WHA News Thread

[Captain Slack]

I like some of the things he's saying here. Definitely something the powers that be in the NHL need to pay attention to.

Bobby Hull hopes to lure son to WHA
By Wayne Karl
The Hockey News

The World Hockey Association will give it a Hull of a try when it launches its alternative to the NHL in 2004-05 -- two Hulls, in fact.

Bobby Hull, who has been named commissioner of the upstart league, said he hopes to convince son Brett to join him when Brett's contract with the Detroit Red Wings expires after next season.

"Absolutely," Bobby Hull told thehockeynews.com in his first interview in his new job. He will be formally introduced as commissioner via a media teleconference later this week.

"There are a number of players in Brett's position who are getting towards the waning of their careers, where they will have next year in the NHL.

"In order for the NHL to continue, they will have to break the league, they will have to install a salary cap, they will have to restructure, and they will have to profit-share.

No matter what (NHLPA executive director Bob) Goodenow says, the owners are saying 'If you guys don't want a salary cap, if you don't want to restructure, if you don't want to profit share, then you'll be out of business. And there will be a lot of people in the position that Brett Hull is in who will want to play another couple of years after the NHL players are locked out. Guys like Chris Chelios, Igor Larionov, Adam Oates, Steve Thomas and Phil Housley. People like that who could still play, and we would welcome them in our league."

Pretty bold statements for Hull's first week as commissioner, but that's exactly what the WHA enlisted him for.

"He gives us some credibility," said Allan Howell, co-founder of the new WHA.

He's sure to also bring the league some color and controversy -- something both he and Brett have become famous for throughout their careers. Bobby created waves in 1972 when, as one of the NHL's biggest stars of the time, he jumped to sign with the WHA's Winnipeg Jets for what was then a monstrous contract -- $2.75 million over 10 years. Given this background, and his experience in professional hockey, Hull says he's feels additional motivation for his new role.

"I feel, first of all, very privileged that these people think enough of me that they made me commissioner. And it's almost like, as Yogi Berra said, déjÃ* vu all over again.

"They formed the WHA in 1972 because they thought certain areas in the U.S. and Canada were being neglected by professional hockey," Hull said. "Now we're doing it for different reasons. We're doing it to bring back the families to the game, people who love the game, and make it an affordable night's entertainment.

"Right now you don't see a lot of kids at NHL games. (The WHA) is going to change that, so we don't lose those kids as the fan base for the future.

"I feel privileged to be able to do that."

Part of the WHA's plan includes designing its game to address some of the issues the NHL is facing right now. There will be no red line, no trapping, automatic no-touch icing, no checking from behind, and there will be clear rules against obstruction interference and other actions that impede the flow of the game. Officials will award penalty shots for some of these infractions, rather than two-minute minors.

One key change Hull will push for is that, for WHA franchises building new arenas, the ice surface should be the international size of 200 feet by 100 feet, as opposed to the NHL standard 200 by 85.

Hull as commissioner is a real, full-time assignment for the Hall of Famer, not merely a figurehead position. Currently based in Ashville, N.C., he will likely move to one of the WHA's new offices in Toronto or Orlando.

"I hope I can do a better job than Mr. Bettman," Hull laughed, when asked about how he will differ from his NHL counterpart. "My job is to suggest and ratify and use any expertise that I might have gained over the 23 years in professional hockey to make our game a better game."

[Ouragans]

I didn't realize the looming CBA and the overall condition of the league were this messed up.

Looking at the league from the perspective the WHA outlines. It might have some impact. I know people that truely love hockey and I don't feel that the "NHL" label has anything to do with.

My only complaint. I play hockey (badly), but I'm not fond of Olympic ice.

Just my 2 roubles.

[folgersnyourcup]

Wow. This ought to be pretty interesting! Should the lockout come and last a season long :(, the WHA would definitely be welcome in its' place for a chance to see hockey. It would be crap not being able to see the Canes play but at least there would be hockey in some form. I'm assuming that some national network would carry games though..... It would really stink to not be able to see any hockey at all for an entire year!

[1Irbegirlforever]

Great article Captain! They're having another meeting this coming monday and tuesday for the Asheville team that i plan on attending...i'll keep you posted if anything exciting happens! :) I believe they are supposed to decide on tueday which organization to go with. I guarantee it will be the WHA 2. It would be less of a financial risk to the city of Asheville and its taxpayers to choose the WHA 2. (and they have Hull as a big star to add to their resume) :)

[AbNormal27]

This is actually old news. This league has been rumoured for months.

http://www.letsgocanes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=409

The thing about this league is that they are trying to capitalize on the things that the NHL is missing out on. Namely, no redline, bigger ice surfaces (sorry Ourgans), no touch icings, a salary cap, and proven hockey markets (Winnipeg, Quebec City, Hamilton, Portland, and dare I say Hartford?). The idea of bringing in players like Larionov and Oates and people willing to lend their name to the product (I'm not sure Brett "The Mouth" Hull is a good choice) is a good idea too. As long as they stay away from the blue pucks, and no try to do some of the things the XFL did, I think it might work, if the media gives it a chance. My feelings? Well.................. BRING BACK THE WHALERS!

Aaryn

[Lady J]

Wow... I wonder what the NHL is going to do now? Having a player lockout next season could really torpedo the business. I wonder if the WHA can make this work.
http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies3/cepopossible.gif

[Shell]

Looking for NHL alternative? Spell it 'WHA'
Kara Yorio
Aug. 12, 2003

Want the red line removed? Wish North American hockey was played on an international-size ice surface? Dream of following your team across the Atlantic, not just the U.S./Canada border?

The time for all or some of that might be coming, but it will be the resurrected WHA, not the NHL, playing hockey genie and granting those wishes, not to mention the biggest wish of all: more affordable ticket prices.

Nothing is definite yet, but those are some of the more exciting possibilities for the WHA, which will restart for the 2004-05 season. Only Phoenix and Minneapolis have been announced as cities in the WHA, which hopes to capitalize on a lengthy NHL work stoppage but plans to move ahead on schedule even if the NHL doesn't miss a day. According to Al Howell, a co-developer of the reborn league, six or seven cities are in, and the league hopes to have 12. It needs a minimum of eight.

Four of those teams might make up a European division. That wasn't supposed to happen until the 2005-06 season, but the response has been so good the league is considering forming a European division for its inaugural season. Howell declined to identify interested European cities.

If it happens, Howell says, there likely will be two trips across the ocean per WHA team. Outside of that, teams would play in their division. There would be an 80-game season, and the playoffs eventually would pit Europe's best against North America's.

Right now, a Toronto architectural firm is working on the feasibility of enlarging North American ice surfaces to international size. If it's possible, the WHA will do it. Giving players more ice to work with could persuade a lot of players, particularly European players without NHL contracts next summer, to take a chance on the new league -- especially if they can play games in their homelands. They wouldn't make as much money as they had in the NHL, but that likely will be the case anyway after a new collective-bargaining agreement is sorted out.

The WHA will have a $10 million salary cap for each team, plus one "marquee" player who can exceed the cap.

"For example," Howell says, "our L.A. franchise would be interested in signing Brett Hull."

According to Howell, who projects the NHL stoppage will last 18 to 24 months, Hull's $5 million contract for next season and most others like it will disappear from the NHL. So, the WHA could sign Hull for $2 million or $3 million and give the franchise credibility and a marketable player. Hull could be the first big name to defect next summer. His father, Bobby, is the commissioner of the WHA and was a key figure in the WHA of the 1970s after he was lured from the Blackhawks.

Howell admits the game won't be at the NHL level for a few years, but it would be elite players competing at a high level, and it would be affordable for fans and profitable for owners. The most expensive WHA tickets are expected to be about $40 and the cheapest $8. Birmingham, Ala., Kansas City, Las Vegas, Quebec City, Sacramento and Winnipeg, Manitoba, are some possible locations for the teams. The WHA2, a developmental league that begins play in 2003-04, has teams in suburban Birmingham, Macon, Ga., and four Florida cities: Jacksonville, Lakeland, Orlando and Miami. At least a few of those teams likely would move up the WHA the next season.

Some players could be heading to Finland, Sweden, France or Germany for a trip in the winter of 2004-05. It's one reason the WHA is giving hockey fans something to look forward to after this NHL season.

[tommy]

It certainly will be interesting to see this all played out. If the stoppage really does last two years, like they say it could, and lots of NHLers had signed with WHA teams, it could be weird. Who knows, maybe the larger ice, and other augmentations will catch on. In that case, who says the NHL will get the players back? What would happen if we had 2 equally popular leagues? I mean, 2 years of the WHA, without any competition from the NHL, really would raise its stock among players and fans. Of course, the fans will be in different cities, but I know I'd still be interested. It is hockey, after all. This really will be interesting.

[Shell]

"He couldn't coach a dog out of a storm with a T-bone steak."

-- Bobby Hull giving a Dallas audience his opinion of former Stars coach Ken Hitchcock. Hull is the commissioner of the upstart WHA, which hopes to begin play next fall with a game he says will be more wide open and exciting than the NHL.

[AbNormal27]

In the Hockey News yearbook starting on page 60, former NHLer gives a proposal for how to open up the NHL, by widening the lines from 1 foot to 6 feet. Surely the WHA is taking note of things like this to make their product better than the NHL. JMHO.

Aaryn

[MoBigRed]

A few other scattered WHA write-ups...


JUST LIKE OLD TIMES: GOLDEN JET SIGNS WITH NEW WHA (http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/press_releases/press.asp?PressID=44)
WHA recycling itself three decades later (http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/LondonFreePress/Sports/2003/07/18/139009.html)
Possible lockout in NHL keeps WHA off thin ice (http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/sports/6336739.htm)


Official website and message boards


http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net
http://boards.hockeyattitude.com/index.php?showforum=43

[Shell]

Doesn't look like Asheville made the list unfortunately..

World Hockey Association Concludes franchise Meetings in Toronto
Posted by: Staff on Dec 10, 2003 - 09:21 PM
WHA

Representatives from 15 North American cities joined with league founders in discussions aimed at the revival of the World Hockey Association in December 2004.

Following the meetings, delegates chose a Management Committee to assist the Founders Group in implementing the strategy for the inaugural season.

The committee will be chaired by sports marketing and television consultant Jim Bates of Celebration, Florida. Members of the committee include: Jean-Paul Boily representing Québec City, Québec; Ed Litwak representing Portland, Oregon and Cleveland, Ohio; Mario Frankovich representing Hamilton, Ontario; Gino Naldini and John Marshall representing Toronto, Ontario; David Waronker representing Orlando, Florida; and Larry Keiser representing Chicago, Illinois.

Ten cities and ownership groups agreed to move forward to play in the inaugural season. They include the Canadian cities of Québec City, Québec; Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario; and the U.S. markets of Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; St. Louis, Missouri; Chicago, Illinois; and Orlando, Florida. Additionally a team of Russian players would be domiciled in a Canadian city to be announced at a later date.

Canadian cities represented at the meeting included Toronto, Halifax, Hamilton, Québec City, and Vancouver. U.S. cities represented were Cincinnati and Cleveland, the Bay Area of San Francisco and Oakland, California; Phoenix, Arizona; Portland; St. Louis, Missouri; Chicago; Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville, Florida, and Birmingham, Alabama.

The Toronto delegation also disclosed that they have held preliminary discussions regarding scheduling and the logistics of playing at SkyDome.

Commissioner Bobby Hull welcomed two former WHA stars to the meetings. One-time San Diego Mariners centre André Lacroix represented San Francisco while former Hartford Whalers winger Blaine Stoughton represented Cincinnati.

The Management Committee will hold their next organizational meetings in mid-January.

[AbNormal27]

DOH! Still no mention of bringing back the Whalers :mad: .................... yet ;) .

Aaryn

[MoBigRed]

Needless to say the whole WHA thing has kept me busy the past couple days!

No, no return to Hartford. MSG said they would happily vacate the mall for another NHL team, but they make no such offer for a WHA team. And therefore there's nowhere for a WHA franchise to play. There's talk of the 'Jerks possibly moving their minor league affiliate to the new arena in Brooklyn, so there's the possibility of something happening at that time, but who knows where the WHA will be by that point and if they'd even want to go to Hartford anyway.

[nccanes]

Associated Press

TORONTO -- A new World Hockey Association is set to start playing in October with at least six teams.

Commissioner Bobby Hull, the star player of the WHA of the 1970s, and other businessmen announced Wednesday that teams in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec; Detroit; Dallas; and Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., have buildings in which to play.

Two Ontario teams, in Toronto and Hamilton, are expected to join them shortly when they secure arena leases.

"A lot of them are in a situation right now where with this announcement they can go ahead and be selling season tickets by the first of next week," Hull said at a news conference.

The NHL's future is murky as its collective bargaining agreement with the players expires Sept. 15.

WHA team owners were frank in their belief that a labor disruption in the NHL would help their league gain fans looking for alternate sources of hockey.

"I'm convinced the CBA creates enough of an uncertainty to give us an opportunity," said Mario Frankovich, one of the owners of the Hamilton franchise and also chairman of the league's board.

The first WHA began in 1971 and became a rival to the NHL as it lured Hull from the Chicago Blackhawks and brought Gordie Howe out of retirement to play for the Houston Aeros with his sons.

The two leagues made a deal in 1979, with Edmonton, Quebec, Winnipeg and Hartford getting absorbed by the NHL and the WHA folding.

A 76-game season beginning Oct. 29. is planned for this edition of the WHA.


The league will have no red line, no-touch icing, touch-up offside and 3-on-3 overtime followed by a shootout.

[nccanes]

Associated Press

TORONTO -- A new World Hockey Association is set to start playing in October with at least six teams.

Commissioner Bobby Hull, the star player of the WHA of the 1970s, and other businessmen announced Wednesday that teams in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec; Detroit; Dallas; and Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., have buildings in which to play.

Two Ontario teams, in Toronto and Hamilton, are expected to join them shortly when they secure arena leases.

"A lot of them are in a situation right now where with this announcement they can go ahead and be selling season tickets by the first of next week," Hull said at a news conference.

The NHL's future is murky as its collective bargaining agreement with the players expires Sept. 15.

WHA team owners were frank in their belief that a labor disruption in the NHL would help their league gain fans looking for alternate sources of hockey.

"I'm convinced the CBA creates enough of an uncertainty to give us an opportunity," said Mario Frankovich, one of the owners of the Hamilton franchise and also chairman of the league's board.

The first WHA began in 1971 and became a rival to the NHL as it lured Hull from the Chicago Blackhawks and brought Gordie Howe out of retirement to play for the Houston Aeros with his sons.

The two leagues made a deal in 1979, with Edmonton, Quebec, Winnipeg and Hartford getting absorbed by the NHL and the WHA folding.

A 76-game season beginning Oct. 29. is planned for this edition of the WHA.


The league will have no red line, no-touch icing, touch-up offside and 3-on-3 overtime followed by a shootout.

[nccanes]

Associated Press

TORONTO -- A new World Hockey Association is set to start playing in October with at least six teams.

Commissioner Bobby Hull, the star player of the WHA of the 1970s, and other businessmen announced Wednesday that teams in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec; Detroit; Dallas; and Orlando and Jacksonville, Fla., have buildings in which to play.

Two Ontario teams, in Toronto and Hamilton, are expected to join them shortly when they secure arena leases.

"A lot of them are in a situation right now where with this announcement they can go ahead and be selling season tickets by the first of next week," Hull said at a news conference.

