[Only The Lonely..]

Alrighty boys...

So the rumour mill has been grinding loudly through out the day here in The olde 'Peg; and rumour has it that on March 4th Mark Chipman, David Thomson, and an unknown interested third party (the taxpayer?), will announce that the Atlanta Thrashers are moving to the 'Peg.

The second part of the announcement purportedly is to announce that Saskatoon will become the city's AHL farm team and that our current AHL team will relocate to that city.

Discuss!
:banana::tomato: :lockd:

[Only The Lonely..]

Thrashers to Winnipeg? Lots of hurdles for move north

By KEN WIEBE, SUN MEDIA - Feb 16, 2010




Like many Sun Belt teams, the Thrashers do have issues regarding attendance. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)

WINNIPEG -- The Atlanta Thrashers are the latest NHL team rumoured to be heading to Winnipeg — and not just for a pre-season game either.

Despite a suggestion thrown out by Al Strachan during the Hot Stove portion of Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada broadcast that a Toronto-based group is investigating the possibility of purchasing the Thrashers and following the proper relocation procedures in an effort to bring NHL hockey back to Winnipeg, it’s not going to happen overnight — even if it happens at all.

The Thrashers ownership situation has been held up in the courts for years and even though this summer brought an apparent resolution, there’s no guarantee the Atlanta Spirit organization — which also owns the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks -— is even open to the possibility of a sale.

If they were it would have to be a sweetheart deal, since the current terms of the naming rights at Phillips Arena stipulates the corporate arrangement is contingent on housing both an NHL and an NBA team.

To get away from the legalities, it would cost the Atlanta Spirit about $10 million per season to get rid of the Thrashers. Not exactly chump change in this economy.


Furthermore, the Thrashers apparently signed an agreement with the NHL saying they wouldn’t move the team and that deal is believed to run for four more seasons.

There are sometimes ways around a lease, but it’s not always as easy as one might think (hello, Phoenix Coyotes) and this Thrashers club isn’t even in bankruptcy.

Like many Sun Belt teams, the Thrashers — who’ve made the playoffs once in franchise history — do have issues regarding attendance and the corporate climate must be affecting their bottom line, but they don’t find themselves in a critical situation just yet.

For the record, Thrashers general manager Don Waddell told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution yesterday the rumours of a possible sale to the Toronto-based group are “completely false.”

However, a NHL governor, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Sun Media’s Bruce Garrioch yesterday that Thrashers are one of roughly 10 teams up for sale but that he hadn’t heard about the group Strachan mentioned.

The interesting development in the story is the unknown Toronto-based investors who are willing to look into relocation to Winnipeg.

We’ve been saying for years that Manitoba Moose governor and True North Sports and Entertainment chairman Mark Chipman — who declined comment yesterday — and company would either need an owner to stay on board with relocation or have some outside money enter into the equation to make it happen. In short, True North needs someone with Jim Balsillie’s money, but without the perception of a rich guy trying to strong-arm his way into the NHL.

This Toronto-based group seems to fit the criteria and provided they are open to working with Chipman and True North (and we expect they are), there may finally be a match.

On the flip side, Chipman has kept the lines of communication with the NHL open regarding his interest in exploring the potential of bringing the NHL back to Winnipeg, provided the situation is right.

Chipman is in good standing with NHL owners and wouldn’t face the same obstacles Balsillie did.

As we’ve been saying all along, Winnipeg remains a legitimate possibility and there is reason for genuine, albeit cautious, optimism regarding a return to the NHL at some point in the next two-to-five years. But it’s nowhere near a slam dunk.

Take that for what it’s worth and don’t waste your time getting those Winnipeg Thrashers jerseys made up just yet.

ken.wiebe@sunmedia.ca

[trueviking]

winnipeg is too small, too poor, doesnt have the corporate support or community support and the MTS centre doesnt have enough seats or luxury suites.

[RTD]

Never going to happen. Not in a MILLION years. We are too small for an NHL team, and also too small for IKEA which we will also never get ;)

[FRM]

winnipeg is too small, too poor, doesnt have the corporate support or community support and the MTS centre doesnt have enough seats or luxury suites.

Never going to happen. Not in a MILLION years. We are too small for an NHL team, and also too small for IKEA which we will also never get ;)

same propaganda that bettman would like to have you believe, but when you think about it, a hockey crazy country and none of the cities around half million population wise is not able to support hockey?!? sounds strange to me, maybe it's the lack of corporate support? but how much money are the thrashers, coyotes etc getting for a team that barely gets any attention?!?!

