Thrashers fans schedule event
Here are the details, as provided to me the Thrashers fan club, for an event to be held Saturday to support the Thrashers remaining in Atlanta. It will be held in the Gulch by Philips Arena.
Wear your team clothing and bring your signs for pictures. Bring your cameras and phones. During the final hour we will get everyone assembled for a group photo. Photos go to Gary Bettman, the AJC, on facebook, etc, for all to see that we love our team!
It is very important to show visible (and vocal) support for the Thrashers, so really try be there, at least for the last hour! We are thinking about trying to get people like Dan Kamal, Jay Bird, maybe Jeff Schultz to speak during the last hour. Don’t know if we can get anyone on such short notice.
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177 comments Add your comment
Lisa Lewis
May 18th, 2011
3:02 pm
This is a fan gathering tailgate put together by Nasty Nest Thrashers fan Jimmy P., all details can be found at this link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124735637607320#!/event.php?eid=124735637607320
Disgusted
May 18th, 2011
3:03 pm
Go On and Leave Thrashers! Nobody wanted you here anyway which is obvious by the “FAN” attendance you attracted. Leave!!!! Good Riddance!!!!!
chc4
May 18th, 2011
3:04 pm
What a joke. The rally should’ve taken place in Nov., Dec. and Jan. at the ticket booth.
PapaHockey
May 18th, 2011
3:06 pm
Hell yeah! I’ll be there!
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
3:07 pm
Send the trolls to Canada!! Keep the Thrashers in Atlanta!!
Show Me The Money
May 18th, 2011
3:11 pm
I hope the President of the fan club brings the check book. We’ve been wanting to audit it for quite a while.
Don Waddell would love to see it.
Bobby G
May 18th, 2011
3:11 pm
if anything at least its a party…Atlanta is good at some things.
PMC
May 18th, 2011
3:11 pm
I completely applaud the people for doing this. I hope it’s a great rally with lots of bonding, but in the end… it’s about the 60M transfer. That’s why they league hasn’t lifted a finger.
It’s never been about viability, if it were we would have had retraction already.
PMC
May 18th, 2011
3:12 pm
Don Waddell is Marie Antoinette.
DAVID FLORIO
May 18th, 2011
3:15 pm
IM SURE THE “BALKIN” IS AVAILABLE FOR A SPEACH…LOL..YOU CAN PAY HIM A FEE SO HE CAN PAY HIS CREDITORS OFF…LOL
chris
May 18th, 2011
3:18 pm
Some people wrongly associate the lack of support for the Thrashers under this ownership with a lack of support for the Atlanta Thrashers in general.
ATL TOM
May 18th, 2011
3:18 pm
The Atlanta Who?
Mark R
May 18th, 2011
3:19 pm
Somebody bring hockey goals and street hockey stuff for the kids and those of us who refuse to grow up. Bring friends and relatives and be ready to party. It ain’t over till its over. Once they are gone, they aren’t coming back, so put up, or shut up.
Marrietta St Thrasher
May 18th, 2011
3:19 pm
You need to move this to infront of CNN or the Cent Park…no one will even know your down in the gulch….bad location to make a point and be seen.
Sid
May 18th, 2011
3:19 pm
Wish I could be there to support the rally. I’m in Albany, NY and been a fan since the start. Please keep them in ATL!!!
Mike
May 18th, 2011
3:21 pm
Lisa, can we make signs to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta but send Chris V. to WPG???
Thrashers fans schedule rally » Fastest News
May 18th, 2011
3:23 pm
[...] It will be held in the Gulch by Philips Arena. Come out to support our ATLANTA Thrashers! … read full news Published: Wed, 18 May 2011 21:25 Tags: Thrashers fans schedule [...]
Thrash Fan
May 18th, 2011
3:24 pm
Please don’t feed the trolls from Winnipeg. I’m sure they did (do?) the same thing on the Phoenix newspaper websites. Look at how far that’s gotten em…
STAY HOPEFUL ATLANTA. STAY STRONG.
chief of smoke
May 18th, 2011
3:25 pm
We all should be there and then go to Select A Seat
Deport Santana
May 18th, 2011
3:28 pm
chris V is probably already in winnipeg, he’s a spy obviously. also..i’m a grown man..i can’t see myself at a rally with the fan club that uses “lol” in their messages, what is this 16 year old texting speech? give me a break, we are doomed. our own reporter wants the team gone. ownership claims to have been trying to sell it for how long now, the ajc is gloating the fact that kincade’s balkan is a used car salesman who owes money all over town. yeah..get jeff schultz there, he either hates this team or he allows his hatred for DW to overshadow the problem of the team flying north, seems like the AJC is enjoying the fact they’ll get to spend more time talking about Chipper again.
Who should stay or leave?
May 18th, 2011
3:33 pm
I think we should send the owners and Don Waddell to Winnipeg. But the rest of the organization and the team? They’re awesome…they should stay right here.
atlanta masterplan
May 18th, 2011
3:36 pm
Who the heck are the thrashers??
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
3:36 pm
Agreed on the Gulch being a bad location. Ditch the tailgating, and move the rally to Centennial Park. Otherwise, the rest of the sports world will wonder why we gathered in a huge hole in the ground while our cheering is drowned out by train whistles. Imagine a news helicopter with live coverage of a light blue crowd of Thrashers fans (leave those hideous burgundy jerseys at home!).
Erf
May 18th, 2011
3:36 pm
Deport Deport Santana
96 olympics
May 18th, 2011
3:39 pm
I have been in Atlanta for 20 years. Who are these thrashers that I keep hearing about.
LB
May 18th, 2011
3:44 pm
Guys, I am from Winnipeg and 15 years ago we did the same thing in having a rally to “Save our Jets”. We filled our famous Portage and Main square, wearing Jets jerseys, waving banners, screaming “Go Jets Go” had money being donated into trust funds, but in the end it did not work. We lost our Jets because we did not have a proper arena and poor ownership. Although the fan support was there, this is one of your main problems (last in league attendance) and now owners (love them or hate them) now need to sell to recoup their losses.
If we get your team, we will be happy but at the same time will fully understand your loss, especially the ones who did come out and enjoy the game.
Zach wikipuff
May 18th, 2011
3:44 pm
This reminds me of the save the caps rallys of the early 80’s where they signed rod langway.
Marietta St Thrasher
May 18th, 2011
3:45 pm
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2011/05/18/manitoba-province-thrashers.html
seems like folks in winterpeg a questioning there own on actually paying real money for NHL tickets
Winnipeg Jet
May 18th, 2011
3:48 pm
Jet fires from the slot….he scores….
Deport Santana
May 18th, 2011
3:48 pm
erf, I am a responsible journalist. look around.
Mark R
May 18th, 2011
3:49 pm
There is absolutely no reason why the fans gathered at the Gulch can’t march up to the front of CNN and Phillips once the crowd is big enough. The Gulch is the perfect place to park, meet, party, and then march in a huge group!
jimcee
May 18th, 2011
3:50 pm
Rallies are nice and all but I would say it would make more sense to go to pick your season ticket day on the 21st and buy tickets for 2011-2012 and then visit the rally.An NHL team needs at least 10,000 season ticket holders to be viable….maybe even 12,000.