The NHL's future is murky as its collective bargaining agreement with the players expires Sept. 15.

WHA team owners were frank in their belief that a labor disruption in the NHL would help their league gain fans looking for alternate sources of hockey.

"I'm convinced the CBA creates enough of an uncertainty to give us an opportunity," said Mario Frankovich, one of the owners of the Hamilton franchise and also chairman of the league's board.

The first WHA began in 1971 and became a rival to the NHL as it lured Hull from the Chicago Blackhawks and brought Gordie Howe out of retirement to play for the Houston Aeros with his sons.

The two leagues made a deal in 1979, with Edmonton, Quebec, Winnipeg and Hartford getting absorbed by the NHL and the WHA folding.

A 76-game season beginning Oct. 29. is planned for this edition of the WHA.


The league will have no red line, no-touch icing, touch-up offside and 3-on-3 overtime followed by a shootout.

[tommy]

Got this off of some forum; does anyone know the truth to these other points?

-$10 million cap per team with one franchise player above the cap max. (specifically $5 million)
-draft will be July 10th
-looking for quick TV deal.

[tommy]

Got this off of some forum; does anyone know the truth to these other points?

-$10 million cap per team with one franchise player above the cap max. (specifically $5 million)
-draft will be July 10th
-looking for quick TV deal.

[tommy]

Got this off of some forum; does anyone know the truth to these other points?

-$10 million cap per team with one franchise player above the cap max. (specifically $5 million)
-draft will be July 10th
-looking for quick TV deal.

[nccanes]

I've certainly heard those things (except the TV deal).

I thought someone posted here (though it may have ended up in the CBA threads somewhere?), but I know I've read that the WHA will allow the drafting of 17 year olds, so Sydney Crosby could be drafted by the WHA.

I definitely heard about the 1 franchise player thing (hasn't Bret Hull said he'd play) and the low salary cap.

Seems like an odd collection of locations - Canadian cities, Detroit and then Dallas and two Florida cities. Guess they'll have the Northern and Southern divisions! ;)

MBR posted this above (a long time ago), but it looks to have some of the info you found and I recall:

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/

[nccanes]

I've certainly heard those things (except the TV deal).

I thought someone posted here (though it may have ended up in the CBA threads somewhere?), but I know I've read that the WHA will allow the drafting of 17 year olds, so Sydney Crosby could be drafted by the WHA.

I definitely heard about the 1 franchise player thing (hasn't Bret Hull said he'd play) and the low salary cap.

Seems like an odd collection of locations - Canadian cities, Detroit and then Dallas and two Florida cities. Guess they'll have the Northern and Southern divisions! ;)

MBR posted this above (a long time ago), but it looks to have some of the info you found and I recall:

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/

[nccanes]

I've certainly heard those things (except the TV deal).

I thought someone posted here (though it may have ended up in the CBA threads somewhere?), but I know I've read that the WHA will allow the drafting of 17 year olds, so Sydney Crosby could be drafted by the WHA.

I definitely heard about the 1 franchise player thing (hasn't Bret Hull said he'd play) and the low salary cap.

Seems like an odd collection of locations - Canadian cities, Detroit and then Dallas and two Florida cities. Guess they'll have the Northern and Southern divisions! ;)

MBR posted this above (a long time ago), but it looks to have some of the info you found and I recall:

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/

[nccanes]

Here's the PR from yesterday;

June 9, 2004

WHA set to play in 2004

Commissioner Bobby Hull, the Co-Founders and Board of Governors of the World Hockey Association today confirmed the new WHA will begin play in late October 2004.

At a media conference in Toronto the “original six� cities were announced. Two other cities were granted inaugural year franchises pending the completion of lease negotiations.

The six teams with arena leases or commitments now in place are Halifax, Nova Scotia (Metro Centre); Quebec, Quebec (Le Colisee Pepsi); Detroit, Michigan (Pontiac Silverdome); Dallas, Texas (Reunion Arena); Orlando, Florida (TD Waterhouse Center); and Jacksonville, Florida (Memorial Arena). Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario remain franchises in good standing pending the completion of lease negotiations prior to the July 10, 2004 Free Agent and Entry Level draft.

Representatives from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati were also in attendance.

The WHA anticipates a minimum of 10 franchises with a maximum of 12 confirmed before the draft.

The World Hockey Association will play a 76 game schedule beginning October 29, 2004. Franchises will operate on a maximum salary cap of (U.S.) 15-million dollars including a 5-million dollar marquee distinction.

Four rule alterations were announced by the WHA. They include removal of the center red line, no-touch icing, touch up offside and three on three overtime followed by a sudden death shootout to eliminate ties.

Named to the Board of Governors are: Mario Frankovich (Hamilton) Chairman; Rick Munro (Dallas) Vice-Chair; Jean-Paul Boily (Quebec), John Marshall (Halifax); Gino Naldini (Toronto); Jay Patel (Detroit); and Max Chambers (Jacksonville). The governor for Orlando will be appointed before the draft.

The Governors also authorized league Director of Hockey Operations Peter Young to short-list candidates for the positions of WHA League President, and WHA Referee-in-Chief.

[nccanes]

Here's the PR from yesterday;

June 9, 2004

WHA set to play in 2004

Commissioner Bobby Hull, the Co-Founders and Board of Governors of the World Hockey Association today confirmed the new WHA will begin play in late October 2004.

At a media conference in Toronto the “original six� cities were announced. Two other cities were granted inaugural year franchises pending the completion of lease negotiations.

The six teams with arena leases or commitments now in place are Halifax, Nova Scotia (Metro Centre); Quebec, Quebec (Le Colisee Pepsi); Detroit, Michigan (Pontiac Silverdome); Dallas, Texas (Reunion Arena); Orlando, Florida (TD Waterhouse Center); and Jacksonville, Florida (Memorial Arena). Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario remain franchises in good standing pending the completion of lease negotiations prior to the July 10, 2004 Free Agent and Entry Level draft.

Representatives from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati were also in attendance.

The WHA anticipates a minimum of 10 franchises with a maximum of 12 confirmed before the draft.

The World Hockey Association will play a 76 game schedule beginning October 29, 2004. Franchises will operate on a maximum salary cap of (U.S.) 15-million dollars including a 5-million dollar marquee distinction.

Four rule alterations were announced by the WHA. They include removal of the center red line, no-touch icing, touch up offside and three on three overtime followed by a sudden death shootout to eliminate ties.

Named to the Board of Governors are: Mario Frankovich (Hamilton) Chairman; Rick Munro (Dallas) Vice-Chair; Jean-Paul Boily (Quebec), John Marshall (Halifax); Gino Naldini (Toronto); Jay Patel (Detroit); and Max Chambers (Jacksonville). The governor for Orlando will be appointed before the draft.

The Governors also authorized league Director of Hockey Operations Peter Young to short-list candidates for the positions of WHA League President, and WHA Referee-in-Chief.

[nccanes]

Here's the PR from yesterday;

June 9, 2004

WHA set to play in 2004

Commissioner Bobby Hull, the Co-Founders and Board of Governors of the World Hockey Association today confirmed the new WHA will begin play in late October 2004.

At a media conference in Toronto the “original six� cities were announced. Two other cities were granted inaugural year franchises pending the completion of lease negotiations.

The six teams with arena leases or commitments now in place are Halifax, Nova Scotia (Metro Centre); Quebec, Quebec (Le Colisee Pepsi); Detroit, Michigan (Pontiac Silverdome); Dallas, Texas (Reunion Arena); Orlando, Florida (TD Waterhouse Center); and Jacksonville, Florida (Memorial Arena). Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario remain franchises in good standing pending the completion of lease negotiations prior to the July 10, 2004 Free Agent and Entry Level draft.

Representatives from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati were also in attendance.

The WHA anticipates a minimum of 10 franchises with a maximum of 12 confirmed before the draft.

The World Hockey Association will play a 76 game schedule beginning October 29, 2004. Franchises will operate on a maximum salary cap of (U.S.) 15-million dollars including a 5-million dollar marquee distinction.

Four rule alterations were announced by the WHA. They include removal of the center red line, no-touch icing, touch up offside and three on three overtime followed by a sudden death shootout to eliminate ties.

Named to the Board of Governors are: Mario Frankovich (Hamilton) Chairman; Rick Munro (Dallas) Vice-Chair; Jean-Paul Boily (Quebec), John Marshall (Halifax); Gino Naldini (Toronto); Jay Patel (Detroit); and Max Chambers (Jacksonville). The governor for Orlando will be appointed before the draft.

The Governors also authorized league Director of Hockey Operations Peter Young to short-list candidates for the positions of WHA League President, and WHA Referee-in-Chief.

[Shell]

wow, major blow to the WHA

Jun. 19, 2004. 01:00 AM
New league skating on very thin ice
Two of six teams drop out of WHA
Owner says he was `jerked around'
KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER

The fledgling reincarnation of the World Hockey Association took a devastating hit yesterday when two of the six confirmed teams for next season dropped out of the league.

WHA officials announced last week in Toronto that it had six cities confirmed for next season, but that is down to four after the owner of the Orlando Seals and Jacksonville Barracudas of the Southern Hockey League announced yesterday he has cancelled a transfer of ownership of the two teams to a prospective WHA owner.

David Waronker said instead he will keep the two teams and they will continue to play in the SHL, which is a low-level minor pro league.

Waronker said he had signed a letter of intent May 28 with a Calgary businessman named Max Chambers of a company called Star Leaf Sports. The letter called for Chambers' company to purchase the two franchises for $3.4 million (all figures U.S. funds) and for Chambers to provide a $100,000 deposit by June 2.

Waronker said he hasn't spoken to Chambers since then and claimed he has been "jerked around long enough.

"(Chambers) has been evasive and he's hiding," Waronker said. "He used this to finagle two franchises in the WHA. Then his lawyer comes to town and wants to redo all the terms of the deal. I can't keep going on like this."

Chambers did not return calls placed to him last night.

Waronker said he wishes the WHA well, but, judging by his experience with one of its potential owners, he isn't optimistic about the league's chances.

"They have some good people and it seems they have a good business plan in place, but they should probably start in two years," he said. "If they rush into this thing for next season, they're probably going to fail."

The only problem is that the WHA knows that it must try to gain a foothold next season, during which the NHL is expected to lock out its players.

The league has scheduled its draft for July 10 and announced last week that it hopes to have both Toronto and Hamilton on board soon, if lease deals can be worked out with the SkyDome and Copps Coliseum.

The league plans to have a salary cap of $15 million per team, with marquee players earning no more than $5 million.

[Shell]

wow, major blow to the WHA

Jun. 19, 2004. 01:00 AM
New league skating on very thin ice
Two of six teams drop out of WHA
Owner says he was `jerked around'
KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER

The fledgling reincarnation of the World Hockey Association took a devastating hit yesterday when two of the six confirmed teams for next season dropped out of the league.

WHA officials announced last week in Toronto that it had six cities confirmed for next season, but that is down to four after the owner of the Orlando Seals and Jacksonville Barracudas of the Southern Hockey League announced yesterday he has cancelled a transfer of ownership of the two teams to a prospective WHA owner.

David Waronker said instead he will keep the two teams and they will continue to play in the SHL, which is a low-level minor pro league.

Waronker said he had signed a letter of intent May 28 with a Calgary businessman named Max Chambers of a company called Star Leaf Sports. The letter called for Chambers' company to purchase the two franchises for $3.4 million (all figures U.S. funds) and for Chambers to provide a $100,000 deposit by June 2.

Waronker said he hasn't spoken to Chambers since then and claimed he has been "jerked around long enough.

"(Chambers) has been evasive and he's hiding," Waronker said. "He used this to finagle two franchises in the WHA. Then his lawyer comes to town and wants to redo all the terms of the deal. I can't keep going on like this."

Chambers did not return calls placed to him last night.

Waronker said he wishes the WHA well, but, judging by his experience with one of its potential owners, he isn't optimistic about the league's chances.

"They have some good people and it seems they have a good business plan in place, but they should probably start in two years," he said. "If they rush into this thing for next season, they're probably going to fail."

The only problem is that the WHA knows that it must try to gain a foothold next season, during which the NHL is expected to lock out its players.

The league has scheduled its draft for July 10 and announced last week that it hopes to have both Toronto and Hamilton on board soon, if lease deals can be worked out with the SkyDome and Copps Coliseum.

The league plans to have a salary cap of $15 million per team, with marquee players earning no more than $5 million.

[Shell]

wow, major blow to the WHA

Jun. 19, 2004. 01:00 AM
New league skating on very thin ice
Two of six teams drop out of WHA
Owner says he was `jerked around'
KEN CAMPBELL
SPORTS REPORTER

The fledgling reincarnation of the World Hockey Association took a devastating hit yesterday when two of the six confirmed teams for next season dropped out of the league.

WHA officials announced last week in Toronto that it had six cities confirmed for next season, but that is down to four after the owner of the Orlando Seals and Jacksonville Barracudas of the Southern Hockey League announced yesterday he has cancelled a transfer of ownership of the two teams to a prospective WHA owner.

David Waronker said instead he will keep the two teams and they will continue to play in the SHL, which is a low-level minor pro league.

Waronker said he had signed a letter of intent May 28 with a Calgary businessman named Max Chambers of a company called Star Leaf Sports. The letter called for Chambers' company to purchase the two franchises for $3.4 million (all figures U.S. funds) and for Chambers to provide a $100,000 deposit by June 2.

Waronker said he hasn't spoken to Chambers since then and claimed he has been "jerked around long enough.

"(Chambers) has been evasive and he's hiding," Waronker said. "He used this to finagle two franchises in the WHA. Then his lawyer comes to town and wants to redo all the terms of the deal. I can't keep going on like this."

Chambers did not return calls placed to him last night.

Waronker said he wishes the WHA well, but, judging by his experience with one of its potential owners, he isn't optimistic about the league's chances.

"They have some good people and it seems they have a good business plan in place, but they should probably start in two years," he said. "If they rush into this thing for next season, they're probably going to fail."

The only problem is that the WHA knows that it must try to gain a foothold next season, during which the NHL is expected to lock out its players.

The league has scheduled its draft for July 10 and announced last week that it hopes to have both Toronto and Hamilton on board soon, if lease deals can be worked out with the SkyDome and Copps Coliseum.

The league plans to have a salary cap of $15 million per team, with marquee players earning no more than $5 million.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I saw that this morning, Shell. :sad: You know, though, no WHA means one less chip the players have to bargain with in the CBA.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I saw that this morning, Shell. :sad: You know, though, no WHA means one less chip the players have to bargain with in the CBA.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I saw that this morning, Shell. :sad: You know, though, no WHA means one less chip the players have to bargain with in the CBA.

[Macabre]

Dang, that's a shame. Hopefully it picks up.

[Macabre]

Dang, that's a shame. Hopefully it picks up.

[Macabre]

Dang, that's a shame. Hopefully it picks up.

[puck_it]

As long as they stay away from the blue pucks, and no try to do some of the things the XFL did, I think it might work, if the media gives it a chance. My feelings? Well.................. BRING BACK THE WHALERS!

Aaryn

good point. but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players. Im just concerned that when the WHA 2 and the NHL are both operating NHL salaries will go higher. ie "hey i want this WHA 2 player and the most he can ever make ther is $x million... lets offer him twice that.

se what i mean

[puck_it]

As long as they stay away from the blue pucks, and no try to do some of the things the XFL did, I think it might work, if the media gives it a chance. My feelings? Well.................. BRING BACK THE WHALERS!