[The Jabroni]

Yes, flood in the pessimism! That'll teach those pesky business people to steer clear from Winnipeg! Down with change!! Down with progress!!! Down with optimism!!:awesome:

[The Jabroni]

Seriously, I'll take this with a grain of salt. As I've said in the past, I'll be cautiously optimistic about this. If it's legit, and real, etc., then hey, it can happen.

We'll wait and see, after the Olympics.

[vid]

This better not be just some cruel joke. :(

Hopefully Ice Edge's deal goes through and we can see Thunder Bay vs. Saskatoon AHL games at a new 10,000 seat arena! :notacrook:

[theman23]

What is the source of this rumour? Seems awfully premature to start celebrating.

[vid]

You're just pissed that the Maple Loafs are going to go from 6th best to 7th best in a couple years.

[theman23]

I actually have a suspicion of where this rumour is coming from. The site has a reputation on another forum I post on, and a similar rumour from them was posted recently. If this is the same source (hockeybuzz.com) we can can pretty much ignore this rumour. hockeybuzz invents new rumours every other day, and only gets lucky about 3% of the time. Someone actually did the math on that figure, by the way.

[vid]

Denial (n) :

I actually have a suspicion of where this rumour is coming from. The site has a reputation on another forum I post on, and a similar rumour from them was posted recently. If this is the same source (hockeybuzz.com) we can can pretty much ignore this rumour. hockeybuzz invents new rumours every other day, and only gets lucky about 3% of the time. Someone actually did the math on that figure, by the way.

[theman23]

Its just like posters on this board to resort to cheap drollness when they have nothing useful to add. Its getting tiring. This is the second straight conversation that has degressed to this- and then there's any "discussion" that involves sammo.

[trueviking]

^that hockeybuzz site just picked up the rumour today.....it started last friday with a long time local sports reporter in winnipeg who claimed on the radio that the deal has been done and would be announced after the olympics.

interestingly, brought to our attention in the manitoba section, the exact story was posted in a canucks fan forum a week earlier....so, either the reporter in winnipeg got it from that forum (i cant believe he would report with such certainty in the actual news something that he read in a forum with no source).....or both people are independently reporting the same thing.

since the announcement on the radio, which only mentioned two owners, the rumour has grown to include an unkown third investor which this poster reveals to be MTS.....again, this was posted on the 4th, more than a week before the story broke.

either everyone is referencing this obscure post on a canucks fan forum, or he is an independent verification of a story coming from somewhere else.




"Ok to post a speculation here with no linked source?

I don't usually post stuff like this but my connection who also happens to sign my cheque's rubs elbows with big biz in Winnipeg is saying "it's a done deal. Will be announced after the Olympics"

Many will have already heard the names involved... the usual suspects:

MTS is major shareholder and will have the TV broadcast rights (upon further questioning of my boss this seems to come from an MTS senior executive)
Marc Chipman (True North)
Thomson Carswell Group

I asked him how realistic he thought/felt/anticipated this to be and he said "it's a done deal. It'll be announced after the Olympics"

Me, I'll believe it when I see it... but my source is not the type to make it up... though he may be being misled a bit, I don't know.

Anyone thinking the MTS centre isn't NHL ready - you're wrong, it's NHL approved.

peace".


http://forum.canucks.com/topic/263544-speculation-atlanta-thrashers-to-winnipeg-a-done-deal/

[jmt18325]

MTS is major shareholder and will have the TV broadcast rights

?

[theman23]

It wouldn't be unlike Hockeybuzz to report a rumour that began on an internet forum.

edit:
Did a little searching of my own, and the reporter is apparently a former reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press who now writes a blog for an FM radio station. I'm still skeptical.

[trueviking]

scott taylor.....was the head of the sports department for the winnipeg free press for 20 years and is now a sports reporter on the radio (citi-fm) and a columnist for the national post.....he is a local media icon who resigned a few years ago from the free press for copy pasting a few paragraphs from an AP story....

again, hockeybuzz has nothing to do with this rumour....they posted that today...it has been a rumour for 4 days now.

take it for what its worth.....you know the story now...could be false, (probably is) but often, this is how stories leak.

[christopherj]

I know TSN is busy with the Olympics and all - but doesn't anyone really believe if there was a grain of truth to this that it would be mentioned somewhere on their website?

Sorry, it's just not happening.

[trueviking]

what is tsn going to report?...a winnipeg sports writer claims the thrashers are moving?...this is a rumour...one that has gotten traction like no other before because it was started by a local media person with strong ties into the sports community across the country.....but it is still just a rumour....rumours sometimes turn out to be true and are out there long before conventional news reports it.

if its true...its a leak...tsn doesnt report unsubstantiated leaks.

we'll just have to wait and see if there is fire where people are seeing smoke.

[vid]

?