Back off term "Rally"
May 18th, 2011
3:51 pm
Rally is a dangerous term – the Canadian media will cover it when a small group shows up for a “rally”. I hope a ton of fans show up, but if you get 300 at a “cookout” or “tailgate” then you can exceed expectations. 300 at a rally will be BAD PR – be careful what terms you use. Great idea to have the “cookout” or “tailgate” sounds like fun.
Want to help in an easy way - ATL FANs
May 18th, 2011
3:51 pm
If you have a PC and a mouse, you can help keep the Thrashers in Atlanta:
http://www.keepthethrashers.com/forwardlinkATL.html
Sharon
May 18th, 2011
3:52 pm
I’ve had Thrashers season tickets since the very first season, and this rally idea is so ill-conceived, half-baked and tacky I wouldn’t even tinkle on it if it were on fire.
It sounds like all this poor idea will accomplish is making the collective followers of the Thrasher look and sound like trailer park refuse.
Anything or anyone associated with those foul, crude, poorly educated, uncouth, self-aggrandizing losers in the “Unsanitary Nest” can all go to Canada (or [Heck]) for what the rest of the Thrashers fan base care.
MANAWAR
May 18th, 2011
3:53 pm
IM FROM WINNIPEG BUT DON’T THINK MY USER NAME IS BASHING YOU. I THINK THAT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO SPONSORSHIP $s WITH 2 BIG LEAGUE TEAMS. THATS WHY THEY CAN’T SELL THEM TOGETHER, A NEW BUYER NEEDS ALL REVENUE FROM BOXES,PARKING IF APPLICABLE,SPONSORS & NAMING RIGHTS.I KNOW HOW LOOSING A TEAM FEELS & IT’S NOT PLEASANT.HAVE A GOOD TIME AT YOUR PARTY & KEEP UP THE HOPE. LOL
Joe "SLOW" Johnson
May 18th, 2011
3:59 pm
D-Wad should come down and have a couple of BEERS.
HonkyTonkHero
May 18th, 2011
4:00 pm
Yea…lasts have a big rally in a canyon of a parking lot…hidden from the whole world. We should do the park but Herman Cain will be there announcing his candidacy for President. I imagine there will be quite a crowd for that. Perhaps we could borrow them. I too wanted a rally but this seems ill fated based on the location. Either way…I plan on being there.
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
4:05 pm
Take over Cain’s rally since there will already be press coverage.
Hell, if Cain can keep the Thrashers in Atlanta, I’LL vote for that lunatic!!
HonkyTonkHero
May 18th, 2011
4:06 pm
Heck…maybe Cain would realize that owning an NHL team is way cooler than being president and just buy the team.
SM
May 18th, 2011
4:06 pm
Sharon are you saying you don’t like that fat blond chick who literally stalks the players ?!?! if anyone has ever tried to post on the official messageboard, you know exaclty who I am talking about. I agree the fan club isn’t gonna help the situation.. if it’s anything like posting on the board with them , yikes. I can picture that blankspace chode there telling everyone they’re stupid and he’ll ban them if you disagree with anything he says.
Mark R
May 18th, 2011
4:10 pm
So Sharon, what is your plan? Should we all do nothing?
The Balkan
May 18th, 2011
4:12 pm
I might br corrupt..but I am gonna fit in. It’s Atlanta, I can be no worse than your current owners or team president..police department..mayor.. bus drivers. c’mon folks.. i’m Kincade’s BFF.
thesawch
May 18th, 2011
4:15 pm
Go to youtube and look up the save the jets rally in 1995 when we had 35,000 show up. If we had a rally today to show our support to get a team back we would get 40 to 50 thousand. So anything less then 10,000 in Atlanta would be a discrace as you have 10 x the population as Winnipeg.Wait till the official announcement that the Thrashers are coming back its going to be a party in Winnipeg….
East Point Bob
May 18th, 2011
4:16 pm
I hope chrisv is there, so he can be bitch slapped for selling out the fans & players and doing just what asg tells him to, The little bitchboy !
Deport C-Viv
May 18th, 2011
4:16 pm
Winnipeg Devil! We cast you out ! Bring back Knobler or Custance!
Boogeyman
May 18th, 2011
4:18 pm
A tailgate rally the little fan support the thrashers have. To little to late, with no interest of anyone wanting to keep the thrashers in town blowing 130 million kiss them goodbye. With the US still in a recession this team is as good as gone. Atlanta failed already to support a NHL team they should have never had a second chance.
Kiss them Good-bye they are going to Winnipeg. Cash in hand and are as good as sold to someone who has very deep pockets. Bettman needs to quit his experiment putting teams in markets that it will never be successful in Phoenix is one Atlanta another the list goes on and on.
Joe "SLOW" Johnson
May 18th, 2011
4:21 pm
thesawach: if you get the Thrashers and they go on a 11 year losing streek – how many Winnipeg fans show up then? In your opinion, just curious.
Joe "SLOW" Johnson
May 18th, 2011
4:22 pm
By the way thesandwich, you boys don’t have anything better to be doing than standing around and wasting time. Canada not a great place to visit and even worse to live.
nine
May 18th, 2011
4:26 pm
bad ownership =/= bad fanbase
bad ownership = disillusioned fanbase
Any effort to get that message to a potential local ownership group needs to be made. Holding hockey ransom to a poorly run and funded product and saying ‘you have to show up anyway if you want to keep it’ is a pisspoor way to run a business. Spirit Out.
Ethan
May 18th, 2011
4:32 pm
I cancelled my season tickets about 4 years specifically because of those NastyNest clowns.
I refuse to keep paying good money to try to take my family to see NHL Hockey only to be surrounded by those classless animals and their poor sportsmanship, complete disregard for other fans and their pathetic chanting with crude language.
I love hockey and will always love the Thrashers with all my heart, but I was not going to keep throwing my money away on tickets to help keep them here as long as my family’s fun at a sporting event will be disrupted by that particular disruptive group who maliciously try to ruin the games and the atmosphere for everyone else.
RB1
May 18th, 2011
4:35 pm
Don’t worry, we’ll treat them well here in Winnipeg….
Thrashers fan
May 18th, 2011
4:37 pm
Where is the “Gulch”?
Stu
May 18th, 2011
4:40 pm
It isn’t Bettman you need to convince about support. You need local ownership that there’s a reason to keep the team there. In the 90’s during the ‘Save the Jets’ campaign a rally drew more than 35,000 people and over $13M was raised from citizens and local business but the NHL wouldn’t make any effort to delay moving the team. Without a legit buyer there doesn’t seem to be any interest from the NHL to step in. Unless you’re Phoenix. Then they will purchase the team, run it for years, and lose money on it each season even though no legitimate buyers come forward. Other than people who want Glendale to buy the team and hand it to them.
Mark R
May 18th, 2011
4:44 pm
Didn’t the Winnipeg Jets average 11,000 fans per game their last season before moving? Did Winnipeg ever win a playoff game? How many times did Winnipeg make they playoffs? Didn’t they have Bobby Hull? Just asking.
glovesave29
May 18th, 2011
4:47 pm
Ugh..my experience says that Ms. Lewis will more likely DISCOURAGE more people from attending than able to attract them.
