Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg??

[The Rock]

The word in the tweet world is that a Thrashers move could be announced as soon as today. ATL fans on another message board I read are basically reporting it as an inevitability and saying their goodbyes.

http://twitter.com/johnkincade

This guy is apparently the one leaking the most info.

My apologies if this kind of rumor spreading is frowned upon here, delete if need be.

[Guyute]

As someone who recently got to take advantage of a Canes Road game in Philips Arena, I'd be bummed to see it happen, that is a Stellar place to see a game. (Suite levels at least. heh). But, this has been a rumor for quite a while, I won't be surprised at all if it happens at some point.

[The Rock]

http://twitter.com/bradyfan590

More interesting info, supposedly ATL players now being told "expect to move".

[nccanes]

Wow! I heard things like 'now that PHX is staying put in Glendale for next season....the target becomes ATL'. But "target" and completion are 2 different things.

I really don't know what I'm talking about, but does that mean the ownership in ATL has been sitting here 2nd in line to be sold to the WPG people so all the framework was in place?

So - who comes to the SE Div? :lol: N'ville?

[Captain Slack]

Well, *if* this happens, how do you suppose this will effect divison & conference alignment? The Thrashers would be moving to the Western Conference, so a Western team would have to come East. Who would it be? And who would replace the Thrash in the SE?

If it's done by strict geography, I'd think one of Pittsburgh or Philly be moved to the SE while one of Detroit or Columbus would join the Atlantic. Personally, I'd rather see Nashville come to SE.

[Captain Slack]

So - who comes to the SE Div? :lol: N'ville?

Great minds think alike. :D

[The Rock]

I wouldn't want Nashville anywhere near the Southeast Division. I actually like them now, getting throttled by them 6 times a year would change that in a quick fashion. Geographically, it makes sense. However with Columbus and Detroit both in the Eastern time zone and playing in the West, I doubt Nashville is first in line. They could throw Columbus in the Southeast as a bone to them to get them out of the West and into a division where they might actually "succeed". They are hemorrhaging money at the moment, a move to the southeast and being competitive could go a long way for them.

Columbus is actually slightly more towards the south than Philly or Pittsburgh, and they aren't going to move those two from being in the same division. Winnipeg to the Central and Columbus to the Southeast would basically be a swap and significantly easier than a full scale realignment.

[caneshockeychick]

A co-worker just told me this news. Apparently no one I follow on twitter is tweeting it. LOL.

He said that Nashville would probably be the team moving into the SE.

[LostTexan]

Detroit's been wanting to move east for a while but I don't see them breaking up the Atlantic Division so Id think logically that means we would get Nashville in the SE.

I have grown to like Nashville but don't know if that would change playing them 6 times a year. But it would sure make for some fun road trips.

[superdave]

I can't see the NHL putting Pittsburgh in the same division with Washington. I'd have to think Nashville would be the logical choice.

[e2ipiand1]

If Detroit moves to the east, I'd think that they would wind up in the Northeast division with Buffalo and the three Canadian teams. Boston would then be put in the Atlantic and one of the current Atlantic teams would be moved to the Southeast.

[The Rock]

Columbus to the east makes the most sense to me. Detroit has rivalries already built up with Western Conference teams through regular season and playoff play. Nashville isn't even in the Eastern time zone.

As far as Columbus goes, they're in desperate times at the moment, and a move to the East would be good for them. Stick Winnipeg in the Northwest with other 3 Canadian West teams, and move one of Colorado or Minnesota to the Central.

[Jillsdad]

Just spoke with a friend of mine who works for the Predators organization and he said he is hearing the same things.....nothing official has come down he said but he mentioned that it would either be Nash or Det that would move. He would like to move just because of the travel time it would save the organization

[Captain Slack]

From Darren Dregar via Twitter:


A source involved in the process says there is absolutely no chance of an announcement regarding Atl to Wpg...this week.

[nccanes]

I was just reading a blog from AJC, which points out that Bettman's commentary about PHX has been all about keeping them there, etc. It would be educational to know what makes the difference in this.

I've lost track (and a little interest) in what exactly has happened in PHX but is it simply a matter of having a buyer that did want to keep them in PHX provided there was some compromise with the city (and the WPG buyer was plan B) and in ATL there is no such plan A?

[StormChaserBH]

I think that's it... in PHX there's always at least been someone kickin' the tires about buying the team and keeping it there, and occasional buyers going further than that... in ATL, the current ownership has been actively saying they don't want the Thrash anymore, and NO BODY is claiming any official interest in buying them locally. I think Tom Glavine was mentioned as maybe representing an interest, but if that isn't viable.... no plan A.

[caniac97]

I think that's it... in PHX there's always at least been someone kickin' the tires about buying the team and keeping it there, and occasional buyers going further than that... in ATL, the current ownership has been actively saying they don't want the Thrash anymore, and NO BODY is claiming any official interest in buying them locally. I think Tom Glavine was mentioned as maybe representing an interest, but if that isn't viable.... no plan A.