If they aren't already, they're probably planning on getting into the IPTV business, like SaskTel and TBayTel. They would probably have a dedicated channel for a team based in Manitoba.

[Kinguni]

If they aren't already, they're probably planning on getting into the IPTV business, like SaskTel and TBayTel. They would probably have a dedicated channel for a team based in Manitoba.

MTS has had TV longer than either of those I believe, longer than any service offered in Ontario anyways. They are in the process of rolling out an HD IPTV service now, which includes a whole home PVR. Sad, but I have my phone, long distance, TV, cell phone and home alarm though them. :pet:

Jets hockey in HD, able to use the PVR and watch the game after work - I'd pay for that. :tup:

[sammo]

Its just like posters on this board to resort to cheap drollness when they have nothing useful to add. Its getting tiring. This is the second straight conversation that has degressed to this- and then there's any "discussion" that involves sammo.
:hi:

[frinkprof]

It wouldn't be unlike Hockeybuzz to report a rumour that began on an internet forum.

edit:
Did a little searching of my own, and the reporter is apparently a former reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press who now writes a blog for an FM radio station. I'm still skeptical.I don't know why theman23 is getting grief about this. Yeah he's a Leafs fan, and I will ridicule him and his terrible team endlessly, but he's right to be skeptical given some of the sources linked to this story.

Hockybuzz is just horrible, and yes, has been known for posting supposed rumours with nothing to them, often shortly after it has been posted on a fan message board purely as conjecture or wishful thinking. On the whole they are are almost completely devoid of credit.

I like Scott Taylor (what I know of him anyway, he used to be a guest on some national-scale hockey shows). Pretty good journalist. I have no idea how credible he is rumour-wise though.

It's a bit difficult to make sense of the original article posted by OnlyTheLonley, but it does mention Al Strachan, who's mostly a blowhard and I don't trust most of what he has to say.

Make no mistake though, this rumour is pretty juicy. We can only hope that it is true. It's too bad things haven't worked in Atlanta, but working with current numbers, a team playing in a 15 000 seat arena in Canada is better than a team playing in a 20 000 seat arena in front of 10 000 actual people in the southern US.

[shreddog]

Personally I don't know what to make of this (and previous) rumours.

More importantly, I don't understand why people (mainly non-Peggers) immediately like to dismiss the idea that Winnipeg (or QC or the Hammer) are able to support an NHL team. I honestly believe that not one of us on here truly understands the economics involved since none of us are in the position to buy and own an NHL team. People love to quote stats from here, there and everywhere, but in the end if some rich dude/dudette/(s) want to try, I say "all the power to them"!

I guess the question is therefore, to all the non-Winnipeggers out there, why wouldn't you want Winnipeg (or QC or H) to get an NHL team??? From my perspective, Calgary, Van, Ed, Montreal and Toronto were no worse for wear when the Jets were around and I can't see that changing if they're back. If anything, it would be nice to have more teams in the league that enjoy hockey like the fans do in those 6 cities.

I honestly don't know if a team would survive in the Peg, but I'd love someone to make a go of it. Who knows, maybe we'd even see the Cup at Portage and Main instead of a parking lot in Florida.

[SHOFEAR]

Here's hoping it doesn't happen. :fingerscrossed:

[Wooster]

make it seven!

[RTD]

Here's hoping it doesn't happen. :fingerscrossed:

What a true asshole.

[sammo]

Here's hoping it doesn't happen. :fingerscrossed:

why?
perhaps you've confused this with that silly Human Gripes Museum?

[SHOFEAR]

What a true asshole.


Why should I be happy about this? How is this good news for my team? RSN west will have to carry another team. Less HNIC games. Oiler and flame games were broadcast in Manitoba...it's not like they had big ratings but less market = less value. A city like Edmonton has a ton of people who have moved here from Winnipeg for greener pastures and many of those who have become Oiler fans will probably revert back.

Really, no Oiler or Flame fan should support this.

Not sure why you are taking this so personal....oh wait. Your from winnipeg and the world is out to get you. yawn.

[feepa]

HAHA...

Also, NNW now updates with: UPDATE: Winnipeg NHL Team spec update: True North officials, parent company of Manitoba Moose, say rumours "patently false".

http://www.nationalnewswatch.com/insider11.html

[Only The Lonely..]

Here's an article from last October that might provide some insight into how any potential ownership situation might work out.

True North's billionaire player
Thomson big part of any Atlanta acquisition

By: Paul Wiecek - Winnipeg Free Press | 6/10/2009


A report over the weekend that an unnamed Toronto group is working on purchasing the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg raises the curtain on the little-known -- and even less understood -- connection of one of the world's richest men to Winnipeg's MTS Centre and the team that resides in it.