Marietta St Thrasher
May 18th, 2011
4:53 pm
Stu, there are legit buyers but they (nobody) would want to buy a team without some part of the Arena revenues. The Octocluster that owns the Hawks, Phillips Arena and the Thrashers removed the Thrashers from any rights to the arena not that long ago. If these perspective groups (there are two groups interested) could negotiate with SOMEONE they might be able to strike a deal but the ASG and the exiting SD Padres owner are in an exclusive negotiating period (for Hawks and Phillips) so you cannot even talk them about working out a revenue deal. NHL needs to delay this till that deal is made or falls through to give a perspective owner to keep the team in Atlanta a fair shot.
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
4:53 pm
What’s everyone’s problem with Lisa Lewis?? Not sure I’ve met her, so fill me in.
Hittahomer
May 18th, 2011
4:53 pm
chris – I couldn’t have said it any better. As a former season ticket holder (”I’m the loudest guy in 315!”), each time they traded star players I received notes from them that continually emphasized their dedication to winning. But the only ones ever held accountable for their losses was a coach.
I was a diehard fan who bought into Waddell’s “5 year plan.” I was there for Dean Sylvester’s hat trick, when Odgers used to patrol the ice, I bemoaned our top D pairing of Tremblay and Kaberle, but loved when Dany and Ilya hit the ice. I was there for Hordichuck’s first knockout, and McEachern’s hat trick to introduce himself to the team. I was cautiously optimistic when the Atlanta Spirit Group came around out of nowhere, after David McDavid was pushed aside. I remember the introductions for 6 separate captains, in a span of 7 seasons. I was still there even after those 5 years had long passed. I was there after the lockout, when owners told the fans that the economic system wasn’t feasible, then promptly raised ticket prices. I was there when Waddell sold the farm for Dupuis, Tkachuck and Zhitnik, only to be swept from the first round of playoffs. I was there for the all-star game, and then when they traded Hossa. I officially gave up after the ‘09 season ended. I knew they weren’t going to be able to bring back Ilya, and couldn’t stand to see yet another favorite leaving town.
I was strongly committed to this team for over 8 seasons. I just needed the Atlanta Spirit Group to do the same.
ThrashFan85
May 18th, 2011
5:08 pm
Puck Like A Porn Star there is nothing wrong with Lisa Lewis. She is just a die hard Thrashers fan who helped start up the fan club. People have given her a hard time and smack talked her because she may now agree with someone else’s point of view. I have met her several times and she has always been polite to me and my family.
Sage of Bluesland
May 18th, 2011
5:08 pm
“…It sounds like all this poor idea will accomplish is making the collective followers of the Thrasher look and sound like trailer park refuse….”
Amen. A collection of sheep being led to slaughter is all that is. Embarrassing, really.
I suggest the bumbles from the “Save the Thrashers” nonsense-website would better spend their time writing a book documenting all that went wrong from inception to present.
The sooner some of you accept reality, the better. It reminds me of so many pitiful attempts by the sheepset to defend Don Waddell for so many years….Look where that got you. Some of you don’t bother to show your face anymore, but I understand it. I don’t blame some of you.
(I just wish we had a Sara-spweadsheet-special during these dark days to help us see the light!)
Dan was my favorite Thrasher
May 18th, 2011
5:13 pm
A rally, that’s what we need! That and 170 million dollars will keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.
MANAWAR
May 18th, 2011
5:14 pm
Mark R THATS BECAUSE OUR $ WAS WORTH ABOUT 65 CENTS US & WE HAD A BAD RECESSION THAT LASTED WELL INTO THE 90s BUT WE STILL MANAGED TO RAISE 13M IN SAVE THE JETS RALLY.
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 18th, 2011
5:15 pm
ThrashFan85: Thanks for the insight; weird state of affairs.
Sage of Bluesland: Have you heard the Bouchard radio interview with TSN? Penny for your thoughts?
jojo
May 18th, 2011
5:16 pm
If the Thrashers move north I hope the owners of the Spirit go with them. They never made the move to put a winning team in the city. They have given the City Of Atlanta a bad image. Grab the money and run.
glovesave29
May 18th, 2011
5:24 pm
TF85 – respect your opinion, but gotta disagree. People do not trash because we disagree with her point of view, an opposing viewpoint is welcome, and necessary for a good conversation. The source of the dislike / distrust falls far deeper….
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 18th, 2011
5:30 pm
I hate to burst anyone’s bubble, but a “rally”, “tailgate”, “picnic”, or anything else you want to call it won’t matter squat. We need a legit buyer. And we need him now.
Doug
May 18th, 2011
5:35 pm
The only time I go to Thrashers games is when the Rangers come to town. I like having a hockey team here but seriously … this is not a hockey town and this rally is too late. If people cared, they would have gone to the games.
Gwinnett Fred
May 18th, 2011
5:36 pm
Them departing totally SUCKS – and I guarantee of the $2000 a year I spend going to games not one dime will be spent on anything having to do with Philips Arena or the Hawks.
Thrashered/Relocationist
May 18th, 2011
6:05 pm
Single? Looking? Wanna marry a loser? Attend this rally.
to clarify
May 18th, 2011
6:08 pm
Thrashered/Relocationist – scared that it can have effect and thrashers might stay in atlanta? then spam – have fun.
Keep Hockey in Atlanta
May 18th, 2011
6:17 pm
Funny thing is if the Thrashers move and play in the MTS Center, at max capacity they would still be in the lower tier of the league attendance wise since the place only holds 15,000.
Horsetoothedjackass
May 18th, 2011
6:18 pm
@Ethan It’s a hockey game, not a church picnic. If you want to go to a game and it not be rowdy, go to a Braves game/ If you don’t like the fans chanting and yelling, then I don’t suggest you ever attend a pro soccer match, as similar behavior is exhibited there.
Robert
May 18th, 2011
6:18 pm
The “Fat Lady’s” hummin’!!!…Good-By Atlanta!!!!!!
GoodbyeThrash
May 18th, 2011
6:19 pm
glovesave29, do elaborate on the fan club President. I have heard negative things about the fan club and in particular the way Lisa Lewis conducts herself whcich has kept me from joining. And I agree. A rally of obnoxious drunk fans will only make us all look bad.
Big Wally
May 18th, 2011
6:23 pm
General Sherman treated Atlanta better than ASG has.
David F
May 18th, 2011
6:27 pm
I am also from Winnipeg, and feel for you folks who are true Thrasher fans. We went throught the same thing 15 years ago and had a rally of 40,000 people, If the Thrashers do end up here, we will have the welcome mat ready, but make no mistake, the vast majority of us do not take pleasure of this being possibly at your expense.
Steve-o
May 18th, 2011
6:29 pm
Dan was my favorite Thrasher: A rally, that’s what we need! That and 170 million dollars will keep the Thrashers in Atlanta.
———————————
That a boy, Dan– be apathetic and cynical. It’s the Atlanta way!
farleybear
May 18th, 2011
6:31 pm
Won’t help anyway….this deal is gonna get done either way. They are Winnipeg bound. Sorry if that doesn’t sit well with some of you, but it is what it is.
PMC
May 18th, 2011
6:42 pm
If you go, someone bring a ceremonial rail for Waddell. This town needs an exorcism from that demon.
jerry
May 18th, 2011
6:55 pm
What the hell they gonna put on Sports South now? Women’s volleyball?