The big wrinkle was that PHX was gonna sorta finance the latest dude with bonds but the Goldwater Institute said they would sue due to improper use of taxpayer money for the benefit of a private business. So far no one wants to do the bonds for the city based on that. In the end PHX is gone IMO but the city wants to give it another year.

[ontheboards]

I thought I read that before a sale or relocation of the Trash could take place, they needed to separate that team from the Hawks as both are owned by the same group. Given the ongoing legal battles within the Spirit of Atlanta, that had to happen first and to date, there's been no move to do that.

Atlanta has several UFAs, one of whom is our former 1st round draft pick, Andrew Ladd. I wonder if Ladd, who is the Trash's captain, is willing to relocate to Winnipeg or will that make him enter the free agency market place? I wonder if he'd like to come back to us, seeing as JR likes to recycle???

[nccanes]

Pretty sure Ladd re-upped already.

[KaniacFever]

Ladd hasn't signed yet, atleast its not on nhlnumbers yet. Bigg Buff did and that's showing.

Didn't Ladd grow up close to Winnipeg or am I totally off on that.

[Caniac4life]

NHLNumbers.com shows Ladd as a RFA.

[ontheboards]

Pretty sure Ladd re-upped already.
No, Ladd didn't re-up yet...my bad was that I thought he was an UFA and not an RFA. ;)


Didn't Ladd grow up close to Winnipeg or am I totally off on that.


He's from BC if I remember correctly-- I guess you knew it was western Canada. It's Toews who is from the Winnipeg area.

[nccanes]

Ladd hasn't signed yet, atleast its not on nhlnumbers yet. Bigg Buff did and that's showing.

Didn't Ladd grow up close to Winnipeg or am I totally off on that.

No, Ladd didn't re-up yet...my bad was that I thought he was an UFA and not an RFA. ;)

I have officially lost my hockey cred (it's slowly been eroding the last few years, lol). I'm sure I was thinking of Buff, but bummed that I screwed that up. :lol:

[Captain Slack]

The plot thickens!

ajcthrashers Chris Vivlamore
by wyshynski
I have confirmed that the Atlanta Spirit and True North are in negotiations about sale and relocation of #Thrashers. Story to come soon.

[Captain Slack]

According to Puck Daddy (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Report-Thrashers-in-talks-with-Winnipeg-group-f?urn=nhl-wp5027&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter), talks between Atlanta Spirit & True North are ongoing:

On Monday, Vivlamore offered clarity: The two sides are in negotiations on the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North, and the relocation of the struggling franchise to Winnipeg.

From the AJC:

A deal has not been completed and it is also not known how long the two sides have been negotiating. However, the fact that talks are on-going negotiations could mean the Thrashers would relocate to Manitoba perhaps as soon as next season.

NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, reach via e-mail, said there was "nothing I'm prepared to say at this point." A True North Sports and Entertainment spokesperson had no comment.

Technically, NHL owners do not have to seek league approval to sell a franchise. However they would have to get permission to negotiate with a party interested in relocation. Once an agreement in principle has been reached, the NHL's Board of Govenors would be asked to judge the acceptability of the new ownership.

The Winnipeg Free Press has received a "no comment" from True North.

[nccanes]

Will be interesting to see how this all shakes out.

When the Canes moved here, they decided in March? (Can't remember). And they weren't even selling and rolling over (at least some) staff.

This will be new ownership, certainly some (all?) new staff, new city. All with 4 months or less until training camp?

Seems like this has to get done asap if they want to move this summer. Scheduling can't be an easy job as it is, let alone all the changes that would take place in that regard if they have to re-align.

What do you think would be the drop dead, must know by date? June 1? Sooner?

[e2ipiand1]

I don't think that scheduling is necessarily an issue. While not ideal, they could leave them in the Southeast Division for one season and then realign for the following season.

[nccanes]

Well, that would be a hellacious year for that team, but even if they did that it would still be a consideration when trying to schedule for a team that might have an away game in Sunrise and then a home game in Winnipeg as a back to back. That's something that can be done in Sunrise/ATL, but not in Sunrise/WPG I wouldn't think.

I wonder if the NHLPA would ***** about that kind of schedule too. Other than their home games, they'd play how many games in their own timezone? A dozen?

[StormChaserBH]

I wonder if the NHLPA would ***** about that kind of schedule too. Other than their home games, they'd play how many games in their own timezone? A dozen?

Welcome to Detroit and Columbus's schedule. :D


TSNBobMcKenzie (http://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie) Bob McKenzie
IF, and I said IF, ATL moves to WPG, conventional wisdom is WPG to Northwest, MIN to Central and NSH to Southeast. But...

TSNBobMcKenzie (http://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie) Bob McKenzie
...due to time issues, notion of WPG playing 1 season in Southeast not out of question. Realignment would come 1 yr later. Still lotsa ifs.

TSNBobMcKenzie (http://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie) Bob McKenzie
I'm of opinion that IF realignment is required, DET won't move to East, at least not in short term, maybe ever. West teams like DET in West.