Aaryn

good point. but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players. Im just concerned that when the WHA 2 and the NHL are both operating NHL salaries will go higher. ie "hey i want this WHA 2 player and the most he can ever make ther is $x million... lets offer him twice that.

se what i mean

[puck_it]

As long as they stay away from the blue pucks, and no try to do some of the things the XFL did, I think it might work, if the media gives it a chance. My feelings? Well.................. BRING BACK THE WHALERS!

Aaryn

good point. but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players. Im just concerned that when the WHA 2 and the NHL are both operating NHL salaries will go higher. ie "hey i want this WHA 2 player and the most he can ever make ther is $x million... lets offer him twice that.

se what i mean

[AbNormal27]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

[puck_it]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

oooooo... I never got to see a WHA game :( wasnt born yet. I had no idea until now that they used blue pucks (just not something people talk about every day). The only blue ones i knew of were the pucks for peewee hockey. Thanks for letting me know... something to file away.

[puck_it]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

oooooo... I never got to see a WHA game :( wasnt born yet. I had no idea until now that they used blue pucks (just not something people talk about every day). The only blue ones i knew of were the pucks for peewee hockey. Thanks for letting me know... something to file away.

[puck_it]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

oooooo... I never got to see a WHA game :( wasnt born yet. I had no idea until now that they used blue pucks (just not something people talk about every day). The only blue ones i knew of were the pucks for peewee hockey. Thanks for letting me know... something to file away.

[nccanes]

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040708/halifax_70390.jpg
Wonder if they'll call them the fishsticks like they did the Islanders?

WHA introduces Halifax Icebreakers
Canadian Press
7/8/2004

HALIFAX (CP) - A reincarnated World Hockey Association is trying to break the ice in Atlantic Canada with the introduction of the Halifax Icebreakers.

Team owners and league officials, including commissioner Bobby Hull, were in the city Thursday to unveil the new team logo and promote what they say will be a more accessible and wide open game.

``We are going to let the star players entertain,'' Hull said. ``We are not going to let people inhibit them from doing their stuff.''

Hull left the NHL for the original WHA and a $1-million contract in 1972.

The league boasts seven teams on its website but it's not clear that all will be part of a planned 76-game start-up season this October.

Some still have to work out arena deals in their respective cities.

League officials say Dallas, Halifax, Quebec City, Detroit and Orlando have signed memorandums of understanding but there's no word yet on Toronto or Hamilton.

The player draft, scheduled for July 17-18, is targeting a large pool of free agents and young players such as junior standout Sidney Crosby of Cole Harbour, N.S.

However, Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, said later Thursday he hasn't seen an offer from the WHA and it's unlikely the major junior superstar would consider leaving the Rimouski Oceanic anyway.

``He's playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, so good luck for now ... Sidney's not really interested,'' Brisson told the Halifax Chronicle-Herald.

WHA officials are hoping some marquee NHL players will climb on board as the threat of labour trouble looms with the expiry of their collective agreement Sept. 15.

``We are not in competition with the NHL. We are an alternative,'' Hull said as he stood near the battered and tarnished Avco Cup, once emblematic of WHA supremacy, and signed memorabilia for fans.

``However, if those kids get locked out we would welcome those star players with open arms.''

The Icebreakers hope to name a front office and coach by next week, co-owner John Marshall said.

He and partner Gino Naldini also own the Toronto franchise, which is expected to revive the old Toros moniker.

Marshall said none of the owners were labouring under any illusions about their chance of success.

``I thing we're going to have to work for it. I don't think this is going to be an easy ride,'' he said following his club's introductory news conference.

``None of us are kidding ourselves but we're going to put a great product on.''

The new WHA will feature no red-line, no-touch icing, touch-up offside and three-on-three overtime followed by a shootout.

``It's going to be a gun and shoot style of hockey,'' Hull said of their plans for the league's style of play.

``We're also going to get the goaltender's equipment down so that a guy can see a bit of webbing when he comes in on the net.''



I wonder if someone will have "He Slash Me" on the back of their jersey? ;)

[nccanes]

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040708/halifax_70390.jpg
Wonder if they'll call them the fishsticks like they did the Islanders?

WHA introduces Halifax Icebreakers
Canadian Press
7/8/2004

HALIFAX (CP) - A reincarnated World Hockey Association is trying to break the ice in Atlantic Canada with the introduction of the Halifax Icebreakers.

Team owners and league officials, including commissioner Bobby Hull, were in the city Thursday to unveil the new team logo and promote what they say will be a more accessible and wide open game.

``We are going to let the star players entertain,'' Hull said. ``We are not going to let people inhibit them from doing their stuff.''

Hull left the NHL for the original WHA and a $1-million contract in 1972.

The league boasts seven teams on its website but it's not clear that all will be part of a planned 76-game start-up season this October.

Some still have to work out arena deals in their respective cities.

League officials say Dallas, Halifax, Quebec City, Detroit and Orlando have signed memorandums of understanding but there's no word yet on Toronto or Hamilton.

The player draft, scheduled for July 17-18, is targeting a large pool of free agents and young players such as junior standout Sidney Crosby of Cole Harbour, N.S.

However, Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson, said later Thursday he hasn't seen an offer from the WHA and it's unlikely the major junior superstar would consider leaving the Rimouski Oceanic anyway.

``He's playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, so good luck for now ... Sidney's not really interested,'' Brisson told the Halifax Chronicle-Herald.

WHA officials are hoping some marquee NHL players will climb on board as the threat of labour trouble looms with the expiry of their collective agreement Sept. 15.

``We are not in competition with the NHL. We are an alternative,'' Hull said as he stood near the battered and tarnished Avco Cup, once emblematic of WHA supremacy, and signed memorabilia for fans.

``However, if those kids get locked out we would welcome those star players with open arms.''

The Icebreakers hope to name a front office and coach by next week, co-owner John Marshall said.

He and partner Gino Naldini also own the Toronto franchise, which is expected to revive the old Toros moniker.

Marshall said none of the owners were labouring under any illusions about their chance of success.

``I thing we're going to have to work for it. I don't think this is going to be an easy ride,'' he said following his club's introductory news conference.

``None of us are kidding ourselves but we're going to put a great product on.''

The new WHA will feature no red-line, no-touch icing, touch-up offside and three-on-three overtime followed by a shootout.

``It's going to be a gun and shoot style of hockey,'' Hull said of their plans for the league's style of play.

``We're also going to get the goaltender's equipment down so that a guy can see a bit of webbing when he comes in on the net.''



I wonder if someone will have "He Slash Me" on the back of their jersey? ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OMG, they brought the fisherman back. *facepalm*

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OMG, they brought the fisherman back. *facepalm*

[StormShaman]

WE WANT FISHSTICKS!

*clap clap clap-clap-clap*

[StormShaman]

WE WANT FISHSTICKS!

*clap clap clap-clap-clap*

[Captain Slack]

Wow!!! That's ugly!! :eek: :faint:

[Captain Slack]

Wow!!! That's ugly!! :eek: :faint:

[goalie33]

If they have the wavy numbers, too, I'm there. :beatup:

[goalie33]

If they have the wavy numbers, too, I'm there. :beatup:

[AbNormal27]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?

Aaryn

[buck yucky]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?


There was talk, but at the end, they couldn't secure an arena deal. The Wolfpack lease that says they will leave if another NHL comes to town doesn't say anything about the WHA...

[buck yucky]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?


There was talk, but at the end, they couldn't secure an arena deal. The Wolfpack lease that says they will leave if another NHL comes to town doesn't say anything about the WHA...

[puck_it]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?


There was talk, but at the end, they couldn't secure an arena deal. The Wolfpack lease that says they will leave if another NHL comes to town doesn't say anything about the WHA...

another nhl team here??? hahha funny

[puck_it]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?


There was talk, but at the end, they couldn't secure an arena deal. The Wolfpack lease that says they will leave if another NHL comes to town doesn't say anything about the WHA...

another nhl team here??? hahha funny

[AbNormal27]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?


There was talk, but at the end, they couldn't secure an arena deal. The Wolfpack lease that says they will leave if another NHL comes to town doesn't say anything about the WHA...

another nhl team here??? hahha funny

I'm pretty sure BY was referring to the HARTFORD Wolfpack of the AHL.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

OK, alright, I've been patient..... *insert tapping foot emoticon here* ..... but where is my Hartford franchise :huh: ?


There was talk, but at the end, they couldn't secure an arena deal. The Wolfpack lease that says they will leave if another NHL comes to town doesn't say anything about the WHA...

another nhl team here??? hahha funny

I'm pretty sure BY was referring to the HARTFORD Wolfpack of the AHL.

Aaryn

[puck_it]

oooooooo
i .... knew... that

i thought the wolfpack lease was some other name cuz yeah NC State.... um im just... gonna ..shut up ... now

[puck_it]

oooooooo
i .... knew... that

i thought the wolfpack lease was some other name cuz yeah NC State.... um im just... gonna ..shut up ... now

[Turbulence]

oooooooo
i .... knew... that

i thought the wolfpack lease was some other name cu yeah NC State.... um im just... gonna ..shut up ... now

Hehe...took me a minute to figure it out too. :beatup:

[Turbulence]

oooooooo
i .... knew... that

i thought the wolfpack lease was some other name cu yeah NC State.... um im just... gonna ..shut up ... now

Hehe...took me a minute to figure it out too. :beatup:

[talkingcanes]

Belfour buys into WHA backup plan

By MIKE ZEISBERGER, TORONTO SUN

YOU ARE a 39-year-old goaltender with a brittle back and a two-year, $16-million US sweetheart deal with the Maple Leafs. If ever there were an insurance risk, Ed Belfour would seem to be it.

Yet should an agency decide to provide the Maple Leafs franchise goaltender with a suitable policy, Belfour said there is a "very real possibility" he will suit up for the Dallas Americans of the World Hockey Association if an NHL labour stoppage occurs.

During an afternoon news conference in Dallas yesterday, Belfour was introduced as a part-owner of the fledgling WHA franchise. As the man who will oversee all hockey-related activities with the team, he will play a significant role in the hiring of a general manager and coach by the end of the month.

And if he has his way, Eddie The Eagle once again could be donning the pads in front of the Dallas fans, who watched him lead the NHL Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999.

"I'm working on the insurance now," Belfour, who plans on retiring in Dallas once his playing days are over, told reporters. "I don't want to sit around. I can stay in shape and play for this team.

"In the event of a lockout, playing for the Dallas Americans is a real and viable option for me."

Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson Jr. was aware of Belfour's intentions long before a story in yesterday's Dallas Morning News documented the goalie's plans.

"When it comes to his off-ice ventures, he doesn't confer with me," Ferguson quipped before admitting the two men had previously chatted about Belfour's intentions.

"We've had discussions and exchanged thoughts (about it)."

Insurance remains the key if Belfour wishes to play. If Belfour were to injure himself with the Americans and could not play when the NHL starts up again, the Leafs would not be on the hook to pay him during his stint on the sidelines.

"If he were unable to perform (under that scenario), he would not be meeting the obligation of the deal (with the Leafs)," Ferguson said.

Belfour helped design the logo for the Americans, which features both the Texas and U.S. flags on the front of the red, white and blue jerseys.

Americans majority owner Rick Munro told the media that five franchises -- Halifax, Detroit, Quebec, Vancouver and Dallas -- are committed to the coming season. Note the absence of the Toronto Toros, who are having difficulties procuring a suitable venue.

[nccanes]

From a similar article about Belfour/WHA at TSN:


No player has been signed by any WHA entity.

The original WHA existed in the 1970s. Hull gave that league credibility by jumping to it from the NHL. But the reincarnated WHA says it doesn't intend to be a rival league to the NHL. Payrolls would be capped at about $10 million, with teams allowed to sign an additional marquee player for up to $5 million.

The WHA plans to encourage family attendance with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $65.

``We want to do something for the grassroots people and for hockey lovers at an affordable price,'' said Hull. ``We can't see anything wrong with that.''

Rules would promote more scoring than seen in the NHL. There would be a shootout if the score is tied at the end of a short overtime.

Now I realize that just listing a price range doesn't tell you much, but that price range doesn't seem as "family friendly" as I expected. Hell, you can go to just about any Canes game for $12. I hope the bulk of the seats are closer to the $10 range.

I bought tickets in the 2nd row from the glass for a Kelly Cup (ECHL) playoff game and they were under $25/ticket.

[nccanes]

From a similar article about Belfour/WHA at TSN:


No player has been signed by any WHA entity.

The original WHA existed in the 1970s. Hull gave that league credibility by jumping to it from the NHL. But the reincarnated WHA says it doesn't intend to be a rival league to the NHL. Payrolls would be capped at about $10 million, with teams allowed to sign an additional marquee player for up to $5 million.

The WHA plans to encourage family attendance with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $65.

``We want to do something for the grassroots people and for hockey lovers at an affordable price,'' said Hull. ``We can't see anything wrong with that.''

Rules would promote more scoring than seen in the NHL. There would be a shootout if the score is tied at the end of a short overtime.

Now I realize that just listing a price range doesn't tell you much, but that price range doesn't seem as "family friendly" as I expected. Hell, you can go to just about any Canes game for $12. I hope the bulk of the seats are closer to the $10 range.

I bought tickets in the 2nd row from the glass for a Kelly Cup (ECHL) playoff game and they were under $25/ticket.

[nccanes]

Saw that Greensboro Hurricane posted this at Fanhome. The FireAntz might not be our only option (if no NHL)...

Hockey league courts Greensboro
8-10-04

By Larry Keech Staff Writer
News & Record

GREENSBORO -- There is a chance that a pro hockey team will be playing home games at the Greensboro Coliseum in 2004-05 after all.

The fledgling World Hockey Association is considering Greensboro and Orlando, Fla., as prospective locations for a league-owned "founders' franchise" as part of an eight-team alignment.

"Greensboro and Orlando are the candidates for the eighth franchise, and we're planning to make a decision by the end of the week," WHA co-founder Allan Howell said Monday.

The WHA will play a 72-game schedule that will begin around Nov. 1 and continue through April 2005. Its current list of seven franchises is: Dallas; Detroit; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Hamilton, Ontario, Jacksonville, Fla.; Quebec City; and Toronto.

The league is a revival of the WHA that competed with the NHL during the 1970s, and its commissioner is former WHA and NHL star Bobby Hull. Its organizers are hoping to take advantage of the NHL's current labor problems to stock its teams with veteran players from the NHL and American Hockey League, along with rookies.

"We firmly believe that the NHL is facing a lockout that could last as long as 16 months and blow two seasons," Howell said. "Its whole economic model will have to be changed."

If Greensboro succeeds in securing a WHA franchise, local fans have reason to anticipate a higher competitive level of hockey than they saw in the ECHL from 1999 through 2004. The city lost its ECHL franchise after the 2003-04 season, when it was unable to secure a viable ownership arrangement for the Greensboro Generals.

Matt Brown, the Greensboro Coliseum's managing director, has continued to seek a hockey team as a primary tenant for the arena. Brown cited a few key advantages in his quest for the available WHA franchise.

"There isn't a more attractive building in the league," Brown said of the building that played host to the Carolina Hurricanes from 1997-99. "It's an NHL-caliber facility. And if the NHL is unable to overcome its labor issues, there will be a lot of hockey fans in the immediate area stretching from Raleigh through Greensboro to Roanoke, Va., with no team to support."

