If Thrashers keep winning, they can overcome damage
Hello, Atlanta. I'm Dustin Byfuglien. Please come watch me and my team. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
I look at the Atlanta Thrashers and I think, “Japan.”
Hang with me for a minute. Back in school days, I had an issue of Playboy magazine. (It was a mistake. I think it was stuck between the Time and the National Geographic at the newsstand and accidentally ended up in my possession.)
Anyway, this issue of Playboy had an interview with Akio Morita, the co-founder of Sony, who said when he first came to the United States he was astounded that the term, “Made in Japan” had such a negative connotation. So he vowed to change that. Then in 1979, Sony came out with the “Walkman” and of course we all bowed in unison. Before long, we were lampooning anything that read, “Made by GE.”
Now, when I say, “Thrashers,” what comes to mind? Is it that wonder of a team that has won eight of its last nine games, or the past horrors of a franchise that never has won a playoff game? Is it Dustin Byfuglien or Alexei Zhitnik? Andrew Ladd or Johan Garpenlov? Ondrej Pavelec or Damian Rhodes? Rick Dudley or Don Waddell?
Deep wounds don’t scab over quickly. The empty seats in Philips Arena are evidence of that. But for what it’s worth, something pretty amazing is going on with this franchise.
Players have taken to Craig Ramsay's attack-first philosophy.
The Thrashers aren’t as revolutionary as the Walkman. But they do make you slap your forehead a little.
A team that lacks a pure goal scorer entered Wednesday ranked first in power play efficiency and sixth in goals scored. They skate. They attack. They take few penalties. They forecheck and backcheck, and do it all for relatively paltry checks, the byproduct of the league’s most anemic payroll (thank you, Atlanta Spirit).
“I think even we’re a little surprised,” Eric Boulton said.
“I’ve talked to a couple of my buddies on other teams after games and they’ll say, ‘You guys were all over us tonight — we didn’t have time to move,’” said Jim Slater, one of only two holdovers (with Boulton) from the franchise’s lone playoff team in 2006-07. “When you hear that from the other team, it means something.”
This recent stretch of nine games, during which the Thrashers have outscored opponents 30-11, might be the best in franchise history. Even Craig Ramsay, the first-year coach, admits he’s surprised how quickly every player has bought in.
Maybe the Thrashers should put him in charge of marketing. They rank 28th in attendance at an announced 11,789 per game, which has fueled rumors of the franchise moving (likely unfounded).
“It’s just like coaching a team,” Ramsay said. “You can’t just make all of those changes in the short term. Our job is to put the best product out there and eventually people will like what they see. There were 6,000 people in Tampa when I went there. Then we won a Stanley Cup when there were probably 25,000 squeezed into that building and another 20,000 outside on the deck. It takes time.”
The problem is trying to recover from so much damage. The newness of an NHL franchise drew fans in the first couple of seasons. The playoff season led to several sellouts and an average of over 16,000 per game. But so many losses, missteps in the draft and free agency and ownership’s seeming ambivalence to do anything about it turned off the old fans and prevented turning on new ones.
Soon, they were off the radar.
Byfuglien, the team’s emerging star, saw this in Chicago. The Blackhawks had so infuriated their fan base that they were being outdrawn by the city’s minor-league team.
“It’s kind of like here,” he said. “It wasn’t the easiest thing to get up and go play in your own barn. It’s like you’re on the road all the time. Sometimes you come in and there’s a lot of the other team’s fans, like in Chicago you’d get more Detroit [fans]. But the change was unreal. We went from 11,000 fans to 21,000 fans. Packed houses all the time.
“It’s definitely hard to come back here [off the road] sometimes. In warm-ups you’re there and you see only a handful of people. But we can’t let that affect how we’re going to play.”
Boulton said he believes fans will return, adding, “The building gets rockin’ when the town’s excited about our club.”
Keep winning and it will happen again. But some damage can’t be overcome quickly.
– By Jeff Schultz
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108 comments Add your comment
MightyQuinn
December 8th, 2010
6:43 pm
Not first?
MightyQuinn
December 8th, 2010
6:44 pm
Wow! I WAS first! And, like me, winning will cure everything for the Thrash. Can they maintain anywhere near this level of play for an entire season is the big question.
Herschel Talker
December 8th, 2010
6:46 pm
FIRE MARK RICHT
Atlanta Fanatic
December 8th, 2010
6:52 pm
I am an 3rd Generation Atlanta Native with no roots to the North at all and . . . I love the
Thrashers. I have been a fan since 2004 and I have loved it. But, dont get me wrong I almost wrung my own neck these past few seasons. But this season has been something remarkable. And for all those fans who have lost interest or found other things to occupy their time. This is the year to give the Thrash just one more chance. A new GM and Coach along with a team with REAL and Tangible desire. Give em one more chance.
Atlanta Fan
December 8th, 2010
7:10 pm
I agree with Atlanta Fanatic. I have been in Atlanta all my short life and have watched the thrashers through thick and thin. But I really do believe in this new coach and new GM. They have promise and promise and that is evidenced in their 1st season here! I know fans are very fickle here and it will take SUSTAINED winning and being in the playoff chase in Feb/March and for the NFL season to end for more people to take notice. Hopefully that happens and we continue this solid run! Go thrash! Go Falcons!
UGABugKiller
December 8th, 2010
7:13 pm
Please, God… if you’re up there… bring some butts to the seats of Phillips Arena so we can keep this team.
And while you’re at it, find some rich guy in Atlanta to buy out the majority of the ASG a-holes (the Gearons are okay… sometimes).
Hmmm… I think it’s time for Arthur Blank to meet ASG in a lonely bar and offer to buy a majority stake in the Hawks, Thrashers, and Phillips… like he did with Taylor Smith.
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Barry
December 8th, 2010
7:26 pm
Almost all of us True Blue fans always come out. I started paying attention to hockey the season after the lockout. I really was never introduced to hockey. I just happen to stumble onto it one night on a weekend looking for some sports to watch. I grew up a huge Braves fan but they weren’t playing that night. I was changing channels and found a Thrashers hockey game. I thought to myself, “hmmm…this looks interesting….I never really watched a hockey game before.” I can’t remember exactly but I believe Thrashers lost that game that night by like one goal. The next night is when they played the Flyers in that dramatic back and forth game where they eventually one in OT by Greg DeVries. During that game I was jumping off my couch, yelling and cheering because of the excitement. I was hooked after that game. I went to my first Thrashers game against the Columbus Blue Jackets that year and after that game I had completely fell in love with hockey and the Thrashers. I think the Thrashers won that game like 5-2 if memory serves. After that I went to every game I could. I didn’t have many expenses during that time so I would pay up for the lower level seats around 75 to 100 dollars sitting on the glass. (Of course now those seats cost twice that much). Even though alot of games they would lose I still enjoy it and had fun.
