I haven't written a blog in a while and since I had some time, I thought I would put together my "State of Arizona Sports - May Edition."
Let's start with the only team playing right now, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Currently the "snakes" are five games above .500, 23-18 and one game out of the NL West lead at the quarter pole, or 41 games into the season. With the bullpen blowing 11 saves, Aaron Hill sidelined and the starting pitching dicey to begin the season, I would say this is a pretty good start for Arizona's baseball team. Some of the bright spots are their young players. Pitcher Patrick Corbin has been outstanding and would be an All-Star right now. He has been, by far, the best starting pitcher in the rotation at this point. Ian Kennedy is starting to come around and Trevor Cahill has been solid. If Wade Miley and Brandon McCarthy get their act together, the pitching staff should be solid down the stretch. Shortstop Didi Gregorius has also been lights out since being recalled from Triple-A Reno. There is no questioning his defense, one of the best in the league already. The knock on him was his bat, which hasn't been a problem since coming up. He's batting in the .340s and has hit safely in the majority of the games he's played in. Then there's Paul Goldschmidt. Just an awesome start. Should be an All-Star candidate and maybe even an MVP thought. There is a lot more games yet to be played, but fans have to be happy about the start to the season.
Let's move to the Phoenix Coyotes. The words "two weeks" have never pinched a nerve in sports fans more than it has with the Coyotes fan base. As of this writing, there is one group that has placed a bid to purchase the team and that is Renaissance Sports and Entertainment, made up partially of investors tied in with Ice Edge and Canadian millionaire George Gosbee. Darin Pastor submitted a bid to buy the team, with his own money, and was quickly rejected by the NHL. That group is trying to resubmit its bid, but for some reason the NHL hasn't returned their calls. The names Greg Jamison, Matthew Hulziser and Jerry Reinsdorf are still popping up in regards to this situation, but none have submitted bids to my knowledge. One this is certain, both the NHL, City of Glendale and fans want a conclusion to this four-year nightmare. It looks like everyone in play should get an answer before July 1st.
Now to the Arizona Cardinals. They are coming off a very nice draft, very surgical in nature. I also like the signing of free-agent linebacker Karlos Dansby, who makes his return to the Red Birds. This adds a very important piece to the defense, especially with Darrell Washington's four-game suspension and possibly more thanks to a current legal matter. So far, so good with the new coaching staff and management. Talk is cheap though. Let's see what happens in the preseason and more importantly, the regular season. So far, I love what I see out of Tempe.
The Suns: Well, their first move of the rebuilding effort is a good one. Ryan McDonough is bringing hard work, dedication and a wealth of knowledge to him as he takes the reigns of the Suns GM job. Now he has to find a coach. I haven't been shy about who I want to see as the next head coach of the Suns. Look no further than San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer. Mike is a native-Arizonan who has learned the tricks of the trade from one of the best coaches in basketball in Gregg Popovich. Mike grew up in basketball, watching his dad win a lot of games at the high school and college level. Personally, I've known the guy since high school. He grew up in Holbrook and I lived there for a year. We have many of the same friends and know the same people. It would make my job a lot easier. But I also agree he would be the perfect fit for what the Suns want to do. We will see what happens.
I don't want to leave out the Rattlers playing championship football right now and the Mercury, who maybe getting more buzz than ever with the drafting of Brittney Griner, which should put more butts in the seats at U.S. Airways Center, maybe even me.
Football is right around the corner, which means a big season coming up for Arizona State and what will be the most talented high school class Arizona football has seen in a long, long time. More on that on the next blog.
DZ
Friday, May 17, 2013
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Just My Update This Time
I sat here thinking I really haven't done a "me" update in quite some time. So, here it goes.
I'm proud to say I have lost 50 pounds since starting my new regiment back in October. Thanks to the holidays getting in the way and knocking me off kilter, it could be more. That happens to the best of us I suppose.