While it was unclear who CBC commentator Al Strachan was referring to when he mentioned the Toronto group's Winnipeg interest during Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday, one thing that is certain is that such a group, if it really does exist, would have to include Toronto billionaire David Thomson.

Thrashers deny reports of move
What the Thrashers were saying Monday

paul.wiecek@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 6, 2009 B6

[HomeInMyShoes]

Well, I'm hoping the rumour is true because it will mean my dream for the NHL has become a reality since the only way another team is coming to Canada is over Gary's dead body.

[kool maudit]

this would be awesome.

[drew]

The bitter reaction out of the Edmonton forumers seems understandable given the performance of their own storied NHL franchise this season.

It's kind of tough when an AHL franchise would probably beat your NHL team.

[Deepstar]

I wouldn't be surprised if there is dealings going on to get Atlanta to move to the Peg. The issue will be getting approval from the league and the owners to move it. Jim Ballsillie was much closer to moving a team to Hamilton than these guys are to moving a team to Winnipeg.

[SHOFEAR]

The bitter reaction out of the Edmonton forumers seems understandable given the performance of their own storied NHL franchise this season.

It's kind of tough when an AHL franchise would probably beat your NHL team.

Why do you guys insist on making this personal? It's not. It's simply would the oilers/Edmonton be better off if the NHL came back to Winnipeg.

Instead of the predictable comments from uber sensitive winnipeggers who think everybody is out to keep them down how about you guys convince me how I will benefit from this rumour.

[drew]

^ don't worry. I am sure that if anyone ever brings a NHL franchise back to Winnipeg, they'll have ensured it will benefit that forumer, SHOFEAR from Edmonton on skyscraperpage.com.

[SHOFEAR]

^ don't worry. I am sure that if anyone ever brings a NHL franchise back to Winnipeg, they'll have ensured it will benefit that forumer, SHOFEAR from Edmonton on skyscraperpage.com.


If you didn't want opinions why did you guys post this thread?

[trueviking]

^wow...pretty selfish....hilarious.

it is possible that another close rivalry is a good thing for your team.....it will increase your attendance, television viewership, media coverage, interest in the game (more than games with atlanta do)...and will be more fun (kind of the point of being a hockey fan).....

it is likely that the oilers will be shown on HNIC more often because they will play another canadian team 8 more times than they currently do.

and it is also possible that another team in canada will increase league revenues and improve the negotiating leverage for the only major TV contract the league has (CBC), which is also good for your team.

[MolsonExport]

this would be awesome.

A team in Winnipeg, Gary's dead body, or both?






Me: the latter.

[thurmas]

I will beleive when I see the press conference, however if it is true I hope we start a new Winnipeg tradition of throwing perogies on the ice or slurpees. We gotta bring back the queen's portrait. Winnipeg Thrashers doesn't sound so bad, we could go back to the jets or maybe the Blizzard or Mosquitos.

[drew]

^ or WindChill.

[jmt18325]

Well, MTS has cable, but I would hope that the new team (which I don't yet believe in coming) would not be so limited as to only appear on MTS TV.

[harls]

It'll be great if it happens... until then we'll just have to wait.

the title of this thread makes it sound like it's a sure thing..

[frinkprof]

Why should I be happy about this? How is this good news for my team? RSN west will have to carry another team. Less HNIC games. Oiler and flame games were broadcast in Manitoba...it's not like they had big ratings but less market = less value. A city like Edmonton has a ton of people who have moved here from Winnipeg for greener pastures and many of those who have become Oiler fans will probably revert back.

Really, no Oiler or Flame fan should support this.

Not sure why you are taking this so personal....oh wait. Your from winnipeg and the world is out to get you. yawn.Yeah, not so sure about this SHOFEAR. If the Flames and Canucks moved elsewhere, which can be a logical extension of the souces of benefits to your team that you list, all of Western Canada would become Oilers fans, and Sportsnet West and CBC would never skip an Oilers game between them. Oh, and I'm sure there would be a natural rivalry with the Las Vegas Flames, and the South Bucktussle Swamprats. It would be just great for the Oilers.

Sarcasm and false dillemmas aside, I'm really not going to give much thought about losing a few televised games on Sportsnet West. I'm sure there would be some restructuring of the way Sportsnet operates, or even some other network that would pick up the slack as a result of this. Another thing. I know I would rather watch (live or televised) a game between Calgary and Winnipeg than Calgary and Atlanta. Hell, I'd probably tune into an Edmonton vs. Winnipeg game to cheer against them both.

What I'm trying to say is, if everything is good the way it is, with Edmonton sharing the Western Canada with Vancouver and Calgary while also benefiting from the fierce rivalry between all three, would it really be such a huge detriment to include Winnipeg in the picture too? I say the benefits outweigh the negatives here.

