Two stories today. Here's the reaction from the rest of the league, and here's what Kalamazoo GM Wade Welsh says about why the Wings are leaving.
Two stories today. Here's the reaction from the rest of the league, and here's what Kalamazoo GM Wade Welsh says about why the Wings are leaving.
Comments
Right on Hit!
Unfortunately in this day and age Blake is correct about the entertainment factor over the sport. Think about it, every time the wrastlin', I mean WWE comes to town, sell out. Those guys really almost hit each other too!
I don't know that the entertainment thing is just a Fort Wayne thing though. I like quite a few different sports and travel to the Pro facilities and there isn't a sport or a facility that doesn't try to add entertainment to the event to keep all of the ADD fans hooked during slow times. I take that back, Tony George doesn't do much once the race is going on down at Indy and we've heard the RUMORS about what they are trying to do with him down there.
I think the people of Fort Wayne are insane about their sports teams, but in the day of 286 channels for basic Fios customers, the recliner is more appealing to fighting traffic, paying for parking, $8 beers (or however much they are), and actually having to deal with people. EVERYONE in town loves their teams, no matter what level, but not everyone is willing to pay to go see those teams that they are supposedly fans of. On top of all of that, I still am not seeing a totally healthy economy with people having their jobs back. While we all may be fortunate enough to have kept our employment, A LOT of people around cannot say the same.
If the Kalamazoo owners wanted to get out of hockey, they could just close up shop.
Its doubtfull they are longing for bankruptcy or financial suicide !!!
If we have learned anything in the last year , its the need to build ( or rebuild ) your business on a FIRM FOUNDATION.
No matter how we HOPE that the IHL regains its stature from its glory days, there is NO proof that thats going to happen.
Especially when you are basing the HEALTH of your league on Port Huron and Flint,there is NO way you can make that a viable arguement.
So the Ownership in K-zoo says lets reorganize.
Start with an ESTABLISHED league. One that is already what the IHL hopes to be ...someday...
Maybe, look at building a better facility for the future.
Travel costs, etc. yes, but base your revenue on a variety of teams and marketing , for games other than just when Ft. Wayne comes to town.
Im Sorry, but WAKE UP!! Adding UNPROVEN teams in questionable circumstances probably isn't the answer.
The owners at Kalamazoo weren't going to wait around,waiting for the IHL baloon to bust.
I'd Love to see a poll taken.
Should the Komets stay with the IHL
or Not.
Lets go to the ontario hockey league!!
Tony George....do tell....!!!
It is not a perfect world, the IHL is not a perfect league...but they are trying dang hard to get there and I say lets support them. I much rather improve this league than jump to the ECHL that is not better, maybe worse due to the price for us....and the AHL I know is the bestest thing around according to some, but are you willing to pay for it...I know some of you think we are paying those prices now...but it would go up drastically if we made that move right now.
Grow the IHL....blastphemy to the K-Wings!!! Is that how you spell that...that was the first time I ever attempted it...LOL
Again, look at your history. They averaged about 50 wins a year during the late 1980s and didn't draw. The easiest thing in the world is to gamble with somebody else's money or tell them how to spend it.
It's very easy to look at the attendance figures in the other leagues and figure out who's making money and who isn't. Most of them aren't which is why there's so much turmoil in minor league hockey.
How'd they draw in the 90's and 00's. I mean recently not 20-30 years ago.... I think people would still come if the komets were in the A or the E. I'd personally like to see more than 5 teams
During the early to mid 1990's the Komets had the building filled to about 98% of capacity. Granted, the arena seated about 8003 and allowed another 200-300 standing room.
If Indy came to town, it would often be sold out for days before the game.
Having a few more teams is nice, but I want to see long term stability even if the IHL is only 6-7 teams.
Alan: This'll sound boring, but I'm gonna say blue. But there be DRAGONS here. :D
Er... wait... you were asking about my writing, right?
Where did Osman sign?
Wendy: I was just kidding. Actually I thought it took a lot of imagination. While trying to put some humor back into the blog you also were able to "hit the nail on the head." I believe in my heart that this Kalamazoo situation will come back to haunt them unless they have thought this through very well. Some things just do not add up. We will find out soon enough, but I think somehow the Wings will be back in the IHL. Nothing about this makes sense with the information we have been given.
International Hockey League's bylaws state that if a team leaves the league, it cannot skate in another circuit, professional or amateur, for three years.
Blake, can you confirm this?
I've heard the same thing, but at the same time Kalamazoo announced in their press release that they were leaving under their right according to the same bylaws. It will likely all be decided in court.
Sorry, Dschebig, can't let you do that. N-S policy. Until something is actually filed.
Go Red Wings!
That's cool! I understand. I hope I didn't cause you any problems.
I see the I-H-L web site has removed "All" referance to Kalamazoo. I find that very interesting. Red Wings win tonight! I will take a guess 3-2.
Penguins win! Series tied 2-2. Time for another repeat!
its funny how chaulker names himself after a player that if he gets his wish of an ahl team, then he wouldnt get to see his namesake.