When reached at the WHA office in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Howell pointed out that the WHA has set up an economic model that is expected to cut ownership expenses and ticket prices by almost half.

"NHL operating budgets range from $30 million to $80 million," he said. "In the WHA, there will be a $10 million salary cap for players, and teams will be limited to one marquee player with no more than a $5 million salary.

"Tickets for WHA games will run in the $20-30 range and will be family-affordable."

Howell expressed a couple of concerns about Greensboro's viability as a WHA market.

"Is the market big enough?" he said. "From a distance, it's right on the edge in its ability to support a team in this league. Will enough fans drive from Winston-Salem, High Point, Raleigh and Roanoke to see the games?

"If we could locate some local ownership involvement, that would help put it over the top, but it hasn't surfaced yet. Orlando is a much larger market, but there have been some legal problems with ownership that could be resolved or worsen by the end of the week. So it's a difficult call right now."

[nccanes]

Saw that Greensboro Hurricane posted this at Fanhome. The FireAntz might not be our only option (if no NHL)...

Hockey league courts Greensboro
8-10-04

By Larry Keech Staff Writer
News & Record

GREENSBORO -- There is a chance that a pro hockey team will be playing home games at the Greensboro Coliseum in 2004-05 after all.

The fledgling World Hockey Association is considering Greensboro and Orlando, Fla., as prospective locations for a league-owned "founders' franchise" as part of an eight-team alignment.

"Greensboro and Orlando are the candidates for the eighth franchise, and we're planning to make a decision by the end of the week," WHA co-founder Allan Howell said Monday.

The WHA will play a 72-game schedule that will begin around Nov. 1 and continue through April 2005. Its current list of seven franchises is: Dallas; Detroit; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Hamilton, Ontario, Jacksonville, Fla.; Quebec City; and Toronto.

The league is a revival of the WHA that competed with the NHL during the 1970s, and its commissioner is former WHA and NHL star Bobby Hull. Its organizers are hoping to take advantage of the NHL's current labor problems to stock its teams with veteran players from the NHL and American Hockey League, along with rookies.

"We firmly believe that the NHL is facing a lockout that could last as long as 16 months and blow two seasons," Howell said. "Its whole economic model will have to be changed."

If Greensboro succeeds in securing a WHA franchise, local fans have reason to anticipate a higher competitive level of hockey than they saw in the ECHL from 1999 through 2004. The city lost its ECHL franchise after the 2003-04 season, when it was unable to secure a viable ownership arrangement for the Greensboro Generals.

Matt Brown, the Greensboro Coliseum's managing director, has continued to seek a hockey team as a primary tenant for the arena. Brown cited a few key advantages in his quest for the available WHA franchise.

"There isn't a more attractive building in the league," Brown said of the building that played host to the Carolina Hurricanes from 1997-99. "It's an NHL-caliber facility. And if the NHL is unable to overcome its labor issues, there will be a lot of hockey fans in the immediate area stretching from Raleigh through Greensboro to Roanoke, Va., with no team to support."

When reached at the WHA office in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Howell pointed out that the WHA has set up an economic model that is expected to cut ownership expenses and ticket prices by almost half.

"NHL operating budgets range from $30 million to $80 million," he said. "In the WHA, there will be a $10 million salary cap for players, and teams will be limited to one marquee player with no more than a $5 million salary.

"Tickets for WHA games will run in the $20-30 range and will be family-affordable."

Howell expressed a couple of concerns about Greensboro's viability as a WHA market.

"Is the market big enough?" he said. "From a distance, it's right on the edge in its ability to support a team in this league. Will enough fans drive from Winston-Salem, High Point, Raleigh and Roanoke to see the games?

"If we could locate some local ownership involvement, that would help put it over the top, but it hasn't surfaced yet. Orlando is a much larger market, but there have been some legal problems with ownership that could be resolved or worsen by the end of the week. So it's a difficult call right now."

[SoCalcaniac]

This whole WHA-Greensboro potentially setting up here thing? Hmmm. I guess if they could get it done, that would be an option for many hockey fans- however, I don't even want to be talking about which-NHLers-are-playing-in-the-WHA, as that would mean we are being locked out. And that wasn't a typo, the players would be choosing to be locked out by not finding any way to come to an agreement, and we the fans would be the ones holding the bag and being locked out. :mad:

[SoCalcaniac]

This whole WHA-Greensboro potentially setting up here thing? Hmmm. I guess if they could get it done, that would be an option for many hockey fans- however, I don't even want to be talking about which-NHLers-are-playing-in-the-WHA, as that would mean we are being locked out. And that wasn't a typo, the players would be choosing to be locked out by not finding any way to come to an agreement, and we the fans would be the ones holding the bag and being locked out. :mad:

[e2ipiand1]

Orlando was supposed to have a WUSA team, but had legal problems delay the construction of the stadium, so Durham got the Carolina Courage.

[e2ipiand1]

Orlando was supposed to have a WUSA team, but had legal problems delay the construction of the stadium, so Durham got the Carolina Courage.

[SoCalcaniac]

Orlando was supposed to have a WUSA team, but had legal problems delay the construction of the stadium, so Durham got the Carolina Courage.

No, the Triangle got the Courage, and they played at SAS Soccer Stadium in Cary, and before that, they played on the UNC campus.....

[SoCalcaniac]

Orlando was supposed to have a WUSA team, but had legal problems delay the construction of the stadium, so Durham got the Carolina Courage.

No, the Triangle got the Courage, and they played at SAS Soccer Stadium in Cary, and before that, they played on the UNC campus.....

[e2ipiand1]

Sorry, I live over by Greensboro, so I don't know my Triangle geography as well as I should. Gotta hit the books.

[e2ipiand1]

Sorry, I live over by Greensboro, so I don't know my Triangle geography as well as I should. Gotta hit the books.

[talkingcanes]

OK, show of hands, who thinks the WHA will ever actually happen? I have read on other boards about the lack of interest in the chosen cities. Players don't know they've been drafted and obviously don't care. Someone in Halifax posted that there is no discussion of it there. No coaches in place. Nothing. Two teams of the original 6 pulled out. None of it sounds too promising IMO. Thoughts?

[talkingcanes]

OK, show of hands, who thinks the WHA will ever actually happen? I have read on other boards about the lack of interest in the chosen cities. Players don't know they've been drafted and obviously don't care. Someone in Halifax posted that there is no discussion of it there. No coaches in place. Nothing. Two teams of the original 6 pulled out. None of it sounds too promising IMO. Thoughts?

[puck_it]

we r the only ones talking about it maybe well get a franchise :P

[puck_it]

we r the only ones talking about it maybe well get a franchise :P

[e2ipiand1]

I just checked the WHA's official website.
http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/
It hasn't been updated since 7/15/2004.

[e2ipiand1]

I just checked the WHA's official website.
http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/
It hasn't been updated since 7/15/2004.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OK, show of hands, who thinks the WHA will ever actually happen?

Note that my hand isn't up.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OK, show of hands, who thinks the WHA will ever actually happen?

Note that my hand isn't up.

[buck yucky]

I just checked the WHA's official website.
http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/
It hasn't been updated since 7/15/2004.


Not much to the WHA website, i'm afraid. There's still a board claiming to be the 'official' message board at http://hockeyattitude.ipbhost.com, which is the only place to really get any discussion on the league. Nobody there believes it's gonna happen either, for what it's worth.

[buck yucky]

I just checked the WHA's official website.
http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/
It hasn't been updated since 7/15/2004.


Not much to the WHA website, i'm afraid. There's still a board claiming to be the 'official' message board at http://hockeyattitude.ipbhost.com, which is the only place to really get any discussion on the league. Nobody there believes it's gonna happen either, for what it's worth.

[puck_it]

OK, show of hands, who thinks the WHA will ever actually happen?

Note that my hand isn't up.

well my hand is up.... but only one finger :beatup: guess which one :beatup:

[puck_it]

OK, show of hands, who thinks the WHA will ever actually happen?

Note that my hand isn't up.

well my hand is up.... but only one finger :beatup: guess which one :beatup:

[AbNormal27]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

For those of you who weren't aware of the "legendary" blue pucks the first incarnation of the WHA used, apparently they have decided to resurrect them as part of a "Reflections" series to recognize the heritage of the league. As long as they don't use them in game action, I think this is a neat idea. Here's one for auction.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2871&item=5116894818&rd=1

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

but the blue pucks are 2 oz(?) lighter than the standard pucks. they are only intended for little kids so they have something that moves easier. they would be too unstable for higher end players.

Actually, the blue pucks I was referring to were the ones the Original WHA used, not the toy ones you made light of.

Aaryn

For those of you who weren't aware of the "legendary" blue pucks the first incarnation of the WHA used, apparently they have decided to resurrect them as part of a "Reflections" series to recognize the heritage of the league. As long as they don't use them in game action, I think this is a neat idea. Here's one for auction.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2871&item=5116894818&rd=1

Aaryn

[puck_it]

thanks Aaryn now ive seen a blue puck! didnt they use red for a few games? i have yet to see those.

[puck_it]

thanks Aaryn now ive seen a blue puck! didnt they use red for a few games? i have yet to see those.

[AbNormal27]

thanks Aaryn now ive seen a blue puck! didnt they use red for a few games? i have yet to see those.

Unorthodox methods and the WHA went together like a cold hand in a warm glove. Who could forget the WHA’s coloured pucks? The first season saw the league with a fire engine red puck. Unfortunately, orfortunately to some, the paint chipped off very quickly. The following year the WHA was using blue pucks. However, these pucks got soft halfway through the game and began to uncharacteristically bounce. Needless to say, black pucks soon returned.

To answer your question, in a word, Yes.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

thanks Aaryn now ive seen a blue puck! didnt they use red for a few games? i have yet to see those.

Unorthodox methods and the WHA went together like a cold hand in a warm glove. Who could forget the WHA’s coloured pucks? The first season saw the league with a fire engine red puck. Unfortunately, orfortunately to some, the paint chipped off very quickly. The following year the WHA was using blue pucks. However, these pucks got soft halfway through the game and began to uncharacteristically bounce. Needless to say, black pucks soon returned.

To answer your question, in a word, Yes.

Aaryn

[Shell]

Wed, August 25, 2004
Crosby offered $7.5M by WHA
By BRUCE GARRIOCH, Ottawa Sun

The new World Hockey Association is hoping the colour of money will woo teenage phenom Sidney Crosby to Hamilton this season, the Sun has learned. A well-placed NHL source told the Sun last night that Hamilton WHA franchise owner Mario Frankovich has offered the 17-year-old Crosby a firm three-year, $7.5-million (all terms US) contract to leave the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic.

$2M GUARANTEED

Not only would Crosby, who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NHL entry draft in Ottawa next June, make $2.5 million per season, sources also confirmed he'll receive a guarantee of $2 million even if the fledgling league doesn't get off the ground this season.

Neither Crosby or his agent, Pat Brisson, could be reached for comment last night, but sources say the youngster is giving the idea serious thought before reporting to Rimouski's camp later this month.

Trying to bring credibility to the league and get a better lease deal at the Copps Coliseum from the city of Hamilton, sources say Frankovich is "quite serious" about this pitch and has held several discussions with Brisson.

135 POINTS AS ROOKIE

The 5-foot-10 Crosby had 54 goals and 81 assists for 135 points in 59 games with the Oceanic last season. A brilliant talent, he'd sell tickets for the WHA, but indications are he'll remain in Rimouski because of the uncertainty surrounding the new league.

[Shell]

Wed, August 25, 2004
Crosby offered $7.5M by WHA
By BRUCE GARRIOCH, Ottawa Sun

The new World Hockey Association is hoping the colour of money will woo teenage phenom Sidney Crosby to Hamilton this season, the Sun has learned. A well-placed NHL source told the Sun last night that Hamilton WHA franchise owner Mario Frankovich has offered the 17-year-old Crosby a firm three-year, $7.5-million (all terms US) contract to leave the QMJHL's Rimouski Oceanic.

$2M GUARANTEED

Not only would Crosby, who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NHL entry draft in Ottawa next June, make $2.5 million per season, sources also confirmed he'll receive a guarantee of $2 million even if the fledgling league doesn't get off the ground this season.

Neither Crosby or his agent, Pat Brisson, could be reached for comment last night, but sources say the youngster is giving the idea serious thought before reporting to Rimouski's camp later this month.

Trying to bring credibility to the league and get a better lease deal at the Copps Coliseum from the city of Hamilton, sources say Frankovich is "quite serious" about this pitch and has held several discussions with Brisson.

135 POINTS AS ROOKIE

The 5-foot-10 Crosby had 54 goals and 81 assists for 135 points in 59 games with the Oceanic last season. A brilliant talent, he'd sell tickets for the WHA, but indications are he'll remain in Rimouski because of the uncertainty surrounding the new league.

[Captain Slack]

Pardon me if I don't believe this till I see it. :roll:

Inside Dish: WHA pushes forward with plans for a season

By Kara Yorio - SportingNews


A co-founder of the resurrected World Hockey Association, Al Howell plans to start a season at the end of December--despite rumors the league won't make it. Last week, Howell was in Toronto for meetings aimed at securing teams and arenas. An announcement about which teams will participate is expected this week--or, if Howell's optimism proves misguided, there will be word that the league cannot go forward. According to Howell, the WHA needs at least six teams. Players will not be signed until the teams are lined up. . . .

Mods: Would it be possible to change the title of this thread to something more specific to WHA news/rumors? Thanks!

[Captain Slack]

Pardon me if I don't believe this till I see it. :roll:

Inside Dish: WHA pushes forward with plans for a season

By Kara Yorio - SportingNews


A co-founder of the resurrected World Hockey Association, Al Howell plans to start a season at the end of December--despite rumors the league won't make it. Last week, Howell was in Toronto for meetings aimed at securing teams and arenas. An announcement about which teams will participate is expected this week--or, if Howell's optimism proves misguided, there will be word that the league cannot go forward. According to Howell, the WHA needs at least six teams. Players will not be signed until the teams are lined up. . . .

Mods: Would it be possible to change the title of this thread to something more specific to WHA news/rumors? Thanks!

[AbNormal27]

Mods: Would it be possible to change the title of this thread to something more specific to WHA news/rumors? Thanks!

Nate, I'm not a Mod (I don't even play one on TV), but you can change the thread title yourself since you started this thread. All you have to do is edit your original post at the beginning the thread. VOILA!

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Mods: Would it be possible to change the title of this thread to something more specific to WHA news/rumors? Thanks!

Nate, I'm not a Mod (I don't even play one on TV), but you can change the thread title yourself since you started this thread. All you have to do is edit your original post at the beginning the thread. VOILA!

Aaryn

[Captain Slack]

Nate, I'm not a Mod (I don't even play one on TV), but you can change the thread title yourself since you started this thread. All you have to do is edit your original post at the beginning the thread. VOILA!

Aaryn

OH! Didn't know that!!! Guess I'll go do that now!! Thanks! :D

[Captain Slack]

Nate, I'm not a Mod (I don't even play one on TV), but you can change the thread title yourself since you started this thread. All you have to do is edit your original post at the beginning the thread. VOILA!

Aaryn

OH! Didn't know that!!! Guess I'll go do that now!! Thanks! :D

[puck_it]

such wisdom aaryn

[puck_it]

such wisdom aaryn

[nccanes]

WHA suspended until next year: report
WebPosted Thu, 30 Sep 2004 14:28:19 EDT
CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Those hoping to see a revival of the World Hockey Association might have to wait until next year.