[Distill3d]

A team in Winnipeg, Gary's dead body, or both?






Me: the latter.

I'm with you. Though, Gary's dead body means an end to the wretched non-traditional hockey market failure. It would also mean teams in Hamiltion, Winnipeg, with Milwuakee and Quebec City on the radar!

[SHOFEAR]

What I'm trying to say is, if everything is good the way it is, with Edmonton sharing the Western Canada with Vancouver and Calgary while also benefiting from the fierce rivalry between all three, would it really be such a huge detriment to include Winnipeg in the picture too? I say the benefits outweigh the negatives here.


I'm sure you would agree that the NW division is viewed as the most remote division and gets very little attention in other hockey markets. I'd imagine some shifting where we would see winnipeg enter the NW and colorado leave...does that help the remoteness of the NW?

I'm not going to deny that there are some benefits to my team/city...but I dont see them outweighing the positives.

[frinkprof]

I'm sure you would agree that the NW division is viewed as the most remote division and gets very little attention in other hockey markets. I'd imagine some shifting where we would see winnipeg enter the NW and colorado leave...does that help the remoteness of the NW?

I'm not going to deny that there are some benefits to my team/city...but I dont see them outweighing the positives.Remoteness, probably. Attention though? I'd say far fewer hockey fans care about what happens in the southeast division. Is a Carolina vs. Florida or Atlanta vs. Tampa game ever going to make the Sunday afternoon nationally-televised game on NBC. I can't wait until they try including the Floridas, Atlantas, Anaheims, and Phoenixes of the NHL into the Winter Classic outdoor game.

[Acajack]

Remoteness, probably. Attention though? I'd say far fewer hockey fans care about what happens in the southeast division. Is a Carolina vs. Florida or Atlanta vs. Tampa game ever going to make the Sunday afternoon nationally-televised game on NBC. I can't wait until they try including the Floridas, Atlantas, Anaheims, and Phoenixes of the NHL into the Winter Classic outdoor game.

In eastern Canada there is as much interest if not more in the NW division (because of the presence of Canadian clubs) as there is in the SE, and much more than in the SW.

[Berklon]

Been waiting for a team in Hamilton for almost 30 years, and having another Canadian city get a team won't do anything to satisfy that - but I would still love to see Winnipeg get a team back (as well as Quebec).

[francely57]

If it's true...


Winnipeg 1
Québec 0
Hamilton 0

We shouldn't stop the efforts here, still 2 more to go!

[Ayreonaut]

I'd like to see it happen. As far as TV coverage goes, move the Flames to Sportsnet Pacific, then both RSN P and West would cover two teams.

[Spocket]

I'll believe it when the puck drops for the first game at the MTS Center.
At the very least it would be nice to see a team moved to a place that actually wants an NHL team. There are still plenty of American cities that should have teams and it's a mystery to me why they don't. I'm not actually a proponent of returning a team to Winnipeg since it cost us a fortune last time but if it happens , I'll admit I'd be happy all the same.

[RTD]

I'll believe it when the puck drops for the first game at the MTS Center.
At the very least it would be nice to see a team moved to a place that actually wants an NHL team. There are still plenty of American cities that should have teams and it's a mystery to me why they don't. I'm not actually a proponent of returning a team to Winnipeg since it cost us a fortune last time but if it happens , I'll admit I'd be happy all the same.

But this time would be different, as we would have the richest man in Canada at the helm, costing the citizens 0 dollars for maintaining the team. Big difference between last time and now.

[SKYSTHELIMIT]

But this time would be different, as we would have the richest man in Canada at the helm, costing the citizens 0 dollars for maintaining the team. Big difference between last time and now.

Way different this time, bigger city, new arena, corporate suites and most importantly no WINNIPEG ENTERPRISES controlling the revenue(winnipegers will understand) I as well am keeping my fingers crossed but not holding my breath as we have been down the rumour path before. The biggest component that seems to add any truth to this current rumour is the construction of the training facility in Headingley "Mooseplex" Seems a little over the top for an AHL team.

[Mininari]

Never going to happen. Not in a MILLION years. We are too small for an NHL team, and also too small for IKEA which we will also never get ;)

Funny, last I checked the largest IKEA store in Canada is under preliminary construction (sewer, utilities, roadworks, etc) at the corner of Kenaston and Sterling Lyon Parkway...

Of course, Swedish furniture store expansion is definitely not a good proxy for NHL expansion / team movements!

[SKYSTHELIMIT]

Funny, last I checked the largest IKEA store in Canada is under preliminary construction (sewer, utilities, roadworks, etc) at the corner of Kenaston and Sterling Lyon Parkway...