I think it will take a while for the casual fan to come out. You know, those bandwagon fans that come out when they have a successful team to cheer for. Hopefully eventually those bandwagon fans will convert to True Blue fans. I agree…it will take time but as the saying goes “time eventually heals all wounds.”
FJ10
December 8th, 2010
7:40 pm
Buid it – (a winning team) – and they will come.
KICK SAVE
December 8th, 2010
7:52 pm
IF YOU CAN’T GET EXCITED WATCHIN’ THIS TEAM PLAY………THEN YOU AIN’T GOTTA PULSE!!!! THANK’S DUD’S COACH RAMSEY & STAFF!!!!!!
JoeFriday
December 8th, 2010
7:57 pm
If they keep this play up, and I expect they will, we’ll start to see the place fill up now that high school and college football are over.
But, the season ticket holders won’t go up until they win a playoff round (can be done this year) AND they either fire or hide Waddell (have to get him out of the way, he’s the poster child for all that is wrong with the past) and they have to get a new owner/partner in and get Levenson out of the way and make the new guy the face of hockey ownership.
The casual fan will be out in the 2nd half, claiming they’ve been a Thrasher fan all along. I saw it happen in Chicago who recovered nicely when Dollar Bill went to that great bar in the sky. Let’s hope it’s quicker than that turnaround, but Dudley and Ramsay already have the ball rolling in the right direction.
Buf, Ladd, and the rest of the guys are going to be shocked and pumped when they see it sold out when Philly comes to town in January on a Saturday night and only 1/3rd of the fans are wearing puke orange and the rest of us are drowning them out.
JSS
December 8th, 2010
8:03 pm
Nothing to add on it… They must continue to work both ends… No doubt, it is their key! Can’t be negative about their lack of a super scorer to make the difference at playoff time. I said “Can’t!”
Supes
December 8th, 2010
8:10 pm
Jeff,
well said sir. I don’t say this much…but good work
deBebbler
December 8th, 2010
8:18 pm
I’ve been a Red Wings fan for 20 years, but Byfuglien caught my eye last year as being a “hell of a hockey player” and I continued to follow him this year to Atlanta, curious how the switch to defense would affect his game.
Imagine my surprise when your club lit up and started winning game after game.
I haven’t missed the radio broadcast for any of the last 12 games and have cheered your club on every time (except when you whooped our butts last month).
Good luck to your Thrashers team this season, and I sincerely hope to see our two clubs meet again for a couple of games in late May/early June.
Bill
December 8th, 2010
8:40 pm
Got my tickets ordered. These guys deserve a big crowd. We try to make it to a couple games a year but I am pumped to go to these!!
LET’S GO THRASHERS!
atlthrasher Fan in Rome GA
December 8th, 2010
8:42 pm
look guys, I travel to Thrashers games from Rome, GA several times in a year. I’ve been going to about 15 games a year and it’s about a 100 minute drive each way. Why? Because I love this team. Been doing it since 2001. I was there for both our playoff home games and it was electric. Hopefully, the arena will be packed again with THRASHERS fans. It makes me sick to see how Atlantans abandon their teams during hardship. Saw that with the Falcons, Hawks, and Braves.
atlthrasher Fan in Rome GA
December 8th, 2010
8:45 pm
Hey Jeff, what’s going on? your articles usually downtalk the thrashers. What’s going on? r u jumping on the bandwagon too? I love this article but where were you over the past couple years when we sucked? You didn’t help our cause either by encouraging fans to come.
Jeff Schultz
December 8th, 2010
8:46 pm
Thanks Supes.
Jeff Schultz
December 8th, 2010
8:47 pm
deBebbler — Have to admit didn’t want Buff that much in Chicago (until playoffs) but he’s fun to watch. Can be a star in this town.
Jeff Schultz
December 8th, 2010
8:49 pm
Atlthrasher Fan in Rome — The whole “bandwagon” thing’s kinda lame. When I see things to criticize, I write them. When I see things to praise, I write them. It’s that simple, there’s no hidden agenda. Thanks.
Chris
December 8th, 2010
8:52 pm
I’m a long-time hockey fan. The Thrashers product on the ice is some of the most exciting hockey I’ve ever seen. I’m impressed with how the type of players Dudley’s acquiring (big/fast/athletic) are the type that fit Ramsay’s system. The Dudley/Ramsay team has a plan, and it’s working.
The many transplant hockey fans in this city won’t abandon their old teams until the Thrashers’ team is better than their old-town club. That’s going to take a deep run in the playoffs, and unfortunately even then, they won’t pry away Pit, Philly, Detroit, Chicago and Boston fans, who all have good clubs now. But Buffalo and Ranger fans are ripe for conversion. Baby steps!
Ryno in Athens
December 8th, 2010
8:56 pm
You know, If I could go to every game I sure would, but I’m still just as big a fan of the team. Nice to see a good product on the ice now! And possibly, possibly I say, a No. 1 goaltender for the first time ever.
JC
December 8th, 2010
8:58 pm
Right on the money, Schultz. It’s a plus to have guys like Ramsay and Buff who have experienced a franchise’s turnaround. Sadly, Rome Thrasher is right – Atlanta fans in general bail on their teams during losing seasons more than most. It’s nauseating.
@deBebbler – thanks for pulling for us; make sure to come to a game if you’re ever in the ATL.
JC
December 8th, 2010
8:59 pm
Also a reminder – next home game is this Friday vs. the Avalanche. The last tilt against Colorado was a barn-burner, so make sure to come out and see this one.
KLS1
December 8th, 2010
9:03 pm
Agree with Jeff…winning will eventually cure all ills.
It ain’t gonna be easy but this team has the potential to save an incredibly incompetent ownership group…for 1/2 price of course.
DawginOH
December 8th, 2010
9:09 pm
I’ve been following the Thrashers since game one and this is the most optimistic I have ever felt about this team. Funny that all they had to do was get rid of Don Waddell in the front office to make it happen. Keep it going, Thrashers!!