Now the God-honest truth. Over recklessness, not caring and a bunch of other things, I literally ballooned to 364 pounds just before my 40th birthday. My plan then was to look into gastro surgery. I had a bunch of tests done and found a couple of surprises. I found that I have a blockage in a secondary artery on my heart, but my cardiologist says it's fine and if there was a place to have a blockage, that's it. Otherwords, it's not going to do anything to me in the long run. However, that was the scare I needed. I decided pretty much right then that I would get back into the gym, get a personal trainer and give the gym another try before opting for surgery. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Thanks to the awesome people at Mountainside Fitness, especially my original trainer Jerry, who set my diet up, and my current trainer Josh who busts my ass every time I see him. At last weigh-in I'm at 314. Still big, but shrinking. My plan is to get down, eventually, to 245-250 and see where I am then. The best part of this is I learned about what I was doing in and out of the gym. I've never been stronger and I haven't been this size in about 10 years at least. My health issues are always going to be there, no thanks to my previous lifestyle. But taking the steps I have, have put years back on my life. Like I said, I still have a lot of work to go, but I also know it's a marathon and not a sprint. I'm going to enjoy every step of the process. Thanks to my family and friends who have supported me along the way.
That's all I have for now. When there is more news on this front, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Thanks. :)
Dave
I'm proud to say I have lost 50 pounds since starting my new regiment back in October. Thanks to the holidays getting in the way and knocking me off kilter, it could be more. That happens to the best of us I suppose.
Now the God-honest truth. Over recklessness, not caring and a bunch of other things, I literally ballooned to 364 pounds just before my 40th birthday. My plan then was to look into gastro surgery. I had a bunch of tests done and found a couple of surprises. I found that I have a blockage in a secondary artery on my heart, but my cardiologist says it's fine and if there was a place to have a blockage, that's it. Otherwords, it's not going to do anything to me in the long run. However, that was the scare I needed. I decided pretty much right then that I would get back into the gym, get a personal trainer and give the gym another try before opting for surgery. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Thanks to the awesome people at Mountainside Fitness, especially my original trainer Jerry, who set my diet up, and my current trainer Josh who busts my ass every time I see him. At last weigh-in I'm at 314. Still big, but shrinking. My plan is to get down, eventually, to 245-250 and see where I am then. The best part of this is I learned about what I was doing in and out of the gym. I've never been stronger and I haven't been this size in about 10 years at least. My health issues are always going to be there, no thanks to my previous lifestyle. But taking the steps I have, have put years back on my life. Like I said, I still have a lot of work to go, but I also know it's a marathon and not a sprint. I'm going to enjoy every step of the process. Thanks to my family and friends who have supported me along the way.
That's all I have for now. When there is more news on this front, I'll be sure to let everyone know. Thanks. :)
Dave
Sunday, February 3, 2013
State Of The Coyotes
(the following are the thoughts of the author and not those of anyone I am
professionally connected with. They are my thoughts and mine only and these thoughts are mine)
As of this writing it is Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd and the Phoenix Coyotes ownership situation is no better off than it was three years ago...in limbo. People within the organization and fans are used to it. Life without an owner has almost been a rallying cry for this team. Three seasons without an owner, three playoff appearances and a Pacific Division Championship. So, maybe having an owner would somehow get in the way of the playoffs. Ok, maybe that's a stretch but this thing HAS to get done. So what happened this past week, let's review.
Prospective owner Greg Jamison had until January 31st to purchase the Coyotes from the NHL in order to sign off on the lease agreement for Jobing.com Arena that he and the City of Glendale agreed upon. As we know now, that didn't happen. There are rumors abound as to why this didn't happen. I believe that Jamison had the $170-million to buy the team, but didn't have operating capital to run the team. Meaning, he had a number he wanted to raise to buy the team plus having an operating budget, but he didn't meet that mark. His ownership group, I believe, was never set in stone enough to exude confidence in Gary Bettman, the league's commissioner. Jamison remains an interested party, for whatever reason, to buy the team. Jamison is a fighter, there is no doubt about that, and I believe he is the perfect owner for this team moving forward.