The fledgling hockey league is expected to announce on Friday it cannot go through with plans to start its season in late December and will try again in 2005.

"All I can tell you is that we'll release a statement tomorrow, I can't say anything else," Allan Howell, the WHA's co-founder, told the Canadian Press on Thursday.

The new-look WHA, an inspiration of the 1970s league that competed with the NHL for players, was hoping to take advantage of the NHL lockout with a 60-game regular season with teams in Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Halifax and Toronto.

There were a number of stumbling blocks along the way for Howell and co-found Dr. Nick Vaccaro.

The WHA had trouble securing arena leases in some cities and NHLers seemed more interested in playing for more established leagues in Europe.

After awarding a franchise to Quebec City, the WHA was forced to pull the plug on the "Nordiks" when the ownership group didn't have enough funding.

Another major blow came when junior hockey phenom Sidney Crosby rejected a three-year, $7.5 million US deal from the Hamilton entry.

The final nail in the coffin came on Wednesday, when the Dallas Americans – co-owned by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour – pulled out due to lack of confidence in the league.

The WHA grabbed headlines when it signed Hall of Famer Bobby Hull as league commissioner. Back in the 1970s, Hull gave the old WHA credibility when he left the NHL and signed with the Winnipeg Jets for a $1-million signing bonus.

But unlike its predecessor, the new WHA wasn't going to hand out big cheques to its players. The league was planning a $10 million salary cap with one additional marquee player allowed on the team roster worth up to $5 million.

with files from Canadian Press

[nccanes]

WHA suspended until next year: report
WebPosted Thu, 30 Sep 2004 14:28:19 EDT
CBC SPORTS ONLINE - Those hoping to see a revival of the World Hockey Association might have to wait until next year.

The fledgling hockey league is expected to announce on Friday it cannot go through with plans to start its season in late December and will try again in 2005.

"All I can tell you is that we'll release a statement tomorrow, I can't say anything else," Allan Howell, the WHA's co-founder, told the Canadian Press on Thursday.

The new-look WHA, an inspiration of the 1970s league that competed with the NHL for players, was hoping to take advantage of the NHL lockout with a 60-game regular season with teams in Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Halifax and Toronto.

There were a number of stumbling blocks along the way for Howell and co-found Dr. Nick Vaccaro.

The WHA had trouble securing arena leases in some cities and NHLers seemed more interested in playing for more established leagues in Europe.

After awarding a franchise to Quebec City, the WHA was forced to pull the plug on the "Nordiks" when the ownership group didn't have enough funding.

Another major blow came when junior hockey phenom Sidney Crosby rejected a three-year, $7.5 million US deal from the Hamilton entry.

The final nail in the coffin came on Wednesday, when the Dallas Americans – co-owned by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour – pulled out due to lack of confidence in the league.

The WHA grabbed headlines when it signed Hall of Famer Bobby Hull as league commissioner. Back in the 1970s, Hull gave the old WHA credibility when he left the NHL and signed with the Winnipeg Jets for a $1-million signing bonus.

But unlike its predecessor, the new WHA wasn't going to hand out big cheques to its players. The league was planning a $10 million salary cap with one additional marquee player allowed on the team roster worth up to $5 million.

with files from Canadian Press

[Guyute]

they didn't really Expect the most touted youngster to come along in Decades to actually sign a three Year contract with a non-major league... did they?? lol. come on.

the kid gets mentioned in the same sentances as TGO. I wouldn't think he'd want to sign himself for the next 3 years to a league that may or may not ever play a game.

(yes, I realize the same could be said of the NHL at this point in time... but the likelihood of the NHL going again is MUCH higher than the odds of the WHA ever making it big)

[Guyute]

they didn't really Expect the most touted youngster to come along in Decades to actually sign a three Year contract with a non-major league... did they?? lol. come on.

the kid gets mentioned in the same sentances as TGO. I wouldn't think he'd want to sign himself for the next 3 years to a league that may or may not ever play a game.

(yes, I realize the same could be said of the NHL at this point in time... but the likelihood of the NHL going again is MUCH higher than the odds of the WHA ever making it big)

[AbNormal27]

World Hockey Association sold to new ownership group

TORONTO (AP) -- The fledgling World Hockey Association announced Monday an agreement has been reached to purchase its trademarks.

The sale is basically comprised of the WHA name and a few computers and desks from the Niagara Falls, Ontario head office. The new group, led by Toronto businessman William Smith, is planning to operate offices in Toronto, New York and Boca Raton, Fla.

The statement said Smith had been negotiating with WHA co-founder Nick Vaccaro for more than two weeks.

``Our plan is to quickly assemble our new team and decide if there is time to operate late in 2004 or early in 2005,'' Smith said. ``The business model established by Dr. Vaccaro and his group is still sound.''

The league appeared to be out of business before it even began play with the withdrawal two weeks ago of the Dallas Americans, co-owned by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour.

The WHA, trying to make its comeback after first folding in 1979, was originally hoping to kick off a 60-game regular season Dec. 26 with teams in Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Halifax, Miami, Toronto and Hamilton.

But problems with securing arena leases in some cities and a lack of commitments from players gave some of the previous owners cold feet.

Another blow to the league was having junior hockey phenom Sidney Crosby reject a 3-year, $7.5 million offer from Hamilton in August.

The original WHA existed in the 1970s.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

World Hockey Association sold to new ownership group

TORONTO (AP) -- The fledgling World Hockey Association announced Monday an agreement has been reached to purchase its trademarks.

The sale is basically comprised of the WHA name and a few computers and desks from the Niagara Falls, Ontario head office. The new group, led by Toronto businessman William Smith, is planning to operate offices in Toronto, New York and Boca Raton, Fla.

The statement said Smith had been negotiating with WHA co-founder Nick Vaccaro for more than two weeks.

``Our plan is to quickly assemble our new team and decide if there is time to operate late in 2004 or early in 2005,'' Smith said. ``The business model established by Dr. Vaccaro and his group is still sound.''

The league appeared to be out of business before it even began play with the withdrawal two weeks ago of the Dallas Americans, co-owned by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour.

The WHA, trying to make its comeback after first folding in 1979, was originally hoping to kick off a 60-game regular season Dec. 26 with teams in Dallas, Vancouver, Detroit, Halifax, Miami, Toronto and Hamilton.

But problems with securing arena leases in some cities and a lack of commitments from players gave some of the previous owners cold feet.

Another blow to the league was having junior hockey phenom Sidney Crosby reject a 3-year, $7.5 million offer from Hamilton in August.

The original WHA existed in the 1970s.

Aaryn

[puck_it]

The sale is basically comprised of the WHA name and a few computers and desks from the Niagara Falls, Ontario head office.



:laugh: :lol:

[puck_it]

The sale is basically comprised of the WHA name and a few computers and desks from the Niagara Falls, Ontario head office.



:laugh: :lol:

[Captain Slack]

Again, I'll believe it when I see it.

TORONTO -- The new owner of the World Hockey Association says his league will be up-and-running this season, perhaps as early as the end of January.

Ricky Smith, a 47-year-old British Columbia native, purchased the rights to the defunct league in October and told The Hockey News he hopes to make an announcement by the end of November detailing his master plan.

"The amount of seriousness we've put into this is at an extremely high level ... and time and money," Smith said. "And it's not just because the NHL is where it is today. The intention of this league was to work parallel with the NHL. We're going through with our plans."

Smith says those plans include:

A significant role for Bobby Hull, commissioner for the previous group that failed to get the league off the ground

A 42- to 46-game season in Year 1

Eight to 12 teams in Year 1, most likely concentrated in Central and Eastern Canada and the Northeast United States

One marquee player per team and two "sub-marquee" players, with the rest of the roster composed of journeyman NHLers and AHLers

Rule changes that would open up the game and make it more entertaining

Less expensive ticket prices than the NHL

A European Conference to begin play in Year 2

Smith says the league has been in contact with player agents about securing their clients' services and will try to attract some of the 200 unsigned NHLers. In addition, he says they'll attempt to entice some of the players who have gone to Europe to return to North America and will take another run at persuading phenom Sidney Crosby to join the fold.

"We'd be crazy not to (pursue Crosby)," he says. "His agent and his family would see we're extremely serious. It would be a very similar situation to when Wayne Gretzky was signed by the Indianapolis Racers (in 1979)."

Smith, whose family is involved in the timber industry, is confident he'll succeed where others have failed because his group -- which he says includes New York investment bankers -- has the necessary capital. He says the league, which he envisions being similar in stature to the 1972-79 WHA, has begun negotiations on arena deals and will pay for the leases up front. The league will then sublease the space to individual team owners.

Potential locales for franchises are New Jersey, Quebec and Toronto/Hamilton, Smith says.

Hull is also convinced this venture is different from the previous group and is excited about unveiling a new brand of hockey.

"We have to groom our game to the type of people we'd like to play in it," Hull says. "The kind of player who can play all over the ice and entertain the people royally. I'm talking about players like Brett Hull, Mike Modano, Chris Chelios and Jeremy Roenick."

As for rule changes, Hull said he's in favor of the introduction of no-touch icing, tag-up offsides, penalty shots for certain major fouls, shootouts and smaller goalie equipment.

"Let's put the same equipment on (today's goalies) as Glenn Hall and Terry Sawchuk and Tony Esposito and Gerry Cheevers and Johnny Bower had and let's see if they can stop the puck," he says.

Material from The Hockey News.
To subscribe, visit The Hockey News web site at: http://www.thehockeynews.com

[AbNormal27]

Miller: No new leagues on the horizon
TSN.ca Staff

At first glance, the timing couldn't have been better. With the NHL locked out, and fans starving for hockey, two new leagues attracted plenty of early attention.Â* But both the new World Hockey Association and the Original Stars Hockey League were spectacular failures, which may be why there are no other new leagues on the horizon.

The WHA had a two-year lead up, and a high profile commissioner in Hall of Famer Bobby Hull, who even appeared ready to deliver his son, Brett to the new loop.Â* But the financing for most of the new teams was thin to begin with. Hull turned out to be a less-than-stellar ambassador, and in the end, even attempts to land junior phenom Sidney Crosby couldn't hide the fact that the new World Hockey Association wasn't going to get off the ground - which it didn't.

These days, if you do an Internet search on the WHA, the first thing that pops up is the World Headache Association, which might be a fitting epitaph for the other WHA.

The group that appeared to have a chance was the Original Stars Hockey League, the brainchild of Ontario businessman Randy Gumbley, who managed to get more than 100 NHL regulars - including the likes of Dominik Hasek - to sign up and play in his four-on-four league.Â*

The concept of the Original Stars was big-name entertainment at affordable prices, but despite the promise, the league folded after just a few exhibition games, leaving behind a string of unpaid bills and bad feelings.Â* Gumbley, who put in the time and effort - not to mention over $100,000 of his own money - found that players and their agents began making demands that simply could not be met.

Maybe the OSHL had more in common with the NHL than anyone thought.

And while the Original Stars are still trying to book arena dates for early January, their current creditors were told this week that for the forseeable future, there is no money to pay them.

You see, as Randy Gumbley will tell you, running a professional hockey league is a lot harder than it looks.

Of course, Gary Bettman could probably tell you that, too.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

I guess the players are free to earn money playing hockey in whatever venue they choose, but not the agents....

Turfing of agents absurd

NHLPA kicks out another member while Frost is still certified
By STEVE SIMMONS -- Toronto Sun



Player agent Gus Badali, whose storied client list once included Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman and Paul Coffey, has had his certification revoked by the National Hockey Players' Association.

Badali was accused of conflict of interest by the NHLPA for his part in trying to get a Toronto Toros World Hockey Association franchise off the ground this year. While never under contract -- although he had been named team general manager -- Badali had prepared a draft list for the fledgling team and participated in the free-agent draft for a league that didn't exist.

After doing so, Badali was telephone by NHLPA boss Bob Goodenow and told he had violated NHLPA rules and his certification as an NHL agent was no longer valid.

"It all happened very quickly," said Badali, best known for turning a 17-year-old Wayne Gretzky pro back in 1978. "I was told I can't have any affiliation with a team. I accepted the fact that that was the rule."

COMPELLING CHARGES

Badali is one of two big-name agents who have been decertified in recent times. Last week, Bryant McBride, agent for Jason Allison and others, had his certification revoked by the NHLPA when he was accused of leaking privileged information to a Minneapolis newspaper.

The conflict of interest charges against Badali are compelling in light of other potential situations that involve the PA. For example, while Badali lost his certification for being involved with a WHA team, PA member and Maple Leafs goaltender Ed Belfour received no sanction of any kind for his ownership participation with the crumbled Dallas franchise.

How can it be conflict for an agent to involve himself with a team, but not for a playing member under contract to a National Hockey League team with ownership of a team in what was supposed to be a competitive league?

And the largest and most disgraceful conflict continues on -- the fact agents such as Badali and McBride lose their certification while a hockey embarrassment such as David Frost remains in good status with the NHLPA.

This is Bob Goodenow at his worst. For a man who is quick to point out conflict of interest, he doesn't seem to notice his own.

Frost, banned from three hockey leagues, has not been decertified by the NHLPA. Frost once worked as a player birddog for agent Mike Gillis, although Gillis all but denies that relationship now. Gillis is tight with Goodenow, who used to coach minor hockey alongside Frost in Toronto.

Frost coached Goodenow's son, Joe, in what was then the Metro Toronto Hockey League.

This is a conflict of interest Alan Eagleson couldn't deny, but Goodenow goes after the Badalis and the McBrides instead and typically -- this is the hockey world at its worst -- no one says anything.

Not even the people affected.

When asked how he feels about being decertified knowing that Frost remains in the good graces of the PA, Badali said:

"I'd rather not comment on that ... Only Bob Goodenow can answer if there are different rules for different people."

When asked why no agent speaks out against the inclusion of Frost in their organization, Badali said: "I'm sorry but I don't want to go there."

Badali did say he would re-apply for certification when the NHL is back in business. "Until then, there's no reason to be certified. I don't see any reason why I won't get back in."

All he needs to do is get banned from a league or two and he's a sure thing.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Miller: No new leagues on the horizon
TSN.ca Staff

f the Original Stars was big-name entertainment at affordable prices, but despite the promise, the league folded after just a few exhibition games, leaving behind a string of unpaid bills and bad feelings.Â* Gumbley, who put in the time and effort - not to mention over $100,000 of his own money - found that players and their agents began making demands that simply could not be met.





Aaryn

Players and agents had demands that couldn't be met? Now there'a a shocker..*L*

[AbNormal27]

WHA plans to launch league in the fall

TORONTO (CP) - The World Hockey Association, risking being accused of playing a broken record, announced Friday it plans to start a new pro league next autumn with no fewer than six franchises.

Murmurs were heard nearly two years ago that the WHA, which operated from 1972 till 1979, would be resurrected. It never got off the ground, and the front men sold rights to the name last October to businessman Ricky Smith.

The Friday news release says Smith has indicated that he and unnamed partners ''are in discussions with potential franchise owners and that several venues have recently been put on hold.''

No definition was provided to explain what it meant to put a venue on hold.

The news release added that Smith has been contacted by players ''as speculation mounts that the WHA is positioning itself as a breakaway league if the NHL and its players' association cannot come to terms.''

