An analysis: Could NHL’s other owners save the Thrashers?
While the Atlanta Spirit is looking to sell the Thrashers – with relocation a possibility – could the other NHL owners play a part in keeping the franchise in Atlanta?
It is possible.
Currently, there has not been a potential buyer – willing and/or able – that has taken more than the preliminary step to purchase the franchise with the intention of keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta. The search continues with ownership making several pleas for interested parties to step forward. True North Sports and Entertainment has the money and the arena in place to bring the NHL back to Winnipeg. The group first wanted to bring the Coyotes, a team owned by the league, back to Manitoba. When the City of Glendale voted to pay $25 million to keep the team it appeared that situation was settled. The Thrashers, very moveable, were next on the target list with an ownership group willing to sell.
However, is the Coyotes situation really settled? The NHL owners, who have already footed a large bill to keep the team in Phoenix, may not be satisfied with that outcome. Their opposition could delay – or stop – the league from giving the Atlanta Spirit permission to open official negotiations with True North for relocation.
The Coyotes reportedly lost more than $36 million last year and figure to do so again next season. The $25 million payment won’t cover all the cost. The league owners will have to pay more money to keep the team – while attempts to sell the franchise continue. There is only one current prospective buyer for the Coyotes and the deal is complicated, tenuous and faces litigation from a local watchdog group.
If the Coyotes can fetch upwards of $170 million from True North all of that money could go to repay the owners. If the Thrashers fetch that sale price only an estimated $60 million relocation fee would go to the NHL. The Thrashers would be gone and the league would still own the Coyotes and their financial burden – although substantially less.
Even if the Atlanta Spirit and True North reach an agreement, it would have to be approved by the NHL’s Board of Govenors.
In one analysis of the situation, here is what it all could mean:
1. If no league permission to negotiate is granted – or it is delayed much longer – the Thrashers could be safe in Atlanta for at least another season.
2. The Atlanta Spirit’s search for a buyer would continue.
3. Both the Thrashers and Coyotes would remain for another season with speculation on their future ongoing until owners are found.
4. Winnipeg would remain a waiting destination for another year – or longer.
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199 comments Add your comment
Ox Baker
May 16th, 2011
9:19 am
I think first might be appropriate…
Smoothie
May 16th, 2011
9:19 am
So now a sale to TNSE is hinging on league permission to even negotiate? Then how do you come up with a 95% chance that the Thrashers are leaving town? Sounds specious and sensational at best?
But thank you for this rational and well-conceived analysis!
Ox Baker
May 16th, 2011
9:23 am
Double entendre.
East Point Bob
May 16th, 2011
9:27 am
Get your stories right beat writer, I can never believe what you say from day to day and week to week.
Alan R.
May 16th, 2011
9:29 am
Thank you for a fair and even-handed piece on the matter. As Smoothie stated above, the “95%” figure from AM590 doesn’t seem to coincide with this piece, but I’ll take this anyway.
Thrashers
May 16th, 2011
9:34 am
Here’s an update to this story: http://www.DidTheThrashersMoveToWinnipegYet.com/
DB
May 16th, 2011
9:35 am
Just a suggestion but please qualify the “no potential buyer” to “no potential buyer as stated by the ASG.”
schmeckdawg
May 16th, 2011
9:37 am
I hope not, they suck! 11 years 1 playoff appearance and got swept in that one.
Chris Vivlamore
May 16th, 2011
9:38 am
Smoothe, Alan R.: It is true that I said I thought there was a 95 percent chance the Thrashers would leave. I’m not going to hide from that because at the time that is what my reporting indicated. Later in the day, and through the weekend, I have continued reporting and thinking about the situation. This is one possible delay for the league telling the Spirit to talk to True North. If you are going to sell and relocate a franchise, you certainly need the league’s blessing.
This has long been a complicated issue. I have said on many radio stations (none locally because I have never been asked for those wondering) that my opinion on whether the Thrashers will move varies from day to day. I get asked my opinion quite frequently and try to answer as honestly as I can. I always say it varies as I go through the process of reporting this story.
East Point Bob: Keep reading buddy!
chief of smoke
May 16th, 2011
9:38 am
I am sensing things are beginning to change in our favor. The Article by Kevin Allen and Jeff Schultz were very helpful. All Fans need to e mail NHL commisioner Gary Bettman (e mail gbettman@nhl.com)and explain to him ASG Is the issue not the popularity of NHL Hockey in Atlanta.
Chris Vivlamore
May 16th, 2011
9:39 am
DB: I stand by that point of fact.
Sam
May 16th, 2011
9:40 am
Gee DB, isn’t that the only kind that counts?… the one who actually contacts the ASG?
Anyway, thanks Chris, for this alternate, and somewhat hopeful, outcome. A glimmer of hope is infinitely better than a lot of gloom, doom and rumors.
Alan R.
May 16th, 2011
9:48 am
Again, thank you Chris. I’m looking forward to seeing more on the issue until its resolution.
Thrashers27
May 16th, 2011
9:50 am
C-Viv:
I gotta say that I am disappointed to learn that you did say “95% chance the team is moving”. I hadn’t heard it myself, so I had formed no official opinion unitl now.
While you may have insight into the team and its operations through your reporting, I think it’s pretty irresponsible for you, as a journalist to throw around tidbits like that. You’re a journalist and your opinion matters not…Just the facts, man. Don’t feed the fervor!
Uncle Milty
May 16th, 2011
9:52 am
The NHL own the Coyotes. They do not own the Thrashers. There is not a city council in play for the NHL to have cover the team losses in Atlanta. The BOG will not stand in the way of a partner extricating themselves from a difficult position by blocking a sale. Many NHL teams are in financial difficulty. Why would they force a partner to continue to suffer losses when they themselves could be the next forced into the same predicament? Thrashers owners do not wish to foot the bills for losses anymore. This article is a stretch.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
9:56 am
I believe that the 95% figure that Chris has stated is probably pretty accurate. A True North/ASG deal could be done very quickly. The price seems to be already settled, so there really is no negotiations necessary.
I also agree with Chris that the owners are now the key. One angle is what Chris mentioned; that the owners may prefer to sell the Coyotes rather than take the $60M Thrasher relocation fee. In fact, the Goldwater Institute has now questioned the legality of the $25 subsidy that Glendale is paying, and has threatened to sue. If they do, the NHL could be in for another $50 hit for this coming year and last year’s subsidy.
I also see another angle with the owners. Pressure needs to be put on them that sacrificing Atlanta in order to recoup the league’s losses in Phoenix is unacceptable. I believe that the best pressure would be political. We need to go back to Mayor Reed, not asking for an unrealistic Glendale-style subsidy, but instead, a strong statement. Mayor Reed should question the NHL on their conflict-of-interest in sacrificing Atlanta to cover their Phoenix losses. He should demand that the NHL explain why only a few months ago, Gary Bettman was speaking of the “covenant with the fans” of Atlanta; that they would exert the effort for Atlanta that they have done for other NHL cities, including Phoenix, and yet in this short amount of time, seem to be announcing that they are ready to give up on Atlanta. Mayor Reed should ask what would cause such a change in the NHL’s position in such a short time, if it is not the fact that the Coyote sale has fallen apart.
The same should be done by Governor Deal, demanding an explanation from the NHL.
And finally, our congressmen should get involved. Can you imagine what impact it would have on the league if Congressman John Lewis was to publicly question the NHL about their motivation for abandoning Atlanta? A joint statement from him and the Republican Representatives of the northern suburbs, whose have constituents concerned about the loss of the team would be tremendous. The northern suburbs also have an economic stake in this issue. In 1980, after the Flames left for Calgary, EVERY ICE HOCKEY RINK IN METRO ATLANTA SHUT THEIR DOORS! Would we see the closure of IceForum Duluth, IceForum Kennesaw, The Marietta Ice Center (the MIC), The Cooler in Alpharetta, and the newly constructed The Ice in Cumming? The local Chambers of Commerce should be active, encouraging our Representatives to publicly question the NHL about their motivation.
If you are a hockey fan in metro Atlanta, please contact your Representative and local Chamber of Commerce.
Seriously!
Alan R.
May 16th, 2011
9:57 am
T27, I trust Chris when he says his figure is based solely on what the reporting indicated at the time.
What’s important for us to remember, is that this whole thing is going to take time. Very likely, more time than this “3 weeks” timetable that was postulated about on HNIC on Saturday evening.
This story is a fluid one. Always moving, always changing. It’s inevitable conclusion is something we don’t have the answers to quite yet. No one in Atlanta or Winnipeg knows anything, despite what they may or may not have been told. We just need to watch the official sources and be wary. This story can change, one way or another, at any given moment.
Guffman
May 16th, 2011
9:57 am
It’s kinda silly to let both situations fester on the whim of Glendale deciding to throw another $25M to keep the team for another year. What if they don’t find an owner next year and decide to float another $25M?
If the NHL was going to force ASG to run the team for 2011-2012, I don’t think Daly and Bettman would say, “Nope, I can’t guarantee the Trashers will be playing in Atlanta in four months.”
Chris, it’s an interesting angle you bring up, but if that angle would be pursued, the NHL would already be out supporting Atlanta publicly instead of shrugging their shoulders.
chad
May 16th, 2011
9:57 am
One thing – TNSE never “wanted” the Coyotes rather were “willing” to take them and do as a favor for the NHL. Thrashers were always their first choice…
Smoothie
May 16th, 2011
9:59 am
Thanks Chris. As you know this situation is as “fluid” as they come.