Of course, Swedish furniture store expansion is definitely not a good proxy for NHL expansion / team movements!

Note the winky face mini.

[frinkprof]

Funny, last I checked the largest IKEA store in Canada is under preliminary construction (sewer, utilities, roadworks, etc) at the corner of Kenaston and Sterling Lyon Parkway...The post you quoted was sarcastic.

[harls]

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/02/17/12922046-qmi.html



Thrashers to Winnipeg rumour wishful thinking

Bettman did not visit Winnipeg: Daly

By KEN WIEBE, QMI AGENCY

Last Updated: February 17 2010, 9:36pm

Raise your hand if you’ve heard the one about the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg being a “done deal.”

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly has his hand in the air and is using it to pour cold water all over the hot rumour that has gone viral in Winnipeg this week.

“There has been absolutely zero discussion at the league level of Thrashers to Winnipeg,” Daly told The Sun in an e-mail Wednesday night.

“There is no truth whatsoever to these rumours.”

At this stage of the proceedings, all we can tell you is that the rumour is still nothing more than just that — an unconfirmed rumour, albeit a juicy one that seems to have River City in a genuine tizzy about the potential of the NHL finally returning as early as next season.

Speculation that the Thrashers might be the latest target for True North Sports & Entertainment, owners of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, wouldn’t exactly classify as breaking news. That possibility was raised back in October during the Hot Stove portion of Hockey Night in Canada and it was widely reported in the city in the following days.

Since that time, there’s been little to advance the story — other than the fact True North has billionaire David Thomson among its share holders and that would obviously improve the chances of producing enough capital to purchase an NHL team to relocate here, should one become available at the right price.

Late last week, the rumours surfaced that the Thrashers have been sold to True North and that the official announcement would be made after the Olympics.

“It’s 100% not true,” True North Sports & Entertainment spokesman Scott Brown said last week.

Still, the rumours continued and the story seemed to pick up steam, at least in terms of generating conversation.

There was talk of Manitoba Moose governor Mark Chipman meeting with Thrashers owners both here and in Atlanta.

There was talk that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was in town recently to discuss the Thrashers move to Winnipeg and inspect MTS Centre.

This made for interesting water cooler talk, but Daly poured a little more cold liquid on that as well.

“Gary (Bettman) did not visit Winnipeg earlier this week — or even earlier this year for that matter,” Daly said Wednesday.

This doesn’t mean the NHL will never come back to Winnipeg, a city that lost its NHL team when the Jets flew south to Phoenix in 1996, it simply means it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.

The struggles of several NHL teams under duress is well documented and at some point, one (or more) will reach the tipping point.

Right now, the NHL is sticking with the premise that they will do everything to keep teams in those current markets.

“We have a strong track record of addressing franchise problems and not abandoning cities,” Bettman told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution earlier this month. “Our track record indicates we do everything we can do to avoid relocation.”

At some point though, the NHL might not have a choice and at that point, True North will be ready to follow the proper procedures and make their pitch to the NHL.

For the dreamers out there, don’t be afraid to dream.

Just don’t be disappointed if the rumoured press conference slated for early March to make an official announcement is nothing more than a figment of someone’s hopeful imagination.

[1ajs]

and so we go back to silence

[The Jabroni]

You know, we should hunt down whoever is stirring up rumours. Somebody is crying wolf around here!

[hexrae]

You know, we should hunt down whoever is stirring up rumours. Somebody is crying wolf around here!

It should be attributed to internet hearsay, because I heard it on forums well before the Scott Taylor post on 92 Citi-FM site. I'll keep my senses on guard after the Olympics/NHL trade deadline, but I'm not going to be disappointed if, likely when, no announcement is made.

Go Jets!! ;)

[trueviking]

if bettman says the rumour is 100% false, then it is pretty much guaranteed to be true.

[kirjtc2]

You know, we should hunt down whoever is stirring up rumours. Somebody is crying wolf around here!

Did you hear Gordon Lightfoot died?

[MolsonExport]

Would he lie? Does a bear shit in the woods?

http://thesportsroadtrip.wnymedia.net/blogs/files/2009/05/gary-bettman1.jpg
thesportsroadtrip

[The Jabroni]

Did you hear Gordon Lightfoot died?

I actually heard rumours, but he cleared it up himself that he's alive.

:)

[Only The Lonely..]

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/hockey/2010/02/17/12922046-qmi.html

“We have a strong track record of addressing franchise problems and not abandoning cities,” Bettman told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution earlier this month. “Our track record indicates we do everything we can do to avoid relocation.”



Riiiighhhhttt...

