrows denied biting Bergeron...
"I don't mind rough play and scrums at the end, as long as it's just pushing and shoving and all that," Bergeron said following the game. "But biting? I mean come on."
This should go over well for Game 2...
To say the Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals has been a chippy one is a bit of an understatement... face washes, cross-checks, and two high-sticking on Zdeno Chara's face are just the beginning...
The HQ thinks we'll be here a while...
Alexandre Burrows may not after this...
((HT: PuckDaddy))
Our guess is that there will be a one-game suspension from NHL League Minster of Defence pro tem Mike Murphy...
At least... silly play at a bad time...
OFF DAY UPDATE: Burrows is not suspended...
"After reviewing the incident, including speaking with the on-ice officials, I can find no conclusive evidence that Alex Burrows intentionally bit the finger of Patrice Bergeron," Mike Murphy said in a statement.
Burrows denied biting Bergeron...
"I don't mind rough play and scrums at the end, as long as it's just pushing and shoving and all that," Bergeron said following the game. "But biting? I mean come on."
This should go over well for Game 2...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
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
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...
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
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