''I have had a lot of calls from players who want to jump on board and that's very exciting for us to hear,'' Smith was quoted as saying. ''But we have to remember that this is a long-term proposition for all of us and the product needs to stand on its own two feet regardless of what happens with the NHL labour dispute.''

The WHA's door is open if the NHLPA or any of its players want to walk through it, the release added.

''If enough of the pros come forward and want to commit to the WHA, we can look at all available options,'' Smith is quoted as saying.

The release concluded by stating that, ''The WHA will make further announcements as things develop.''ÂÂ*ÂÂ*ÂÂ* In a telephone interview, Smith said his group is different from the previous owners of the WHA label because, ''The previous group did not have the capital required to move forward.''

His group has financial backing and already is laying the groundwork to start a league, he said, adding that he has ''three scouts working in Europe and three or four in North America right now.''

Bobby Hull, whose jump from the NHL in the 1970s gave the original WHA credibility, is part of Smith's team, Smith said.

''Bobby was loosely involved with the previous regime,'' he explained. ''He was not taken care of.

''The first thing I did when I purchased the league was to sign Bobby to a contract. So, Bobby officially works for me. He's my active partner giving me advice. We meet probably twice a week. If I don't see him personally at my house in Toronto, we speak on the telephone.''

OK, I'll believe it when I see it. Is it just me or is this league beginning to look like the negotiations for a new CBA -------------- ALL TALK.

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

WHA plans to launch league in the fall

TORONTO (CP) - The World Hockey Association, risking being accused of playing a broken record, announced Friday it plans to start a new pro league next autumn with no fewer than six franchises.

Murmurs were heard nearly two years ago that the WHA, which operated from 1972 till 1979, would be resurrected. It never got off the ground, and the front men sold rights to the name last October to businessman Ricky Smith.

The Friday news release says Smith has indicated that he and unnamed partners ''are in discussions with potential franchise owners and that several venues have recently been put on hold.''

No definition was provided to explain what it meant to put a venue on hold.

The news release added that Smith has been contacted by players ''as speculation mounts that the WHA is positioning itself as a breakaway league if the NHL and its players' association cannot come to terms.''

''I have had a lot of calls from players who want to jump on board and that's very exciting for us to hear,'' Smith was quoted as saying. ''But we have to remember that this is a long-term proposition for all of us and the product needs to stand on its own two feet regardless of what happens with the NHL labour dispute.''

The WHA's door is open if the NHLPA or any of its players want to walk through it, the release added.

''If enough of the pros come forward and want to commit to the WHA, we can look at all available options,'' Smith is quoted as saying.

The release concluded by stating that, ''The WHA will make further announcements as things develop.''ÂÂ*ÂÂ*ÂÂ* In a telephone interview, Smith said his group is different from the previous owners of the WHA label because, ''The previous group did not have the capital required to move forward.''

His group has financial backing and already is laying the groundwork to start a league, he said, adding that he has ''three scouts working in Europe and three or four in North America right now.''

Bobby Hull, whose jump from the NHL in the 1970s gave the original WHA credibility, is part of Smith's team, Smith said.

''Bobby was loosely involved with the previous regime,'' he explained. ''He was not taken care of.

''The first thing I did when I purchased the league was to sign Bobby to a contract. So, Bobby officially works for me. He's my active partner giving me advice. We meet probably twice a week. If I don't see him personally at my house in Toronto, we speak on the telephone.''

OK, I'll believe it when I see it. Is it just me or is this league beginning to look like the negotiations for a new CBA -------------- ALL TALK.

Aaryn

[raleighcanesfan]

Aaryn...I agree about this...although I wish the CBA negotiations were a little 'more' talk... )-:

[raleighcanesfan]

Aaryn...I agree about this...although I wish the CBA negotiations were a little 'more' talk... )-:

[e2ipiand1]

Latest from http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net
Note the mention of Greensboro at the bottom.

New league offers a `realistic option'
WHA could make work for locked out hockey stars
`Revenue erosion' to start in 60 days: NHL executive
Donovan Vincent

Is the NHL headed down the road to extinction and could an alternate league arise in its place?
Such a plan might have sounded far-fetched before the cancellation of the season a few short weeks ago.

But now, with no new talks in sight and the players and NHL owners as far apart as ever, the seemingly fanciful notion of players suiting up in a new league continues to percolate.

"I think anything is a realistic option at this stage,'' St. Louis Blues defenceman Chris Pronger told reporters at a downtown Toronto hotel yesterday after players met with the NHL Players' Association's executive members.

Dallas Stars winger Bill Guerin said, "We can't rule anything out in the future," when asked about the possibility of a new league being formed, although he hastened to add that the focus right now is on a new deal.

The Ottawa Senators' Bryan Smolinski said he'd be open to giving an alternative league a try as well, a sentiment that was echoed by Los Angeles Kings forward Sean Avery.

"The players are ready,'' Avery said, adding that logistics like investors and sponsorship would need to be fully explored.

"There is a definite consensus on some big-name players,'' said Avery.An alternative league could also become a necessity in the minds of players if the NHL decides to bring in replacement players next season, an option that hasn't been ruled out by the league. Meanwhile, one executive, Tom Wilson of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was forecasting dire financial consequences for the NHL if the contract impasse isn't resolved soon.

He said that in 60 days the "erosion of all revenues'' will begin if no deal is reached and predicted that the $2 billion (all figures U.S.) league could see revenue generated next season drop to $800 million.

Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios said if things stay the way they are, he'd be encouraging players to jump ship to an alternative league next season, possibly one that could link up with a new World Hockey Association. Brett Hull, Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick have also expressed interest in playing in the WHA if the NHL is no longer a viable option.

Principals with the WHA, the revival of the former defunct league, have stated their intention to start up next season. League owner Ricky Smith and commissioner Bobby Hull say they're aiming for October and player agents have even been sent letters by the startup league. Smith says about 15 groups are looking to buy a club in his league and says Quebec city, Las Vegas, Hamilton and Greensboro, N.C., have made commitments.

He has been quoted as saying there would be no salary cap for any teams and has boldly stated his intention to try to woo teenage phenom Sidney Crosby.

To help spur interest in the league, former NHL great Phil Esposito has been recruited to run a WHA tournament in May and June with a winner-take-all format and a $5 million prize.

[e2ipiand1]

Latest from http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net
Note the mention of Greensboro at the bottom.

New league offers a `realistic option'
WHA could make work for locked out hockey stars
`Revenue erosion' to start in 60 days: NHL executive
Donovan Vincent

Is the NHL headed down the road to extinction and could an alternate league arise in its place?
Such a plan might have sounded far-fetched before the cancellation of the season a few short weeks ago.

But now, with no new talks in sight and the players and NHL owners as far apart as ever, the seemingly fanciful notion of players suiting up in a new league continues to percolate.

"I think anything is a realistic option at this stage,'' St. Louis Blues defenceman Chris Pronger told reporters at a downtown Toronto hotel yesterday after players met with the NHL Players' Association's executive members.

Dallas Stars winger Bill Guerin said, "We can't rule anything out in the future," when asked about the possibility of a new league being formed, although he hastened to add that the focus right now is on a new deal.

The Ottawa Senators' Bryan Smolinski said he'd be open to giving an alternative league a try as well, a sentiment that was echoed by Los Angeles Kings forward Sean Avery.

"The players are ready,'' Avery said, adding that logistics like investors and sponsorship would need to be fully explored.

"There is a definite consensus on some big-name players,'' said Avery.An alternative league could also become a necessity in the minds of players if the NHL decides to bring in replacement players next season, an option that hasn't been ruled out by the league. Meanwhile, one executive, Tom Wilson of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was forecasting dire financial consequences for the NHL if the contract impasse isn't resolved soon.

He said that in 60 days the "erosion of all revenues'' will begin if no deal is reached and predicted that the $2 billion (all figures U.S.) league could see revenue generated next season drop to $800 million.

Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios said if things stay the way they are, he'd be encouraging players to jump ship to an alternative league next season, possibly one that could link up with a new World Hockey Association. Brett Hull, Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick have also expressed interest in playing in the WHA if the NHL is no longer a viable option.

Principals with the WHA, the revival of the former defunct league, have stated their intention to start up next season. League owner Ricky Smith and commissioner Bobby Hull say they're aiming for October and player agents have even been sent letters by the startup league. Smith says about 15 groups are looking to buy a club in his league and says Quebec city, Las Vegas, Hamilton and Greensboro, N.C., have made commitments.

He has been quoted as saying there would be no salary cap for any teams and has boldly stated his intention to try to woo teenage phenom Sidney Crosby.

To help spur interest in the league, former NHL great Phil Esposito has been recruited to run a WHA tournament in May and June with a winner-take-all format and a $5 million prize.

[e2ipiand1]

Latest from http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net
Note the mention of Greensboro at the bottom.

New league offers a `realistic option'
WHA could make work for locked out hockey stars
`Revenue erosion' to start in 60 days: NHL executive
Donovan Vincent

Is the NHL headed down the road to extinction and could an alternate league arise in its place?
Such a plan might have sounded far-fetched before the cancellation of the season a few short weeks ago.

But now, with no new talks in sight and the players and NHL owners as far apart as ever, the seemingly fanciful notion of players suiting up in a new league continues to percolate.

"I think anything is a realistic option at this stage,'' St. Louis Blues defenceman Chris Pronger told reporters at a downtown Toronto hotel yesterday after players met with the NHL Players' Association's executive members.

Dallas Stars winger Bill Guerin said, "We can't rule anything out in the future," when asked about the possibility of a new league being formed, although he hastened to add that the focus right now is on a new deal.

The Ottawa Senators' Bryan Smolinski said he'd be open to giving an alternative league a try as well, a sentiment that was echoed by Los Angeles Kings forward Sean Avery.

"The players are ready,'' Avery said, adding that logistics like investors and sponsorship would need to be fully explored.

"There is a definite consensus on some big-name players,'' said Avery.An alternative league could also become a necessity in the minds of players if the NHL decides to bring in replacement players next season, an option that hasn't been ruled out by the league. Meanwhile, one executive, Tom Wilson of the Tampa Bay Lightning, was forecasting dire financial consequences for the NHL if the contract impasse isn't resolved soon.

He said that in 60 days the "erosion of all revenues'' will begin if no deal is reached and predicted that the $2 billion (all figures U.S.) league could see revenue generated next season drop to $800 million.

Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios said if things stay the way they are, he'd be encouraging players to jump ship to an alternative league next season, possibly one that could link up with a new World Hockey Association. Brett Hull, Mike Modano and Jeremy Roenick have also expressed interest in playing in the WHA if the NHL is no longer a viable option.

Principals with the WHA, the revival of the former defunct league, have stated their intention to start up next season. League owner Ricky Smith and commissioner Bobby Hull say they're aiming for October and player agents have even been sent letters by the startup league. Smith says about 15 groups are looking to buy a club in his league and says Quebec city, Las Vegas, Hamilton and Greensboro, N.C., have made commitments.

He has been quoted as saying there would be no salary cap for any teams and has boldly stated his intention to try to woo teenage phenom Sidney Crosby.

To help spur interest in the league, former NHL great Phil Esposito has been recruited to run a WHA tournament in May and June with a winner-take-all format and a $5 million prize.

[SoCalcaniac]

My hub saw the Greensboro mention in 2 other articles a couple days ago, hmmmmmmm.....................

[SoCalcaniac]

My hub saw the Greensboro mention in 2 other articles a couple days ago, hmmmmmmm.....................

[SoCalcaniac]

My hub saw the Greensboro mention in 2 other articles a couple days ago, hmmmmmmm.....................

[nccanes]

So after they sold the office furniture and name - they've redone the whole thing?

Different cities, different economic structure (no cap).

It's very hard to keep up!

So most importantly - will there still be the Halifax Icebreakers and will they still wear this?

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040708/halifax_70390.jpg

[nccanes]

So after they sold the office furniture and name - they've redone the whole thing?

Different cities, different economic structure (no cap).

It's very hard to keep up!

So most importantly - will there still be the Halifax Icebreakers and will they still wear this?

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040708/halifax_70390.jpg

[nccanes]

So after they sold the office furniture and name - they've redone the whole thing?

Different cities, different economic structure (no cap).

It's very hard to keep up!

So most importantly - will there still be the Halifax Icebreakers and will they still wear this?

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20040708/halifax_70390.jpg

[puck_it]

So after they sold the office furniture and name - they've redone the whole thing?


hey come on now give them a ltitle more credit! there were a few computers too. that boosts their assests by a couple thousand

much nicer website now too

[puck_it]

So after they sold the office furniture and name - they've redone the whole thing?


hey come on now give them a ltitle more credit! there were a few computers too. that boosts their assests by a couple thousand

much nicer website now too

[puck_it]

So after they sold the office furniture and name - they've redone the whole thing?


hey come on now give them a ltitle more credit! there were a few computers too. that boosts their assests by a couple thousand

much nicer website now too

[Captain Slack]

So most importantly - will there still be the Halifax Icebreakers

Let's hope so!

and will they still wear this?

Let's hope not! :evil:

[Captain Slack]

So most importantly - will there still be the Halifax Icebreakers

Let's hope so!

and will they still wear this?

Let's hope not! :evil:

[Captain Slack]

So most importantly - will there still be the Halifax Icebreakers

Let's hope so!

and will they still wear this?

Let's hope not! :evil:

[e2ipiand1]

TORONTO (CP) - In another sign that Sidney Crosby has outgrown junior hockey, the teenage phenom agreed to a multiyear endorsement deal Tuesday and said he'll consider all his options at the end of the Quebec league season.

Crosby, who is expected to be the top pick if there is an NHL draft this year, said he'll look at all his possibilities when the time comes.

" For sure I'm going to think about the WHA and Europe," Crosby said. The 17-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S., also would consider playing for Canada at the world hockey championship if asked.

" I want to go as far as possible with my junior team, that's my main focus," Crosby said. "But we'll see what happens. If I was ever available, obviously you want to play for Team Canada anytime you get a chance and to play for the senior men's world championship team would be amazing."

Crosby, who plays for the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, leads the league with 58 goals and 87 assists in 57 games.

Terms of the Reebok deal weren't released but reports suggested it was a multimillion-dollar five-year agreement.

Crosby will be a major part of Reebok's marketing strategy both on and off the ice, the company said in a release.

He joins a Reebok stable that includes fellow hockey players Mike Modano and Chris Pronger, basketball stars Allen Iverson and Yao Ming, and tennis player Andy Roddick.

Among the equipment Crosby will be wearing are the Rbk 8K FitLite helmet and the Rbk 8K skates. He will also use Reebok footwear, apparel and training equipment for his off-ice workouts.

" They pay attention to detail and for me, that's a big thing," Crosby said.

[e2ipiand1]

TORONTO (CP) - In another sign that Sidney Crosby has outgrown junior hockey, the teenage phenom agreed to a multiyear endorsement deal Tuesday and said he'll consider all his options at the end of the Quebec league season.

Crosby, who is expected to be the top pick if there is an NHL draft this year, said he'll look at all his possibilities when the time comes.

" For sure I'm going to think about the WHA and Europe," Crosby said. The 17-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S., also would consider playing for Canada at the world hockey championship if asked.

" I want to go as far as possible with my junior team, that's my main focus," Crosby said. "But we'll see what happens. If I was ever available, obviously you want to play for Team Canada anytime you get a chance and to play for the senior men's world championship team would be amazing."

