Shrapnel - 5/31/2011
by Matt Wagner on May 31, 2011 9:17 AM EDT
in Shrapnel
Email
PrintThe story, as they say, is the story.
Today, though I'll happily provide you up a few other tasty tidbits from around the aether, there's only one story burning its' way across the hockey headlines: Winnipeg is back.
Per Bob McKenzie of TSN, the relocated team is expected to play in the Southeast division for next season, with a realignment of the NHL planned for 2012-2013. The only hurdles, at this point, are board of governors approval (and let's face it - they woudln't be this far without at least tacit approval of everything by the BoG), and figuring out what to call the team. Apparently the plan to "graduate" the Manitoba Moose branding to the NHL is running into the unexpected roadblock of just how badly public sentiment in Winnipeg (and, hell, most of Canada) is demanding the returned team become the "new" Jets.
I feel horrible for fans in Atlanta - and I totally understand the feeling that the NHL has failed them, especially after seeing the fight in Phoenix. But the problems of Phoenix were not the problems of Atlanta, and the most damning fact is simply that you cannot sell a team to someone who does not wish to buy it. Despite talk of "potential" local ownership, nothing had materialized in six years. Compound that with a long history of epic mismanagement and you have a bitter brew indeed.
Be grateful to the McConnell family. When you compare the tenures of Don Waddell and Doug MacLean....well, let's just say that there but for the grace of god go we.
In actually pleasant, hopeful news, NHL.com has started their NHL Draft Combine blog! Keep an eye on it through the week for a look at how some of the guys we've been profiling this month are performing. PHT also took a moment to reflect on the first combine without the presence of E.J. McGuire, who did so much to grow the NHL's central scouting department, and make the combine into an event unto itself.
Over at Dark Blue Jacket, Tom takes a look at the Jackets in "turnaround" games, and sees some concerning trends.
He also reacts to the whole Ohio State situation, and makes a good point that this may not affect the Jackets directly, but it's news that is unwelcome for the team and the city as a whole.
Do you have a hockey blog? Have you been having trouble updating it? Tapeleg challenges you to get more active.
Flames captain Jarome Iginla made a surprise visit to members of the Canadian Forces deployed in Afghanistan.
The Florida Panthers have signed promising young forward Jack Skille, who they acquired in the Michael Frolik deal.
Fire The Cannon has a recap of the Memorial Cup, and a look at the few Jackets' prospects who took part.
Mark Recchi is prepared to go out on top if the Bruins can win the cup. If he does, he'll be the second oldest player to win the cup in NHL history.
On that same note, check out this nice Q&A between Nucks Misconduct and Stanley Cup of Chowder as they get ready for Wednesday.
Finally, we salute another Columbus institution - Hoggy's BBQ turns 20 today. Put it firmly in the "it's not good for you, but it's still pretty damn good" category, and go grab some burnt ends and corn bread.
17 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I tend to agree, but disagree, with Tom’s assertion that a healthy OSU football program helps the Jackets. I would argue that if the Jackets can get off to a good start (like, say, the last two seasons) while the Buckeyes are also-rans with no bowl potential (a very real possibility this year) that more attention might come the Jackets’ way earlier in the season.
Writer for The Cannon
Follow me on Twitter
I think that’s true to a point, but I also see the side that a healthy sports environment encourages people to get out and spend money on going to games, following the team, etx.
Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter (if you're in the mood to be bored!)
by Matt Wagner on May 31, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s weird with OSU, though. There’s that niche of OSU fans that find the fact that the CBJ take any newspaper space away from OSU football to be annoying… you know, that sect that basically writes in to the paper to say, “I hope the CBJ leave town so we can get back to talking about OSU recruiting in February!”
It’s the people in the middle that might be more inclined to pay attention to the Jackets if the Buckeyes are irrelevant in early November.
Writer for The Cannon
Follow me on Twitter
True enough.
Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter (if you're in the mood to be bored!)
by Matt Wagner on May 31, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
As a relative “outsider” to Columbus (for now), I’ve always wondered – how much do OSU and the Jackets interact and cross-promote? Or have they at all in the past? I’ve seen the “Rush CBJ” promotion last season online, but are there any other efforts? Do they try to team up with OSU Hockey in any aspect?