The one thing I want to mention about the last 48 hours before the deadline is the amount of stories that came out with "NHL sources" attached to them. I truly believe there is someone, or some people, in NHL circles that doesn't want this team here and will do anything they can to squander any deal presented. I don't blame the writers at all for writing the stories, it's their job and I would have done the same thing. Oh wait...I did at one time: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-denies-greg-jamison-next-phoenix-coyotes-owner-184540580.html I'm still proud that I got a pissed off response out of Vice Commissioner Bill Daly out of that, but I digress. What I'm saying it's easy to rip the reporter or blame them, but you have to look at the story deeper than that and find a trail. I did and I smell a rat inside the league.
So, where are we today? We are back to square one with a few owners lining up to give it a run including Jamison. One possible candidate was revealed by veteran Arizona reporter Craig Morgan this week. http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/02/01/13/Reports-surface-of-new-suitor-for-Coyote/landing_coyotes.html?blockID=857661&feedID=9050 There have also been reports of old friends resurfacing in Jerry Reinsdorf and Matthew Hulsizer, but I have been told Hulsizer is not interested in reentering the game. One name that popped up is Boston Pizza's owner Jim Treliving. Also told that as of now, he is also not involved in negotiations, but it wouldn't surprise me if he put is chips into the pot and plays a hand eventually.
As that game gets played out, lets turn to the City of Glendale. The new council will get to take a spin on the lease agreement wheel and we all get to see what they come up with. From what City of Glendale professional insider George Fallar reports, the new council scribbled their latest idea on a Denny's napkin and said "hmmm..looks good to us." Allegedly the new lease agreement plan has the management being split into four divisions: hockey, entertainment, education and CLEANING!!! My goodness what a mess. If this truly is the plan, it's time to seriously think about moving the Coyotes out of Glendale. Here are my thoughts on that.
Gary Bettman said again that the NHL wants to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. Dallas Stars forward Ray Whitney, a former Coyote, believes "as long as Bettman is commissioner, this team isn't going anywhere." As much as Canadians, especially the French ones, don't want to believe it, Phoenix is a sports rich entity moneywise. With four sports in the valley, it calls for premium advertising rates, among other riches. It's something the NHL doesn't want to give up. So with that said, I have come up with my own brilliant idea. An ambitious owner could come up with a plan to build an arena in Phoenix or Scottsdale, preferably near Talking Stick. While the arena is being built, play two seasons at Jobing, or enter a rental agreement with the City of Phoenix and play at U.S. Airways Center. If the NHL is serious about keeping a team in the Phoenix area, it may be time to say goodbye to Glendale.
If the ultimate decision is to pull up the sticks and move the franchise, my money is on Seattle or Portland. Quebec City is not an option for the Coyotes because it would create too much of a headache for the NHL in realignment. Plus they would rather get the expansion fee out of any prospective ownership group for QC than to just move a team there. If something can't be worked out by season's end, look for Portland to be a frontrunner. The Rose Garden is NHL ready. It's not like Portland hasn't been brought up before with this franchise. In 2003, the Coyotes were moments away from moving to Portland, until Wayne Gretzky and friends stepped in and saved the franchise from being owned by Microsoft exec Paul Allen. Seattle becomes an option only after the arena there is built. I've been told by many that Key Arena is not an option for the NHL.
Finally I want to give credit and props to people behind the scenes who are working hard to keep the Coyotes in Arizona. Former Glendale city councilwoman Joyce Clark, George and Bea Fallar, Greg Dunaway, Ronda Pearson and a band of others who are working painlessly to keep the team here. I also want to mention members of the media that love the game and also want this team to stay right where it is. Craig Morgan of Fox Sports, Jerry Brown of NHL.com, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic, the boys at XTRA910, Kyndra de St. Aubin and Carter Nacke from ArizonaSports620 and .com and others.
Finally, to say that there isn't any hockey fans or interest in the sport in Arizona is a flat out lie. There are many youth leagues spread out across the valley, including a few that compete on a national level. Also the high school league, AHSHA, is growing and there is both ASU and UofA who field national-ranked hockey clubs, the Ice Devils are ranked second and own a 30-game winning streak over the Ice Cats. Add countless numbers of Canadians who were smart enough to migrate to Arizona and hold their sport and teams dear to them. What this franchise needs is a committed owner and a marketing plan that will allow the sport and fan base to grow. The question is, is there an owner that wants to commit himself and his ownership group to that possibility? There was one: Greg Jamison and strangely enough, he's still around. One thing is certain: something needs to happen relatively quickly. The fans are tired of it, the players and organization is tired of it and hockey fans in general have become tired of it.