Sage of Bluesland
May 18th, 2011
6:56 pm
Puck-Like-Star, I DID finally listen to that interview with Bouchard. It’s almost hard to believe some of the things he was saying, such as Donny actually saying “goaltending was a myth”. Even I have a hard time attributing something so asinine to even bumbling and fraudulent Donny….BUT, I trust his word more than I ever would Don.
However, let’s look back on the inception of the Thrashers and there is credence as the Flames-of-yore were never entered into any equation that I can recall during that first year or two.
What an easy, simple goodwill-opportunity utterly wasted. Yet another example of inexplicable decision-making by ownership and management. There are so many it’s really not funny.
Another quote I found nearly unbelievable was the one about being hired for “one day per month”. Again, I have no reason to doubt Bouchard was telling the truth–but it’s just so surreal, isn’t it?
Unfortunately, it’s all part of how this foundation was built upon quicksand from the very beginning; how this organization was unloved from the start–and placed in incompetent hands to make decisions.
I think that clown Ciovacca (or whatever; the one on a one-sheep crusade) would be better served to spend his time doing the necessary research to write a book on everything that went wrong; their causes; their effects; etc. I actually think that would be better served to the fans of the soon-to-be-gone Atlanta Thrashers. It could actually be a guide on precisely what not to do when starting a sports enterprise.
Such a shame. The people of Atlanta were defrauded, pure and simple. The league office has culpability, even approving the sale to such a diverse and haphazard collection of individuals where any negative-ripple of relationship would have disastrous results to the whole (i.e. the individual parts were too small and the dropping of any of them would have caused the house-of-cards to collapse…which it did as if on cue).
I have never seen anything quite like it. Unloved by Turner/Time Warner. Unloved by ASG. An incompetent buffoon kept in charge the entire time. You can’t dream this up.
WTF?
May 18th, 2011
6:58 pm
good luck, herman cain will be at centennial park which is where all the media will be. It’s an omen, time to let another country/city deal with the revolving door of talent policy the thrashers have had in place for years. You knew it was all over when the thrashers decided to make buff their long term player. I bet he’s pissed and feeling duped. Your new home team with be Nashville and guess what? They can win and make the playoffs. Fancy that…
Mat"T"
May 18th, 2011
7:39 pm
We are there!
Mat"T"
May 18th, 2011
8:05 pm
Even if this Saturday ends up being completely futile in saving our team, it is what each of us decide to make it. For some, another chance for my fellow fickle fans of Atlanta to complain about the ownership yet again and why boycotting The Thrashers was such a great idea to begin with. Or, it could be a celebration of NHL Hockey in Atlanta for the last time in our lifetime. That alone is worth it. Still, hope is what I choose to remain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI
Harvey Dent
May 18th, 2011
8:25 pm
RE: Horsetoothedjackass @ 6:18 PM
Allow me to present to “Exhibit B,” with Atlanta Spirit Group being “Exhibit A,” as to why people stopped buying season tickets to the Thrashers.
Nice Work in Helping ASG Kill Fan Interest in NHL Hockey in Atlanta, Horsetoohedjackass!
MrBill
May 18th, 2011
8:26 pm
See the article
Winnipeg Free Press > Sports > Hockey > Manitoba won’t subsidize NHL but will help try to score Winnipeg team: Premier
HockeyThe Canadian Press – ONLINE EDITION
Manitoba won’t subsidize NHL but will help try to score Winnipeg team: Premier
Thrashers@Atlanta.com
May 18th, 2011
8:31 pm
In general speaking, people do not know what is missing until it is gone. In reality, what missing is winning the Stanley Cup in Atlanta and what gone are the thrashers.
Jeff97
May 18th, 2011
8:53 pm
Unless there is miracle out there, looks like this will be the second time my team has left town. I was living in Hartford when the Whalers relocated to Carolina. that was a real shame. i grew up a Whaler fan that was tough to see them leave. this will just really suck if the Thrashers leave.
blazerdawg
May 18th, 2011
8:53 pm
Someone get Glavine to invest with the Hawks prospective new owner. Owning both must have some benefits, especially if the Thrashers are operated moderately well. Make part owner Glav president, keep them both and negotate a better TV deal with both props.
You're Kidding Right???
May 18th, 2011
9:38 pm
Gulch………….Jay Bird…………cmon be serious as this is no time to joke.
You're Kidding Right???
May 18th, 2011
9:40 pm
Horsetoothedjackass……………..BABABOOEY to y’all!!!!!
El-Gordo
May 18th, 2011
10:10 pm
We Jets fans learned quite a while ago to trust nothing that either the NHL or G.B. says. The NHL put up a tremendous fight (and still is) in Phoenix in order to maintain the possibility of getting a decent US national TV contract. I would expect the same would hold for Atlanta. I think (I could be mistaken) that Phoenix just passed the cumulative total of 500,000,000.00 $US in losses after 15 years in the desert and he NHL is in there fighting, so there might be hope yet for the Thrashers. The NHL doesn’t want to move to either Winnipeg, Hamilton, or Quebec City if it doesn’t have to.
jim
May 18th, 2011
10:36 pm
5,000 fans would make a statement…if it’s a few hundred fans people will say “they never deserved an NHL team.” In a few short years when they are contenders all those people who didn’t buy tickets because of an issue they had with the owners will wish they has stuck it out.How many years did Yankee fans complain about Steinbrenner or Maple Leaf fans about Harold Ballard? Through it all they still bought tickets and that is what it comes down to…a real shame if Atlanta loses this team.Still mind boggling to me in a city of Atlanta’s size there aren’t investors willing to pool together $110 million…really not that much in the scheme of major pro sports.With proper branding this team could be one of the league’s finest organizations…sadly it may not be in Atlanta.
Original Sharon
May 18th, 2011
10:46 pm
Great, now there are two Sharons, but I do support a fan gathering.
Thrashers27
May 18th, 2011
11:12 pm
Unfortunately, I’m not in town, but if I were, I would try to get this chant going. Please, someone get it going…
TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HO-SERS! TAKE-OFF, YOU HOS-ERS!
Here Come The Jets
May 18th, 2011
11:30 pm
Coming this October – fan pops open a cold labatt’s blue, rips open a package of lays potato chips, picks up the remote and changes channel to Tsn then begins watching the Jets take on the defending Stanley Cup champs the Vancouver Canucks – now we can get back to our regularly scheduled program.
Kaat
May 18th, 2011
11:43 pm
I think the criticism of CViv is really getting out of hand. Like all journalists he is working with the sources he has. And, he is one of the few people writing about the Thrashers. Just because you don’t like the message doesn’t mean you should shoot the messenger.
That being said, I hope the turn out is good for the rally. Someone on Facebook has, what I consider to be a good idea. Appeal to fans of other Southern teams to show up too. The way I see it, we are all in this together. Solidarity in the South!
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
12:04 am
History teaches us rallies do not make a difference..
G52PIM228
May 19th, 2011
12:44 am
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he is “not aware” of any looming deal that would see the Atlanta Thrashers move to Winnipeg.
Steve
May 19th, 2011
1:01 am
The save the Jets rally had over 35000 and still couldn’t keep the team. Atlanta will need more then that.