Because the league tried so very, very, hard to make professional hockey work in Winnipeg & Quebec City.

As I recollect, Buttman gave us 200 days from the time Berry Shenkarow first mentioned he was having problems until the time the team moved.

And those two teams weren't anywhere CLOSE to losing the amount of money that some sunbelt teams are losing today.

[Dalreg]

Riiiighhhhttt...

Because the league tried so very, very, hard to make professional hockey work in Winnipeg & Quebec City.

As I recollect, Buttman gave us 200 days from the time Berry Shenkarow first mentioned he was having problems until the time the team moved.

And those two teams weren't anywhere CLOSE to losing the amount of money that some sunbelt teams are losing today.

I think the NHL in general no matter which idiot is in charge has had a bad track record when dealing with relocation. Along with Winnipeg and Quebec City, remember Denver, Kansas City, California Seals, Cleveland, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and whoever else I have missed.

Until someone relocates back to Canada this country will continue to fight a losing battle. Lets hope Winnipeg leads the charge.

[trueviking]

i can report from an independent and reliable source unrelated to any previous rumour that something is currently going on between the owners of the MTS centre and the NHL....whatever it is, "it will be complete in 3 weeks, either way"...

that's what i know.

[rrskylar]

I bet that includes stipulations that the MTS Centre be expanded!

[1ajs]

I bet that includes stipulations that the MTS Centre be expanded!
yea more sky box's

[Kinguni]

i can report from an independent and reliable source unrelated to any previous rumour that something is currently going on between the owners of the MTS centre and the NHL....whatever it is, "it will be complete in 3 weeks, either way"...


It doesn't involve the Atlanta Thrashers either....

That's all I know.

[feepa]

i can report from an independent and reliable source unrelated to any previous rumour that something is currently going on between the owners of the MTS centre and the NHL....whatever it is, "it will be complete in 3 weeks, either way"...

that's what i know.

Righhhhhhhhhht.... I'm beginning to wonder if Winnipeggers are figuring the more they talk about it, the more likely its to happen.

[trueviking]

^ i am bringing 20 hockey sticks to work and will be busting out a street hockey game at portage an main when the announcement is made.....

all the nay sayers will be proven wrong.....after hearing what i heard yesterday not from someone who knows someone....i have a good feeling that this is finally it.

[1ajs]

st hockey at portage and main you say aww i so wana join that!

[hexrae]

st hockey at portage and main you say aww i so wana join that!

If Canada wins Gold on Sunday I'll meet you there. That's where we went when they won back in '02...until the cops cleared everyone away. :)

As for the rumours, I'm still skeptical. I'll take it, but I won't be disappointed either if nothing materializes.

[1ajs]

sure

[waterloowarrior]

i can report from an independent and reliable source unrelated to any previous rumour that something is currently going on between the owners of the MTS centre and the NHL....whatever it is, "it will be complete in 3 weeks, either way"...

that's what i know.

Exhibition game between Carolina and Edmonton this fall? :p

[Boreal]

As an aside, we already have a hockey team that can beat the Oilers, but it would be nice to have one that plays in the NHL as well. ;)

All jokes aside, it sure would be fun to be able to talk junk with the Albertans about something other than football seeing as they have the market cornered in curling and high rise construction.

[Yume-sama]

I wonder what a team in Winnipeg would be called :P Assuming it's not the Coyotes, the "Jets" name couldn't be used.

Without spending a ton of money to acquire the rights to use that name from the franchise, that is.

I would love to see 4 more teams in Canada. MAKE IT 10!!! :D

[Deepstar]

dp

[Deepstar]

I'm thinking maybe some exhibition games?

^ i am bringing 20 hockey sticks to work and will be busting out a street hockey game at portage an main when the announcement is made.....

all the nay sayers will be proven wrong.....after hearing what i heard yesterday not from someone who knows someone....i have a good feeling that this is finally it.

[harls]

Having some exhibition games would be like winning 5 bucks in the lottery.

Having Phoenix in an exhibition match would be an even bigger kick in the sack.

[Yume-sama]

What if Winnipeg became the first "multi-home" team :P? Like, split the season between Atlanta and Winnipeg?

It could work as an experiment... I mean, at least they'd get people watching on TV AND going to the games half the year.

[frinkprof]

Exhibition game between Carolina and Edmonton this fall? :pNope. Atlanta and Phoenix.

[MolsonExport]

What if Winnipeg became the first "multi-home" team :P? Like, split the season between Atlanta and Winnipeg?

It could work as an experiment... I mean, at least they'd get people watching on TV AND going to the games half the year.



They did that with the Montreal Expos back near the end of days (with games in San Juan, Puerto Rico). Hastened the departure of the team (which, of course, was the plan all along!)