DZ
As of this writing it is Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd and the Phoenix Coyotes ownership situation is no better off than it was three years ago...in limbo. People within the organization and fans are used to it. Life without an owner has almost been a rallying cry for this team. Three seasons without an owner, three playoff appearances and a Pacific Division Championship. So, maybe having an owner would somehow get in the way of the playoffs. Ok, maybe that's a stretch but this thing HAS to get done. So what happened this past week, let's review.
Prospective owner Greg Jamison had until January 31st to purchase the Coyotes from the NHL in order to sign off on the lease agreement for Jobing.com Arena that he and the City of Glendale agreed upon. As we know now, that didn't happen. There are rumors abound as to why this didn't happen. I believe that Jamison had the $170-million to buy the team, but didn't have operating capital to run the team. Meaning, he had a number he wanted to raise to buy the team plus having an operating budget, but he didn't meet that mark. His ownership group, I believe, was never set in stone enough to exude confidence in Gary Bettman, the league's commissioner. Jamison remains an interested party, for whatever reason, to buy the team. Jamison is a fighter, there is no doubt about that, and I believe he is the perfect owner for this team moving forward.
The one thing I want to mention about the last 48 hours before the deadline is the amount of stories that came out with "NHL sources" attached to them. I truly believe there is someone, or some people, in NHL circles that doesn't want this team here and will do anything they can to squander any deal presented. I don't blame the writers at all for writing the stories, it's their job and I would have done the same thing. Oh wait...I did at one time: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/nhl-denies-greg-jamison-next-phoenix-coyotes-owner-184540580.html I'm still proud that I got a pissed off response out of Vice Commissioner Bill Daly out of that, but I digress. What I'm saying it's easy to rip the reporter or blame them, but you have to look at the story deeper than that and find a trail. I did and I smell a rat inside the league.
So, where are we today? We are back to square one with a few owners lining up to give it a run including Jamison. One possible candidate was revealed by veteran Arizona reporter Craig Morgan this week. http://www.foxsportsarizona.com/02/01/13/Reports-surface-of-new-suitor-for-Coyote/landing_coyotes.html?blockID=857661&feedID=9050 There have also been reports of old friends resurfacing in Jerry Reinsdorf and Matthew Hulsizer, but I have been told Hulsizer is not interested in reentering the game. One name that popped up is Boston Pizza's owner Jim Treliving. Also told that as of now, he is also not involved in negotiations, but it wouldn't surprise me if he put is chips into the pot and plays a hand eventually.
As that game gets played out, lets turn to the City of Glendale. The new council will get to take a spin on the lease agreement wheel and we all get to see what they come up with. From what City of Glendale professional insider George Fallar reports, the new council scribbled their latest idea on a Denny's napkin and said "hmmm..looks good to us." Allegedly the new lease agreement plan has the management being split into four divisions: hockey, entertainment, education and CLEANING!!! My goodness what a mess. If this truly is the plan, it's time to seriously think about moving the Coyotes out of Glendale. Here are my thoughts on that.
Gary Bettman said again that the NHL wants to keep the Coyotes in Phoenix. Dallas Stars forward Ray Whitney, a former Coyote, believes "as long as Bettman is commissioner, this team isn't going anywhere." As much as Canadians, especially the French ones, don't want to believe it, Phoenix is a sports rich entity moneywise. With four sports in the valley, it calls for premium advertising rates, among other riches. It's something the NHL doesn't want to give up. So with that said, I have come up with my own brilliant idea. An ambitious owner could come up with a plan to build an arena in Phoenix or Scottsdale, preferably near Talking Stick. While the arena is being built, play two seasons at Jobing, or enter a rental agreement with the City of Phoenix and play at U.S. Airways Center. If the NHL is serious about keeping a team in the Phoenix area, it may be time to say goodbye to Glendale.