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 19th, 2011
7:36 am
Agreed G52PIM228,
350,000 people would not make a difference. ASG is going to sell no matter what, and Bettman wants his $60M to cover his fiasco in Phoenix. Someone with big bucks (real dollars, not JB Smith play money) will have to step up very quickly or it is over.
Relocationist
May 19th, 2011
8:10 am
Why would anyone buy one of the more expensive season ticket packages? From what I experienced, you can buy the cheapest ticket available, walk right in and sit where you want on most nights as the mgt at Phillips doesn’t care as long as there aren’t any complaints (and, I’m not sure that they even care then). The more expensive tickets have been compeltely devalued by management allowing anyone to sit anywhere they want to regardless of what’s printed on the ticket.
JPVJ
May 19th, 2011
8:19 am
Does anybody know if the guy with the tin-foil cup who would parade up & down the aisles will be there ?? If he isn’t there I declare this rally not worthy!. Why is the “cup” guy silent all this time ????? Vive la feuille d’étain !!!!
60mil
May 19th, 2011
8:24 am
its all about the 60million going to gary and the spirit getting their money!
Both parties hate each other but they can agree upon this transaction. Its been in place for some time.
The spirit and gary have turn down and/or have talked people out of buying thrashers.
They claim Atl is a bad sports town. I think its a smart sports town. The Hawks take nights off during the playoffs, who would pay for that crap.
The Thrashers were run and are still run by Waddell…well enough said about that one….record speaks for itself
This THrasher deal is bogus and this San Diego guy is a joke…it will never happen
Marietta St Thrasher
May 19th, 2011
8:45 am
If someone deserves to catch it from his actions, not only through the potential sale of the thrashers and the “Balkan” but his general attitude towards the fans of the Thrashers its Kincade, here is the 680 The Fans GM’s email address, let him know what you think. jimmahanay@680thefan.com
Seattle Jets
May 19th, 2011
8:47 am
So the Braves must’ve had “bad ownership” as well when yall couldn’t sellout NLCS games..Congrats on being the only team in MLB that had that happen…Sorry to you “great fans” on the loss of your team…haha
Thomas Magnum
May 19th, 2011
8:51 am
Really wish that C-Viv wouldn’t have called this a rally. No way that this will have as many people show up as they did in Winnipeg to save the Jets. It’s just setting us up for failure.
Any rally that is organized needs to be done by someone who has some power and an audience such as Kincade or another sports personality and planned way in advance. This should have been done months ago.
Marietta St Thrasher
May 19th, 2011
8:53 am
Seattle Jets…..where are the Supersonics?
G52PMS247
May 19th, 2011
9:02 am
how is a rally going to save a team no one wants to own ?
Seattle Jets
May 19th, 2011
9:06 am
Jacked by hillbillys….So it brings us great joy watching hillbilly teams getting jacked….
LMAO@no dispute about having such warm fans you couldn’t sellout playoff games…hahahaha
Kovy's Agent
May 19th, 2011
9:44 am
Seattle Jets, so your’e claiming that in the history of MLB playoffs only the Atlanta Braves have played to less than sellout crowds???? Where’d you get that stat because it’s totally bogus? In a record run of 14 straight years of playoff appearances it can make one a little gunshy of going to a Tuesday night wild card game, knowing that NLCS and WS games (and the dollars to buy those tix)are still to come. As soon as you have a 14-year run of playoffs with rock solid sellouts at every single game then we can talk, ok?
Seattle Jets
May 19th, 2011
9:53 am
In the era since the Wild Card began only Atlanta failed to sellout out playoff games…Congrats…Oh and Congrats on your “home” “fans” chanting MVP-MVP at Derrick Rose in a playoff game..Great “fanbase”..lulz
Chainsaw Dunlap
May 19th, 2011
10:14 am
Atlanta worst sports city EVER. I got Yankee tickets during the 1996 World Series as a WALKUP at the BOX OFFICE. Any real sports city would have sold those tickets out long prior. This lamebrained city cant support a hockey team w a metro of 5 MILLION? With all the transplants? Hello Winnipeg…and maybe the other teams will follow….
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 19th, 2011
10:17 am
WOA! This just posted on facebook. If this is true, there needs to be some investigation!!
“Moores, the man currently in exclusivity to purchase the Hawks and Philips arena, is also part of a firm that has a stake in Jobing.com arena. This is the same arena the Phoenix Coyotes hockey club plays in. Isn’t this a conflict of interest?”
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 19th, 2011
10:36 am
Sage: Thanks for taking the time; I thought even you would be amazed by that interview.
At least some of the Canadian media is waking up to the truth: ASG screwed an already snake-bitten sports town.
Chris Vivlamore
May 19th, 2011
10:48 am
While I would deem a call for fans to unite with the purpose of showing their support of the Thrashers, including a prompting to bring signs, a “rally”, I have changed the blog to call Saturday’s proposal an “event.” Hope that helps those with an issue as to the wording.
I was just trying to help spread the word.
thrasherdawg
May 19th, 2011
10:50 am
In the years the Braves were not winning they could not even fill the stadium to 15 % of capacity. Does that mean we are not a baseball town?
Before Aurther Blank the Georgia Dome was only half full. Does that mean we are not a football town?
So if the Thrashers started winning and most game were sold out….the logic would be weare a hockey town.
So based on the logic above, we are not a baseball town, or a football town. So those of you who say we are not a hockey town are clearly confused to the facts.
Winning solves everything.
JointherollercoasterNHL
May 19th, 2011
10:56 am
this can not be as bad as the Yotes rally of 200 people – if that. Good luck
Thomas Magnum
May 19th, 2011
11:00 am
Thanks Chris! Doubt that will be the deciding factor one way or the other but right now every little bit helps
Atlanta Flames Fan
May 19th, 2011
11:11 am
But Chris,
I thought you hated the Thrashers and wanted them to move. LOL!
Billsen
May 19th, 2011
11:17 am
As one of the four founders of the Nasty Nest, lemme just say this – if you had issues with out passionate and vocal support for the team, I’m thinking you’ve never been to a game outside of Philips. Take a trip to Nashville, and sit in the Cell Block; go to the ‘Canes house and hear them do the same types of chants and heckles that we do. It’s called hockey. If you want peace and quiet at a sporting event, go watch Golf.
Is this a shot in the dark? Absolutely. But for the life of me, I can’t understand the people ripping this event. Do you really think sitting on your hands and not showing is going to help?
This idea has snowvballed from an idea from Jimmy Parts a few days ago to an event. In less than 48 hours, it has blossomed, and I hope that people are spreading the word via social media, email and the like.
For those who don’t know where the Gulch is, it is the sunken parking lot next to the CNN parking deck, and across from Philips. This is where the NN has been tailgating for years. There is ample parking, lots of room, and it is great for playing street hockey (bring your gear if you want to play).
I have no illusions/delusions that this one action will save the team, but as the general said in “War Games”, “I’d p*ss on a spark plug if I thought it would do any good.”
Jb
May 19th, 2011
11:21 am
Good luck to you all!!!! I will be out of town but will be there in heart!!!! GO THRASHERS!!!!