Eww, bad wording.
No matter what folks think about the “ease” of a deal with the Devil, um I mean WPG’s TNSE, the ASG owners have far more control of the process at this point. NHL doesn’t own the team like in PHX. However, Board of Governors (i.e. NHL owners) still have ultimate say. And PHX is FAR FROM SETTLED…just like Mr. Vivlamore astutely points out.
TheReportingInATLStinks
May 16th, 2011
10:00 am
I agree with Thrashers27. C-viv your whirlwind Canadian media tour was pretty disappointing to me and others. It seems that you are only fueling the negative fires instead of sticking to reporting the facts.
Mike
May 16th, 2011
10:01 am
Chris V., you’re an idiot! You don’t report anything! You’re a poor excuse for a reporter! Why don’t you go ahead and move to WPG and meet the team there. That’s what you want! Just stop writing… enough is enough.
EA
May 16th, 2011
10:02 am
Thanks C Viv for clarifying the 95 perecent comment that was reported in so many Canadien papers. Hope springs eternal. Keep those e-mails going to gbettman@nhl.com.
Richard Hallson
May 16th, 2011
10:03 am
The pain of losing an NHL team (Winnipeg Jets) for a hockey fan is horrible. It hurts big time. Those of us who live in Winnipeg understand what fans in Atlanta and Phoenix are going through. There’s a lot we don’t know about what might be going on behind closed doors. Winnipeggers want their team back. No doubt. We have solid ownership (AHL’s Manitoba Moose), a beautiful arena, a much better economy than in 1996, a Canadian dollar valued at $1.04 against the US greenback, and rabid hockey fans. However this ends, I wish it could be a win-win for everyone.
CarpetBaggerVance
May 16th, 2011
10:04 am
Bravo ATLFlames Fan…couldn’t have said it better myself.
Chris Vivlamore
May 16th, 2011
10:04 am
TheReporting: As I said many times, I get a great deal of requests from Canadian media to talk about the story. Those requests don’t come locally. That’s fine. Rest assured, I only answer the questions posed with the facts.
Mike: I will be staying in Atlanta should the Thrashers relocate.
Who Cares?
May 16th, 2011
10:05 am
Again I ask, “Who cares?”
Drama in the Desert & Dixie: Atlanta hockey on thin ice, Thrasher fans need to focus on four letters – WWGD, Could NHL’s other owners save the Thrashers? | Illegal Curve Hockey
May 16th, 2011
10:12 am
[...] Journal Constitution: Could NHL”s other owners save the Thrashers? If #4, the revolt in the Peg would be on. Of course #2 doesn’t seem that likely [...]
Mike
May 16th, 2011
10:15 am
Chris V., lucky us! Maybe you’ll find something you’re good at. Maybe writing for a gossip column???
EA
May 16th, 2011
10:16 am
If you don’t care-skip the articles under Thrashers. Obviously by the amount of comments over the weekend, there are plenty of us that do care. Geez.
Brian
May 16th, 2011
10:16 am
@Mike, i hear they got him righting the classified after this
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
10:18 am
GUYS! WAKE UP! THE SITUATION IS DESPERATE!!
These attacks on CViv are pointless, off track, and a waste of valuable energy that should be devoted to trying to save the team.
We are on life support. Our only hope is pressure on the Board of Govs. The Ken Allen USA TODAY article ( http://blogs.forbes.com/mikeozanian/2011/05/09/nhl-should-let-coyotes-go-to-winnipeg-and-keep-thrashers-in-atlanta/ ) and from Mike Ozanian of Forbes ( http://blogs.forbes.com/mikeozanian/2011/05/09/nhl-should-let-coyotes-go-to-winnipeg-and-keep-thrashers-in-atlanta/ ) are a good start.
What about CNN? They are right next door to Philips! Does anyone know anyone there can put this conflict-of-interest story onto the national spotlight? We need some people with some pull.
Brian
May 16th, 2011
10:18 am
wow horrible spelling, writing :-p
Chris Vivlamore
May 16th, 2011
10:21 am
AtlFlamesFan: Thanks for the kinds words. They are appreciated. Like I’ve said before, I understand the frustration of Thrashers fans. If I am the only outlet …
Chris Vivlamore
May 16th, 2011
10:23 am
Brian: And I was going to let you slide on that abuse of the language!
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
10:23 am
The idea is to stop the train wreck before it happens. Once it happens, the passengers cannot be brought back to life.
By sounding the alarms, CViv and Jeff Shultz may be the ones who save hockey in Atlanta. And the sad thing is, if the team does stay, no one will know how much of the credit goes to the two of them.
William Satterwhite
May 16th, 2011
10:28 am
Jeff Schultz raised the exact same issue regarding Phoenix/Glendale on the same radio station that you gave your “95 percent” prediction- is their actually smoke here or are both you guys just speculating?
Either way, something to consider regarding the Phoenix/Glendale situation is could the NHL relocate that franchise themselves? If the NHL is able to and willing to move that team to a city like Kansas City if they needed to and foot the bills themselves for a year until a deal with a local buyer is finalized (something similar to what MLB did with the Nationals), this could all be moot.
DawgDad
May 16th, 2011
10:28 am
At some point you have to ask yourself if the Thrashers are worth keeping in Atlanta. Another year or more of lame-duck ownership, with no savior on the horizon? Well, I’d rather watch a competitive Winnipeg team on TV.
Mike
May 16th, 2011
10:32 am
AtlFlamesFan must be Chris V’s, second account. Credit huh!
Rusty
May 16th, 2011
10:35 am
AtlantaFlamesFan….Mayor Reed could give a rats ass about the Thrashers leaving the city. Now, if we were speaking of the Hawks, this would be an entirely different situation. The city of Atlanta’s political and civic leaders would be up in arms. Race plays a role in EVERYTHING.
As for you Mr. Vivlamore, 680 won’t speak to you because of Kincade, and 790 could care less about hockey. But you haven’t exactly set yourself apart on this story. Seems like you’ve been behind the curve IMHO. Schultzie’s most recent column — along with the updated interview with NHL #2 — has borne out more info than anything you’ve provided. Maybe time for you to worry less about producing “5 questions with…..” pieces and concentrate more on the ownership situation like this piece you’ve written.
Michael
May 16th, 2011
10:36 am
Ya, ya, ya – True North and Atlanta’s owners need ‘permission to negotiate’ – what a load of crap. If you think that’s is going to prevent the sale of the Thrashers give your head a shake.
The only permission Atlanta needs is from the BOG to MOVE. Which they haven’t gotten yet. As soon as the Atlanta owners hang up the phone after Bettman gives the go ahead, the Atlanta owners make one call a second later and say to True North ‘We’ll take your 170 million’. A bank transfer for 170 million takes place and a press conference happens an hour later. That would be the extent of the negotiations. Hopefully the sooner the better.
schmeckdawg
May 16th, 2011
10:36 am
@DawgDad
Asked and answered………NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
10:44 am
@Mike
Um, no.
Pat
May 16th, 2011
10:45 am
I’m not going to renew my season tickets until the ownership situation is resolved. I won’t renew if they are staying another year but may move in the 2012-2013 season. If others do this then the current owners should have to lower their price. This may make the team more attractive for potential local buyers here in Atlanta. Chris’ report makes sense in regard to Phoenix and makes me think that they’ll wind up in Winnipeg. I think we have a great fan base here and with good owners we’ll have everything we need to fill the Arena because I like everything else about the team.
Thrashers27
May 16th, 2011
10:50 am
Chris:
I’m not here to hammer on you just strictly because I’m POd about the Thrashers’ situation. As I’ve mentioned to you before, I myself am a journalist, so I know what it’s like to do your job and you are being hammered by a lot of people here who are just wanting to “shoot the messenger.” In that regard, I say “give ‘em a break, people.”
However, I will say that being interviewed and offering information and facts to Canadian media is one thing. Offering up “95%” is purely speculation on your part and not professionally responsible.
Chainshaw
May 16th, 2011
10:52 am
“One thing – TNSE never “wanted” the Coyotes rather were “willing” to take them and do as a favor for the NHL. Thrashers were always their first choice…”
Chad – You could not be further from the truth. TNSE especially wants Phoenix, because it vindicates the city of Winnipeg and allows them to bring back their “Jets”. They have been very vocal about that.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
10:55 am
@Rusty
You are probably correct; Mayor Reed probably does not care right now. However, he is a politician, and politicians can be made to care.
Some people have tried to make this Reed/Hawks/Thrashers into a black/white issue. I think that the mayor has been pretty savvy in the past about trying to bridge these gaps. His initial remarks to this issue have been in response to the calls for a subsidy, which I think all of us this side of Glendale would agree is out of the question.
However, now that questions have arisen about the NHL’s conflict of interest in abandoning Atlanta in order to recover their losses in Phoenix, I would think that he would welcome the opportunity to speak out on the issue. BUT ONLY IF HE HAS CONSTITUANTS WHO PUSH HIM ON THE ISSUE, whether they be black or white.
Ducky
May 16th, 2011
10:55 am
Let us not forget ASG has fulfilled the 7 year commitment to th Atl market. Hockey in Georgia and Arizona makes about as much sense as Beach volleyball in Alaska!