[frinkprof]

What if Winnipeg became the first "multi-home" team :P? Like, split the season between Atlanta and Winnipeg?

It could work as an experiment... I mean, at least they'd get people watching on TV AND going to the games half the year.You know, I could see this being a possibility. They did it with the Expos in baseball for their last couple seasons before moving to Washington. They played some of their home games in Puerto Rico.

[Yume-sama]

I think that would be a good solution. And I would be a huge supporter. Whatever brings more NHL teams out of failing US markets, in to Canada. Ideally I would like to see a team in Saskatchewan (you KNOW they'd travel for 3 hours to every game if they had to, hell I know people who come from Lethbridge and Red Deer just to go to Flames games, also people who come from Victoria to go to Canucks games... 41x per year).

Another in Winnipeg, another one in the GTA, and one in either Quebec City or the Maritimes :D Can you imagine how rowdy an NHL crowd in Halifax would be?

We just need to somehow get rid of Gary Bettman. :frog:

Even if they didn't sell out all of the time, chances are they'd still get more than 8000 people in the crowd.

[Kinguni]

I wonder what a team in Winnipeg would be called :P Assuming it's not the Coyotes, the "Jets" name couldn't be used.

Without spending a ton of money to acquire the rights to use that name from the franchise, that is.


The NHL owns "Winnipeg Jets".

[Yume-sama]

The NHL owns "Winnipeg Jets".

Oh, really? I would have thought Phoenix would own them. Like I would assume Calgary owns the Atlanta Flames trademarks...

So the NHL is pulling in revenue from all the Jets merchandise they still sell :P? Probably still makes more than Atlanta does... :sly:

[vid]

I think I read somewhere that the Jets are still one of the most profitable team brands, or the most profitable out of defunct teams or something like that.

[1ajs]

Oh, really? I would have thought Phoenix would own them. Like I would assume Calgary owns the Atlanta Flames trademarks...

So the NHL is pulling in revenue from all the Jets merchandise they still sell :P? Probably still makes more than Atlanta does... :sly:
the nhl owns the rights to the name they did that with the flames name to

wish my dad had not choped up my jets stick on me to fix his car bumper basterd!!!

[isaidso]

I assumed that Winnipeg would want the 'Jets' name. The Jets should never have been allowed to leave. Any new team should carry on with the old name.

[trueviking]

Five words: thomson richardson chipman coyotes soon.

Very soon.

[vid]

On a related note, I'm too lazy to search for the Phoenix Coyotes moving to Hamilton thread, so I'm posting this here:

Negotiations continue
Leith Dunick | TB News Watch | 3 March 2010
http://www.tbnewswatch.com/sports/Default.aspx?cid=83385

No news isn’t bad news, says Anthony LeBlanc.

The Thunder Bay entrepreneur, whose company Ice Edge Holdings signed a letter of intent with the NHL to purchase the league’s Phoenix Coyotes, said crucial negotiations with the City of Glendale on the lease of Jobing.com Arena are ongoing and he hopes to have a deal in place in weeks.

"We’re very, very close on that. We actually have a meeting on that on Friday. We are hopeful that we’ll have that wrapped up in the next week to two," said LeBlanc adding later that the prospective owners’ wish to play up to five out-of-market games in Saskatoon is a potential stumbling block in securing the lease.

....

The hot topic of that encounter was expected to be LeBlanc’s desire to bring a professional hockey team to Thunder Bay, although he has backed off his earlier stance that if it happens it will be an American Hockey League franchise.

LeBlanc said at present no AHL team is for sale, so he’s been exploring the possibility of bringing an East Coast Hockey League team to town if the AHL plans fall through. LeBlanc has publicly stated the only way a pro team can survive in Thunder Bay is if a new arena is built.

....

Read the full article here (http://www.tbnewswatch.com/sports/Default.aspx?cid=83385).

[feepa]

Still waiting on that announcement that was supposed to come right after the Olympic break. Any Winnipeg forumers ready to eat cake yet?

[1ajs]

it said after olmypics but the nhl trading deadline is today and there was mention of it happening right after that on the 4th previously and theres "suppose to be an announcement tomorrow" if that does not happen then we will eat our cake

[feepa]

Well, I'll give this until March 15th. By then, someone is going to be eating cake.

[drew]

^ I am looking forward to serving up big steaming plates of crow.

[SKYSTHELIMIT]

Five words: thomson richardson chipman coyotes soon.

Very soon.

I heard Coyotes recently as well from some insiders who said the Thrashers was just a red herring. I imagine around noon tommorow for an announcement I hope. If not then cake it is on the 15th eh Feepa