Lionel Moise
May 19th, 2011
11:50 am
Hey Thrashers Fans,
Trying to get in touch with some of the groups who are organizing this rally on Saturday. If you are available today, please email lmoise@11alive.com
Thanks,
Lionel
rujoking
May 19th, 2011
11:55 am
Billsen, you go girl!! Everybody, send those e-mails, make then signs, shout it out loud. How about TJ’s or somewhere so we can party our a**es off !!!
Pegcitygirl
May 19th, 2011
12:00 pm
Sorry Thrasher Fans…Saturday will be too late. There is a BIG announcement on Friday in Winnipeg…would means Winnipeg Jets are back!!!!
Puck Like A Porn Star
May 19th, 2011
12:25 pm
And when there is no BIG announcement (again), that “would means” Winnipeg Jets are NOT back, just like every other time since 1996. Feel free to drop by the blog on Saturday to tell us the revised date of the BIG announcement, you know, just in case.
angryATLfan
May 19th, 2011
1:20 pm
No official announcement will be made until after playoffs… next few weeks will be moving parts of the deal… a ticket drive will take place prior to end of playoffs, which will be the unofficial selling of tics — dressed up as to “test the market to see if winnipeg likes hockey and then boom, NHL back to the peg.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 19th, 2011
1:33 pm
@Billsen — Have you been to a hockey match outside of the southeast US? I’d love to know what other cities say “Marty, Marty, you suck!” when the home team is losing.
ATLfan
May 19th, 2011
1:44 pm
Pegcitygirl and all other manitobians – AJC stands for ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION and not for “ANGRY JELAOUS CANADIANS”. So, please find your own blog and start posting crap there.
EXJet
May 19th, 2011
2:37 pm
As a hockey fan in Wpg who watched the Jets leave I want to wish Thrasher Fans best of luck with keeping their team. While I hope to someday have the chance to support the NHL in the ‘peg I don’t want to see it happen at the expense of any hockey fan. The negative stuff on Twitter and the various blogs does not represent the sentiments of the hockey fan base in Manitoba who love and respect the game and who have been badly burnt before…
SomaAtl95
May 19th, 2011
3:12 pm
Thank you EXJet – Thank you for your candor. What us Thrashers fans don’t understand is that you guys lost the Jets and wouldn’t want to face losing NHL again when they come back to you (and we all hope they do by expansion), we have already lost 1 team due to crappy ownership, if crappy ownership strips us on NHL for a second time it will kill the sport here, again. Hockey is too great a game to go without!
Why on earth are so many of your countrymen wishing the pain you guys felt once onto us for a second time? With the impending demise of the KHL there will be quite a few more Russians available in the talent pool, the NHL could support 32 teams without issue and properly align conferences into 4 divisions of 4 teams each.
We in Atlanta would love Winnipeg and QC to both get teams back, just not by taking another team away from us. Don’t blame the fans when the owners cry hardship – The A$G was 7 out of 32 in Basketball payroll. They were 28 out of 30 on Hockey Payroll. Basketball doesn’t sell out here.
Our owners are screwing us and it makes it worse to be relentlessly mocked. Thanks again for being so cool about not mocking us.
Billsen
May 19th, 2011
3:48 pm
@ranallo10 (in AT) – Outside of Atlanta, I’ve only seen games in San Jose, Montreal, NY Rags, NY Islanders, Tampa Bay, NJ Devils, Hartford Whalers, Carolina, Nashville and Philly. Someday I hope to be as cool as you – you know, dissing everyone who isn’t you.
Billsen
May 19th, 2011
3:51 pm
Nicely said, ExJet. I grew up a Whaler’s fan, so I know what it is like to lose a team, and I really don’t want to go through that again. As SomaAtl95 said, I would love to see both Winnipeg and QC get expansion teams, but I hate the notion that we have to lose our team so you can get one.
Empty Seats
May 19th, 2011
3:56 pm
In the years the Braves were not winning they could not even fill the stadium to 15 % of capacity. Does that mean we are not a baseball town?
Before Aurther Blank the Georgia Dome was only half full. Does that mean we are not a football town?
—————-
It means you are aren’t a sports town PERIOD. Can’t sellout World Series games with your own “fans”, most NFL teams have a 10 year waiting list for season tickets, people come to ATL to see their home teams because you can’t sellout games like they do. bad fanbase pretty simple.
Columbus made 1 playoff trip too but sellout more, and have more season tickets sold and won’t leave. Too many excuses in ATL, you are a wannabe fanbase. Show up through thick and thin without excuses and other fans might root for you to keep a team. making excuses seems to be what you do best.
When the Colts, Browns, and Sonics left their fans were robbed because they showed up, you people couldn’t sell out your expansion season so cut the crybaby crap. If you weren’t bandwagon and came out through thick and thin you’d still have a team. After this weekend that won’t be the case so you resume not going to Falconvick, Bravo, and Hacks games and blaming their owners for coming dressed as empty seats.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 19th, 2011
4:09 pm
@Billsen — And in all of those places, how many of them said the “You Suck!” heckle while being down? I’m not pretending to be cool, I’m simply asking you a pointed question that clearly makes you defensive. For what it’s worth, you’ve been to far more NHL arenas than I have, thus I feel I’ve posed my pointed question to a reliable source who can provide an honest response.
So again I ask, outside of the Southeastern United States, where have you heard an organized “You Suck!” heckle along the lines of the Nasty Nest (which you are quite proud to have helped found, kudos for that)?
Mark
May 19th, 2011
4:15 pm
This isn’t even supposed to be a “rally” although all the media has decided it is. It is simply supposed to be a tailgate for Thrasher fans attending the Select A Seat event. Many realize it might be the last chance to get together as a group.
Billsen
May 19th, 2011
4:18 pm
Every arena has a different vibe. In Philly & NY, you hear a lot worse than “you suck”. NJ was pretty tame and Hartford was pretty mild, San Jose and Montreal were more into repetitive chanting of the goalies name – no matter the score. Does that help?
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 19th, 2011
4:39 pm
Of course each arena has a different vibe, and there’s an obvious reason that Philadelphia and New York (and Buffalo) are some of the most hated fan bases in the NHL. Obnoxious behavior is not limited to Atlanta, Nashville, or Carolina … but quite honestly, the “you suck” heckle seems to be and it embarrasses me as a Thrashers (and non-traditional hockey market) fan, because it’s quite lame and usually untimely. In fact, several times I’ve had to defend the fans in Atlanta as “not being part of that group” (when asked about why they’d be heckling the goalie while the opponent is beating Atlanta soundly and he’s sporting a shutout).
Believe it or not, those types of things actually feed people outside of Atlanta to consider our fans to be “dumb” hockey fans.
As for the obnoxious in arena behavior, clearly other Atlanta fans take enough exception to make note of it, so perhaps it’s more obnoxious than you’re willing to admit. I purposefully sit on the opposite side of the arena because it puts me far away from your crew … but I’m sure others love it. I personally enjoy games with an organic atmosphere of fans cheering good plays, getting upset over bad plays, and I don’t enjoy not people incessantly yelling obscenities at professional athletes and other fans in the arena. To each his/her own, obviously.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 19th, 2011
4:42 pm
“don’t enjoy not” — Me fail English? That’s unpossible.