Sean
May 16th, 2011
11:01 am
I think we’re good…John Kincade says today, we’re gonna get a picture of The Balkan’s other foot. So now we will have seen both of his feet, so he will be identified and will buy the team as a result. Uhh…
tonyb
May 16th, 2011
11:04 am
Chris, I too have been critical of you in the past. But I must say, I do understand why you might wavier. This story is crazy, and the fan base is on a roller coaster of emotion right now. I do think you are right on this one. Phoenix is not settled, and if ATL goes to WPG, there’s no safe harbor for the NHL.
kiss it goodbye
May 16th, 2011
11:06 am
The problem we have is the Atlanta Spirit! They are little boys with ego’s the size of the universe. Of course there are no local buyers because they wouldn’t talk to them even if there were. Can you imagine AS selling the Thrashers and the new buyers having a huge success and winning a cup. How embarrassing? I am convince there is no way we get to keep our Thrashers because the current ownership doesn’t want to be proven to be the cheap “businessmen” they are.
Howard
May 16th, 2011
11:06 am
Atlanta should deal with the real problem – the Spirit. If they would sell the Hawks and the Thrashers maybe there would be hope. Maybe with the two franchises there would be more ownership interest. Its the Spirit that really screwed Atlanta.
Video: Is the NHL Giving ATL a Raw Deal?
May 16th, 2011
11:07 am
Agree with AtlFlamesFan – we need to work on the NHL. How can you help? Forward a link to this video to friends, family and coworkers. Share it on facebook. Tweet a link to it. Social media is powerful – you have the power to do something – take some action:
Video: Misconceptions About Thrashers Relocation and Sale:
http://www.keepthethrashers.com/videokeepthrashersreally.html
thrasherdawg
May 16th, 2011
11:12 am
Here’s an Idea:
Why doesn’t “True North” buy the team, save the 60 million dollar relocation fee, and keep the team here.
“True North” will do what it takes to be a winner. The fan base will return…the fan base is here. They (True North) would make more money here than they ever could in Winnipeg.
The question is does “True North” want a NHL hockey team or do they want an NHL hockey team in Winnipeg.
Any thoughts on this?
Disgusted 10-Year Season Ticket Holder
May 16th, 2011
11:13 am
Don’t bother, Other NHL Owners.
As of today, Monday, May, 16, 2011, here are the “TOP 5 THINGS” on which I am now FINISHED wasting my already-overtaxed income:
1. The Atlanta Thrashers
2. Carlos Santana
3. The AJC
4. Events at Philips Arena
5. The City of Atlanta
ThrasherFan
May 16th, 2011
11:20 am
Chris V – I love you how pointed out that no local stations have even asked you to comment on air. Atlanta sports talk stations should be absolutely ashamed of themselves for the total lack of coverage they give the sport of hockey, especially the Thrashers. I always hear smart A comments about how nobody cares about hockey in Atlanta… it’s no wonder since it’s never mentioned! You can get people excited if you show excitement yourself. Instead we get constant coverage of the GA Bulldogs (amateur sports, meh) who play 12 weeks out of a year.
790 is the worst – 680 sometimes tries, 3:45 pm for a Thrashers update really helps, not. No radio signal for 11 years in the burbs where most fans are really helps, not.
This town is the pits. Maybe we should ship all the loser teams to Canada.
Uncle Milty
May 16th, 2011
11:20 am
“Why doesn’t “True North” buy the team, save the 60 million dollar relocation fee, and keep the team here.”
Are you serious? Because they already own an arena elsewhere. Of course they want an NHL team in Winnipeg. That is where their arena is located.
William Satterwhite
May 16th, 2011
11:21 am
thrasherdawg, True North’s only goal is to bring a team to Winnipeg, they own (or at least manage) the arena up there as well as the AHL team that plays in the arena now. They want to fill their arena, not someone else’s.
gabugman
May 16th, 2011
11:21 am
OK, so we prod Reed, Bettman, et al. Now what? We’re in the same stinking garbage can that we were last week, last year, or 2005. Please, someone tell me what this accomplishes? Granted we have campaigned for one more year of residency in the ATL but without a local “savior”, what has really been achieved?
Until we have a new owner/group, the predicament of no support and ailing management remains. All you have done is prolong the chemo…
Yuuvno Ballzerdikk
May 16th, 2011
11:34 am
I am gonna start True South Sports Entertainment and I will buy the team, No Winnipeg Canadians or Carlos Santana allowed. Why is everyone attacking C-Viv? He is reporting the story as it unfolds ..that’s his job..he’s not some evil mastermind waiting on the team to leave so he can say he told us so, I am pretty sure that’s Jeff Schultz. I personally prefer C-Viv over that microphone John Kincade, the AJC is at least professional journalism regarding the Thrasher coverage. Trust me, it could be worse..go read Kincade’s childish tweets and arguments with fans.
too many on the ICE
May 16th, 2011
11:59 am
Sounds to me the ASG needs to sue the NHL to sell the team. Just kidding…well, maybe not. I am sure Bruce “DEAL with IT” Levinson is speaking to an attorney now.
Toni
May 16th, 2011
12:02 pm
Thanks for writing something that doesn’t make me want to pull my hair out.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
12:05 pm
mayorreed@atlantaga.gov
Dear Mr. Mayor,
Recently you have addressed the issue of the possibility of the Atlanta Thrashers leaving our fair city. In your remarks, you mentioned that there is no possibility of Atlanta attempting to arrange for a subsidy similar to the $25M subsidy that the Glendale AZ government is providing to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale. I commend you for your stance; taxpayer money should not be used in this manner.
However, there is an issue that I believe that should concern you; that the NHL is not dealing with Atlanta fairly due to a conflict-of-interest. The NHL in recent years has gone to great lengths to protect the “Covenant with the fans” in order to keep other teams from relocation. Efforts were used to keep teams in Nashville, Tampa, Raleigh, Buffalo, and most recently Phoenix.
The effort in Phoenix is what should concern you. Last year, the NHL became the owners of the Phoenix Coyotes. They have been trying to sell them to an owner willing to keep the team in Glendale. Last year the Coyotes lost $40, of which the league covered $15. Recently, the NHL thought that they had a buyer for the team. However, the deal collapsed when a local public watchdog group, the Goldwater Institute, threatened to sue over the transactions use of public bonds. So, the league ended up being stuck with the team for another year, and will lose at least another $15M.
This is where Atlanta comes into the story. A company in Winnipeg, Manitoba named True North Sports wants to buy the Atlanta Thrashers and move them to Winnipeg. Just a few months ago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated his “Covenant with the fans” of Atlanta, stating everything would be done to prevent the team from leaving. However, last week Mr. Bettman’s attitude did not seemed to be different, making it appear that everything has been done to try to save Atlanta. Why has everything changed so quickly.
Speculation is that the NHL is not going to give Atlanta the same opportunity to save our team as has been done for others is because the league will receive a $60M relocation fee if the Thrashers move. And with the NHL losing $15M/year operating the Coyotes, they want the relocation fee to recoup their losses in Phoenix.
Mr. Mayor, I urge you to publicly challenge Mr. Bettman to stand up for the fans in Atlanta like he has done in other cities, and demand that he not use a relocation fee of the Thrashers in order to cover the NHL’s losses in Phoenix.
I believe that Mr. Bettman’s actions are an insult to Atlanta and should not be tolerated.
Gwinnett Fred
May 16th, 2011
12:22 pm
Beins totally honest here – if the team is destined to leave, even if it’s 2012 – I, for one, have no interest in the team staying one more fruitless year given the FACT the ASG won’t spend dime-one to improve the team that extra lame duck season.
If things can happen to keep the team here ongoing – GREAT – but anything that results in just one more (playoff-less) season, then I’m not interested.
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
12:26 pm
As an longtime NHL fan looking in from the outside it is very hard to believe that a city like Atlanta can’t find enough deep pockets to keep this team in a market the size of Atlanta. Winnipeg is a minor league city that shouldn’t even mentioned with Atlanta when it comes to markets the NHL needs to be in. Atlanta Spirit looks like a joke if settles for a measly $170 million from True North when maybe they need to contact Seattle, Houston, Kansas City, San Diego, Portland where I bet they could possibly get more if they work out a deal. In the meantime, they could still look for local ownership. These Canadians from True North want a team on the cheap and expect Atlanta Spirit to take what they’re offering which is based on the lack of revenues that could be generated by a Winnipeg franchise. Atlanta Spirit are looking like very poor business people to me and that’s why this team is in the shape that it is. NHL & NHLPA need Atlanta far more than Atlanta needs them and nobody needs Winnipeg.
Cornbread
May 16th, 2011
12:30 pm
Mr. 95% sings a different tune come Monday Morning. What happened to the big announcement in the “next 24-48 hours” that was thrown around on Wednesday, then moved to the weekend, to this week, and then after the Stanley Cup Finals? You C-Viv are getting played by not only ASG but even more so by the Peggers and Canadian media. Your “reporting” has been nothing but “speculative and made-up.” Even in the TSN poll with 30,000 votes – mainly Canadians I assume – most responders, 45%, feel the Thrashers won’t or there is not a good chance they will play in the Peg next season. It seems that it is the desperately delusional 20%, who like you feel it is a near certainty, that you are feeding with this nonsense and allowing it to spin further and further out of control.
Watch the video that has been posted the past couple of days. In it, there are very good questions that you should be asking the powers that be. More importantly, it makes the very good case why the Atlanta Thrashers should remain in the World Business Center, Major League, and Olympic City of Atlanta, GA instead of moving to a small market with zero growth potential. Something I have yet to see you report.