[StormChaserBH]

The league is working on a Winnipeg schedule:

http://www.brandonsun.com/breaking-news/True-North-negotiating-for-Thrashers-report-121898789.html?thx=y

[cmw00]

I'd sort of rather see them stay in Atlanta. However, I would also rather Detroit stay in the west. I would think that Columbus or Nashville would like being in the east?

[Darkwing]

DEAR LGC FRIENDS: lol@Atlanta


Love,

Captain
Organ


Morgan. Too.

[IceSun]

I'd sort of rather see them stay in Atlanta. However, I would also rather Detroit stay in the west. I would think that Columbus or Nashville would like being in the east?

Nashville would seem like a logical SE replacement.

[SoCalcaniac]

Logical & who would actually go east are two different things. It's been long since talked about that Illitch has had an agreement with Gary that DET would get to move to the East Conf.

It's interesting how this thing is going down with ATL. There seems to be little to no uprising in ATL over this likely happening, unlike PHX and NSH where people were all in and going down swinging for the team. I guess it's just ATL sports.

I did see where Lil Jon, Anson Carter and others were trying to get a group together to help save the team. I don't know how serious that is.

I did hear Stewart Cink (spelling, no clue on that last name) the golfer on XM today. He's a Thrash STHer, diehard fan. He really sounded devastated and pissed in the same breath about the possiblity of losing the team. Seems like a big fan. He really tagged the fans for lack of support talking about 1/2 empty bldgs on many nights. He does have a point.

ATL really just isn't a pro sports town. I don't get that at all, but that's the way they roll down there.

[KaniacFever]

Logical & who would actually go east are two different things. It's been long since talked about that Illitch has had an agreement with Gary that DET would get to move to the East Conf.



I still don't think DET moves to the East. I know they've beatched about the travel, but they have built a ton of rivalries in the West. Its been noted through various tweets that the West teams WANT Detroit in the West. I just don't see them being the ones moving.

I really do think it'll be Nashville moving to the SE.

[kermelbar]

Move Detroit to Winnipeg. Problem solved!

[ontheboards]

If this mentioned elsewhere, forgive me as I haven't thoroughly read this entire thread. The last report I heard was that if the Thrashers end up in Winnipeg this season, no re-alignment would take place for one year to allow the Phoenix situation to be firmly resolved. Thus, Winnipeg would be in the SE for one season as the Phoenix situation remains in limbo. Realignment would take place the following season with the expectation that the Phoenix situation would be less fluid.

Anyone up for a roadie to Winnipeg? Fall? Winter? Do they have spring in Manitoba?

[JohnH]

ATL really just isn't a pro sports town. I don't get that at all, but that's the way they roll down there.

I think it's more the case that the Braves, Falcons, Hawks and local college teams already had established fan bases and had probably cornered the market on people's recreational sports-watching budget and time, and the Thrash haven't helped their chances to move up the fan loyalty ladder by being a pretty bad team most of the time. The one Thrash game I've attended, the Caps beat them 8-1.

[nccanes]

I think there is a somewhat legit issue with ATL fans...the main example is when the Braves were good all that time, they had playoff games that weren't sold out.

HOWEVER, I won't fault people for not going to Thrashers games. Not a single playoff win in their existence and only 2 home playoff games in all that time. Tickets aren't cheap.

People here talk about scaling back after non-playoff years (or who the coach is). Can you imagine if there had only been 2 playoff games (both losses) at the RBC, rather than the 34! that we've hosted in Raleigh (if my quick math is correct)????

[RangersCanesFan]

Something to think about with Nashville.

The city is in the Central time zone. That would mean every conference road game starts at 6 PM local time. That's not good for TV. Plus, Nashville is a lot farther west than most people think.

The most sense is Columbus for geographic and competition reasons.

[JohnH]

Something to think about with Nashville.

The city is in the Central time zone. That would mean every conference road game starts at 6 PM local time. That's not good for TV. Plus, Nashville is a lot farther west than most people think.

The most sense is Columbus for geographic and competition reasons.

I agree, and I just looked it up - Columbus is 60 miles closer to Raleigh than Nashville is. And Columbus is closer to Pittsburgh than to Detroit (their nearest Western Conference competitor).

[e2ipiand1]

It would also be a chance for Columbus to make a fresh start.

[cmw00]

Only problem with Columbus is how would the divisions be realigned? Would they automatically be in the SE division?

Nashville just seems like the only other team geographically that would make sense to be in the SE Division.

[livinthedream]

According to the Globe and Mail (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/atlanta-thrashers-moving-to-winnipeg/article2029179/), it's a done deal. Now folks in Phoenix are saying multiple news reports just like this came out regarding their franchise as well, so some skepticism is probably wise (in fact if you have any faith in ESPN they're saying no deal), but still...

If true, this makes me sad. I really liked having the Thrashers as nearby neighbors. And I feel for their fans.

[ontheboards]

The Winnipeg Free Press is saying that:


True North Sports and Entertainment says a Globe and Mail report stating the group has reached an agreement to buy the Atlanta Thrashers is complete is not accurate.
A high ranking True North official involved in negotiations to buy the Thrashers would not say any more.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/

We'll see soon enough, eh?

