``We've committed to the Central Hockey League,'' he said. ``There's no question about that. I'm satisfied with things in the CHL, but I'm not satisfied with things going on in the industry, and that's a broken record for me. I've been saying this for a long time.
``We have a lot of smart people in the business now, probably a better group than we've had in a number of years. I'm sure all of those businessmen and businesswomen who are involved in ownership of these teams are begining to do all the right things. I think we started that process out last spring. It's just an interesting time. I choose to be optimistic that things are going to work out well for minor league hockey.''
Comments
Ft.Wayne Chicago
K-zoo Missouri
Toledo Quad City
Dayton Bloomy
Cincinnati Evansville
Here is the league for next year.
Two things for sure....
#1
Hockey chaos has been every summer for the last 50 years.
But now you have some nutty "rumer mongering" web sites out there blowing stuff up and calling for every doomsday scenario. If this technology would have been available in the early 90's when the AHL lost a half dozen Canadian teams you would have thought that league was dead.
#2 If the Komets do what I "rumored" for the last two years they will do by 2014 and that is go to a 10 team midwest league it will be widely accepted by the fans....unless the Franke family has anything to do with it and then the bashers will be all over it.
I for one want them involved in anything that goes on because they have the most experience and a proven track record of building winning hockey teams (even if I don't always agree with how they go about it). You want people at the top who know what they are doing. Give me David and Michael Franke as well as Scott Sproat in a leadership role and in my opinion you give yourself the best chance to succeed.
It was called the IHL2 and it failed.....
And if Blake's fellow beat writers in cities like Quad City, Odessa, Bossier-Shreveport, Allen, Colorado, Corpus Christi, etc... are nutty rumor mongering writers, then so be it.... The chatter is out there, you can either put weight to it or not; but reputable people are writing about these rumors, getting the run around from thier local teams and the league, and fans are worried in darn near every city. Snuff, you can poo-poo all the rumors and discussion all you want; but its not just a bunch of tin foil hat wearing folks who are talking about it....
And what exactly are they saying, JR? Nothing. They know nothing, so they all jump at shadows. Some of you guys come up with garbage and then go to another site and say, but so and so was quoted on X site as saying... and then act like it's Gospel when you actually made the crap up in the first place. And it's still crap then, too.
Sometimes you just have to wait until things are done to see what happens. And nine times out of 10 nothing actually happens, so matter how much chaos you'd like to create. The one time something happens everybody goes ga-ga and quotes that forever as PROOF that they were right. It's like the theory that changing coaches mid-season works, when all anyone ever points to as credit for that is Bob Lemon and the Yankees, and the Penguins a few years ago. They never look at the thousands of times it ever made any difference.
It's going to get a whole lot worse before it even starts to get better, and it's not going to get better before next year.
Heaven forbid newspaper reporters try to report, you know, facts. And sometimes only facts because they don't know, or until they develop, you know, facts. Throwing stuff against the wall to see what sticks is not reporting. You throw enough stuff at the wall, you can say you predicted anything in the end when really you've said nothing.
"Each has been ticketed for the ECHL on rumor-mongering message boards"
This is a quote from the link above. I don't know if he was talking about beat writers or more likely the free form fan forums where everyone plays insider information distributor but it doesn't change the fact that technology has caused the amplification of the same summer chaos that has happened with minor league hockey just about every year since time began. I don't get caught up in the hype because I know one way or another hockey will survive. The idiots who think its a good idea to have teams in West Virginia playing teams in Alaska will soon be broomed out in favor of hockey/business people who know how to do things the right way ( the owners of the Komets as a perfect example)
The IHL2 did not fail because of the Frankes. In fact they did everything they could to help it succeed. However when others do not hold up their end and then duck tail and run it is always easy to blame those who do things the right way because they are often the ones left to answer for the cowards.
The Frankes thought that their way was the ONLY way.... That was a huge problem... The huge ego's in minor league hockey also includes the ego's in Ft Wayne.... If somebody told you exactly how to run your business, Snuff, I bet your pride hackles would stand up... This is one thing that happened in the IHL2... You throw around the words 'idiots' and 'cowards' pretty freely and that show's your true colors and anything close to resembling tolerance on your part Snuff...