Show some pride and fight for the city, state, region, country, and team you are supposed to be covering – this is hockey after all – instead of capitulating to the shamelessly biased and jingoistic Canadian media and a very vocal minority of delusional fans.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
12:34 pm
I believe that the longer the NHL refuses to give ASG permission to sell the Thrashers to a relocater, the more desperate ASG will become and be more willing to cut a better deal to someone who would keep them here. Hopefully that new owner would buy the Hawks, Thrash, and Philips’ op rights.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
12:37 pm
… and if we do succeed in keeping the team and getting rid of ASG, the fans will come back.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
12:41 pm
You can use this link to contact your congressional representative.
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Ox Baker
May 16th, 2011
12:49 pm
I have seen Mayor Reed on local tv, ch.11 I think, say emphaically that he supports the idea of the Thrashers staying in Atlanta. He is budget cutting like crazy, so it is unlikely he will offer anything more than moral support at this stage.
I certainly don’t think he should go the Glendale route…
I wonder what the Atlanta Sports Council is doing????? If this isn’t a perfect mission for them, then I don’t know what is……
too many on the ICE
May 16th, 2011
12:53 pm
Kincaid indicated “The Balkin” will make his announcement soon.
Sullys dad
May 16th, 2011
12:54 pm
Just curious,How much do tickets cost to go to a thrashers game. Cheapest to most exspensive.Also what can you buy a ticket for from a scapler just before the game starts??Thanks
Bo
May 16th, 2011
12:54 pm
I would be very surprised if the team is not in Winnipeg for the upcoming season. Atlanta Spirit does not want to continue owning the team. It is a hard sell to sell a team without arena rights. A new local owner would have to earn from ticket sales, no parking or concessions. No one will take that losing venture. True North owns their own modern arena and has a built in fan base, current AHL Moose season ticket holders, former Winnipeg Jets season ticket holders and the rest of the city that loves hockey and would pay to see the NHL. True North has already been approved to buy an NHL team. It makes sense for Atlanta Spirit, True North, the NHL and the BOG to move the Thrashers. It is sad for the fans but the team doesn’t make enough money for the Atlanta Spirit to keep the team.
AtlFlamesFan
May 16th, 2011
12:58 pm
@ gabugman
You are correct. We would still be stuck with ASG. But if we can convince the NHL not to allow ASG to sell the team to someone who would relocate them for at least a year, we buy time to try to find a new owner. If we lose the team this/next week, they are gone forever.
Brendan
May 16th, 2011
1:04 pm
Yeah, what is the Atlanta Sports Council doing? I haven’t heard a peep out of them, and they usually appear on 680TheFan.
PoweRForgeD
May 16th, 2011
1:24 pm
No offence to anyone in Atlanta but I keep hearing people say if the organizxation would put a winning team on the ice the fans would be there to support them.
How exactly do you expect any organization to put a winning team on the ice if there is no revenue/profit??
Basically what the fans of the Thrashers are telling the owners of this club is, spend money to put a cup winning team on the ice and we might come to some games to support you. It’s wierd how many people are coming out now showing the support of their team when it is on the verge of leaving.
Funny thing is if they do stay people still won’t go to the games. And new owners would be bleeding money and looking to get out in five years. This team (like many in the NHL) needs surgery, band-aids aren’t preventing the bleeding anymore.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
1:29 pm
Still no word from TNSE on their alleged quest for a team..
SHOCKING..
Barry
May 16th, 2011
1:32 pm
The day the Thrashers move to Winnipeg will cause me to be seriously depressed. I love nothing more than hockey right now and I look forward to the hockey season every year. It will be devastating for this city of Atlanta to lose yet another hockey team because we have incompetent owners! Well it’s been fun guys and been quite a ride. I guess now it’s time to support the Gladiators.
Matt from MN
May 16th, 2011
1:33 pm
Have fun in Winnipeg, Mr. Bettman you gutless coward! Atlanta Scumbags Group, I will NEVER support any of your other endeavors. No Hawks and no visits to Philips Arena EVER again.
DaveDawg96
May 16th, 2011
1:35 pm
I agree with ATLFlamesFan, we need our elected folks to shine a spotlight on this situation. It’s clear that the NHL isn’t on our side, so waiting on Bettman’s help (like in Tampa, Buffalo, Phoenix, etc.) would prove futile. We’re a city 5+ million, the 8th largest TV market and have a ton of northern transplant hockey fans in town. Does one really believe that Nashville, Raleigh and Tampa have larger hockey fan bases? The potential for success under any other, non-idiot ownership group remains huge, as proven by our lone playoff season. Moving the Thrashers would be unjust to Atlanta and unwise for the league.
Guffman
May 16th, 2011
1:36 pm
“Atlanta Spirit looks like a joke if settles for a measly $170 million from True North when maybe they need to contact Seattle, Houston, Kansas City, San Diego, Portland where I bet they could possibly get more if they work out a deal. ”
Given that none of those cities are in a position to buy a team right now, how much more do you think Atlanta can get a year from now? Remember, they’ll be eating about $25M – $35M losses/year. You think Portalnd will come through with $200M next year? Give me a break.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
1:39 pm
The NHL made it pretty clear they are not interested in putting a team in a tiny already failed market, if the Thrashers do relocate look for the team to go to a city with a suitable venue..
Bankhead Bill
May 16th, 2011
1:47 pm
Winnipeg Arena can only hold just over 15000. I thought the league minimum for revenue sharing was 15500?
PoweRForgeD
May 16th, 2011
1:50 pm
“The NHL made it pretty clear they are not interested in putting a team in a tiny already failed market, if the Thrashers do relocate look for the team to go to a city with a suitable venue..”
So what you are saying is they would be better off leaving it in a much larger city that has already failed once and has failed on thier second attemp as well.
Winnipeg may be a very small market but I can gaurantee you it would be more succesfull then any large american market. The top money making teams in the NHL are from all of these “small market” Canadian cities.
Stick to football. basketball, and baseball. Leave the hockey to the fans up north.
GatorFan
May 16th, 2011
1:51 pm
G52,
With all due respect, I think your post about the NHL going back to a failed market is false. The NHL has returned to markets including Atlanta. Also to your post about TNSE not putting in an offer, well it came today. You honestly should be worrying about Phoenix finding an owner before you come here.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-thrashers/atlanta-spirit-true-north-947628.html
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
1:56 pm
The NHL went back to Atlanta because it is a market with growth potential, loserpeg has NOTHING to offer but a perpetual revenue sharing recipient with a facility that at BEST is capable of being 24th in the league..
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
1:59 pm
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-thrashers/atlanta-spirit-true-north-947628.html
“according to a person familiar with the NHL’s sale process.”
These are probably the SAME people that moved the Coyotes to loserpeg several hundred times..
Brett
May 16th, 2011
1:59 pm
According to C-VIV True North and ASG are in negotiations!! The writing is on the wall and the Thrashers are done! Do you honestly think that Bruce Levenson or Michael Gearon care about the Thrashers fans? Please!! We, the fan, will be blamed for the failure of hockey again and the ASG will laugh their way to the bank. ASG sux! We are the ones that will suffer once the team is sold to TNSE. And for those folks that think the NHL and GB are going to step up and help us……AIN’T gonna happen!
An analysis: Could NHL’s other owners save the Thrashers? – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) |
May 16th, 2011
2:01 pm
[...] Post By Google News Click Here For The Entire Article May 16th, 2011 | Category: [...]
phil
May 16th, 2011
2:01 pm
Please Thrashers….
please!!!
Please move!!! Just hurry up and go so that we can begin more thoroughly forgetting your already forgettable tenure in Atlanta….I’ve seen exactly zero of your games, thankfully….in spite of that level of support, here’s hoping you get gone and get gone soon!!!!
Clear enough?
Flying1bob
May 16th, 2011
2:02 pm
Folks, I think number one will happen, going forward, the Yote’s go to the Peg, realignment is a huge concern, and if Atlanta moved this season to many teams will be left in the wrong division and not corrected until next year.
So leave things as they are and fix everything next season. Just put this to bed already, and wake up sometime in Sept.
llewow
May 16th, 2011
2:03 pm
I am a hockey fan who was born and raised in NYC. I first moved to Atlanta in 1977 and became a Flames fan and went to the Omni all the time. Then, poof…off to Calgary and a Stanley Cup victory. Then, the Atlanta Knights came to town. Granted, while not NHL quality style hockey, it was exciting and fun to root for an Atlanta Pro Hockey team again and I went to the Omni all the time. Then, after one Championship season…poof…off to Quebec they flew. Now 11 years later and several trips to Philips Arena poof….off they’ll fly to Winnepeg.
I am tired for Atlanta being the Triple A developmental city for relocating Canadian hockey teams. It is embarrasing and sad to see it happen for a 3rd time.
If the NHL can’t see the value in having a successful franchise in the 7th largest market in the USA, then they deserve to loose the profit potential of that market. If ASG can’t field a close to winning team in the years they have owned the team, then they deserve to lose it. But the hockey fans of Atlanta deserve better from their team, the ownership group and the NHL.