@DarrenDreger (http://twitter.com/DarrenDreger): Update on Atl-Wpg coming up in 2nd int. Will it get done? Likely. Is it done? Not yet, according to key sources.

[cmw00]

This sucks for pretty much everybody, but Winnipeg I suppose. I feel bad for the Thrashers fans and players. I mean, would that many young rich kids really want to live one of the hottest, hippest, cities in the country for Winnipeg?

It sucks for us too, I never made it to a Canes game in Atlanta though I have been saying every year for the last several that I was gonna go. Oh well.

[JohnH]

If this happens, I wonder if it'll affect the scheduled Canes-Thrash exhibition game in Charlotte.

[cmw00]

If this happens and their is no immediate realignment is going to pretty much wreck the entire SE schedule I'd think.

[caveman]

If this happens, I wonder if it'll affect the scheduled Canes-Thrash exhibition game in Charlotte.

Sellout plus picketing protestors. Last time the team will be that close to Atlanta.

[JohnH]

Sellout plus picketing protestors. Last time the team will be that close to Atlanta.

Good point.

[Darkwing]

if they had that many protestors and people willing to show up at games, probably wouldn't be selling though..

[SoCalcaniac]

Well apparently the "deal" is done. Some type of presser w/Bettman planned for Tuesday.

The Globe & Mail has it on their front page, and apparently part of the True North ownership group is the owner of the Globe & Mail. This is their front page story:

Atlanta Thrashers Moving to Winnipeg (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/atlanta-thrashers-moving-to-winnipeg/article2029179/)

I enjoyed my various roadies to ATL, I think it's a shame that it's come to this, but sort of just understand that people can't continue to throw good money over bad; and I do feel for that hard core of fans who do root for the Thrash and support that team. However, I am kinda just not understanding how Gary, et al aren't fighting for ATL like they've done for PHX for the last bazillion years and intervening when NSH and BUF & even PIT had their "issues". Seems like everyone is just fine to see them go. But I'm not versed enough in the details to know what else there is to fight for.

[nccanes]

Definitely a bummer. I'm with you SoCal, not sure how this differs from other franchises foibles, but I suppose it does in some way (maybe someone will publish the clif notes version at some point).

I think I managed to get to ATL for 4 games. I was there the first time ATL ever beat the Canes and only managed a 1-3 record, but still loved that roadie.

Will be interesting (among other things) how the ATL UFAs react, if at all, and other potential UFAs. Will Winnipeg be attractive because they'll be instant Canadian hero-status or will there be some reluctance due to the extreme cold winters. (Just checked weather.com and the historical data suggests that it does not get above freezing from mid-November to the end of March).

[caveman]

It can't really be true that True North is planning to name the team the Manitoba Moose instead of the Winnpeg Jets, is it? I mean... seriously? :(

[caniac97]

If this happens, I wonder if it'll affect the scheduled Canes-Thrash exhibition game in Charlotte.

It shouldn't, the game is a home game for us plus they will stay in the SE this season.

[caniac97]

Well apparently the "deal" is done. Some type of presser w/Bettman planned for Tuesday.

The Globe & Mail has it on their front page, and apparently part of the True North ownership group is the owner of the Globe & Mail. This is their front page story:

Atlanta Thrashers Moving to Winnipeg (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/atlanta-thrashers-moving-to-winnipeg/article2029179/)

I enjoyed my various roadies to ATL, I think it's a shame that it's come to this, but sort of just understand that people can't continue to throw good money over bad; and I do feel for that hard core of fans who do root for the Thrash and support that team. However, I am kinda just not understanding how Gary, et al aren't fighting for ATL like they've done for PHX for the last bazillion years and intervening when NSH and BUF & even PIT had their "issues". Seems like everyone is just fine to see them go. But I'm not versed enough in the details to know what else there is to fight for.

I would think it has something to do with this being Atlanta's second bite of the apple with the same results.

[e2ipiand1]

The coolest suggestion for a name that I've heard is the Winnipeg Falcons. The Winnipeg Falcons represented Canada in the 1920 Olympics and soundly beat every other team. Their gold medal was Canada's first in Ice Hockey. Plus, it keeps with the bird theme of the Thrashers.

[caniac97]

It can't really be true that True North is planning to name the team the Manitoba Moose instead of the Winnipeg Jets, is it? I mean... seriously? :(

the NHL owns the name "Winnipeg Jets"!

[nccanes]

It shouldn't, the game is a home game for us plus they will stay in the SE this season.

I guess it depends on how things shake out schedule/alignment wise. Didn't someone say they were working on an alternate schedule should they move?

But I imagine that's the ATL/WPG problem and not the Canes.

[MoBigRed]

I don't know if this is current or some old dead possibility, but i ran across this (http://bahbs.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/winnipeg-falcons.gif). It's nice and all, but if they have to put the Capitals' old logo on the Blue Jackets uniform, could they perhaps add some subtle twist of, i don't know, something besides red, white, and blue?