Some people bring information, opinion's, and a different viewpoint that your, Blakes, the Frankes, etc.. and you attack them and say that the Frankes know best. Point in fact, they dont, always... The IHL2 was a failure for many different reason's; but to poo-poo the fact that this was mainly a Franke 'vision' that they had a direct hand in that failed is non-sensical and then to blame others for it is a cop out....
JR,
My colors stand behind stating that the crooks that almost killed they Dayton franchise after running away from obligations in Fort Wayne are cowards and that people who think Alaska VS West Virginia is a good idea are idiots. You are right, my level of tolerance is limited when it comes to that.
As to the rest... you are entitled to your opinion and there are plenty of venues where the slam/blame game of the Frankes goes unchecked. Until someone comes along that does it better than they do I think I will stick with them and whatever ego they might have.
Interesting how just like no matter what the Frankes do they get ripped and twisted by some, I can come on here and say that the sky is blue and many of those same people will look for a reason to rip/twist what I say.
Hmmmmm. I can live with that.
And you will continue to rationalize thier IHL2 failure....
Who had a hand in bringing in the pizza boy crooks??? I remember the Frankes saying good things about them when they were brought in to resurrect Dayton hockey.... Interesting how that fact is so easily forgotten....
Your right, there are sites for hockey discussion that is not clouded by the one way thinking of those who are squarly in the Frankes corner and who think they can do no wrong.... Ft Wayne is not the only city in North America that have good hockey minds...
Snuff the martyr.... Give me a break....
Just like there are some who post on here that no matter what they post you will take the opposite stance of thiers....
Uh huh.....
The Pizza dopes were a tool to keep the IHL2 alive. They got used then they get ran into the ground years later... Hilarious.
Some that posted above are funny.
Let me remind you of a few things.
Kalamazoo leaving the IHL2 was something that fans and people connected to Kalamazoo Ownership had reported on FYC and readers of that site brought that info over here and as I recall, and I am sure others can back me up.....Several on here including Bob Chase and So on, bashed it, trashed, and labeled those talking about it as idiots.
Flint not paying players, not paying players rent, not paying sponsors, and not paying vendors......was info that came from Brendan Savage and insiders that knew players, and were venders and sponsors.....ummmm and players too, that reported that info......and it was bashed, trashed and once again Bob Chase called bloggers Idiots as I recall and the good ol' boys here followed suit and trashed those who brought the info here to talk about.
Muskegon rumors were flying that they were leaving the IHL2 for the USHL....Once again, insiders, people who had connections to owners and players reported the info on FYC, the info was brought here to discuss...........Bob Chase called bloggers Idiots......Dennis Hextall went on record more than once saying Muskegon was not leaving the iHL2 and the rumors were BS, and I recall Frankes Poo Poo the info too. I want say who else poo poo-ed all the this info......but people talking about it were trashed, bashed and called names.
I find it sad that whenever someone brings up a topic to talk about that some find it proper to Trash, Bash, and Name Call clear up to the top.
I know this will be unpopular by many here.....I am sorry if this hurts some of your pride.
I will not name call, I will not trash you, I will not bash you.
Let's talk about things like friends and human beings and stop being so hard headed and easy to throw mud.
I am in no way bashing the Frankes or their motives.
I want them to put us in the best situation for competitive hockey that we can all enjoy and be proud of. They are great owners and put together a great product.
I just happen to think the CHL is not the right fit for us. The travel is insane and the cost of the travel and the teams it will destroy if this goes on is much too costly.
It might destroy our chances in the future of having teams to play.
Cooler heads need to prevail, and all options should be on the table.
This doesn't have to be an attack the guy with a different idea forum guys.
LOL
Hit nailed it
Uh huh.........
Couple of Questions I have for whoever can answer them......whether Blake wants to take a stab or ask the Powers that be....
Can the Dayton Gems continue to average 1200 fans and fit the bill for the insane travel in the CHL, not to mention pay players and other expenses I am not factoring in here?
What is the status of Bloomington who has been reported as having ownership differences between 2 co-owners and also having no current deal with the Arena they play in?
If we don't have Dayton and Bloomington to play this upcoming year, can Fort Wayne, Evansville, and Quad City survive playing one another 2/3 of the season and also traveling to places in the league that are sure to take big chunks of money from the bottomline, that is if those or any of those teams are able to profit at all?