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
2:03 pm
@ Guffman Have you ever heard the name Paul Allen and Portland mentioned together? How about AEG and their arena in Kansas City?? How about the politicians in San Diego and Seattle getting the idea that if Atlanta can’t keep their NHL team, how about we acquire it and we sell to the public the need for a new multi-purpose arena to house this team? ( which by the way both cities need badly) As far as Houston goes there’s plenty of deep pockets there that could take the Thrashers of Atlanta Spirit’s hands for say $200 million. Winnipeg & True North is scraping the bottom of the barrel for Atlanta Spirit and they really are showing themselves to be incompetent when it comes to making good business deals.
GatorFan
May 16th, 2011
2:04 pm
G52,
There’s lot of speculation all the time. In Glendale, the fans were lucky the city propped up 25 million to keep them there for another year. They have to, they own the arena. In Atlanta, unfortunately, ASG owns everything. They are done with their 7 year out clause, meaning they can move the team. Also, the Mayor has publicly said he will no do the same thing as Glendale. Unless a local owner shows up with a truckload of cash or the BOG say no, this doesn’t look good for Atlanta. Sad Sad day.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/05/16/door-isnt-closed-but-thrashers-picture-still-gloomy/
Peter
May 16th, 2011
2:05 pm
Ask them to please sell the Hawks as well !
Michael
May 16th, 2011
2:05 pm
re: G52
Quit singing that song G52. All conservative estimates have Winnipeg at 15th-20th in league revenue. Which is far better than Craplanta which is last with no hope of ever getting any better.
You could have a 100,000 seat arena, doesn’t mean squat. Its what the tickets and concessions sell for. When you give free parking and free hot dogs and sometimes another free ticket when you buy a ticket, attendance means squat. Not to mention the 1000s of comp tickets given out by owners to people who don’t even show up and scalpers are forced to grovel to people to pay them $5 a ticket.
Come up with a new stat G52, all your old ones are meaningless.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
2:06 pm
“The top money making teams in the NHL are from all of these “small market” Canadian cities.”
That is really really stupid to say, you do realize all three Canadian small markets LOSE MONEY, right.. Katz says without a public subsidy the oilers will move because as he put it,”The losses are unsustainable”..
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
2:25 pm
@ Michael Don’t you understand that tiny Winnipeg doesn’t sell tickets in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and it doesn’t sell the NHL on major pro sports league sponsors in the U.S. like car companies and beer companies etc… Winnipeg is a nightmare for the NHL business as a whole and what True North can make in profits in tiny Winnipeg is not important to the NHL as keeping a city like Atlanta is.
Michael
May 16th, 2011
2:29 pm
Hey douche, you’ve lost money last 7 years and you’re trying to convince me that its important to keep the NHL in Atlanta? lol! For how long? 50 years? After 50 years of development there is a small chance you may have a fanbase to support the team.
I’m sure a lot of people turn up at MSG for that ‘heated Thrashers/Rangers rivalry’.
Hitting the delete button and not moving the team anywhere, just dissolving it would be better than keeping in Atlanta. Beer companies ain’t interested in advertising any sport that people don’t watch. That’s why you see liquor store ads and bail bondsman with advertising on Thrashers broadcasts.
Stick to dog fighting, you’re good at it.
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
2:39 pm
@ Michael Winnipeg was a financial joke from 1979-1996 in the NHL and will be again if any team moves there. Winnipeg doesn’t sell on any level in the U.S.A. and they need to kept out of the NHL at all costs. I’m sure both NBC & and all the sports channels in the U.S. that carry NHL games are watching this very closely and hope that Gary Bettman and Bill Daly & NHL Board of Governors come to their senses and reject True North and Winnipeg just like Bill Hunter and Saskatoon were rejected when they attempted to move the St Louis Blues in 1983. No to Winnipeg in the NHL!!!
Flying1bob
May 16th, 2011
2:43 pm
Bankhead Bill
Hey Bill, the MTS Centre seats 15,000 with an additional 500 sky box seats, also the roof was designed to go up to allow for both an additional 2500 chairs and another ring of 500 sky boxe seats.
This would total any combination up to and including 18,500.
Just saying, I hope your Thrashers stay put.
Not a Hockey Fan
May 16th, 2011
2:43 pm
CHRIS– When asked if the Thrashers are relocating, instead of speculating, just reply, “I sure hope so. Nobody here wants them.”
Winnipeg_Jets
May 16th, 2011
2:47 pm
Come on, people in Atlanta don’t really appreciate hockey anyways. The team will disappear and most people there will not even notice. Now up north here in Winnipeg, we eat, sleep and dream hockey. We have a new arena (a little too small) and a bunch of hockey crazed people. This is where the Jets, oh sorry Thrashers are going to be playing come fall.
Too bad for a bunch of you that think its a loser team, its actually a very much up and coming team. Come and visit in 2-3 years when we are in the playoffs and doing well.
timthebrave
May 16th, 2011
2:49 pm
I will not watch or go to another hockey game unless someone else buys the Thrashers and keeps them in Atlanta. I’m not investing my money, time and emotions on a club owned by owners who never gave a sh**. I’m so mad
southoftheborder
May 16th, 2011
2:50 pm
Just a question, what does “operating rights to Philips Arena” entail? Does that mean ASG has the right to book and charge for all events at Philips? Do they have to pay anything to the city? Who pays the bonds for the arena?
DWTOO
May 16th, 2011
2:51 pm
Winnipeg_Jets – I will cheer for the Taliban before I would ever cheer for a team that leaves Atlanta.
too many on the ICE
May 16th, 2011
2:52 pm
Adios amigos…Don Waddell promises are sheot.
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
2:53 pm
In two or three years a team based in Winnipeg will be negotiating a move to Southern Ontario or Houston. Winnipeg: Too small to be called a city but too big to be called a village.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
2:54 pm
MTS can not be expanded according to Mark Chipman, but what does he know..
Not a Hockey Fan
May 16th, 2011
2:55 pm
Right on, Winnipeg_Jets. Come on down and help them move on out.
Kovy's Agent
May 16th, 2011
2:56 pm
I think this is pretty much a done deal and for the upcoming season too. No one wants an orphaned franchise lingering in a coma-like state for another long season. The delay in announcing the deal is likely over whether they can manage a conference realignment along with the location change. As somone who’s been through a divorce (two actually) you can read the truth in the body language and what’s not said vs.what is said if you’re being honest with yourself. It’s coming folks sorry to say, but it’s coming.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
2:58 pm
Loserpeg’s current team plays to less than 50% capacity, but under the right circumstance they promise to buy tickets even though they have a TERRIBLE track record..
timthebrave
May 16th, 2011
2:58 pm
I don’t plan on going to Hawks games either as long as those clowns are in ownership
too many on the ICE
May 16th, 2011
2:58 pm
Any you all Winnipeg jerks want to buy some Thrashers jerseys and other related team items?
Relocationist
May 16th, 2011
3:00 pm
Hey, y’all threatening not to renew your season tickets until the ownership situation is resolved. If the Thrashers do stay in Atlanta, aren’t you afraid that you are putting those choice, very much in demand seats in jeopardy? After all, there’s probably a long waiting list.
Southernhockeyfan
May 16th, 2011
3:01 pm
Richard Hallson please keep in mind why Atlanta fans are so hurt. This makes two NHL teams we are going to lose. What makes matters worst, with ownership that gave a darn, the Thrashers would have be successful. I was 16 when the Flames left town. I am 47 now, I will never see NHL in Atlanta again. As A kid who grew up in St, Louis and Philly, I love the sport. Enjoy your new franchise (I mean that seriously),
GatorFan
May 16th, 2011
3:07 pm
G52,
Why the anger? If I were you I’d be angry that you have no owner in Phoenix. This sucks to lose the Thrashers to Winnipeg but mudslinging doesn’t seem to intelligent. It has nothing to do with Winnipeg. ASG sucks and that’s who is to blame. I’d blame Bettman too. Phoenix fans are lucky that Bettman saved them.
Cluston
May 16th, 2011
3:08 pm
I say move the Thrashers to New Orleans, Obama will pony up some federal aid money to get that done.
Flying1bob
May 16th, 2011
3:09 pm
A True North Sports and Entertainment spokesperson had no comment.?????
Chris V. Thats not entirely true, they were told to sit by the phone, and not to make any comments.
UpdateYourResumeCviv......
May 16th, 2011
3:15 pm
Face it Cviv, if the Thrashers were to leave town, the Atlanta Fishwrapper will be kicking you to the curb within days……
Michael
May 16th, 2011
3:16 pm
Man, if we’re such a financial joke then its really going to sting when we get the Thrashers huh? Love it. And how about when every seat is sold as a season ticket in a couple of weeks? And how about when our revenue beats a dozen US teams?
Wait and see baby. Its tough for me to accept any argument from people who eat clay and chalk for lunch. If that’s a great city then I guess the end of the world came early.
Michael
May 16th, 2011
3:21 pm
Its all over except for the fat lady singing, and I heard you got a lot of those down there. You’re own paper printed this today:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-thrashers/atlanta-spirit-true-north-947628.html
DWTOO
May 16th, 2011
3:28 pm
Hey Michael – No one appreaciates your rubbing this in face. STFU and get lsot.
Michael
May 16th, 2011
3:30 pm
hey dwtoo – I’m on defense here. Talk to your own people.
Uncle Milty
May 16th, 2011
3:31 pm
G52PIM228 is a Phoenix Coyotes fan, FYI. He enjoys his welfare team.
John
May 16th, 2011
3:33 pm
To Cluston :
You necons aredownright ignorant. Goes backs to yer double-waaade and have yerself a good book-burnin’
Winnipeg_Jets
May 16th, 2011
3:34 pm
@Winnipeg = Poverty – well if we do lose them in 2 or 3 years, we will just have caught up to you in the number of times a city loses an NHL team.