[IceSun]

NHL burns in Atlanta as Thrashers jet to Winnipeg (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=nc-cotsonika-atlanta_thrashers_moving_to_winnipeg052011)

[puck_it]

I guess it depends on how things shake out schedule/alignment wise. Didn't someone say they were working on an alternate schedule should they move?

But I imagine that's the ATL/WPG problem and not the Canes.

they are working on an alternate schedule, yes.

the preseason games are entirely scheduled by the individual clubs, though. i suspect that ATL/WPG would honor their commitment.

[caniac97]

they are working on an alternate schedule, yes.

the preseason games are entirely scheduled by the individual clubs, though. i suspect that ATL/WPG would honor their commitment.

per twit, JR has stated that the preseason game would happen as planned. new ownership will assume that contract and it is under contract.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I would think it has something to do with this being Atlanta's second bite of the apple with the same results.

And Winnipeg has never had a team before.


Oh wait.......

;)

[caveman]

NHL burns in Atlanta as Thrashers jet to Winnipeg (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=nc-cotsonika-atlanta_thrashers_moving_to_winnipeg052011)

Wow, wow, did Ben Eager give it to Atlanta in that article.

[The Rock]

If this happens, I wonder if it'll affect the scheduled Canes-Thrash exhibition game in Charlotte.

I've got a feeling it's going to turn into the "farewell sendoff" game that Atlanta never had a crack at. I could see the game selling out pretty quickly between fans in Charlotte getting a taste of NHL hockey, Thrasher fans heading up to see the team "one last time", and Canes fans heading over.

[Darkwing]

looks like this is a done deal. sucks for ATL fans, I can't imagine losing the canes =\

[caniac97]

Now the question is what name will they use, I like the idea of the Manitoba Moose because it links the team to the region instead of the city much like they did with the Canes. don't know if the support would have been the same had they been called the Raleigh/Cary/Durham Hurricanes.

[The Rock]

Well about 700k of the 1.25 million people in the entire province of Manitoba live in Winnipeg metro area. That's over half, so I doubt the folks outside of Winnipeg would mind terribly if the team was called Winnipeg again instead of Manitoba.

It doesn't really even matter what they call it, initial public support for the new team is going to be insane. They could call them the Atlanta Thrashers of Winnipeg and it wouldn't matter terribly.

The more interesting news to me is that Winnipeg will play in the Southeast in 2011/12 before a realignment is done next year. 3 trips for our guys up to Winnipeg this upcoming season, should be interesting to see how that gets incorporated into the schedule. Winnipeg will be spending an awful lot of time on the east coast as well for a team nowhere near the east coast.

[Bob-in-Alberta]

It makes a lot of sense to call them the Manitoba Moose. They already have merchandising in place and the jersey is kind of cool looking. Another name I've heard mentioned is the Manitoba Polar Bears. I personally think that that would be too close to the Checkers jerseys though. I can't see them going back to the Jets name because that tradition left and went to Phoenix.

[KaniacFever]

Feel bad for Atlanta Fans. I was living in Ohio when the Browns moved to Baltimore. My dad and brother were heartbroken. So I can understand how the fans of the Thrash would feel. Plus, I know how I'd feel if the were the ones moving.

Maybe this time around, Winnipeg will actually keep a team.

[cmw00]

I think this really sucks for the entire SE division, teams, fans, everybody. Likely, some of the players also.

[SoCalcaniac]

This press conference is making me gag. It's like a full on party and way too much glee at the expense of ATL. "Hockey is back where it BELONGS" ok dude.

I get the whole issue with ATL, all the problems, blah, blah. I'm with KF, I know how I'd feel if my team left, I think it's terrible for those in ATL (and there were some people who did) who have just lost their team.

I thought Evander Kane's tweet was a nice touch. I imagine that kid will miss the decent weather in ATL.

@EKaneATL9:I want to thank all the Thrahsers Fans that supported us in Atlanta for my two years there. Very unfortunate there will be no NHL hockey

OY- there's a dude on now waxing on about how much things have changed in Winnepeg and the "world class entertainment" that have played at the MTS center. Ok, ok, we get it. You're different now.

[Darkwing]

according to driveto13.com, the STH pre-sale site, the name is TBD.

What will the name of the team be?

At present we are solely focused on successfully completing the Drive to 13,000 and securing an NHL franchise for the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba.

[superdave]

Is the league really so far into the scheduling for next season that they can't do a realignment now?

[caniac97]

Is the league really so far into the scheduling for next season that they can't do a realignment now?

did you say the sheriff is Near?

[nccanes]

Someone made the suggestion in this thread that the preseason game in CLT will be the first and closest chance for fans to say 'farewell' to their team. I wonder if they will make the drive or if they'll just be too pissed to bother.

TSN has quotes from Ladd.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=367462

I wonder if they clipped the part where he acknowledges the city he played in last year or if he just didn't mention them.

Even the Rats-->Checkers did such a great job in being kind to Albany after their move. Hopefully all the Thrashers-->WPG player are that wise.

[nccanes]

Is the league really so far into the scheduling for next season that they can't do a realignment now?