I realize that rabid single-team fans are sometimes hard to convert, but the brand name of OSU is so huge and successful at getting people in seats. It may come back to the winning = attendance thing, but I would imagine that a more publicized promotion between the two could only help the Jackets. To reach that size of audience would at least help push the Jackets brand. The team would have to follow through (read: win) to keep people, but at the least it would attract more people.
Clarkson Golden Knights and Columbus Blue Jackets Fan
Essential Listening
Honestly? Not much.
The Jackets have done some events to honor OSU athletes for certain events, and promote the student rush tickets, but if they’re doing any targeted promotions or marketing to OSU beyond that I’m not aware of it, and OSU has hosted some Blue Jackets’ players for events, but it’s very rare (and not infrequently it’ll be R.J., so it’s as much about an alumni thing as anything…)
The Jackets honestly get more involved with the Columbus Crew than they do with OSU – perhaps a case of the underdogs banding together?
That could change this season, though, with the increased shared arena management between the two organizations.
Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter (if you're in the mood to be bored!)
Does this mean that the relocated Jets of 1996 have their stats staybwith Phoenix and that shouldnthe Thrashers move, the new Jets stats are with the Thrashers? I collect hockey cards, and I have the Jets and Coyotes cards together.
Adam Foote still blows!
I would say that the relocated Jets records still rest with the Coyotes. The Thrashers still haven’t been officially renamed, and even if they do re-name themselves to the Jets again, it’s two different organizations.
Editor for The Cannon - A Columbus Blue Jackets Blog
Follow me on Twitter (if you're in the mood to be bored!)
Sorry for the typos. Still getting used to this Ipad.
Adam Foote still blows!
by Heavysoviet on May 31, 2011 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Feel bad for the Thrasher fans. Its gotta be tough. I cant imagine going through something like this and i really, really hope we never have to go through it with the Jackets.
I dont really understand why they are not just doing the realignment this year. The deal seemed to have happened quick enough that the schedule makers could make it with Winnipeg in the mix instead of Atlanta and change the divisions. From what i have read the NHL was to a certain extent doing two different schedules, one with Atlanta, one with Jets, so it shouldnt be a huge deal to do it now. They have probably known for some time now that the deal was pretty certain to get done so why not just be making one schedule with Winnipeg in and the division realignment done. Seems pretty logical. Only about three teams need to switch divisions. Us to East with Caps. Minny to Central and WInnipeg to NW. Something of that variation.
Just move us to the east and everything will be ok. Makes perfect sense.
With the Phoenix situation so fluid—and two cities in the “East” still trying to get teams (Hamilton, Quebec)—I can understand why they’re waiting a year. It would be nuts to realign this year, have the Coyotes move to Quebec, and then realign again next year.
Writer for The Cannon
Follow me on Twitter
Since the reply button is not working, ill just write down here
I dont think they will move another Team from states to Canada. With Bettman and company so committed to keeping hockey on the rise in the U.S, I wouldnt be surprised to see another American city get a chance. Ive heard Vegas is a possiblity. It all comes down to ownership and money but i dont see Canada getting another team unless its an expansion team soon.
Kansas City is often mentioned as a potential city, as they have an arena just sitting there waiting for a team.
Writer for The Cannon
Follow me on Twitter
Seattle gets some occasional buzz. I still think Bettman is leaning towards Key West, Albuquerque, or Mexico City. He will make hockey work in the south cause he is never wrong. I wouldn’t be surprised if he moved the Coyotes to Atlanta after next year. I heard they have room for a team and its the prefect location for a growing hockey market.
by bolenbaugh on May 31, 2011 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d for generally being awesome and probably closer to the truth than I care to imagine.
Clarkson Golden Knights and Columbus Blue Jackets Fan
Essential Listening
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Blue Jackets Schedule
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- A tribute to the Phoenix Coyotes’ abundant talent
- Coyotes’ Mike Smith believes Dustin Brown should be ‘done forever’ for Rozsival hit; slams Game 5 officiating
- Tuesday’s Three Stars: Penner’s overtime winner puts Kings in the Final
- Mike Milbury vs. Jeremy Roenick over Dustin Brown’s Game 5 OT hit on Michal Rozsival (VIDEO)
- Watch Kings, Coyotes in hostile handshake line after Dustin Penner sends LA to Stanley Cup Final (VIDEO)