Billsen
May 19th, 2011
5:24 pm
Dude – we NEVER EVER have heckled anything with profanity. Sorry, but “you suck” ain’t profanity.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 19th, 2011
5:37 pm
Ahh, people must just be making it up then. I guess it’s the people who sit in the middle of the Nasty Nest, the uninvited guests.
Atlanta Rhythm Section
May 19th, 2011
6:06 pm
Telling the opposing goalie “You Suck” is embarrassing? Grow a spine.
Sage of Bluesland
May 19th, 2011
6:14 pm
I haven’t seen Ranallolamb post so much since his continued defense of the indefensible (i.e. Don Waddell).
How are Don’s decisions working out for you, now?
Cheers.
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 19th, 2011
7:37 pm
@ARS — No, Atlanta Thrashers fans being considered ignorant is embarrassing. As I’ve stated, I can see why people would be given such an impression.
Billsen
May 19th, 2011
10:00 pm
Funny – I’ve never heard or seen anyone calling Atlanta fans ignorant – except for Ranallo. I grew up playing hockey, and have been an NHL fan since 1971. I think I have a pretty good grasp of how the game is played, and yeah, heckling is part of it. It is designed to get under the skin of the opposing players – especially a goalie. It has been a part of virtually every game I’ve ever seen. Deal with it.
Harry
May 19th, 2011
10:39 pm
Winnipeg population 630k Manitoba total 1.2 million
It would be a disaster for that place to have a pro team. There is no way a town, yes it’s a town, could handle a nhl franchise.
Sean M.
May 19th, 2011
10:56 pm
Ffffff I would have really liked to go to that; I’m gonna go to Atlanta tomorrow to tour a college on my shortlist of colleges I wanna go to. I would’ve totally tried to find a way to stay overnight and make it, but my cousin’s getting married that Saturday and family comes first.
Hope the rally goes well and I really, seriously hope the Thrashers stay in Atlanta. I don’t know what I’d do if this team moves. It isn’t the fans’ fault that the team is in this dire situation; it is the Atlanta Spirit that literally did not care a bit about this franchise and drove those fans away. Ownership has to meet the fanbase halfway, and A$G failed to do that. So. Sickening.
coldsoul
May 19th, 2011
10:58 pm
To those questioning why WPG wants a team to move it’s because WPG will NEVER get an expansion team it is not that sort of market for the reasons set out by many posters here. WPG has no choice but to get a failing team if they want to see a NHL team. Negative comments about the city also rev things up and change the minds of those who would be otherwise more mild mannered. I am one who has fallen into that trap at time, its a vicious circle atl fans->stupid wpg comment->stupid atl responsens -> even more hostile wpg comments -> even more hostile atl responses. I also don’t believe you will see expansion for quite a long time the last expansion was not successful at all and has left the NHL in a horrible situation.
The comments about the NHL being greedy and wanting the 60mill for relocation are insane, ATL does not have a buyer willing to purchase the team and keep it in ATL for 110 mill that is why they could/will relocate.
The comments about not winning a stanley cup are ignorant their are 30 teams, you do the math Vancouver is trying to make it their first one ever in 40 years (not to be confused with having a long term losing team- that along with a horrible management group would kill almost any marker and certainly WPG).
The fact of the matter is ATL does not currently have a perspective ownership group and have not there has never been an real buyer for all the teams (other than the Balkan). The current ownership group is not responsible AT THIS MOMENT for not being able to get a local buyer they salted the earth with huge loses a long time ago. I will be sad for the Thrashers fans if the team moves but it will be over shadowed by my excitement at getting to watch NHL hockey again. I would bet that is the sentiment of the majority of Winnipegers.
Kevin
May 19th, 2011
11:06 pm
LB, get your facts straight. The Islanders were last in attendance. Phoenix was 29th. Atlanta was 28th.
Kevin
May 19th, 2011
11:11 pm
Coldsoul, tauntsa by Wpg fans (and Canadian fans) and lies by it’s national papers start the negativity. “insane” comments about hte league wanting $60M to give to it’s other 29 teams aren’t as “insane” as the anti-Canada Bettman conspiracy we’ve been hearing for years.
As for the ASG group losing money, it’s funny because as we all know, Winnipeg grossed all of $17M in 1996 with 11, 391 in avg attendance.
The lack of buyer may have more to do with Philips Arena and the Hawks being sold to another group leaving out thwe Thrashers, scaring off other potential owners. Who wants to pay rent on a team on top of a bad group of owners which has damaged it’s own base of fans??
It’s no different that the fear that existed in Long Island when the Islanders couldn’t find an owner or the Penguins. Senators and Kings went into bankruptcy. At least if a team goes into bankruptcy a court may find a local owner at a reduced price.
Two Line Pass
May 19th, 2011
11:13 pm
By the time this rally occurs the moving trucks will be at the Ice Forum in Duluth packing up the staff’s items from their practice facility. If you do plan to attend the rally plan on cutting up or burning your Thrashers gear while you are there. After next Tuesday’s official announcement, if won’t have any value anyways and that is just sad!!!
coldsoul
May 19th, 2011
11:36 pm
Kevin I think you misread my vicious circle as I agree with your order Atl fans (just fans saying they want to keep the team) -> idiot WPG post -> hostile ATL posts -> more hostile WPG comments now those who were at some point semi-sympathetic have joined in -> more hostile ATL comments about WPG that now are all over the place. I am also obviously not just referring to comments in relation to this or any single story but the whole media process.
Comments like your 17M further add to the circle. I respond: It was a lame duck season, how many fans do you think would show up next year in ATL if they knew the team was moving to WPG in 2012-13? Somebody responds there is nothing to do in WPG and etc. and the circle continues. With someone who just logged in from WPG because of the Globe and Mail story seeing the comments which brings yet another angry WPGger to the fray.
There was NO BUYER BEFORE the deal on the hawks, no interested buyer just the invented Balkan. As I stated obviously the ownership group salted the earth (this has been ongoing) but the current theory that they could have had someone buy all three just isn’t plausible. But to answer you no one wants to buy the Thrashers to pay rent and no one could want to. Which is why it is not looking good for ATL.
The owners do not want the team to go into bankruptcy nor does the NHL so if you think the NHL is stupid for not letting the team go in bankruptcy I disagree but didn’t get the feeling that was what most ATL fans were arguing. Allowing teams to go bankrupt devalues all teams and the league obviously as a whole, how could they want that? (teams moving obviously does this as well but to a much smaller extent). The NHL wants teams in the South because it is a much bigger potential market that is why they put a team in ATL again (not because of the conspiracies you might see some other CDNs raise- yes we have ton of conspiracy theorists too). The NHL obviously does not want to own another NHL team look at the gong show in PHX.
The difference between PHX and ATL is that they had someone (the city) who was prepared to pay 25 mill in losses, ATL does not have anyone interested in paying its 20 mill in losses if they did the NHL would want the team to stay. If a similar situation happens in WPG you will see the exact same result.
Obligatory ....
May 20th, 2011
12:21 am
I bet it gets canceled due to low attendance
John
May 20th, 2011
12:46 am
sorry ATL
well you guys can jump on the Stars bandwagon now!
Crazy Diamond
May 20th, 2011
2:27 am
We are so screwed.