Unfortunately, some of you don’t understand that the situation has changed.
1. The old arena was not owned by the team. All other revenue generated from the arena went elsewhere. This new arena actually generates a lot of money.Basically used almost every day of the year.
2. When we lost the jets, the Canadian dollar was only trading at $.65 US All NHL contracts are written in US dollars. Currently the Canadian dollar is sitting at $1.05
3. As for being able to expand the current arena, I don’t believe that is true. As I said before, the new arena is a bit small.
Flying1bob
May 16th, 2011
3:36 pm
IT’S KIND OF WEIRD, this was all pointed at C.V. for starters, and it has lead into bashing amongst the folks from both sides of the border.
None of us can either stop the (RELO), OR MAKE IT HAPPEN, kicking each city where we choose to live makes sense why?
Bravo
May 16th, 2011
3:38 pm
The Thrashers could have made it here… could have been a nice team like others in the south. The problem is a terrible ownership that never put a quality product on the ice and to a lesser extent, the location of the arena. It should have been in a more northern part of town – even around the perimeter would be fine – where the demographics would support the team.
Chris Vivlamore
May 16th, 2011
3:39 pm
Cornbread: Actually, I NEVER reported that a deal would be done last weekend. That would be other Atlanta media outlets. In fact, I’m the one that reported it would NOT happen last weekend. It did not. Just as I have done throughout, I accurately reported the facts. But, you hang in there buddy.
too many on the ICE
May 16th, 2011
3:40 pm
Let’s talk some Georgia Bulldogs football. Can you believe Ealey was kicked off the team? GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DAWGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
3:40 pm
@ Michael What do eat in your igloo? Frozen Moose Droppings?? Winnipeg isn’t a destination for anybody with common sense even in Canada. They got Mosquitoes the size of a small compact car in Winnipeg that can carry a baby up to the age of three for at least a mile. Many of these players wives and girlfriends need to take this into consideration if they have any children under the age of three. Its so cold in Winnipeg for at least 9 months out the year many of these players will ask for more money just to heat their homes so their family doesn’t freeze to death.There’s no cultural scene in Winnipeg except looking out your window and sitting by the fireplace hoping for Spring/Summer to arrive in June and that ends in August right after the last plague of huge mosquitoes.A non windy day in Winnipeg is sustained gusts under 25 MPH.I hope all these players get a good look at their girlfriends in bikini’s and shorts in Atlanta because they will only need huge overcoats and fur caps if the club is moved to Winnipeg. Winnipeg: Too small to be called a city but too big to be called a village.
Bravo
May 16th, 2011
3:41 pm
To Winnipeg_Jets : Yeah, you would support the team – there’s no doubt about it. But then again, there’s jack to do there compared to here. There’s golf ALL YEAR ROUND here… three other MAJOR sports teams – not to mention huge college football teams… outdoor activities all year round… what the f* do you have that competes with hockey… curling?
Ed
May 16th, 2011
3:46 pm
I think we all need to treat Michael Gearon, Jr. like the lying turncoat that he is. He says that his is a native son and wants to keep our franchises in tact and thriving, only to be outed as a two faced liar and backstabbing wus that was only trying to make a buck.
too many on the ICE
May 16th, 2011
3:47 pm
If Michael Gearon, Jr, is a two faced liar, what does that make D-Wad?
sad
May 16th, 2011
3:54 pm
Good bye Thrashers. It was nice having you here while it lasted.
DWTOO
May 16th, 2011
3:58 pm
Would never say anything bad about the country or the city. However, to the trolls who have felt the need to venture onto our blog and make this even more miserable – GET F’IN LOST!
make up your mind Gary
May 16th, 2011
3:58 pm
If Winnipeg was so important to the NHL, why did they lose their first team?
we need to get healthy
May 16th, 2011
3:59 pm
The Atlanta Spirit is a disease. They killed the Thrashers. They are attempting to kill the Hawks but haven’t been able to. Atlanta needs to get rid of these clowns to get healthy.
Guffman
May 16th, 2011
4:39 pm
“If Winnipeg was so important to the NHL, why did they lose their first team?”
There was no one in Winnipeg at the time who wanted to own the team.
Hmm. That sounds familiar…
Fan from Carolina
May 16th, 2011
4:43 pm
This is sad news. I could go to a few games each year with just a 2 hour drive and make it home by 1:00 a.m.. I really like Philips Arena too. It was always a fun experience. Raleigh is 5 hours away and so is Nashville, both which would require overnight stays. This would end my live NHL hockey action most likely. Long live NHL Center Ice!
Guffman
May 16th, 2011
4:48 pm
BTW, for those commenting that the arena in Winnipeg is too small and the population isn’t large enough to support the team, I thought I would advise you that the person buying the team is the richest man in Canada, 17th richest person on the planet.
If the Jets sustain Atlanta-like losses of $20M/year+, Thompson would just have to look under the pillows of his couch to find some loose millions that slipped out of his sweatpants.
For Billionaires like Thompson, acquiring a sports franchise is like us buying a small pet. I realize my dog won’t make me rich… in fact, the thing eats some of my pocket change every month, but he is sure nice to have. I’m sure Thompson will come visit his pet once in awhile, and show pictures of his team to Donald Trump in idle conversation on their stealth spaceships that they like to lounge in to get away from us drones.
Quibbling that Winnipeg would be a midmarket team for revenues and not the best place for a team is so trivial when you have Grand Poobah Thompson as the owner.
chaz
May 16th, 2011
5:01 pm
@ bravo
Exactly, so then why shouldn’t we be able to have the one sport that we want? I don’t want any part of the NBA, NFL, MLB, and they wouldn’t work here. I want hockey, and why shouldn’t we get it? Because you want ALL the sports?
Yes, Winnipeg is small, and yes it has cold weather. But Winnipeg is a good city, and I like cold weather. I go play ice hockey outside when its -20 C (-4 F). We got what we needed to have a team return to Winnipeg, the NHL is doing the right thing.
Atlanta should have a team, and Phoenix should be the one moving. Its on Welfare!
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
5:18 pm
The answer to why Winnipeg shoudn’t be in the NHL is that the city of Winnipeg has no business being mentioned in the same breath with New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto or Montreal. A minor league city is a minor league city and that’s Winnipeg. the city of Whitehorse in the Yukon loves Hockey too, should they get an NHL team also? It’s a question of status that some cities are major league ( Atlanta, Phoenix) and some cities are minor league such as Winnipeg.
Michael
May 16th, 2011
5:27 pm
Never heard Atlanta mentioned in the same breath as the cities above – Montreal maybe. But Winnipeg certainly compares to Nashville, Columbus & Raleigh Durham. Give your head a shake. If you don’t believe that ’size of the market’ relates to hockey fans and not to population of a city then why would TV contracts in Canada hover at around 200 million a year and the deal with NBC for the entire United States with 10 times the poplation of Canada be about the same amount of money at 200 million a year on a ten year deal. Because there are less hockey fans in the United States.
If Winnipeg has 700,000 people and 500,000 are hockey fans that’s 450,000 more hockey fans than Atlanta has. I don’t care if the population of Atlanta is 40 million people. It has absolutely NO F*&%^NG RELEVANCE!!! WAKE THE F UP
Guffman
May 16th, 2011
5:29 pm
“It’s a question of status that some cities are major league ( Atlanta, Phoenix) and some cities are minor league such as Winnipeg.”
I guess we might find out this week which city will host a major league franchise… Atlanta or Winnipeg. I guess it would be a sad commentary of “major league” Atlanta if “minor league” Winnipeg buys your team because you guys can’t find a single person to run it.
You can denigrate Winnipeg all you want, but the worse you make Winnipeg sound, the sadder it makes Atlanta look for being unable to keep their team from moving to such a place.
to clarify
May 16th, 2011
5:42 pm
Michael, can you explain why in 06-07, 07-08 seasons Thrashers had better attendance than such teams as Bruins, Capitals and many others? Where is your math coming from? Population and GDP is what important. With bad ownership you can ruin attendance in any city. With good ownership you can improve attendance in any city. Hurricanes, Lightnings were also struggling with attendance at some point, but they have been improved.
Attendance with Thrashers worsened is only because ASG manages it badly. Not because of lack of fans.
Michael
May 16th, 2011
5:59 pm
@to clarify
I already did. Do I have to beat you over the head with this? Atlanta could sell 100,000 tickets a game and make less than Winnipeg. Attendance is irrelevant. Revenue is the only thing that is relevant. And Atlanta never made enough and never will. If population is important then why isn’t there a team in Mexico City? Because there’s NO FANS THERE! There may be more fans in Atlanta than Mexico city but not much. You’re just too thick to understand.
By your logic, if the Leafs moved to a 10,000 seat arena they would be the least successful team. But the Leafs at 10,000 a game would still make more revenue than any team in the league.
And Atlanta lost plenty of money when the DID have reasonable attendance. Who cares about the management, they would have lost less money but they still would have LOST MONEY.
3rd World Atlanta
May 16th, 2011
6:02 pm
Atlanta is 5th in the US in child Poverty. It is one of 18 cities in the US to INCREASE its poverty rate in 2011. Poverty rate is 40%. Crime rate is near the top in the US. Child malnutrition and hunger ranks higher than some 3rd world countries and the literacy rate is well below the industrialized world. Despair and desperation hang over much of the city and sadly, with no hope of escape, many turn to drugs and suicide.