If Colorado changes leagues this summer, what does that do to Arizona and Rapid City, and if those 3 all leave, and the teams in Texas begin to drop out of the league, what does that do to the league in total?
Can this league survive if it returns the following teams only:
FW, QC, Eville, Wichita, Missouri, Mississippi, Tulsa, Allen, Laredo, Texas?
Is the CHL about to fold?
OH, and can we nominate Richard Brosal to be our new IHL Commish???
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/icy-49821-awaits-bees.html
I'm a little startled and troubled by some of the comments on here from Blake and Snuff. In my post above I encouraged people to go to Rajan's site and read the articles. Make up your own mind.
I'm not sure why anyone would have a problem with at least considering the information. I was careful to point out that until things unfolded, it should be classified as "rumors".
The fact remains that the CHL called for mandatory meetings for the owners. Why? What would be the motive for such an action?
Hit was correct in his post above regarding the Flint, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon situations. I heard Bob Chase tell us that there was no truth about Muskegon leaving the league. However, a person who will remain nameless, but someone you'd all recognize, once told me that Bob Chase is the last to know anything. So when Chase made those remarks I just discounted them.
Let me make one thing real clear before I go on. I am a fan of the Franke brothers. I never want to see my name associated with those who cry out for ownership change. I think they are, and have tried to do everything possible to save, continue, and perpetuate the Komets and minor league hockey. That doesn't mean I can't disagree with some of their decisions, though. I am a season ticket holder and sometimes those decisions affect me. Still, all in all, I am thankful that the Franke brothers are at the helm.
I wish I knew the condition of the ECHL. Does anyone know, or think they know, how the league is doing as far as stability is concerned? I would ask you to tell me even if it is just a rumor. For others who would complain of the rumor, just read on past it.
I believe these things to be true.
1) The ECHL may be in a position to try to wait out the demise of the CHL. If they would succeed, they will have a stranglehold on "AA" hockey. I guess I find it hard to believe that the CHL is the only league who is finding it tough to continue unscathed. How strong is the ECHL in reality.
2) With the economy today, and the expenses involved, I find it difficult to think any league with teams in the Rocky Mountain or Pacific time zones can make any money. This is especially true of the CHL as now Colorado, Rapid City, and Arizona regularly plays teams in the Eastern time zone. Plus, even in the ECHL, the distance between the cities (and I'm only talking about the Pacific Time zone cities vs. Pacific Time zone cities) is so great that flying becomes necessary for some and mandatory for others. How can any team afford that?
Finally. To Hit, JungleMonkey, and JR1. You guys continue to post just as you have been. Don't let anyone try to dissuade you. You post with respect and fervor. I support that.
To Blake and Snuff. You also should continue to post your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. I read each one and try to learn from them. The one thing that concerns me is sometimes, when someone may disagree with you, I think you guys take everything too personally.
I'm here to learn. Teach me.
An hour later, I agree with Alan's post, or at least the last couple chapters of it. Hahahah! You know I am kidding.
Alan....
I never said the Komets are not looking at the ECHL and every other possibility.
I also was not the one who called the message boards rumor mongering although I do agree with it.
I have said all along that in my opinion hockey is going to regionalize.
So it seems like most of you agree with me and yet somehow want to disagree with me. hmmmm.
i agree
No you don't! You can't agree with me because then how can I disagree with your agreement which would then mean that you disagree with the assumption that I only wish to disagree with those who do not agree with me! You sir are a disagreement mongerer!
1. This was not an unusual CHL owners meeting. They call them four times a year. This was regularly scheduled. Now, the one before that was a new meeting that was supposed to be the board of governors but turned into an owners meeting. This most recent one was the previous board of governors meeting. And do you really think the topics were any more dire than last year? No. Or any more dire than the ones that they will face next year? No.
2. Komets could be talking to ECHL, though maybe not as progressively as some would like. They are probably talking to everyone and anyone to see if anyone has any great answers about dealing with this economy.
3. No one does.
4. Hockey will eventually regionalize because it will have no choice. But it won't happen next year.
5. Main points of discussion/problems with ECHL: Check out Kalamazoo's attendance for playoff games, and then look at travel plans. Avg. 2,128 for six games. How is that overall situation currently better than CHL? Guarantee you, if Kalamazoo wins this round and has to play the finals against Victoria or Alaska, the Wings will lose money for the entire playoffs. That's not an answer, either. Even if the ECHL survives, why is it in any better position to thrive in the future? It will have the same problems. One team is averaging better than 5,000 for the entire playoffs. Ouch!