DawgDad
December 8th, 2010
9:11 pm
Good article. I’ve been a hockey fan since the late 60’s. Although I never make more than a few games a year in person I’ve followed first the Blues (religiously) and later the Thrashers (somewhat less so, but with great interest). The managment of this team (and the players on the ice) DID turn off fans, and it’s not at all fair to blame the fans for being skeptical this year or for throwing in the towel. It took what, two minutes of the first game before seemingly the roof caved in on this team?
That said, it’s past time to tune back in, fans. This is different. This is HOCKEY, the way it was meant to be played.
This does not completely surprise me. Growing up I was very impressed with the old Buffalo Sabres and especially the play of Craig Ramsay, Danny Gare, etc., real hard-nosed two-way hockey players who backboned a lot of the team success widely attributed to the Martin-Perreault-Robert line and it’s successor incarnations. Dudley and Ramsey know what they are doing.
This team does not have the Kovalchuk star weapon, and that is it’s main blessing. Everyone on this team plays, but no one is catered to outside the team’s system. There are budding offensive stars like Burmistrov and Kane, but rest assured these guys aren’t standing around waiting for a one-timer. There are offensive defensemen like Enstrom and Byfuglien, but the defense is no longer offensive for not playing defense. They carry the puck and join the play deep on offense, but the Thrashers forwards backcheck as relentlessly as you’ll see from any team in this era.
This team isn’t perfect (outside of Pavelec who’s near-perfect in goal) but rarely can you fault the energy or positional play or discipline on the ice. They are inspiring, and that’s something I’ve NEVER been able to say about the Thrashers.
Jeff Schultz
December 8th, 2010
9:15 pm
JC — Thanks for the comments.
JSS
December 8th, 2010
9:16 pm
@ Dawg Dad…
Was there a “French Connection” reference in paragraph 3? Thanks, I needed to smile!
blazerdawg
December 8th, 2010
9:26 pm
Native Georgian; Bulldogs & Braves come first and loved the Flames; went to a few Knights games, have never really taken to the Thrashers, but the win streak has caught my attention and will try to make a few games in late Dec and Jan.
jerry
December 8th, 2010
9:39 pm
Winning can do two things. One, get more hockey fans to the games, and two, get the non hockey fans interested enough to find out what a great game hockey is, therefore becoming hockey fans themselves.
B. Thenet
December 8th, 2010
9:42 pm
Spot on Jeff.
Even if this team just continues to put out the consistent effort we have seen so far this year night in and night out, those fans that walked away from the mess are going to start coming back.
Lee
December 8th, 2010
10:02 pm
These guys are playing hard & deserve the local crowd to come cheer them on. Go Thrashers!
UGA Athletic Department
December 8th, 2010
10:20 pm
Atlanta has a Hockey team??
What did we do wrong??
How do we get rid of it??
Ross
December 8th, 2010
10:41 pm
One thing we need is a color commentator who is colorful. Bill Clement would do. Unfortunately Boom-boom is in the big locker room in the sky. The play-by-play call on TV is about as dull and lifeless as could be imagined in hockey, where effective play call is absolutely essential to enjoying the game.
Bluelander
December 8th, 2010
10:41 pm
Jeff, could not agree more. What we need now is for ownership of this team and Waddell to stop going public with their amazement at why the fans are a little slow in gravitating back. It is almost as if they sit there smug, scratching their heads at why attendance is so low with the team playing some of its best hockey ever. It is an insult to all who have hung in there despite them doing almost everything possible to drive us away for the last 10 years. To the ownership and the desposed Waddell…shame on you….check your egos and take a look in the mirror…take accountability for the your failures of the past and give credit where credit is due…to Dudley for shaping this team, to Ramsey for coaching these guys up and to the players who have bought in big time. Show the same commitment to this team that some of your fans have. That would be a good start!
Gwinnett Fred
December 8th, 2010
10:52 pm
Personally, I think the franchise will remain cursed as long as the “true fans” (if that’s all that come to games) keep up the asinine yelling of “KNIGHTS” during the National Anthem.
Pretty pathetic to not only respect the singing of our nations anthem, but to dishonor it by yelling the name of a defunct minor league team?? Well, that’s, in a very appropriate word – BUSH league!
amanda
December 8th, 2010
10:57 pm
I moved here a Penguins fan last year. I only went to games the Penguins played. I have just completely fallen for this Thrashers team. Friday’s game will be the second one I go to this season that has nothing to do with that other bird team. I have gotten friends excited about this team. I am going insane because shop.nhl.com is taking about 2 months to get me the Thrashers jersey I ordered, which is probably going to get more wear than my Penguins one. I cannot wait to see more and more of what this team can do. I am actually loving them more than the Penguins right now, I’m more interested in this home game winning streak than any 11 game winning streak they have.
I just wish they were marketed better. Even though the whole fan based voting part of the All Star game is useless, it kills me to see that not even 4,500 people have written in Pavelec’s name, when he’s one of the best in the league right now.
amanda
December 8th, 2010
11:01 pm
Gwinnett Fred, if you think just the yelling of KNIGHTS! is bad, don’t ever go to the United Center…
NHL fan
December 8th, 2010
11:01 pm
Thanks jeff
We deserve better in Atlanta. Bruce is trying to sell us out and you can help to save us!! Bruce is trying to convince the NHL that
Atl sucks as a sports town therefore NHL can’t make it.
You know better. We have been deprived of great hockey till now!! Please help save us
Willy
December 8th, 2010
11:06 pm
Hockey is lame.
Telfo
December 8th, 2010
11:06 pm
great write up Jeff. FIrst step is winning back the lost fans, second step(and arguably the most important) is to create enough new fans to where the building has 15-16k in it every night at the minimum.
i really think all it will take is one or two good seasons to create enough casual interest in the team to sustain things for a long time(barring any more decades like the first one)
In a semi-related story...
December 8th, 2010
11:07 pm
If AJC keeping paying Jeff Schultz & Cynthia Tucker to push their left-wing drivel, subscriptions and web hits will continue to decline.
Blueland hasn’t forgotten all you’ve done in the past to try to destroy NHL Hockey in this town, Schultz.
TrueBlue
December 8th, 2010
11:12 pm
As a die hard Thrasher fan, I would like everyone and anyone to “jump on the bandwagon” and enjoy this team. They are making this game nothing but exciting right now. If you are a casual fan or a non-fan, this would be a good opportunity to attend your first ever hockey games. There are tickets deals ALL over the place trying to get people in the door. Unfortunately, far too many people have no faith or have lost faith due to a really tough past 10 years.