Crews in white panel vans go through the city at dawn every morning to clean up the bodies. Hopes for Federal funding fell through with the financial collapse. Whole tracts of homes in previously respectable neighborhoods have been abandoned due to foreclosure. Homes can’t sell because real estate prices continue to fall and multiple attempts by police to rid homes of squatters who use abandoned homes as crack houses have failed. Many people have turned to prostitution, child porn and dog fighting just to put food on their family’s table. President Obama refused to declare Atlanta as a disaster area because then he would have to send funding. Obama has yet to visit this decrepit, burnt out shell of a city.
Add to that the school shootings, prison riots, bombing of the Olympics, serial killers, and mass suicides and you get an idea of Atlanta Culture. But it is warmer there. And they do have a Basketball team.
NHL is pathetic
May 16th, 2011
6:14 pm
Imagine being a Commissioner of a sports league that has to move a team from a growing area with an educated, white collar population of 6M to a declining city in Canada with a population the size of Cobb County…..Bettman cant sleep well at night.
Talk about going backwards…..ouch!
Cant imagine any sport allowing such a miserable scenario….
Stop the Nonsense!
May 16th, 2011
6:14 pm
3rd World–you have no idea what you are talking about. Absolutely insane. The city of Atlanta has problems. Any major city does. Atlanta is made up of some of the nicest suburbs you could ever imagine. The ignorance is getting to me.
CA Thrashers Fan
May 16th, 2011
6:16 pm
I wonder if Buffy and is beginning to regret that long-term extension at this point. It will be very interesting to see how this affects the contracts of Ladd, Wheeler and Bogosian going forward.
EA
May 16th, 2011
6:19 pm
Ladd did not sign for a reason. As much as we dumped on Kovalchuk he apparently commented that he did not want to wake up one day a year after signing a contract and find out he was moving to Winnipeg. He still remained classy, saying that Atlanta fans were the most patient fans and they deserved a winner.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
6:19 pm
“Population and GDP is what important.”
Correct:
http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2010/12/8/1536097/nhl-relocation-winnipeg-quebec-city
Boca Baby
May 16th, 2011
6:39 pm
The NHL goes out of its way to save hockey is Phoenix. ??? And now they will allow another buyer (not unlike the departure of the Flames) to cart the team off to Canada. Why would not the NHL want to keep hockey in a metro area in excess of six million people? Note: The Atlanta market dwarfs the other two. Oh, and by the way, Atlanta sports fans will not support a half hearted effort.
OHL
May 16th, 2011
6:47 pm
Anyone who tells an igloo joke or any other cold weather “we got golf year round” comment is just completely dumb. Do you realize you are insulting 100% of the players that play in the sport that you are trying to save for your city? If you hate cold weather things why cry about losing your ICE hockey team?
Please stop using the market size argument and that the NHL and Bettman don’t get it. I have my own issues with GB just like everyone else, but the NFL took 2 teams out of Los Angeles and wouldn’t dare touch the one in Green Bay. Who thinks the NFL doesn’t know what they are doing? Market size means nothing. Fans do. Where are you going to get more fans? A city that isn’t big but eats, sleeps and breathes hockey or a city with 5 million people of which over 95% never ice skated before?
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
7:20 pm
Fans like the ones in Winnipeg who don’t have the money to pay for the very expensive tickets in the NHL. Maybe you expect Thompson and True North as well as all the other NHL teams who are located in Major League cities across North America to prop up a cash strapped Winnipeg Franchise? Who in Winnipeg has the disposable income to pay for NHL tickets? Winnipeg will be a welfare franchise you can count on it.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
7:25 pm
“Who in Winnipeg has the disposable income to pay for NHL tickets? Winnipeg will be a welfare franchise you can count on it.”
But the BoG will have no problem perpetually giving the tiny market revenue sharing payments because they will be glad to have such a rich man in their club..
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 16th, 2011
7:38 pm
@G52PIM228 Here’s a theory for you, just maybe because of all the heat since 1996 that Bettman and the NHL have taken from the obnoxious Canadian hockey fans and MEDIA (not just Whinerpeg) but throughout Canada I believe giving Winnipeg another team only to watch it fail again might be the only to get them off their backs once and for all.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
7:49 pm
“I believe giving Winnipeg another team only to watch it fail again”
Although it would be mighty entertaining, it is much easier to just alienate the small loserpeg fan base by using them for pawns then toying with them using the Canadian media as the vessel..
G52PMS247
May 16th, 2011
8:13 pm
Winnipeg’s hockey population is 750,000 while Phoenix’s hockey population is 6
FTW
southernhockeyfan
May 16th, 2011
8:34 pm
Not a hockey fan: Have you ever been to a hockey game, and if not, what do you care if they stay, or go. Despite what you think, losing them will not just disappoint their fans, it will create economic problems for the city.
southernhockeyfan
May 16th, 2011
8:39 pm
Here is a question to ponder: What happens if the Thrashers are solid, but have to stay one more year for logistical reasons or the simple fact, there is not enough time for them to move. Who will go to games knowing the team is headed to Canada? Not me!!!!
G52PMS247
May 16th, 2011
8:45 pm
TNSE wouldn’t buy them now to keep them in ATL for a lame duck season unless the NHL covers any losses. The NHL governors won’t want to do that either.They will be moved for next season but have to play in the eastern conference for 1 year. This deal will get done in a few days if it is going to get done.
@Nhl
May 16th, 2011
8:49 pm
Winnipeg is one of the few cities in Canada with real estate prices that continue to increase. How’s your equity? Did you spend it all on bullet proof vests?
@G52PIM228 what is that your inmate #
May 16th, 2011
8:54 pm
The only good thing is that if and when the Jets move from Winnipeg you’ll be dead.
Sam K
May 16th, 2011
9:04 pm
Word is out that True North Sports and Entertainment is in negotiations with Atlanta Spirit to buy and relocate the Atlanta Thrashers for the coming 2011-12 season.
The talks are not preliminary and the NHL is working on two schedule drafts for next season — one with Winnipeg and another with Atlanta.
The best news, for Winnipeggers wanting the NHL to return to this city, is the simplicity of these negotiations in terms of the players.
This is about a deal between two groups, True North and Atlanta Spirit. No city council to contend with, no inbred Mayor Scruggs, and no objections from the NHL. Just a bunch of suits haggling over a business transaction.
Sure, there could be some sticking points and this deal could crater but Atlanta Spirit is an extremely motivated seller and True North is an even more motivated buyer. No one else is in the room and its down to money and terms. ( thank the US dollar for saving a few bucks. Good timing)
The NHL, by virtue of allowing these talks and working on a schedule that includes Winnipeg, is prepared to let relocation to Winnipeg happen, as they did last year when they negotiated and released a backup schedule for the Coyotes to play in Winnipeg.
More to the point, commissioner Gary Bettman is OK with it.
Mr. Bettman gets what he wants in the NHL and if you need proof, just have a look at the sideshow in Phoenix. The commissioner wasn’t interested in leaving the desert and he moved heaven and hell to keep the Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena.
The board of governors have Bettman’s back and his blessing on talks between True North and Atlanta Spirit tells the entire story in terms of the governors. They’ve signed off and any needed massaging of league bylaws is an afterthought.
If True North can give Atlanta Spirit what it wants in short order — this deal will be done and approved and Winnipeg will have its Jets or Falcons or Moose or Ice or whatever they end up being called by this fall.
But time is an issue.
True North is approaching its internal deadline and while they could stretch things a bit its unlikely they’ll allow this to drag into June. There’s just too much to do and True North will want to get off on their best foot.
Should they land an NHL franchise they’ll want to immediately begin selling tickets and sponsorships, not to mention all the logistical work that remains to be done.
There’s also the matter of a marketplace test still to be conducted. True North chairman Mark Chipman discussed the concept with Free Press reporter Tim Campbell last spring and it’s understood Winnipeggers will be asked to show their willingness to pay NHL prices for NHL hockey before any deal is finalized.
Count on a week for such a test. My bet is that season tickets for the entire arena sell out in a week. And note – you only get to buy a season ticket if you buy for 3 seasons.
GO JETS GO!
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 16th, 2011
9:05 pm
I just saw a Canucks highlight featuring the 2 guys we passed up when we had the #1 overall pick. Waddell drafted Patrick Stefan, and Vancouver picked the Sedin twins.
Flying1bob
May 16th, 2011
9:05 pm
Michael said: If Winnipeg has 700,000 people and 500,000 are hockey fans that’s 450,000 more hockey fans than Atlanta has. I don’t care if the population of Atlanta is 40 million people. It has absolutely NO F*&%^NG RELEVANCE!!! WAKE THE F UP
Are you kidding, Hwy 75 just opened as the water on the Red is under control, which means all or most of the folks from Glendale, (hockey fans) are on there way up here to live and watch a team that is funded with ticket purchases and not tax dollars.
Ok now to my point, crap that’s sharp,,, anyways there’s 850,000 plus up here now and I have heard 550,000 in the surrounding area of Atlanta’s rink.
We will support it if it comes and for a long time. You folks in Atlanta may lose your team but your ownership is the reason, if they would have spent the money on that team when they had it and got to the grass roots of the community the chairs would have been full, and you would have enjoyed wait for it…….the Playoffs……….playoffs…..playoffs, and that’s what your fan base deserved but never got. Hell the first round just for starters gives the fans hope for the future, and ticket sales comes with that,….. those guys never gave you that.