No clue if it's true, but Bruce Garrioch is claiming that Nashville, Detroit, and Columbus ALL want to move East. I'm guessing that might take longer to decide/figure out than just redoing the schedule (and I would imagine that ATL being in WPG would force some issue with the sched anyway, so that teams don't end up with back to backs in Sunrise and then WPG).

[superdave]

Someone made the suggestion in this thread that the preseason game in CLT will be the first and closest chance for fans to say 'farewell' to their team. I wonder if they will make the drive or if they'll just be too pissed to bother.

It would be a nice gesture for them to don the Thrasher unis for that game.

[KaniacFever]

Is the league really so far into the scheduling for next season that they can't do a realignment now?

From my understanding the league doesn't want to do a realignment this season. Remember the Phoenix situation still needs to be cleared up. Why do a realignment now only to do another one next year.

[MoBigRed]

Now the question is what name will they use, I like the idea of the Manitoba Moose because it links the team to the region instead of the city much like they did with the Canes. don't know if the support would have been the same had they been called the Raleigh/Cary/Durham Hurricanes.

I have disliked the 'Carolina' thing from day one. The 'Raleigh' tag on the IceCaps didn't keep me from having season tickets despite the fact i lived an hour away, and i can't imagine the out-of-towners who have season tickets to the Hurricanes would have passed it up because of it. It's not really a biggie either way, but i can't imagine fans in, say, Brandon would be any less-likely to support an NHL team called 'Winnipeg' than they are an NHL team called 'Manitoba'.

[SoCalcaniac]

Interesting that they'll require PSL's in order to secure season tickets. If I'm to believe the whole media blather, this presale on ST's will be done in a day. (to get to the 13K) Requiring a 3-5 yr commitment & the personal seat license in this economy? I guess so......

Saw a clip on TSN about WPG "will be the smallest market in the NHL, and the toughest climate, they've got a tough road"

I hope for everyone's sake and all this gloating to get "our team back" that it does work. But I sure don't feel all happy that they're leaving ATL.

On the realignment thing- I'll stick with my assertion that DET gets the move to the East. Illitch has been on Gary for YEARS to be moved over, he's the most influential owner between NSH & CLB, and he'll get what he asks for.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'm going to allow myself the evil thoughts for one day and am therefore hoping they fail in Winnipeg....AGAIN.

I think this hurts the league and I'm shocked that they let it go down this easily.

So what do the Coyotes rumors change to now? Hamilton?

[caniac97]

I'm going to allow myself the evil thoughts for one day and am therefore hoping they fail in Winnipeg....AGAIN.

I think this hurts the league and I'm shocked that they let it go down this easily.

So what do the Coyotes rumors change to now? Hamilton?

Either Hamilton or Quebec City.

[Solracer]

Or Kansas City, they have a great arena..

[cmw00]

I'm going to allow myself the evil thoughts for one day and am therefore hoping they fail in Winnipeg....AGAIN.

I think this hurts the league and I'm shocked that they let it go down this easily.

So what do the Coyotes rumors change to now? Hamilton?

I hope it fails miserably also. I am almost shocked out how fast the NHL let the Thrashers leave after fighting to keep the Coyotes in place. Makes no sense.

I hate reading other hockey sources right now. All the jackass fans yammering on about moving the rest of the southern teams, "getting their team back" etc. etc.

[puck_it]

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pj1-Fd3oibc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[caniac97]

<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pj1-Fd3oibc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

this is why I just love the internet!! Loved the chorus to that!

[nccanes]

She's ADORABLE!! That's so awesome - I love it! :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

I don't want to see any team fail, to include the Atlanta-Winnipeg Jet Thrashing Moose

[nccanes]

It would be a horrible injustice for Thrashers fans if the WPG Whatevers made it to the playoffs next year, or the next few years. I'm definitely hoping they don't get that anytime soon.

However, since the MTS/True North/Manitoba Moose org is already in place and apparently knows what they are doing, they may have success right off the bat anyway. That, to me, would suck.

[cmw00]

Did anybody else read about any resistance to this move?

http://sports.nationalpost.com/2011/06/01/still-no-plans-for-nhl-return-to-quebec/
“We’ve gone 14 years without moving a franchise … We will continue to resist moving franchises because as I said, it is not about which [location] is better. It is about where we are and trying to preserve the community and the community’s interest and the community’s identity and love affair with its franchise, and we’re not going to trifle with that.”

[SoCalcaniac]

Puck_it :lol::lol::lol: She's fab-U! Love it.

I'm with you E, it would be a crying shame for all kinds of wonderful to happen for WPG 2.0 after all that has transpired. I'm glad everyone in Canada is doing a dance, but I personally hope the whole thing implodes. Can't help it.

The biggest thing that has been in my craw since we started posting about this is AGAIN, Gary has bent over backwards for PHX, NSH, BUF of course the Pens when that faux threat was made that they might have to leave, etc. etc. but this was too damn easy for the Thrash to go. For goodness sake, the league is financing the Coyotes and have been, when does that well dry up? Ever? Gary has shown his ability to fight hard for anything he takes a stand on, yet this team just went quietly into the night. Nothing.