If the ultimate decision is to pull up the sticks and move the franchise, my money is on Seattle or Portland. Quebec City is not an option for the Coyotes because it would create too much of a headache for the NHL in realignment. Plus they would rather get the expansion fee out of any prospective ownership group for QC than to just move a team there. If something can't be worked out by season's end, look for Portland to be a frontrunner. The Rose Garden is NHL ready. It's not like Portland hasn't been brought up before with this franchise. In 2003, the Coyotes were moments away from moving to Portland, until Wayne Gretzky and friends stepped in and saved the franchise from being owned by Microsoft exec Paul Allen. Seattle becomes an option only after the arena there is built. I've been told by many that Key Arena is not an option for the NHL.
Finally I want to give credit and props to people behind the scenes who are working hard to keep the Coyotes in Arizona. Former Glendale city councilwoman Joyce Clark, George and Bea Fallar, Greg Dunaway, Ronda Pearson and a band of others who are working painlessly to keep the team here. I also want to mention members of the media that love the game and also want this team to stay right where it is. Craig Morgan of Fox Sports, Jerry Brown of NHL.com, Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic, the boys at XTRA910, Kyndra de St. Aubin and Carter Nacke from ArizonaSports620 and .com and others.
Finally, to say that there isn't any hockey fans or interest in the sport in Arizona is a flat out lie. There are many youth leagues spread out across the valley, including a few that compete on a national level. Also the high school league, AHSHA, is growing and there is both ASU and UofA who field national-ranked hockey clubs, the Ice Devils are ranked second and own a 30-game winning streak over the Ice Cats. Add countless numbers of Canadians who were smart enough to migrate to Arizona and hold their sport and teams dear to them. What this franchise needs is a committed owner and a marketing plan that will allow the sport and fan base to grow. The question is, is there an owner that wants to commit himself and his ownership group to that possibility? There was one: Greg Jamison and strangely enough, he's still around. One thing is certain: something needs to happen relatively quickly. The fans are tired of it, the players and organization is tired of it and hockey fans in general have become tired of it.
DZ
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Misinformation Flows Like A River Through Quebec City
(the following are the thoughts of the author and not those of anyone I am professionally connected with...so you know this may be good.)
Today a French Canadian translator, Fred Poulin, posted an article on TheHockeyWriters.com on the current state of the Phoenix Coyotes. Here is the link if you would like to read it before hearing the truth. http://thehockeywriters.com/phoenix-coyotes-the-clock-is-ticking-in-glendale/
If you are a Coyotes fan and have been following the ownership process, you know the untruths that are posted in the article. If you need a refresher, that's what I am here for. :)
Let's begin shall we? I'll give Fred some credit here, the first two paragraphs are actually factual and most fans would agree with him. That's where the credit comes to a screeching halt.
The third paragraph is where the fun begins:
"The problem is that two months later and only NINE DAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE PROPOSED LEASE DEAL on January 31st, 2013, Greg Jamison has yet to buy the team and disclose his investment group and the reason why he does not want to name his investors."
Hey Fred, since when does an investor HAVE to reveal who his group is? Is it one of these unwritten rules or something you've made up. Had you been paying attention better, you would know one investor has already made itself public. Ice Edge. http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8338670/source-says-phoenix-coyotes-suitor-greg-jamison-secures-financing Oh and by the way, if the deal isn't still in play, why name investors when some of them may want to keep private? Hmmmmm?
But, hey, let's not facts get in the way of your story shall we?
"Heck, Jamison did not even bother to attend the Coyotes’ home opener on Sunday, game which they lost 6-4 against the Chicago Blackhawks."
And why not Fred? Could he have been in New York maybe? This we don't know, but for he not to show up to the home opener might just mean he had more important business to attend to. But hey, I have no facts to where he was so I won't mention it like a good journalist does. That's lesson number one to you Fred, you can pay me later. Let's continue.
"The good news is that the home opener drew a nice crowd of 17,132 hockey fans, a vast majority of them being Blackhawks fans."