G52PIM228
May 16th, 2011
9:12 pm
“the Jets move from Winnipeg ”
They left new York..
Southernhockeyfan
May 16th, 2011
9:12 pm
@Nhl I agree the anti Canada jokes are out of line, but so are you bullet proof vest jokes. We are a city of 5 million people and there is going to be high crime, but there is nothing funny about gun crime. Just ask somebody who has been a victim.
@Southernhockefan
May 16th, 2011
9:18 pm
I agree. But even less funny is a ‘tard in Atlanta that says I eat moose droppings in an Igloo. First of all, Gerbils have droppings, Moose have boulders. 2nd of all, if I knew how to build an igloo I certainly would be quick enough to shoot the Moose first than let it take a dump in my house. We shoot animals for food, you shoot people for crack. But I heard the ‘culture’ all y’all have down there is great.
wpgJetsfan
May 16th, 2011
9:19 pm
The reason for the ATI-Winnipeg Jokes are coming from people from the AZCentral Boards. The Coyote Fans are trashing your boards. They should be banned from here as they have no reason to comment here other than to stir up trouble. They are making fun of nothing only Winnipeg but you Atlantans as well.
VAN ISLE
May 16th, 2011
9:39 pm
Na-nanana, Nananana, heyheyeheyyyyyy Good Bye
CA Thrashers Fan
May 16th, 2011
9:56 pm
Stay classy Canada.
bem
May 16th, 2011
9:58 pm
think about the children
Crazy Diamond
May 16th, 2011
11:06 pm
We are so screwed.
Sorry, but don't save'em
May 17th, 2011
1:35 am
I’m very fond of The Thrashers, but they’re making the $$$$$$ situation hard for The Hawks. We’ll be sad, but we’ll live. Basketball before Hockey! I’m just saying.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
7:33 am
DW was quoted as saying “all options are availalbe”. OPTIONS? THE TEAM IS GONE!! But Don just couldn’t end it without another lie.
t
Get The Puck Out
May 17th, 2011
7:39 am
Channel eleven is reporting that local lil John and hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer is interested in the Thrashers. Anyone know anything about this?
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
7:40 am
I wish I had enough money to get tickets to the Stanley Cup Finals and sit behind one of the benches or the penalty box. I would wear my Thrashers jersey and hold up a sign “BETTMAN DOES $60M TRICKS”.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
8:11 am
Hey all you lawyers out there. How about an anti-trust/ conflict-of-interest lawsuit and injunctio against the NHL?
Peter Puck
May 17th, 2011
9:14 am
Hockey can succeed in Atlanta. Build a physical team, keep the roster 50% or more North American, and eventually move the team to the northern suburbs (GM site would probably work). But we can’t afford to lose the Thrashers. Once they are gone, it’s hard to imagine any future for the NHL in Atlanta.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
9:54 am
I heard that Glenn Ford is going to try to save the Flames.
Thrashers in talks with True North for relocation « semicliffordmatic
May 17th, 2011
11:02 am
[...] the AJC wondered if other NHL owners would block the relocation because if the Phoenix Coyotes were to move next offseason, they’d net “upwards of $170 [...]
Winnipeg = Poverty
May 17th, 2011
11:53 am
@Nhl ” Did you spend it all on bullet proof vests?” This is coming from Winnipegger right? Did you know Winnipeg has the highest homicide rate in Canada? So if someone steals your toque and you grab your musket off the fireplace and shoot him. If want to see what a strange place Winnipeg is for all of you unfamiliar with this isolated outpost. I was hoping the independent film made by Winnipeg native Guy Maddin called “My Winnipeg” would be posted on YouTube but unfortunately you only get trailers and pieces of the film. Watch what you can of this film and you will know why Winnipeg was hated by everybody associated with the NHL and it was considered a joke by members of the NHL media, players, executives and owners right up until the Jets left in 1996 which made a lot of people very happy throughout the NHL. Don’t believe the propaganda spread by Winnipeggers about how great Winnipeg is and that we love hockey blah… blah… Thrasher players are scared about having to possibly leave Atlanta for Winnipeg you can count on it.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
12:08 pm
I wonder how NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol feels about this? He can’t be too happy; just weeks after giving the NHL a $2B contract, the NHL abandons the 8th largest US TV market. This is done to grab a $60M relocation fee to cover their losses of their disaster in Phoenix.
Guffman
May 17th, 2011
3:12 pm
Who cares what Dick Ebersol feels about it. They signed a 10-year contract. You think Bettman is worried about 2022 when the contract is up?
Guffman
May 17th, 2011
3:16 pm
“Thrasher players are scared about having to possibly leave Atlanta for Winnipeg you can count on it.”
The only players that would be scared are the unprofessional fluff players that would play on a perennial loser like Atlanta merely because of the weather.
I’d rather have the competitive players that would want to play for a winning franchise, regardless of how the weather is outside.
You’d rather playing for a loser franchise with dead fan support and get a sun tan? Go play for Phoenix and Atlanta. I wouldn’t want those kind of flakes on my team. And you’re surprised your team hasn’t won a single playoff game in 11 years?
Boo_Radley
May 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
@Winnipeg=Poverty
Your slanderous comments on the quality of Winnipeg are uncalled for, and frankly quite juvenile. Winnipeg is a slow/steady growing city with a consistantly low unemployment rate, steady housing market, free & accessible health-care, and a beautiful downtown.
I would ask if you’ve ever been to the Exchange District in Winnipeg before you begin to talk about a lack of culture, but from your comments you’ve obviously never visited Winnipeg in your life. Let me say this, the rejuvination of the downtown core that has occured in the past 5 years is nothing short of extraordinary, and the people that call Winnipeg home do not take kindly to such unsubstantiated allegations as you have put forward.
So, get out of your armchair and do something positive for a change. Railing agaisnt a city you obviously haven’t experienced first-hand is low and is a poor representation of the people of Atlanta.
to clarify
May 17th, 2011
4:25 pm
Guffman, Boo_Radley and co: what the point of posting all this crap? trying to calm us down because we are mad at NHL and ASG? Wait for a while and chances are that you’ll get thrashers. For us it will be loosing the team and we don’t really care how beautiful Winnipeg is in hockey (winter) time and we don’t really care how many frozen people will go to games.
For now, we hope NHL will stop the sale to punish ASG. If you do remember what loosing team means for you, you would support us.
Barry
May 17th, 2011
4:30 pm
tarps3 on Thrashers message board reports this…
RT @JohnKincade Craig Custance of The Hockey News will report Venture Capitalist J.B. Smith as #thebalkan..he’s correct in that reporting
more from Kincade:
- J.B. Smith has been attempting to put together a deal to purchase the Thrashers, Hawks and Philips Arena since early March
- J.B. Smith will now get the full “media treatment” and will make his desire to own all 3 entities public knowledge
- Equity 11 is his firm and he has put together many deals that dwarf the expected purchase price of all 3 entities
chaz
May 17th, 2011
5:39 pm
@ Winnipeg=Poverty
My Winnipeg! HA! That movie was hilarious! The part with the horse frozen in the ice? That was amazing. I was just at the memorial they have for those horses.
If you believe what you see on a Guy Maddin movie, your clearly aren’t too bright. What would you know about the NHL in Winnipeg in 1995? Im all for a respectful comment section, but I would never insult a persons city, or where they come from, because it doesn’t define who they are, but moreso the words that you type and what you say and do define you. Dont be so superficial.
I wont think all Atlanta folks are as childish as yourself, for obvious reasons.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 17th, 2011
6:37 pm
Why do I have to go to Winnepeg papers to get information from CViv? The article quotes Vivlamore stating that the groups (including JB SMith) supposedly trying to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta are not credible.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Local-Thrasher-suitors-discredited-122065019.html
EA
May 17th, 2011
6:51 pm
C Viv–best friend to everyone in Winnipeg. Is it possible just to say “no comment” until this situation plays out.
Guffman
May 17th, 2011
8:43 pm
@ Clarify: We were not happy that Bettman structured the league to pull teams from Canada to put them in the southern US. The worst was seeing that stupid blue FOX glow puck because you guys couldn’t follow the action.
I hope that the league contracts from these locations and puts them in places where there are knowledgable and rabid fans. Sorry man.
whiney pegboy
May 17th, 2011
8:50 pm
We can see the puck just fine down here. That was a misfire on the league’s part, not on ours.
Taylor
May 17th, 2011
9:01 pm
Great points Chris. Hopefully the rest of the NHL can save the day. In the meantime, if everyone could take the simple act of “liking” the “Keep the Thrashers in Atlanta” page on Facebook, would help to unify the fanbase
MrBill
May 17th, 2011
10:23 pm
Breaking News the Thrashers have been purchased by Martians and will be playing on Mars next season this is according to John Kincade. Oh by the way the reception isn’t any better there with 680. Heck you get 2 miles out of Atlanta and you lose the signal. This station is suppose to be the voice of the Thrashers but you can’t here the broadcast at night. Also they give the Braves alot more coverage of the Braves before and after each game. They give the Thrashers very little as well as the AJC they show no interest is this team and that is something that has hurt the attendance. You have to got to page four in the sports section to see anything about the Thrashers, But when it comes to a possible relocation they are all over the place what is that all about.They certainly are taking the story away from the Stanely cup playoffs how about that Mr Bettman.