Jeff, I agree with your comment about writing for the good or bad. Nearly all of the fans agree with everything you say, and we say basically the exact same things on the Thrashers message boards, but I think people get frustrated because a lot of the people read and enjoy your articles have only been able to see the negative aspects of this team.
I thank you for writing a positive article and I pray that people will finally take notice and at least TRY to attend one of the games. I still have yet to meet one person who has EVER been to a hockey game and did not have a good time. What’s not to like? Nearly every aspect of every sport is played through hockey: Football – HITTING. Hockey is NON-STOP hitting, at full speed, on the ice, for 60 straight minutes…Baseball – A homerun is equivalent to a goal. They are exciting and they will bring you out of your seat. Basketball – non-stop up and down action all over the ice. Name me one sport and I will relate an aspect of hockey to you. Did I also mention fighting? If you are bored, and have never watched a hockey fight…take a few minutes and visit http://www.hockeyfights.com I promise you will get excited watching this.
Again, I welcome ALL fans “bandwagon” or lifelong to come back out to the arena. Right now, this team is nothing but excitement!!
Tweets that mention If Thrashers keep winning, they can overcome damage | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
December 8th, 2010
11:24 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ben Wright-Thrashers, Josh McGrew. Josh McGrew said: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/12/08/if-thrashers-keep-winning-they-can-overcome-damage/ #thrashers #NHL [...]
me
December 8th, 2010
11:59 pm
I just bought tickets for the game this friday
scottbravesfan
December 9th, 2010
12:12 am
The problem with Atlanta is that it’s not a bandwagon city. Bandwagon cities are like Chicago when the Blackhawks started winning, everyone in the city jumped on the bandwagon. In Philly when the Phillies finally started winning everyone finally jumped on the bandwagon. That doesn’t happen here in Atlanta. It’s just the same core fans for the different franchises. The Braves were in the playoffs this year and it was still the regional fans that came out to support the team. The Falcons are the best team in football and there are still some empty seats at the Georgia Dome. Same with the Hawks and Thrashers. The Atlanta pro teams have got to find someway to get the transplants to jump on the bandwagon of the local teams. It kind of pisses me off. I’m not saying you guys should stop rooting for your child hood teams but when the Thrashers aren’t playing the Red Wings, it wouldn’t kill you to come out to a couple of Thrashers games and maybe buy a shirt or a hat with their logo on it too.
Thomas
December 9th, 2010
12:33 am
I have lived in Georgia all my life,born in Waycross , and my family roots go back to when Georgia was first founded in the 1700’s I have been a Thrashers fan since they announced we were getting a hockey team again in 1997 , I love the sport and honestly feel it is one of the most underrated sports in the country, I just wish more people would give it a chance , as for winter sports football and basketball bore me to death so hockey is where it is at for me during the fall and winter and early spring. Hopefully the Thrashers can continue their winning ways and we can get more people in the seats at Phillips.
gcs
December 9th, 2010
12:37 am
Don Waddell = cancer
.
Rich T
December 9th, 2010
7:20 am
I’m thinking of finally going back to Philips for the Thrashers. It’ll give me a way to spend the money I am no longer using to help fund Paul Hewitt’s salary.
BG33Brown
December 9th, 2010
8:10 am
thanks again jeff. Since the ASG isn’t going to market us, we need your help. And everyfan of this team needs to bring a friend to some games. Spread the word. As I said earlier this week. I believe this team has a legit chance to go to the second round. Ramsey and Dudley are a move dynamic duo that batman and robin!
TM
December 9th, 2010
9:10 am
We used to go to about ten games a season, but I was laid off earlier this year and I no longer have the excess income to buy tickets for me and my family. I imagine that the economy plays somewhat of a role in fans not showing up this season as well.
Jimbo
December 9th, 2010
9:13 am
Jeff- an excellent story. My first inclination was to go over to Rawhide’s blog and express amazement that you actually do know a little about hockey and our history. You obviously do even though you have craftily hidden it in past posts. I have been a season ticket holder since day one and have had season tix in Boston and Detroit and have watched some pretty good hockey over the years. This group of players is really fun to watch. They are speedy and athletic and they play as a TEAM. They back one another up and I have never seen a goalie hotter that Pavelec right now. The guy is absolutely unbelievable. Good post and let’s hope that the team keeps winning so that the rest of the AJC staff gets on the bandwagon. Thanks again.
Billsen
December 9th, 2010
9:33 am
For what it is worth, I get very tired of the “attendance will pick up after football season” – as if your football plays more than one game a week. I fail to see how you can’t go to a game on a Tuesday because your college team has a game at noon on Saturday.
jarvis
December 9th, 2010
9:49 am
Billen, you fail to see how their are limited resrouces of time and money?
If you go to a game on Saturday, the crap you weren’t doing while at the game needs to be done on let’s say…Tuesday night. The cash spent on attending the game on Saturday priced you out of being able to buy let’s say… a hockey game on Tuesday.
It’s called “opporunity cost”. It’s pretty much the basic pricinple that rules economics.
There are limited resources (time and money in this case) and you can’t use them on one thing without sacrificing their use on another thing.
jarvis
December 9th, 2010
9:50 am
there not their…I type faster than I think.
Sandman053
December 9th, 2010
9:54 am
lol @ Jarvis…I type too fast sometimes too. It is amazing to me that all the Atlanta teams (well the pro ones) are playing good ball(er..uh..puck). I’m looking forward to hitting Phillips this month or next for some hockey!
The Red Panty Pirate
December 9th, 2010
10:04 am
Jeff “No Hidden Agenda” Schultz…..Yeah, right! Already heard that one. Got another?
1) Last year, Schultz rips the Thrash and ASG at least once a month, even more often after the Kovy trade.
2) Last year, Schultz and Bradley tag team on Atlanta Fans for their failure to show up to Philips to pay high $$$ ticket prices to watch the very teams Schultz and Bradley constantly ragged on and encouraged fans to avoid.
3) Last year, Schultz proclaims that the Kovalchuk trade was a dud for us because Lou Lamoriello “almost never makes a mistake”…Throughout the remainder of the season and through the summer Schultz refuses to admit that LOU GOT HIS POCKET PICKED by Waddell/Dudley in a rental trade that has effectively put the whammy on a previously well-respected NJ Devils franchise and was in fact the beginning of the turnaround for this Atlanta franchise..