6. My biggest complaint: People who post something here as gospel even though it's rumor and then go somewhere else and say they saw it here as if it was gospel. Have some credibility and ethics. I know, it's a new concept to some. But don't make crap up and then say it's real because you or someone else posted it here. How much of these newspaper reports are just repeating the ``rumors'' someone else already posted?
Be cynical, check the facts, but make sure they are actually facts first before you fall all over yourselves believing something. Just because you want to believe it's true, doesn't mean it necessarily is. Doesn't mean it's not, either, but be skeptical.
7. Sometimes you really do just have to wait and see what happens. President Obama waited seven months for this information on Bin Laden to pay off. If he had pushed it at any time, it might not have happened.
Burgee: Big-time college booster with his hands in every NCAA violation; Snuff: Waterboy.
I'm going back to vacation.
And maybe the most important thing of all, maybe they haven't announced anything yet because they just don't know what the best thing is to do. Maybe they are just taking all this time to actually figure it out.
I am skeptical. I am cynical. That is why I still call all these things rumors. However, I am also skeptical and cynical of thinking that none of these things will come true also.
The newspaper reports may just be hogwash. Still, they were published, a writer put his name to the story and will eventually be found true or false. They were not just "message board" rumors. They may be wrong. They may have been written irresponsibly. (But there are TWO of them and I'm just skeptical and cynical enough not to dismiss them out of hand).
I absolutely agree that the Kelly Cup finals will be a big money loser for the two teams involved as long as Alaska is playing. ( I brought that up a few posts ago). What I want to know is this: how come we're not hearing the death knells of any ECHL teams. They can't be immune to the economy. I would just like some solid information on the health of the ECHL so we can compare the two leagues.
Snuff, I agree with you on some stuff and disagree with you on others. Just the same as I do with any other who blogs regularly on this site. Be assured that when I see your posts I don't pass them off without thinking about your opinions. I certainly do not disagree just for the sake of disagreeing as you imply that some may do. Not me.
Wait and see? Sure, what is the alternatve? Still the title of this thread was "Michael Franke on the Komets' immediate future".
He seems to be satisfied with the CHL, but enough things seem to be going on within the league that makes me question things.
I am skeptical and cynical. And now I have a headache, too.
Blake, could you please tell me who is making 'crap' up? I would like to see you name those who you think are doing so.... I know I have never seen anyone say they know something for a 'FACT'. Most say this is what the 'rumor's' are saying or this is the 'chatter' out there right now... I have been told several times that something is in 'fcat' going to happen; but still pass along as rumor untill proven true (ie: Muskegon joining the USHL).
Also, are you saying that fellow beat writers are throwing their credibility and sense of ethics out the door by writing these articles? Just because you dont believe them doesnt make them untrue. I admire many of these journalists because they are out there asking the tough questions and confronting thier local owners, league reps, etc... Many are getting the run around.
Could anyone explain why the Eagles STH's are receiving thier renewal forms for next season that contains 36 game home dates + 1 preseason home game? The CHL only plays 33 home games... Are we looking at a 72 game schedule in the CHL next season or are they moving to the ECHL next season that DOES play a 72 game schedule????
Alan, the ECHL is battling the same issues as any other minor league hockey league. The Victoria franchise is going dark and moving to the high juniors league the WHL. They currently have 2 dormant franchises (Reno and Greensboro, if memory serves me correctly). The rumors have 1-2 CHL teams coming in plus the Chicago franchise that was already approved. I have heard that the Eagles are a lock for the ECHL next season and that Allen is a very strong possibility. If Allen comes in that would put them at 21 franchises, and I really dont see them doing that unless another CHL team could be brought onboard also to even things up ( like Rapid City, Fort Wayne, or Missouri, to name a couple likely canidates)...
I willl see if I can dig up anymore info/rumor for you Alan...
JR1, maybe he was talking about my made up or wish list for next year?? Remember when I said Woods,Henley& Legault was coming back!!!!! Keep the info. coming. I've found several jerseys of Komets players.Someone bought the 2 Ratchuk Philly jerseys??????
http://www.themonitor.com/articles/icy-49821-awaits-bees.html
Here look.