I'm with little Miss Thrash in the video-the Atlanta Spirit didn't even try. They'll say they did, that Gearson dude can cry his fake crocodile tears and talk about his kid not being able to go to ATL games, but that sh** is on you dude.

[wa10]

Damn that song is catchy....

"F*** you and f*** Bettman too..."

:lol:

[puck_it]

I split everything regarding re-alignment out of the winnipeg thread. it became less about winnipeg and more about the rest of the league. since there's still news about winnipeg coming out, and there's plenty of talk of realignment proposals/schedule tweaks, things of that nature (that we'll hear for the next full season), a new thread made sense.

re-alignment talk is now here: http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11676

[superdave]

That "F*ck You" song would be pretty sweet during warm ups.

Just sayin'

[Deke]

13,000 season tickets sold in four minutes? That's pretty d*mn impressive! At least the Canes road games will be more fun to watch next season instead of the three quarters empty Phillips arena.

[nccanes]

The rate of the sellout is both impressive and not unexpected. There is/was pent up demand for the NHL.

I imagine that the place WOULD have sold out in the just about the same amount of time had they released all 13,000 seats at the same time, but just for accuracy, they had released them to corporate sales and Moose STHs before the general on-sale date.

It's interesting how hockey is at a peak of interest in Canada when the Flames and Canucks and Jets didn't fill the bldgs years ago....and they haven't won a Cup in 16 years? Wonder what sociologic and economic thing explains that.

[c-girl]

^Exactly. They sold about 4,000 the first day, about 3,000 the second day all to corporate entities and Manitoba Moose STH, and then sold approx. 6,000 in 15 minutes to the general public the third day. But according to the media, they sold all 13,000 in 15 minutes time. It's all still impressive but not quite as impressive as they would lead the general public to believe. And NOW it seems that a good portion of those season tickets were purchased not by fans but by professional scalpers.

[WillLikeWhoa091]

The situation in Atlanta is that the arena also houses the Hawks and countless other events. It's also right across the street from the Atlanta Convention Center (which is HUGE).

In Phoenix, they built a new arena for this team and if the Coyotes left, they would suddenly have a gigantic arena sitting vacant. The Suns play in a different place, so unless Phoenix winds up with an AHL team to put some use to the arena, it would sit there doing nothing. Maybe hosting an ocasional concert.

Personally I'm stoked for Winnipeg. I hope they do really well. It sucks for the fans of Atlanta. It really does. I have a friend down there that has a son who is severely mentally handicapped and they absolutely loved going to Thrashers games. For the fans in Atlanta, it's a terrible loss. But a few years ago it was terrible for Winnipeg fans too.

I'm still excited about seeing another team in the place of the Thrashers. They were bleeding money just as much as Phoenix and have never won a playoff game. The team had some promise this past year, but squandered it. Business wise, this is a great decision.

The team, had it stayed in Atlanta, would have continued to be highly irrelevant to Atlanta sports. I think that if Phoenix hadn't built that other arena for the Coyotes, they would have left town long ago.

[nccanes]

C-girl - I had not read much about the tix since Saturday and didn't realize there was a jihad against the scalpers.

This article shows the lengths that True North is going to to prevent scalping.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/story/2011/06/06/mb-hockey-tickets-scalpers-winnipeg.html

Good luck to them!

[KaniacFever]

This might just gotten even more interesting. A bid was made on May 20th by Global Wellington Financial Corp to purchase Atlanta spirit for $500M.


The CEOs of Global Wellington Financial Corp. and Oriana Capital Partners put forth a bid May 20 to acquire both teams and the arena before the 2011-12 NBA season. The new ownership group would be called W/C Holdings.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2011-06-09-insider-atlanta-hawks_n.htm

[nccanes]

Wow.

But that article includes:

The Spirit already are in the process of selling the NHL franchise to Winnipeg. When the Thrashers officially vacate, the bid then would be adjusted downward.

[KaniacFever]

^Right but the bid to purchase both teams came prior to the bid from True North. ASG claimed there were no local investors interested, but appears there was atleast 1.

[e2ipiand1]

With the vote yesterday, I checked nhl.com this morning, but no Winnipeg icon up top, so I clicked on the Thrashers icon. The splash screen had a link going here: http://winnipeg.nhl.com/

Enjoy!

[ButtersSaysNo]

They are going to announce the team name tonight at draft

[SoCalcaniac]

I have absolutely no love for WPG at ALL. My distaste has gotten worse in these weeks since the announcement; I think that whole scene and the way it went down was..... class less. Especially to the Thrasher employees and Coach Ramsey. I'm no fan of Ryan Lambert of Puck Daddy, but was reading his piece today on Yahoo! and I just heartily agree with everything he wrote (love the heading):



Please Loseapeg

Earlier this week, I decided I have never wanted a franchise to finish in that nebulous zone of mediocrity between making the playoffs and getting a lottery pick for more consecutive years than I do the Winnipeg Whatevers.