4) Last year, the ASG infuriates Schultz by some unknown action or inaction (maybe he had to actually PAY for the seats to the one Thrashers game he went to last year instead of getting comped), so Schultz goes off on the ASG in print.
5) Last year, Schultz seeks out the NHL Commish (Gary Bettman) and baits him with questions designed to get him thinking that the only viable alternative for the Atlanta franchise — ineptly run by the ASG, of course — is to move them out of Atlanta.
6) This year, Schultz gets on the Thrashers bandwagon in early December, acting like he was the first one there years ago…..LOL
Personally, I believe the cover-up is always worse than the crime. Last year, Schultz clearly had an agenda against the ASG/Thrashers, which was evident to anyone who followed his columns. This year, he still denies it.
My respect for Jeff “No Hidden Agenda” Schultz would rise 3-fold if he simply admitted what happened last year to cause him to seek out the Commish and promote the idea that the franchise needed to leave Atlanta. How can someone who actively tried to KILL this Atlanta franchise just last season now act like he did nothing, and instead acts like he’s been a constant supporter of the ASG/Thrashers all along?
Don’t be fooled again….Schultz had it in for the ASG/Thrashers last year. And until I see in in print that whatever occurred last year between Schultz and the ASG has been smoothed over, I for one will not believe it. He will always be Mr. Hidden Agenda to me……And he should be to all of you too.
Telfo
December 9th, 2010
10:19 am
for the people talking about not being able to afford tickets. they do excellent ticket deals frequently where you can get great seats for $10 or less. the problem is usually only the hardcore fans only know about them. follow @ATLthrashers on twitter or check the facebook page
I will be attending the game tomorrow, I have always wanted to become a STH but usually cant afford it. I get to at least 10 games a year though and have pretty much every year
Telfo
December 9th, 2010
10:22 am
and the people STILL talking about Waddell confuse, he doesnt make hockey decisions anymore. he is as irrelevant as Rich McKay. you dont here people still talking about him though.
Dudley handled the Kovalchuk trade and that has been aces, not to mention the 1st round pick we got from that is what turned into all the Chicago players.
Bergfors has outscored Kovalchuk since that trade and we also got a bunch of other players from it.
things are really looking up for the long term on the ice, now just need to fix the issues off the ice
Claude
December 9th, 2010
10:26 am
It’s great to see the Thrashers playing so well. Winning, as they say, is the best promotion. But they’ve got a long way to go to reach a viable fan base. These official attendance numbers are pure fiction. I was at the game Monday and there were maybe 4,000-5,000 people there, but somehow the attendance was reported as over 10,000. We should go back to the old days when teams had to report an actual turnstile count, not just make up a number.
Christy
December 9th, 2010
10:29 am
scottbravesfan – spot on.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:33 am
NHL fan — Thanks. If I had the money, I’d save team personally. NHL fans deserve better than this ownership.
Thomas Magnum
December 9th, 2010
10:33 am
Fan since pretty much day one (went to the 2nd game the team ever played in Phillips). I’ve been with the team through all of the bad and not much good. I could not be more excited about what is going on right now with the Thrashers. Everyone needs to get their butts down to Phillips and support this team. They work hard every night and are fighting for every point. They have earned your support Atlanta!
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:34 am
Telfo — Thanks. That’s fair to say, 1 or 2 years of winning should lure people back.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:35 am
In a semi-related story … Yeah, that was me. I destroyed hockey. Dude: You’re a moron. Oh wait, I’m supposed to be nice. Dang! I always forget that.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:36 am
BG33Brown — Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:37 am
Jimbo — People who know me know I’ve followed hockey since I was a kid and covered this franchise from the day one was awarded by the league. Not just making stuff up. But sometimes people read criticism as “he’s out to get us.” There’s no agenda here. Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:39 am
The red panty pirate — Yeah, I’ve been critical of ASG. I’m certainly not hiding from that. How does that give me an agenda? They’ve deserved criticism.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
10:40 am
Telfo: Waddell=McKay. Good call there.
Concern
December 9th, 2010
10:40 am
Jeff
Can you explain this mess to !
Just heard Daly on XM NHL tonight @ 6
merculf
December 9th, 2010
10:47 am
I bought tix for a Christmas present for the family. We go to a couple of games a year when we can. We see a few Gladiator’s games as well. Hockey in ATL can work with a winning product.
Hillbilly Deluxe
December 9th, 2010
11:14 am
What happened in the past can’t be changed. Only the present and the future matter with the Thrashers. They appear to be headed in the right direction.
Flames Fan
December 9th, 2010
11:29 am
Jeff: RIGHT on the Money!! The “made in Japan” problems for Atlanta hockey fans date back to the Flames lackluster playoff performance. Atlanta has had a NHL team for 19 years; between the Flames and the Thrashers, there have been two playoff game wins (games, not series). This sorry record has to compete with great weather, the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, GA Football, Tech Football, Tech and UGA basketball, a WNBA team, the Masters, SEC Championship, Chick-fil-a Bowl, and a pro soccer team. Sorry, but the NHL’s PAST poor W-L record in Atlanta could not compete with other options and teams with better performances on the field and court. When the Thrashers made the playoffs in 2007-2008, average gate was 15,831 or roughly 91% capacity. The home playoff games (only two in history) were packed and loud. Atlanta has too many options for sports fans to support poorly run and lousy teams. I have been a Thrashers season ticket holder for 8 years and frankly, I fully understand why the team has lost support; poorly run, poorly marketed, and crappy performance. Winning 8 of 9 games does not make up for 19 years of crappy NHL team performance in Atlanta, but it is a start. A deep playoff run is needed to reignite the fan base – if that happens, the fans WILL come back. Real hockey fans can see the POSITIVE CHANGES – better GM, better coach, players working hard, good young talent, and good goaltending. If the Thrash keep winning, attendance will increase significantly in January and February. See you all Friday night!
Tony B
December 9th, 2010
11:37 am
Always value your opinion, and really enjoy your perspective on the Thrashers. Nice article, fair and balanced. You said many of the very same things DW said last week on air in refuting the Thrashers to Canada rumors. He admitted to mistakes, of not putting a product on the ice worthy of blind support, and that those mistakes are being corrected and that this new direction deserves the fans supports. He is correct, as are you.