JDawg3DX-Thrasher Fan in Vegas
May 20th, 2011
3:34 am
Best of Luck with this Rally to my Fellow Thrasher Fans!! I would love to be there with you, but I’m in Vegas and am working Sat. I will have as much Thrasher gear on as possible though to support yall in spirit (no pun intended).. Lets show the NHL that we want this team!!!
ranallo10 (in AT)
May 20th, 2011
5:16 am
“I’ve never heard or seen anyone calling Atlanta fans ignorant” … really? Never? That’s amazing, you must not ever read the comments section of online articles (TSN for instance), nor the trolls on these boards. I know I might be a bit sensitive to the general disrespect our fan base gets from outsiders, but I find it hard to believe you’ve NEVER heard or even seen anyone say as such.
Seriously, I’ve come across people in Austria who have told me such things. It’s amazing to me how far the “non-traditional hockey market” bias goes…and you’ve NEVER experienced it in your 40 years of being an NHL fan. Simply astounding.
TMAC
May 20th, 2011
8:10 am
Say goodbye to your hockey team. As someone who’s lost one before any rally will do no good. The denials speak volumes. The Thrashers are gone.
@ Jimmy Parks - Reschedule Press Release
May 20th, 2011
8:11 am
NHL will use this event against us – We need to turn it back on them. Bettman is ready to use it in HIS favor. Do not give him the satisfaction.
“It will be interesting to see how many people show up at the rally on Saturday,” Bettman said.
The media is going to be all over the cookout. With a city of 5.5M people, no
matter how many people show up, it will look like “nobody cares”.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/atlanta-fans-take-twitter-beatdown-122218073.html
We should reschedule it. Issue a press release along these lines”
“Due to the lack of effort and transparency from the NHL office, we have decided to postpone our tailgating event until the NHL gives us a reason to believe in their “working behind the scenes” statements.”
This will turn it into a negative PR issue for them, not us. If the turnout is under 1,000, they NHL will say “see, nobody cares.”
@ Jimmy Parks - Reschedule Press Release
May 20th, 2011
8:13 am
Jimmy – in case you did not see this:
Save The Thrashers ‘Rally’ Needs Shocking Turnout To Avoid Ridicule:
http://atlanta.sbnation.com/atlanta-thrashers/2011/5/19/2178474/save-the-thrashers-rally-needs-shocking-turnout-to-avoid-ridicule
Mooseberg
May 20th, 2011
8:18 am
You idiots, now bettman is using this stupid rally as an excuse…cancel before you make a fool of yourself and atlanta
radeksmom
May 20th, 2011
9:38 am
Good this Chris Vilvamore wont have job anymore
radeksmom
May 20th, 2011
9:41 am
should of scheduled for Sunday ahole i got things to do on Saturday.
Erik
May 20th, 2011
9:50 am
Makes me sick I can’t be there. Our daughter has a dance recital we cannot miss. While I am a casual fan, it will break my 6 year old’s heart if we lose them. He lives, breathes and sleeps hockey, and even talks about playing for the Thrashers when he grows up.
PLEASE keep the Thrashers in ATL.
Billsen
May 20th, 2011
9:56 am
You know what would be foolish? To cancel the rally after all the press it has gotten. The reason we’re doing it tomorrow is in concert with the Select-a-seat event, which cold literally be the last “Thrashers Event” in Philips.
I’m tired of the nay-sayers suggesting we’ll look “stoooopid” or “foolish” for doing this.
“The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed.” – Lloyd Jones
jd
May 20th, 2011
10:05 am
Random thoughts from comments about:
Actually in Milwaukee they do the “you suck” for Admiral games. And I wasn’t a fan of it at all. So many better cheers to do to a goalie. That at least are “clean” for kids under 10… Like “sieve” “sieve”… Wisconsin Badgers hockey fans do that.
The one thing I won’t miss about this… the fighting on twitter, blogs, facebook, and message boards between Canadians and Atlantans..and the in-fighting between all hockey fans. The hatred thrown at sportswriters and fans is beyond me. It’s immature bs to say the least. The “one up” stuff trying to show who’s the better fan is so lame.
It’s a done deal.. there’s so much smoke it’s not even funny. And it’s a sad day for hockey here in Atlanta. It’s so easy for someone to say this is “not a good hockey town”… Well that’s bs as well. The number of leagues/teams for both adults and kids is/was growing daily. Yes, it’s not Canada for hockey growth.. neither is Pittsburgh or San Jose. But with 5 rinks that have strong travel hockey programs, the 2nd largest adult hockey league in the country, and a ton of former NHL players living and coaching here; it’s a pretty good market. And anyone who really knows the situation realizes it’s the ownership and management that failed this city.
Greg
May 20th, 2011
10:37 am
pls save the thrashers. i enjoy hockey and attending games.
Gary Bettman + ASG = words cant describe how much you SUCK.
GutterClown
May 20th, 2011
10:44 am
I am so sick of people on here saying that Atlanta is not a hockey town. There are a lot of people that live here that are fans to other hockey teams as well. If we lose the Thrashers we will also lose the ability for other people to see their favorite teams play here when they are in town. This is a very diverse city unlike others with people that have moved here from a lot of different cities. Also ownership IS a bigger part then you think. Lowering ticket prices will get more of us fans in the seats. I don’t care how much of a hard core fan you are, if you don’t have the money you just don’t have it. Spirit doesn’t truly care about the team enough to do that, they only took the Thrashers because they came with the Hawks anyway. There was no intention to make this franchise work. We need someone to step up……it is possible!
Thomas
May 20th, 2011
11:17 am
I really wish I could be there , I would hire somebody to take my place , I just can’t make the trip to atl this weekend . I really hope we keep our team I can’t stand the thought of losing another team to the great white north and for the record Winnipeg attendance was not all that good in the first half of the 90’s before they moved so they didn’t support their team either. nor did they have a good arena
LemieuxFan66
May 20th, 2011
11:37 am
Why are we being hung out to dry so Bettman can save hockey in Phoenix? Hockey can work just fine in Atlanta if we have competent management. We need the chance to find out!
joffahelmut
May 20th, 2011
12:02 pm
What’s the point? Winnipeg had a rally attended by 35,000 people who donated $15 Million of their own cash in 1996, and they moved anyway. A one time rally on one afternoon will not change the many factors which has led to this point. Garry Bettman and the NHL will not be swayed by a photo of 1,000 people. This isn’t their decision now, it was decided by the fact that no credible local buyer came forward. The Thrashers have been rumored to be a candidate for relocation for a while, a rally of support should have happened much, much sooner.
Ryan
May 20th, 2011
1:14 pm
Rally to save the Trashers: 10 people showed up. Please get them out of here fast and tell the buyers for an extra five dollars they can also have the Silverbacks soccer team.
Steve
May 20th, 2011
1:18 pm
Nice idea but on a Friday afternoon down in the “Gulch,” no one will see you except homeless people.
Steve
May 20th, 2011
1:21 pm
Saturday afternoon, that is…
Soccer?
May 20th, 2011
2:06 pm
If the Thrashers leave, can we get a MLS team instead? Should be cheaper.
Boski
May 20th, 2011
3:45 pm
There is still hope! Keep the Thrashers in Atlanta!