The way the ownership group has behaved since that presser a few weeks back has been positively abhorrent. That's their prerogative, one supposes, but the handling of the transfer of the team from Atlanta to Winnipeg has been completed with a stunning lack of tact and what seems to be an broad contempt.


They jerked around the team's employees in Atlanta; it was reported somewhere or another that many weren't officially told the team was moving to Winnipeg until the day before the Board of Governors approved the sale.


Then after gutting an admittedly moribund front office, the team told Craig Ramsay, their very good head coach who briefly performed alchemy to make a subaverage team relevant in the division, that he would be welcome to interview for his own job.


This, of course, meant that he would not be able to keep it, but hey, it was the decent thing to do. If "decent" means "really awful." He ended up getting the boot, despite having done nothing wrong or even poorly, just because the franchise wanted to do everything in its power to rid itself of all that American South stink the team had around it.


Further evidence? Go to the team's official website and look at the franchise's all-time roster (http://winnipeg.nhl.com/club/historicalplayers.htm). Why, no one is on there. It's as if the Thrashers never existed. How remarkably arrogant and profoundly nationalistic.
Plus, the team recently revealed that it would not even give the kids it drafts this weekend a jersey to wear, which is just stupid. But hey, it might say what it's actually going to be called, so hooray for that, right?
Seriously, finish with 87 points every year for the rest of time. Although at this point, getting that many seems hopelessly optimistic.

[KaniacFever]

I think I agree. I'd like to see Winnipeg just fail on so many levels. Hoping they can become the new bottom feeders.

If anything, I'd love to kick their a$$ 6 times this year.

[e2ipiand1]

I just checked the all time rosters for the Hurricanes and Avalanche on their websites. Neither one shows players for the Whalers or Nordiques. It's fair to complain about the way that True North has done things, but one always needs to avoid assumptions.

[nccanes]

Yeah, the roster thing doesn't bother me, but not bring a single Thrasher employee over? I understand they had the framework for a (successful) AHL team in place, but there's not 1 single person who has skill/talent/experience that would be beneficial AND can rise about any negative morale issues? They don't think a single person would bring something of value to the table while furthering their own chosen careers?

I do wish them failure. I hated (but understood) the move, but they can be judged by their post-move actions....and I intend to do so.

[caniac97]

They will be called the Winnipeg Jets!

[KaniacFever]

They will be called the Winnipeg Jets!

WOW. Shocking

[caniac97]

WOW. Shocking

Yep, talk about tales of the Obvious. Personally I was hoping for this whole "new start" thing. Guess PK will change our name back to Whalers - it will sell more jersey's!

[MoBigRed]

Yep, talk about tales of the Obvious. Personally I was hoping for this whole "new start" thing. Guess PK will change our name back to Whalers - it will sell more jersey's!

If a new team were to appear in Hartford, i could see how naming them the 'Whalers' would sell more jerseys. I don't see how changing the name to 'Whalers' would sell jerseys (no apostrophe) in the Raleigh area. Sorry, but i just find that one a little nonsensical.

[caniac97]

If a new team were to appear in Hartford, i could see how naming them the 'Whalers' would sell more jerseys. I don't see how changing the name to 'Whalers' would sell jerseys (no apostrophe) in the Raleigh area. Sorry, but i just find that one a little nonsensical.

wasn't meant to make sense!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Damn, I want some Jets gear.

http://1.cdn.nhle.com/jets/images/upload/2011/07/110722_logos_news.jpg

[cmw00]

I was thinking that's kind of lame, but better than what I envisioned.

[KaniacFever]

I don't know, but I don't really like it. Maybe it'll grow on me.

[Bob-in-Alberta]

It may not be great but it sure beats the Arena Football looking thing that the Thrashers wore.

[livinthedream]

I like it. I like the retro-ness of it.

For those who haven't seen the photo gallery (http://jets.nhl.com/club/gallery.htm?id=23491&navid=DL|WPG|home), there are a couple of cool shots that show the military history that was used to form the new brand identity.

And clever design touch to incorporate True North into the primary logo.

[ontheboards]

I really like it and can't want until the merchandise is available-- would think that the logo announcement would coincide with merchandise to avoid knock offs. I do wonder how it will translate to actual uniforms. The muted colors, nod to the RCAF, and it's much more sophisticated than the original. Overall, it is so much better than anything Atlanta had.

[MoBigRed]

Better than the original Jets logo. I'd stop miles away from saying it's better than the Thrasher gear, though - not even close. Perhaps once i see it in the context of the full sweater...

[KaniacFever]

I really like it and can't want until the merchandise is available-- would think that the logo announcement would coincide with merchandise to avoid knock offs. I do wonder how it will translate to actual uniforms. The muted colors, nod to the RCAF, and it's much more sophisticated than the original. Overall, it is so much better than anything Atlanta had.

Merchandise is available in Winnipeg. Heard some of those folks were in line for 4 hours picking up stuff.


I think I was just expecting something like "wow that's pretty awesome" when I saw it. Since they kept it so hush hush at the draft and couldn't even let the kid pull on an actual Jets jersey, I guess I expected something more. This doesn't seem like something it took them awhile to design.