For all the faults of the ASG, and there are many, they have made some very solid decisions over the past 6 months concerning the Thrashers. To their credit, they cleared out all of the coaches, kicked DW upstairs to a position for which he is better suited, hired a real hockey GM with a stellar track record for finding talent, and let him hire not one but two quality coaches. Very similar plan of attack Arther Blank employed after the disastrous 2007 season. And we all see how that worked out for the Falcons, starting the very next year.
Arther Blank once said, I do not own the Falcons. You do. I am but a steward, and there will be other stewards in the future. But ultimately, the team belongs to its fans. So if you are angry at DW or the ASG for past issues, put them aside and give this new direction a chance. Remember, at one time, many hated Ted Turner as an owner of the Braves. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. Owners come and go, but teams and their fans last generations.
Go support this team. I do. Its a fun night out, and its addictive. I promise, you will not be sorry you did.
Thanks again Jeff, always a good read.
Go ATLANTA Thrashers.
Flames Fan - Friday at Phillips
December 9th, 2010
11:42 am
As a season ticket holders, we would love to have some company on Friday night. Come early and take the kids to skate at Centennial Olympic Park. Thrashers have great ticket deals this Friday:
http://thrashers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=64079&navid=DL|ATL|home
GO THRASHERS – let’s show the hockey world we can support an improving and hard working team.
The Red Panty Pirate
December 9th, 2010
11:47 am
It’s one thing to “be critical” of the ASG…..Every blogger here has been at one time or another. It’s quite another thing to put negative column after negative column in print about the Thrashers TEAM. Why on Earth would a casual fan even consider attending a Thrashers game after reading one of your Thrashers tirades last year (eg, “Thrashers blow it with Kovalchuk, as with everything else”)? Right, they wouldn’t. Especially when they’re reading from you and Bradley about how few fans were even bothering to attend Hawks and Thrashers games last year.
It’s also another thing to see absolutely NOTHING positive in the Kovalchuk trade (for the Thrashers anyway) from the point it was announced he would be traded until today. Anyone OBJECTIVELY viewing the situation would’ve come to the conclusion — at some point — that it was quite possibly the best trade in franchise history and probably saved this franchise from a Kovalchuk noose around its neck that it never would’ve recovered from.
Also, seeking out Bettman with the specific focus of a dysfunctional ownership group and how it may be shortening the tenure of the franchise in Atlanta is going out of your way to print more bad press about the franchise. Granted, Bettman is a man and can speak for himself….But why stoke the fire? What was the objective? Surely you didn’t expect praise after praise from him about the ownership situation, did you? Why not let him operate in the background — as is his prerogative — instead of creating a “Commish vs the ASG” spread for the Sports Page? How does that encourage fans to show up and support the franchise?
This team needed print support last year during its “March To The Playoffs”. It’s too easy to have just said that “they won’t make it”. They needed hometown print support encouraging fans to get out and attend games. They didn’t get it here. And the last thing a struggling franchise needs is the hometown press trying to run them out of town.
In fact, this is the first “positive” piece on the Thrashers in the AJC from someone other than Chris Viv in at least the last year. Of course it’s still filled with “ifs and buts” aplenty, along with the typical rehashing of the franchise’s failures over the years and a mention of the relocation rumors.
What’s wrong with giving a little credit to the ASG/Waddell/Dudley/Ramsay and the players for this INTERNAL franchise turnaround? Was it necessary to publicly go to Bettman after all? They brought in the right guy – Dudley – and promoted the other guy out of the picture. Dudley brought in the right coaching staff and mix of players. Surely the ASG had to approve these moves. They didn’t need Bettman looking over their shoulders.
If the blame starts at the top, then the credit does too. I’m far from being in love with the ASG…..But I’ve read enough criticism of them from you in the past year, that it’s certainly suspect that you can’t seem to praise them in print too, even in a positive piece about the Thrashers. Until I see that with my own eyes, I remain a skeptic and a believer that they somehow wronged you (in your mind)…..And that created a hidden agenda against the ASG.
Dr. Warren
December 9th, 2010
11:48 am
Jeff–How about this for an article idea: if the Thrashers do come through, we will probably see all four ATL teams in the playoffs this year. Braves have already been there, Falcons about to clinch, Hawks a likely 4 – 6 seed.
Don Waddell
December 9th, 2010
11:55 am
Me, me, me!!! I am the one who has created this success!!! It’s nobody, but me!!!
Yelling Knights is Fine
December 9th, 2010
11:59 am
Gwinnett Fred – let the “KNIGHTS” thing go. One of the beautiful things about this great country is fans have the right to yell Knights if they want to. Their purpose is to show passion for the sport of hockey – they are not attempting to show disrespect to the good-old USA or the Vets who have protected their right to free speech. Asking ownership to make them stop is a form of censorship – that is what Commies do – is that what you want? Let it go and enjoy the game and your freedom.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
12:02 pm
Tony B — Thanks for the comments.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
12:05 pm
The Red Pantie … So you don’t believe asking the commissioner of a league about whether the franchise is functioning to his satisfaction is relevant? You haven’t been around very much. Commissioners generally will come to owners’ defense. The fact that Gary Bettman would say anything negative is far more than just relevant. Also understand this: When Gary said what he said to me, he was speaking to fan base and owners. That’s how it works. He knew what he was doing.
Silent Employee
December 9th, 2010
12:11 pm
I guess i must say i’m on shock that Jeff Schultz is finally writing an article that’s positive for the Thrashers. All of us here with the team knew what we were getting when the team hired the GM/Coach and then added players from the Blackhawks. This is the most complete team that Atlanta has to offer, hands down. Not one single superstar but every player working as a team to contribute to the overall goal. It’s something to take your kid to, your family to, your company to … if you want a teambuilding event, come check out the Thrashers. I’ve been selling the team for years, and this breaks my heart to see such a great team and the lack of fan support. Don’t take that wrong … my regulars are coming out to almost every game and they are referring people left and right but it is up to the media to get this out there. People believe what they read and hear (sad to say), so we rely heavily on positive articles like this to get people out. Keep it up JS!