Crosby, who plays for the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, leads the league with 58 goals and 87 assists in 57 games.

Terms of the Reebok deal weren't released but reports suggested it was a multimillion-dollar five-year agreement.

Crosby will be a major part of Reebok's marketing strategy both on and off the ice, the company said in a release.

He joins a Reebok stable that includes fellow hockey players Mike Modano and Chris Pronger, basketball stars Allen Iverson and Yao Ming, and tennis player Andy Roddick.

Among the equipment Crosby will be wearing are the Rbk 8K FitLite helmet and the Rbk 8K skates. He will also use Reebok footwear, apparel and training equipment for his off-ice workouts.

" They pay attention to detail and for me, that's a big thing," Crosby said.

[e2ipiand1]

TORONTO (CP) - In another sign that Sidney Crosby has outgrown junior hockey, the teenage phenom agreed to a multiyear endorsement deal Tuesday and said he'll consider all his options at the end of the Quebec league season.

Crosby, who is expected to be the top pick if there is an NHL draft this year, said he'll look at all his possibilities when the time comes.

" For sure I'm going to think about the WHA and Europe," Crosby said. The 17-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S., also would consider playing for Canada at the world hockey championship if asked.

" I want to go as far as possible with my junior team, that's my main focus," Crosby said. "But we'll see what happens. If I was ever available, obviously you want to play for Team Canada anytime you get a chance and to play for the senior men's world championship team would be amazing."

Crosby, who plays for the Rimouski Oceanic of the QMJHL, leads the league with 58 goals and 87 assists in 57 games.

Terms of the Reebok deal weren't released but reports suggested it was a multimillion-dollar five-year agreement.

Crosby will be a major part of Reebok's marketing strategy both on and off the ice, the company said in a release.

He joins a Reebok stable that includes fellow hockey players Mike Modano and Chris Pronger, basketball stars Allen Iverson and Yao Ming, and tennis player Andy Roddick.

Among the equipment Crosby will be wearing are the Rbk 8K FitLite helmet and the Rbk 8K skates. He will also use Reebok footwear, apparel and training equipment for his off-ice workouts.

" They pay attention to detail and for me, that's a big thing," Crosby said.

[nccanes]

So here begins the list of names for the WHA "tournament" in May.

I'm really curious about how y'all all feel about this. Would you watch?

I kind of feel like I'd record it in case I read a recap about it that piques my interest, but unless I feel like there is some effort being made toward negotations - I just don't feel like watching these guys.

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/20050306000.php

FWIW, in skimming the list (as of 3/8) - I see no Canes.

The "proposed" rules:

NO redline
Tagging up allowed
NO icing during penalties
Player sits out whole penalty regardless if opponent scores
We will rid the game of obstruction and clutching and grabbing by strictly - Enforcing hooking and holding rules
Players can curve the stick as they wish
Potentially eliminate 3rd man in game misconduct?

[nccanes]

So here begins the list of names for the WHA "tournament" in May.

I'm really curious about how y'all all feel about this. Would you watch?

I kind of feel like I'd record it in case I read a recap about it that piques my interest, but unless I feel like there is some effort being made toward negotations - I just don't feel like watching these guys.

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/20050306000.php

FWIW, in skimming the list (as of 3/8) - I see no Canes.

The "proposed" rules:

NO redline
Tagging up allowed
NO icing during penalties
Player sits out whole penalty regardless if opponent scores
We will rid the game of obstruction and clutching and grabbing by strictly - Enforcing hooking and holding rules
Players can curve the stick as they wish
Potentially eliminate 3rd man in game misconduct?

[nccanes]

So here begins the list of names for the WHA "tournament" in May.

I'm really curious about how y'all all feel about this. Would you watch?

I kind of feel like I'd record it in case I read a recap about it that piques my interest, but unless I feel like there is some effort being made toward negotations - I just don't feel like watching these guys.

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/20050306000.php

FWIW, in skimming the list (as of 3/8) - I see no Canes.

The "proposed" rules:

NO redline
Tagging up allowed
NO icing during penalties
Player sits out whole penalty regardless if opponent scores
We will rid the game of obstruction and clutching and grabbing by strictly - Enforcing hooking and holding rules
Players can curve the stick as they wish
Potentially eliminate 3rd man in game misconduct?

[apolinar]

Not interested. Not watching. It's not for the Stanley Cup.

[apolinar]

Not interested. Not watching. It's not for the Stanley Cup.

[apolinar]

Not interested. Not watching. It's not for the Stanley Cup.

[puck_it]

Not interested. Not watching. It's not for the Stanley Cup.

i agree sorta... im so starved for hockey that i might... but wouldnt advocate it. if it stays cap and there are NHLers then definately not.

and those rules... i agree with all except for NO 3rd man in game misconduct and whole penalty.

[puck_it]

Not interested. Not watching. It's not for the Stanley Cup.

i agree sorta... im so starved for hockey that i might... but wouldnt advocate it. if it stays cap and there are NHLers then definately not.

and those rules... i agree with all except for NO 3rd man in game misconduct and whole penalty.

[puck_it]

Not interested. Not watching. It's not for the Stanley Cup.

i agree sorta... im so starved for hockey that i might... but wouldnt advocate it. if it stays cap and there are NHLers then definately not.

and those rules... i agree with all except for NO 3rd man in game misconduct and whole penalty.

[goalie33]

Players can curve the stick as they wish

Is Bobby Hull still connected to the WHA? If so, or even if not, this rule will solve the scoring problem that the NHL blames on "oversized" goalie equipment. Good on ya, WHA. I can elaborate if someone wants a lecture, but as of right now I don't know how I'd begin it so I won't. :beatup:

[goalie33]

Players can curve the stick as they wish

Is Bobby Hull still connected to the WHA? If so, or even if not, this rule will solve the scoring problem that the NHL blames on "oversized" goalie equipment. Good on ya, WHA. I can elaborate if someone wants a lecture, but as of right now I don't know how I'd begin it so I won't. :beatup:

[goalie33]

Players can curve the stick as they wish

Is Bobby Hull still connected to the WHA? If so, or even if not, this rule will solve the scoring problem that the NHL blames on "oversized" goalie equipment. Good on ya, WHA. I can elaborate if someone wants a lecture, but as of right now I don't know how I'd begin it so I won't. :beatup:

[puck_it]

well he and Mikita made the banana blade famous, but wasnt Bathgate the one who used it first? cant remember who showed it to 'em

[puck_it]

well he and Mikita made the banana blade famous, but wasnt Bathgate the one who used it first? cant remember who showed it to 'em

[puck_it]

well he and Mikita made the banana blade famous, but wasnt Bathgate the one who used it first? cant remember who showed it to 'em

[nccanes]

Is Bobby Hull still connected to the WHA?

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/images/imgs/trio20050308.gif
Pictured (l to r): Vice President/Owner Mark McKelvie, League Commissioner Bobby Hull and President/Owner Ricky Smith


I do have to chuckle - when you go to the main page the music "taking care of business" plays. Nice choice given the state of the NHL.

[nccanes]

Is Bobby Hull still connected to the WHA?

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/images/imgs/trio20050308.gif
Pictured (l to r): Vice President/Owner Mark McKelvie, League Commissioner Bobby Hull and President/Owner Ricky Smith


I do have to chuckle - when you go to the main page the music "taking care of business" plays. Nice choice given the state of the NHL.

[nccanes]

Is Bobby Hull still connected to the WHA?

http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/images/imgs/trio20050308.gif
Pictured (l to r): Vice President/Owner Mark McKelvie, League Commissioner Bobby Hull and President/Owner Ricky Smith


I do have to chuckle - when you go to the main page the music "taking care of business" plays. Nice choice given the state of the NHL.

[Captain Slack]

Report: WHA aiming for spring tourney

TSN.ca Staff

3/14/2005

According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the on-again, off-again existence of a new World Hockey Association is on again...maybe.

The newspaper talks with investors Ricky Smith and Mark McKelvie about their plans, with Smith claiming that 16 cities could house WHA franchises, but that the more likely number would be ten to start.

In order to jumpstart the league, however, there is talk of a Bobby Hull Invitational tournament being held from May 20 to June 2 in which there is a $2-million, winner-take-all prize, with games being held in Hamilton and Vancouver. Players would receive $20,000 each for participating.

While it might sound like a long shot, Philadelphia Flyers star Jeremy Roenick is trying to recruit as many players as he can for the tournament.



"We're trying to put some money into guys' pockets," Roenick told the Inquirer. "People are dying to see some hockey in Canada. It can be a good thing. We've been wanting to do something like this for some time now."

The paper says Roenick has interest from Flyers teammates Robert Esche, Tony Amonte, Keith Primeau, Sean Burke and former Flyer Mark Recchi.

"We're grateful for NHLers coming to the tournament and we want to show them what wide-open hockey would look like in the WHA," Smith said.

Smith and McKelvie are hoping that the tournament will spur interest in the WHA brand of hockey and allow the league to start play in October.

It won't be easy.

They've found that it is difficult to get viable venues since NHL teams control the arenas in most larger market cities.

NHL Legal Counsel Bill Daly is not surprised that the WHA has had a difficult time getting off the ground. "The WHA's failure to get off the ground this year is not at all surprising," Daly told the Inquirer. "I think it speaks to the enormous commitment, resources and capital that are necessary to operate a professional sports league, and to just how difficult it can be to find owners and organizations willing to contribute those things, as well as to assume the risk, economic and otherwise, of failing to succeed."

[Captain Slack]

Report: WHA aiming for spring tourney

TSN.ca Staff

3/14/2005

According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the on-again, off-again existence of a new World Hockey Association is on again...maybe.

The newspaper talks with investors Ricky Smith and Mark McKelvie about their plans, with Smith claiming that 16 cities could house WHA franchises, but that the more likely number would be ten to start.

In order to jumpstart the league, however, there is talk of a Bobby Hull Invitational tournament being held from May 20 to June 2 in which there is a $2-million, winner-take-all prize, with games being held in Hamilton and Vancouver. Players would receive $20,000 each for participating.

While it might sound like a long shot, Philadelphia Flyers star Jeremy Roenick is trying to recruit as many players as he can for the tournament.



"We're trying to put some money into guys' pockets," Roenick told the Inquirer. "People are dying to see some hockey in Canada. It can be a good thing. We've been wanting to do something like this for some time now."

The paper says Roenick has interest from Flyers teammates Robert Esche, Tony Amonte, Keith Primeau, Sean Burke and former Flyer Mark Recchi.

"We're grateful for NHLers coming to the tournament and we want to show them what wide-open hockey would look like in the WHA," Smith said.

Smith and McKelvie are hoping that the tournament will spur interest in the WHA brand of hockey and allow the league to start play in October.

It won't be easy.

They've found that it is difficult to get viable venues since NHL teams control the arenas in most larger market cities.

NHL Legal Counsel Bill Daly is not surprised that the WHA has had a difficult time getting off the ground. "The WHA's failure to get off the ground this year is not at all surprising," Daly told the Inquirer. "I think it speaks to the enormous commitment, resources and capital that are necessary to operate a professional sports league, and to just how difficult it can be to find owners and organizations willing to contribute those things, as well as to assume the risk, economic and otherwise, of failing to succeed."

[Captain Slack]

Report: WHA aiming for spring tourney

TSN.ca Staff

3/14/2005

According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the on-again, off-again existence of a new World Hockey Association is on again...maybe.

The newspaper talks with investors Ricky Smith and Mark McKelvie about their plans, with Smith claiming that 16 cities could house WHA franchises, but that the more likely number would be ten to start.

In order to jumpstart the league, however, there is talk of a Bobby Hull Invitational tournament being held from May 20 to June 2 in which there is a $2-million, winner-take-all prize, with games being held in Hamilton and Vancouver. Players would receive $20,000 each for participating.

While it might sound like a long shot, Philadelphia Flyers star Jeremy Roenick is trying to recruit as many players as he can for the tournament.



"We're trying to put some money into guys' pockets," Roenick told the Inquirer. "People are dying to see some hockey in Canada. It can be a good thing. We've been wanting to do something like this for some time now."

The paper says Roenick has interest from Flyers teammates Robert Esche, Tony Amonte, Keith Primeau, Sean Burke and former Flyer Mark Recchi.

"We're grateful for NHLers coming to the tournament and we want to show them what wide-open hockey would look like in the WHA," Smith said.

Smith and McKelvie are hoping that the tournament will spur interest in the WHA brand of hockey and allow the league to start play in October.

It won't be easy.

They've found that it is difficult to get viable venues since NHL teams control the arenas in most larger market cities.

NHL Legal Counsel Bill Daly is not surprised that the WHA has had a difficult time getting off the ground. "The WHA's failure to get off the ground this year is not at all surprising," Daly told the Inquirer. "I think it speaks to the enormous commitment, resources and capital that are necessary to operate a professional sports league, and to just how difficult it can be to find owners and organizations willing to contribute those things, as well as to assume the risk, economic and otherwise, of failing to succeed."

[Captain Slack]

Landing European owners a significant move
By Scott Burnside, Special to ESPN.com
Scott Burnside Archive

The World Hockey Association continues to edge closer to rebirth.

The league confirmed Tuesday it will hold a six-team, high-stakes tournament in late May at General Motors Place, home of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks.

Additionally, ESPN.com has learned that a group of eastern European investors is interested in buying 49 percent of the WHA and owning one of the fledgling league's top North American franchises when play begins next fall.

It's expected the European group will seek ownership of the Hamilton, Ontario, franchise and will attempt to sign major junior star Sydney Crosby to its roster. Additionally, the group, which is believed to be powerful hockey czars who have already spent lavishly on a professional team in Europe, would take control of the WHA's European division, which is slated to begin play in 2006-07. The group would also be involved in possible expansion by the WHA into Japan.

"Of course we must look at this offer seriously as it would provide additional strength to the WHA as well as solidify our goals of expansion into Europe and Japan," WHA president Ricky Smith told ESPN.com. "This group would bring leadership, a wealth of hockey background and the desire to compete. What more could we ask for? The fact that it would assist us in our desire to offer Sidney Crosby a contract with the WHA is another factor we cannot overlook."

Another benefit of the partnership would be the ability to lure top-notch European players to North America next season, especially if the NHL is not able to resolve its labor dispute that scuttled the 2004-05 season.

Smith said a decision on the ownership bid will be made by the end of the week.

The infusion of between $150 million and $225 million for the minority share, plus a $7 million franchise fee, improves the perception of the WHA, which has been attempting to prove its legitimacy to fans, agents and the players who would form the backbone of the eight to 10 franchises the league hopes to ice in late October.

"For sure I'm going to think about the WHA and Europe," Crosby told reporters in Toronto earlier this month, shortly after signing a multiyear endorsement deal with Reebok.

Crosby, a native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, is the consensus No.1 pick for the 2005 NHL draft. However, if the NHL does not reach a new collective bargaining in time to hold the event as scheduled on June 25 and 26 in Ottawa or before the next NHL is scheduled to begin, Crosby's future becomes uncertain. It's likely the most promising junior hockey player of this generation will seek a higher level of competition next season, even though he is still under contract to play in the Quebec Major Junior League. It's believed Crosby, 17, would prefer to play in North America, especially if a WHA franchise would be willing to meet his salary demands.

Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson of IMG, said he wasn't aware of the potential involvement of the European ownership group, but added it might be a factor when Crosby makes a decision on where to play next season.