Also, our ticket prices are by far the best they have ever been for games, starting in the 200 level and higher. A family of four can easily come out, do the unlimited popcorn/soda deal for only $48 (for all four people) to ANY game. There is NO EXCUSE Atlanta for not showing support to these guys. This is something special …
Whatcha Been Smokin Red Panty
December 9th, 2010
12:17 pm
Red Panty Pirate: Are you kidding me. On what planet do you give ASG and Waddell pass. Track record of incompetence. If ASG had any balls they would have booted Waddell period…not just upstairs…a long time ago, at that. And leave Jeff alone. The commish needs to know just how bad ASG is perceived, even by their own fans and STH’s. If it were up to Bettman and David Stern they’d just assume the ASG disappear. Maybe that’s what Jeff is hoping for. Maybe that is what we are all hoping for. ASG blows!
The Real Thrash
December 9th, 2010
12:22 pm
You must be joking. For years fans have been saying they don’t go to games because of the management or the team isn’t winning. Well we are winning now and look at the attendance.
Monday’s game vs Preds was 54.1% full (10K).
vs Caps 60% full
vs Isls 54.3% full\
vs Det 83% full (how many were wearing red jerseys?)
vs Mot 70% full
vs Bos 65% full
This in the midst of a winning streak!
See a pattern here? Atlanta fans don’t care about hockey winning or not. They just like
to moan and blog.
jaf
December 9th, 2010
12:29 pm
Bruce
it does not surprise us that you wear red panties
Jimbo
December 9th, 2010
1:07 pm
The series of posts here have, by and large, been a pretty good read and a pretty accurate history of the Thrash incompetence and tendency on the part of the AJC to hammer harder than perhaps necessary. Reality is 1. that we have a pretty good team now that is worthy of all of our support- patrons and the press. 2. Fans have never tully supported hockey until the end of the football season and 3. We can’t relive or recreate the past, LET’S MOVE AND SUPPORT THESE YOUNG GUYS WHO ARE GIVING US A WORTHWHILE EFFORT EVERY NIGHT.
Dallas Thrasher FAN
December 9th, 2010
2:25 pm
FRED, if you don’t like “Knights”, you REALLY don’t need to come to the Amaerican Airlines Center where we shout out “Stars” twice during the Anthem.
Further, as a fan of the now defunct Knights, (Season Tickets etc). I like it as a link to the past. They did win the Turner Cup. What a great time that was.
Oh and BUFF when you come to Dallas on the 22nd of Jan, I will be there with my family , all wearing our Thrashers Gear Proudly.
Sage of Bluesland
December 9th, 2010
2:27 pm
I think we’ve finally identified the name one Don Waddell posts under (i.e. “Red Panty Idiot”).
I can assure you of one thing, Don, I will NOT spend another dollar on this product until you are severed from the organization. Period.
I absolutely refuse to subsidize your continued incompetence at ANY level of the organization. A group which continues to employ you tells me everything I need to know about their level of commitment.
As someone so astutely pointed out: a successful 10-game streak does not unconditionally wipe away the bitter stench of a 10-YEAR run of sheer, intelligence-insulting, incompetence.
Only when that lisping, bumbling idiot of a GM is back in the Port-a-Potty business (from whence he came) or with another organization will I even consider coming back…
The Sham
December 9th, 2010
2:56 pm
@ ATL Thrasher fan in Rome – kudos for you to staying with the team. But don’t knock the bandwagoners bc with out us, that arena never will fill up during the good times or the bad. I get accosted for my blind faith for the Dawgs, by others who demand excellence before they put their money done. I’m beginning to think they are right.
It’s that sense of fickleness (word?) that keeps franchises honest and focused on putting a good product out on the field (ice in this case).
So my caution is not to be too high brow about your loyalty and welcome some of us newbies when we show up. Bc that my friend is the beauty of sports. The comradery (a little something for the Russian players on the team) of the city and the state!
And @ Schutlze – and you said you don’t work for the Thrashers… could have fooled me.
Thanks!
The Sham
December 9th, 2010
2:58 pm
err… done = down… Schutlze = Schultz
geeze, my spelling teacher would be embarassed!
LLOYD CHRISTMAS
December 9th, 2010
3:12 pm
Get ready for your Winnipeg Thrashers!
Richard Thacker
December 9th, 2010
3:23 pm
Great article. I attend 25-30 games a year. Lately I have been buying tickets for friends and friends of friends to get people in the seats. Keep winning and the fans will return. There are a ton of hockey fans in this town who hold allegiance to other teams and who in turn will pledge their support to the Thrashers as Amanda has (see previous posts)
Agree with Gwinett Fred; In addition to being extremely disrespectful to our National Anthem the yelling of the word ” Knights ” is bad luck. And in hockey EVERYTHING is almost based on some sort of superstition. I never participate in that stupid ritual.
Nate
December 9th, 2010
3:57 pm
Sage – you have something in common with red panty…you’re both idiots. The players and coaches don’t deserve the treatment you and other “fans” like you are giving them. They have zero control over the decisions the GM and #$#@$#ship make. Waddell is a completely blundering #$$^^%$^. I agree. But the players deserve support whether Waddell is still employed by ASG or not.
If the fans like you keep punishing the players for ASG/Waddell sins, the Canadians and their media will get their wish. This team will be moved to the great white north. I for one will not go down without a fight. F#@$ Canadian bias!!!
Nate
December 9th, 2010
4:04 pm
By the way, I will be there Friday to give the middle finger to Waddell, Levenson, and the rest of the morons in the front office. And also to cheer these players and coaching staff for the some of the best, if not the best, hockey I’ve seen in my eleven years as a Thrashers fan.
rob
December 9th, 2010
4:21 pm
Shultz,
Now that you are telling everyone about how good the current team is…..how about a little more help from the AJC by giving them some of the limelight you say they so richly deserve? Some front page time just might help get some attention to those fickle fans we need to come out and support the team. I know you don’t own the AJC or anything, but as one of the sports writers you have to have a little pull huh? How about an in depth article with Ramsey, Buff, Ladd, and Pavs? I agree we need more support so let’s put some faces with the team other than the Octotards and Dumbwad?
Sink
December 9th, 2010
5:59 pm
I’m sorry, but no one should be called a “FAN” if they will not support the TEAM!!
I don’t see ASG or Waddell on the ice.
that is all.
Brendan
December 9th, 2010
6:17 pm
I want to personally thank Jeff Schultz for doing more hockey blogs. The Thrashers need more talk in this town. They’re having a wonderful season, thus far. They’re probably on pace for a playoff berth, if this continues.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
8:51 pm
Dr. Warren — Actually wrote a blog on the possibility of all teams making the playoffs a couple of weeks ago. Here’s the link: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/11/29/can-falcons-thrashers-and-hawks-all-make-playoffs/
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
8:54 pm
Rob — Well, today’s column was on Page 1. But I have zero pull. Honestly. But I’m sure as season goes on and certainly as football winds down, it becomes less crowded out front. Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
December 9th, 2010
8:54 pm
Thanks Brendan.
Cornbread
December 9th, 2010
9:20 pm
Good comments folks. The times they are a changing in Blueland. The hockey world is starting to notice. Very soon everyone else will. Hockey is back in Atlanta.
Thomas
December 9th, 2010
11:41 pm
Dear non hockey fan, just because you don’t like the sport doesn’t mean you should ruin our fun please shut up and save the air you are wasting for somebody who actually is a fan that likes hockey enough to attend a game or new fans who are willing to give it a try .
Dr. Warren
December 10th, 2010
4:48 am
Oops, sorry about that Jeff. I actually even commented on that blog! I hope the pollution here in China is not eroding my memory…
Hole in My Shoe
December 10th, 2010
9:47 am
Dr. Warren: I suggest an evening in one of “clubs” located in Tsim Sha Tsui or Wan Chai to help with your memory lose and to counteract the stinking harbor and smog. The Lithuanians “workers” usually help me better than the others.
Chicago’s problem was old man Wirtz. That and the thrill of going to the old stadium. RIP Pipe Organ. The Thrasher’s attendance it going to hop up. What’s the old saying “American’s like winners”. Don’t forget how close Pittsburgh came to losing their team and now it’s the Steelers’ players calling the Pens players for tickets to a game because they’ve been sold out for like 185 games in a row.
The Red Panty Pirate
December 10th, 2010
11:18 am
“The Red Pantie … So you don’t believe asking the commissioner of a league about whether the franchise is functioning to his satisfaction is relevant? You haven’t been around very much. Commissioners generally will come to owners’ defense. The fact that Gary Bettman would say anything negative is far more than just relevant. Also understand this: When Gary said what he said to me, he was speaking to fan base and owners. That’s how it works. He knew what he was doing.”
OK….I don’t seem to be getting through here. So I’ll break it down a little more:
Bad Thrashers Press In AJC = BAD
Good Thrashers Press In AJC = GOOD
It’s simply disingenuous to spend the bulk of last winter and spring publishing nothing but BAD things about the franchise, which feeds rumors of relocation and turns off casual fans from attending games and can potentially get into the heads of those on the ice, etc and then all of a sudden they win 9 out of 10 games and you are seemingly oblivious to the damage that you personally tried to create. Just Google:
“bettman” “thrashers” “schultz” “ajc”
and you’ll see the ripple effect of your “news story” throughout the sport. On the other hand, the fact that the team actually survived and is doing so well in spite of your relentless attacks last season is evidence that perhaps your opinion doesn’t mean as much as you might think. It’s simply blogger fodder…
Of course Bettman’s opinion of the ASG has some sense of relevancy in a time of slow news or no news….But your TIMIMG last year smacks of a high-schooler scouring the campus to “make” some kind of news out of something that everyone already knows anyway. Has the ASG had problems? Yes. Have these ownership problems directly affected the success of the franchise. Probably. Does the Commissioner think it’s important to resolve these ownership squabbles and problems for the franchise to move forward. Of course. Now did we really need all of that dumped on the scene at a time when the Thrashers went through one of the toughest periods of its existence — the loss of its star player and “face of the franchise”? No, unless you’re a fan of kicking someone when they’re down.
In fact, your knee-jerk reaction to the news that Kovy was being traded was like a a teenage girl whose prom date never showed to pick her up — “He was such a jerk anyway….I never really liked him…..Just look at all of the things wrong with him….He has no redeeming value as a human being!” You trashed the ownership and management and had bloggers ready to march with pitchforks and torches — and I understand that you get paid to do that. But wasn’t it somewhat irresponsible for a journalist? What you never told fans — or you told them it was just one of the excuses we were not to believe — was that Kovy/Grossman had TRULY put the ASG/Thrashers/Fans in a position where it was IMPOSSIBLE to keep him here. Instead, this was your professional take on the situation:
Thrashers blow it with Kovalchuk, as with everything else
6:29 pm February 3, 2010, by Jeff Schultz
Don’t fall for the spin. Don’t fall for, “He’s disloyal,” or, “He’s selfish,” or, “We did everything we could for him.” And please, certainly don’t fall for, “We’re building something special here.”
Then, not to be outdone by yourself, you somehow managed to do the equivalent of wrestling’s pile-driver by announcing the Kovy trade Thurs night and in less than 3 days you went pounding on the Commissioner’s door “demanding answers to some seriously relevant questions!!”
Kovalchuk dealt to New Jersey in sad, expected ending
8:23 pm February 4, 2010, by Jeff Schultz
This is generally how these things end. A star goes one way. A large package of some undetermined substance and quality goes the other.
Bettman wants Thrashers’ owners to get their act together
10:00 am February 7, 2010, by Jeff Schultz
…”So it follows that when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was asked about the myriad problems the league’s Atlanta franchise is having…”
Maybe a bit much a little too soon, don’t you think? And your assertion that Bettman somehow “needed” you in order to give marching orders to the ASG ownership…Are you serious? I may not have been around very much, but I doubt that Gary Bettman — or any other commissioner — requires you or any other columnist to be the conduit that saves a franchise. As someone who has “been around”, you should know that they PREFER to work behind the scenes and keep the league’s internal affairs exactly that — INTERNAL. I’m sure the absolute LAST THING that Gary Bettman wanted less than 3 days after the Kovy trade was you pounding him with questions DESIGNED to give more BAD PRESS to a situation that obviously didn’t need more.
So, if you had it to do over again…..Would you change anything regarding your treatment of the ASG/Thrashers in print last year? Has YOUR opinion of the ASG changed with the team’s recent success? In other words, did they finally get it right this time? Also, how many Thrashers games did yo attend last season? And since you’re a hockey fan, and no hockey fan in their right mind can resist watching GOOD, live hockey…How many games have you been to this year?
ryan
December 10th, 2010
11:48 am
I’m going to the game tonight
Iceman
December 12th, 2010
9:29 am
As Ramsay says, they keep winning, the people will come. No one was going to Capitals games until Ovechkin started making them good. Now they sell out nearly every game.
Keep gettin good, and crowds will grow. Guaranteed.