"It solidifies the [WHA's] operation, no doubt," Brisson said Monday. "The bottom line is you want to make sure you're getting involved with the right product. You don't want a league that will fold after two months."

The WHA originally had planned to instill a salary-cap system. However, it has recently backed off the idea partly because it is targeting owners with significant financial resources and partly to enhance the possibility of attracting NHL players, who have rejected the system offered by NHL owners. :roll:

The WHA's road to legitimacy doesn't begin and end with Crosby.

Reebok has been in negotiation with the league for lead sponsorship of its tournament, dubbed The Bobby Hull Invitational after WHA commissioner Bobby Hull, a former star with the league during its heyday in the early 1970s.

The WHA also has enlisted Hall of Famer Phil Esposito to serve as tournament chairman. The tournament features a $2 million purse for the winning team and offers a $20,000 participation fee for each player. The event, which runs from May 20 to June 2, will feature three teams playing a round-robin format in Hamilton or Toronto and three others playing at GM Place. The winners of each "division" will play off in a best-of-five series in Vancouver.

Smith confirmed the WHA has made a down payment on a lease agreement with Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, owner of the arena and the Canucks, but he would not disclose the amount.

While some members of the Canucks could end up playing in their home rink for a rival league, Smith said owners and operators of a number of NHL buildings with whom the WHA has discussed similar arrangements view the WHA in the same light as a church revival group, a tractor pull or a circus that wants to lease their building for an event.

Harvey Jones, vice president and general manager of arena operations for Orca Bay, said they're not prejudicial in their dealings with the WHA.

"We're arena operators. We're dealing with a third party," Jones said.

The WHA also is in discussions that would have IMG organize The Bobby Hull Invitational, instead of hosting an exhibition series of its own. Sources said the WHA is willing to put up a $4.5 million security bond to ensure the relationship, although rosters won't be limited to IMG players.

Brisson wouldn't confirm Crosby's participation in the tournament but said the tournament is crucial to the WHA's credibility and that top-notch players will definitely be involved if the financial package and other elements of the tournament are secured.

"You'll see some great hockey talent," Brisson predicted.

According to the WHA's Web site, 67 NHL players will play in the tournament, including Tony Amonte, Keith Primeau, Scott Gomez, Jose Theodore, Sean Burke, Derian Hatcher, Dany Heatley, Jarome Iginla and Nicklas Lidstrom, although Brisson cautioned that some may have only expressed interest and are waiting final details before committing.

The games will feature a host of changes to conventional NHL rules. The center red line will be removed; penalized players will serve the entire penalty, regardless if a goal is scored; and teams will be able to change lines only on the fly. Teams will be awarded one point for every period won and two points for a game victory for a total of five possible points per game.

Six captains will pick their squads in a draft format in April.

Scott Burnside is a freelance writer based in Atlanta and is a frequent contributor to ESPN.com.

[Captain Slack]

Landing European owners a significant move
By Scott Burnside, Special to ESPN.com
Scott Burnside Archive

The World Hockey Association continues to edge closer to rebirth.

The league confirmed Tuesday it will hold a six-team, high-stakes tournament in late May at General Motors Place, home of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks.

Additionally, ESPN.com has learned that a group of eastern European investors is interested in buying 49 percent of the WHA and owning one of the fledgling league's top North American franchises when play begins next fall.

It's expected the European group will seek ownership of the Hamilton, Ontario, franchise and will attempt to sign major junior star Sydney Crosby to its roster. Additionally, the group, which is believed to be powerful hockey czars who have already spent lavishly on a professional team in Europe, would take control of the WHA's European division, which is slated to begin play in 2006-07. The group would also be involved in possible expansion by the WHA into Japan.

"Of course we must look at this offer seriously as it would provide additional strength to the WHA as well as solidify our goals of expansion into Europe and Japan," WHA president Ricky Smith told ESPN.com. "This group would bring leadership, a wealth of hockey background and the desire to compete. What more could we ask for? The fact that it would assist us in our desire to offer Sidney Crosby a contract with the WHA is another factor we cannot overlook."

Another benefit of the partnership would be the ability to lure top-notch European players to North America next season, especially if the NHL is not able to resolve its labor dispute that scuttled the 2004-05 season.

Smith said a decision on the ownership bid will be made by the end of the week.

The infusion of between $150 million and $225 million for the minority share, plus a $7 million franchise fee, improves the perception of the WHA, which has been attempting to prove its legitimacy to fans, agents and the players who would form the backbone of the eight to 10 franchises the league hopes to ice in late October.

"For sure I'm going to think about the WHA and Europe," Crosby told reporters in Toronto earlier this month, shortly after signing a multiyear endorsement deal with Reebok.

Crosby, a native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, is the consensus No.1 pick for the 2005 NHL draft. However, if the NHL does not reach a new collective bargaining in time to hold the event as scheduled on June 25 and 26 in Ottawa or before the next NHL is scheduled to begin, Crosby's future becomes uncertain. It's likely the most promising junior hockey player of this generation will seek a higher level of competition next season, even though he is still under contract to play in the Quebec Major Junior League. It's believed Crosby, 17, would prefer to play in North America, especially if a WHA franchise would be willing to meet his salary demands.

Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson of IMG, said he wasn't aware of the potential involvement of the European ownership group, but added it might be a factor when Crosby makes a decision on where to play next season.

"It solidifies the [WHA's] operation, no doubt," Brisson said Monday. "The bottom line is you want to make sure you're getting involved with the right product. You don't want a league that will fold after two months."

The WHA originally had planned to instill a salary-cap system. However, it has recently backed off the idea partly because it is targeting owners with significant financial resources and partly to enhance the possibility of attracting NHL players, who have rejected the system offered by NHL owners. :roll:

The WHA's road to legitimacy doesn't begin and end with Crosby.

Reebok has been in negotiation with the league for lead sponsorship of its tournament, dubbed The Bobby Hull Invitational after WHA commissioner Bobby Hull, a former star with the league during its heyday in the early 1970s.

The WHA also has enlisted Hall of Famer Phil Esposito to serve as tournament chairman. The tournament features a $2 million purse for the winning team and offers a $20,000 participation fee for each player. The event, which runs from May 20 to June 2, will feature three teams playing a round-robin format in Hamilton or Toronto and three others playing at GM Place. The winners of each "division" will play off in a best-of-five series in Vancouver.

Smith confirmed the WHA has made a down payment on a lease agreement with Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, owner of the arena and the Canucks, but he would not disclose the amount.

While some members of the Canucks could end up playing in their home rink for a rival league, Smith said owners and operators of a number of NHL buildings with whom the WHA has discussed similar arrangements view the WHA in the same light as a church revival group, a tractor pull or a circus that wants to lease their building for an event.

Harvey Jones, vice president and general manager of arena operations for Orca Bay, said they're not prejudicial in their dealings with the WHA.

"We're arena operators. We're dealing with a third party," Jones said.

The WHA also is in discussions that would have IMG organize The Bobby Hull Invitational, instead of hosting an exhibition series of its own. Sources said the WHA is willing to put up a $4.5 million security bond to ensure the relationship, although rosters won't be limited to IMG players.

Brisson wouldn't confirm Crosby's participation in the tournament but said the tournament is crucial to the WHA's credibility and that top-notch players will definitely be involved if the financial package and other elements of the tournament are secured.

"You'll see some great hockey talent," Brisson predicted.

According to the WHA's Web site, 67 NHL players will play in the tournament, including Tony Amonte, Keith Primeau, Scott Gomez, Jose Theodore, Sean Burke, Derian Hatcher, Dany Heatley, Jarome Iginla and Nicklas Lidstrom, although Brisson cautioned that some may have only expressed interest and are waiting final details before committing.

The games will feature a host of changes to conventional NHL rules. The center red line will be removed; penalized players will serve the entire penalty, regardless if a goal is scored; and teams will be able to change lines only on the fly. Teams will be awarded one point for every period won and two points for a game victory for a total of five possible points per game.

Six captains will pick their squads in a draft format in April.

Scott Burnside is a freelance writer based in Atlanta and is a frequent contributor to ESPN.com.

[Captain Slack]

Landing European owners a significant move
By Scott Burnside, Special to ESPN.com
Scott Burnside Archive

The World Hockey Association continues to edge closer to rebirth.

The league confirmed Tuesday it will hold a six-team, high-stakes tournament in late May at General Motors Place, home of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks.

Additionally, ESPN.com has learned that a group of eastern European investors is interested in buying 49 percent of the WHA and owning one of the fledgling league's top North American franchises when play begins next fall.

It's expected the European group will seek ownership of the Hamilton, Ontario, franchise and will attempt to sign major junior star Sydney Crosby to its roster. Additionally, the group, which is believed to be powerful hockey czars who have already spent lavishly on a professional team in Europe, would take control of the WHA's European division, which is slated to begin play in 2006-07. The group would also be involved in possible expansion by the WHA into Japan.

"Of course we must look at this offer seriously as it would provide additional strength to the WHA as well as solidify our goals of expansion into Europe and Japan," WHA president Ricky Smith told ESPN.com. "This group would bring leadership, a wealth of hockey background and the desire to compete. What more could we ask for? The fact that it would assist us in our desire to offer Sidney Crosby a contract with the WHA is another factor we cannot overlook."

Another benefit of the partnership would be the ability to lure top-notch European players to North America next season, especially if the NHL is not able to resolve its labor dispute that scuttled the 2004-05 season.

Smith said a decision on the ownership bid will be made by the end of the week.

The infusion of between $150 million and $225 million for the minority share, plus a $7 million franchise fee, improves the perception of the WHA, which has been attempting to prove its legitimacy to fans, agents and the players who would form the backbone of the eight to 10 franchises the league hopes to ice in late October.

"For sure I'm going to think about the WHA and Europe," Crosby told reporters in Toronto earlier this month, shortly after signing a multiyear endorsement deal with Reebok.

Crosby, a native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, is the consensus No.1 pick for the 2005 NHL draft. However, if the NHL does not reach a new collective bargaining in time to hold the event as scheduled on June 25 and 26 in Ottawa or before the next NHL is scheduled to begin, Crosby's future becomes uncertain. It's likely the most promising junior hockey player of this generation will seek a higher level of competition next season, even though he is still under contract to play in the Quebec Major Junior League. It's believed Crosby, 17, would prefer to play in North America, especially if a WHA franchise would be willing to meet his salary demands.

Crosby's agent, Pat Brisson of IMG, said he wasn't aware of the potential involvement of the European ownership group, but added it might be a factor when Crosby makes a decision on where to play next season.

"It solidifies the [WHA's] operation, no doubt," Brisson said Monday. "The bottom line is you want to make sure you're getting involved with the right product. You don't want a league that will fold after two months."

The WHA originally had planned to instill a salary-cap system. However, it has recently backed off the idea partly because it is targeting owners with significant financial resources and partly to enhance the possibility of attracting NHL players, who have rejected the system offered by NHL owners. :roll:

The WHA's road to legitimacy doesn't begin and end with Crosby.

Reebok has been in negotiation with the league for lead sponsorship of its tournament, dubbed The Bobby Hull Invitational after WHA commissioner Bobby Hull, a former star with the league during its heyday in the early 1970s.

The WHA also has enlisted Hall of Famer Phil Esposito to serve as tournament chairman. The tournament features a $2 million purse for the winning team and offers a $20,000 participation fee for each player. The event, which runs from May 20 to June 2, will feature three teams playing a round-robin format in Hamilton or Toronto and three others playing at GM Place. The winners of each "division" will play off in a best-of-five series in Vancouver.

Smith confirmed the WHA has made a down payment on a lease agreement with Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment, owner of the arena and the Canucks, but he would not disclose the amount.

While some members of the Canucks could end up playing in their home rink for a rival league, Smith said owners and operators of a number of NHL buildings with whom the WHA has discussed similar arrangements view the WHA in the same light as a church revival group, a tractor pull or a circus that wants to lease their building for an event.

Harvey Jones, vice president and general manager of arena operations for Orca Bay, said they're not prejudicial in their dealings with the WHA.

"We're arena operators. We're dealing with a third party," Jones said.

The WHA also is in discussions that would have IMG organize The Bobby Hull Invitational, instead of hosting an exhibition series of its own. Sources said the WHA is willing to put up a $4.5 million security bond to ensure the relationship, although rosters won't be limited to IMG players.

Brisson wouldn't confirm Crosby's participation in the tournament but said the tournament is crucial to the WHA's credibility and that top-notch players will definitely be involved if the financial package and other elements of the tournament are secured.

"You'll see some great hockey talent," Brisson predicted.

According to the WHA's Web site, 67 NHL players will play in the tournament, including Tony Amonte, Keith Primeau, Scott Gomez, Jose Theodore, Sean Burke, Derian Hatcher, Dany Heatley, Jarome Iginla and Nicklas Lidstrom, although Brisson cautioned that some may have only expressed interest and are waiting final details before committing.

The games will feature a host of changes to conventional NHL rules. The center red line will be removed; penalized players will serve the entire penalty, regardless if a goal is scored; and teams will be able to change lines only on the fly. Teams will be awarded one point for every period won and two points for a game victory for a total of five possible points per game.

Six captains will pick their squads in a draft format in April.

Scott Burnside is a freelance writer based in Atlanta and is a frequent contributor to ESPN.com.

[AbNormal27]

WHA addresses issues in online letter

5/5/2005
The World Hockey Association addressed some of its current issues in an online 'state of the union' letter to fans on Thursday, including the recent departure of partner and Hocky Hall of Famer Phil Esposito.

"As some of you may be aware, we have parted ways with Phil Esposito and Henry Paul," the letter read.

"There has been some confusion in the press on this matter so we would like to clear it up. The simple fact is that we let Phil and Henry go. They were in fact paid, and rather well. Unfortunately, they as well had a difficult time securing funding and sponsorship, which was their sole function and after a period of non-performance, we decided that we could use the $54,500 CDN a month that we paid them in a more productive fashion. In addition we were also disappointed to hear that in a meeting set up by the WHA between Phil Esposito and a potential franchise owner that Phil Esposito was actually telling this potential WHA franchise owner that he was about to try to start his own league. When we hear this we had no choice but to part ways. Again, we would have preferred that this stay a private matter between two groups but when we saw the news articles we had no choice but tell our side of the story. We are sorry for this embarrassing situation for all."

According a report last month in the Toronto Sun, Esposito says he pulled out of the venture weeks ago because he had not been paid his promotional fees.

The move jeopardized the launch of the Bobby Hull Invitational tournament - a 'testing ground' for the re-launch of the World Hockey Association. The three-team event was scheduled to take place in Toronto and Hamilton on May 20, with the winner meeting a Western team for $2 million in prize money.

According to the WHA web site, locked out NHL players like Jarome Iginla, Dany Heatley and Chris Chelios were to participate in the tournament.

"We have had a few setbacks along the way," the letter stated.ÂÂ*

"We lost a major financial partner for the Bobby Hull Invitational at the last minute due to their concern over low turnout at some of the other exhibition events, as well as perceived fan frustration toward the NHL and its players. While we tried to show them that turnout in other leagues (AHL, OHL, etc) was at an all time high, and that the fan interest in the WHA and this tournament is very strong, we were unable to retain them as a funding source. We are however currently very close to replacing them with another source of capital and hope to be able to announce this within a week. We will at this time announce the new dates for the tournament. We would expect a start date in the first week of June. On the positive side today we secured a TV deal that will allow many more people to enjoy the tournament if they cannot come in person."

Aaryn