That sentence is so wrong I don't know where to begin. First, Fred..you were there? I didn't see your name on the seating chart in the press box. Oh...right...you weren't. So how could you possibly know the difference in fans. Let me refer to someone who was there and had a great look at the crowd, ME. I, and other observers, say there was about 2K Chicago fans and actually less than last year's playoff series. Well, the 17,363 (another missed fact) was an OVERFLOW crowd because SRO tickets were sold. 101.3% of the building. http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance Sorry..using facts again. Hope you can translate that Fred.
"The real test will be Wednesday night when the Coyotes host the lowly and Nash-less Columbus Blue Jackets at the Job. The crowd will be a good indicator of what to expect for the rest of the season in Phoenix for week-night games."
Oh sure..a real test is an 8 pm game against a team that doesn't draw flies on the road on a Wednesday. Obviously Fred is setting up his example for other claims he will make in the future. In discussing this game with other hockey fans, some from other cities in Canada, they agree that's it's a tough sell for most markets. Oh by the way, I have a feeling that section is setting up for the always lame Stubhub argument.
"Tickets for this game are still widely available and you can attend this game for a ridiculous $4.00 or you can watch the game on the low concourse for $16.00 if your budget is bigger."
I was right. For whatever reason, people in Quebec City can't grasp this simple and true concept. Stubhub is a ticket agency that allows fans to "resell already purchased tickets." Let me say that again so Fred can translate. It's for fans, and brokers, who ALREADY BOUGHT TICKETS TO RESELL THEM THERE. Are we finally clear on this fact? I hope so, because it's a lame point. Let's move on.
"Even if Greg Jamison manages to purchase the team in the upcoming days/weeks/months, it will be hard for his management group to ever turn a profit in Glendale with such low after-market ticket prices."
Again using the Stubhub model..I guess. He doesn't back up his misguided opinion with anything. Not even a mention of the new CBA, which will help owners in non-traditional hockey markets. I'm starting to think I know more than him. Reading does have that effect on me, something Fred obviously hasn't done much of here.
As for tickets sold at the team’s box office, (Wow..he's using team numbers here..WAY TO GO FRED!!) the club ranks 29th among NHL teams regarding the average ticket price at $36.15 only in ahead of the Dallas Stars. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets lead the league with an average of $123.77 and $98.27 respectively.
But no mention of other revenue streams such as naming rights, parking, suite sales and other corporate sponsorships that have been ignored since the team has been run by the NHL in this sentence as he tries to qualify the "hard to turn a profit" statement. But, hey that's using logic and facts again. Sorry.
"What is even more puzzling is that the AMF paid to Greg Jamison is not even on the City Council Meeting’s agenda planned later Tuesday in Glendale, which proves that the newly-elected Mayor Jerry Weiers does not intend to address the situation before the lease expires on January 31st, 2013."
And you were expecting it would be? And what, risk possible legal action if they do something before a legal document they signed is expired. Again, another misguided comment that he didn't research.
"What will happen next is still blurry as no one really knows what is going to happen to the NHL-owned team after the shortened NHL season."
Except we will all know something after January 31st. Does he have editors?
"Probable scenarios for the Coyotes:
1) Current lease offering expires and the Coyotes are relocated at the end of the season.
2) Greg Jamison finally closes the deal after purchasing the team from the NHL.
3) Glendale’s City Council amends the current AMF and extends it to a later date, allowing Jamison to “gather the required funds”.
4) The NHL, Greg Jamison and Glendale keep quiet and we don’t have any updates on the situation until the end of the season while the league is paying the players and the staff month by month."
Again, nothing sourced and more brain dead theories by a wannabee "journalist" In George Carlin fashion, from his take on the "Ten Commandments." Let's just scratch 4) off the list because it's just plain dumb. I left the vulgarities out because I am trying to keep this clean. It's a family blog. 1) and 2) are still in play as of today, but those closer to the situation than Fred is, are still very confident 2) will win. 3) isn't going to happen and the new mayor has said as much last week. Another fact Fred forgot to source.
"Finally, with the ongoing construction of a new arena in Quebec City (which at last check was a giant pile of dirt somewhere in QC) and the sale of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA to a Seattle-based group led by Chris Hansen, (still not final, but hey there are those facts again) the NHL now has at least two short-term options if it were to relocate the struggling franchise."
Time to blow Fred up even more here. For argument sake, let's say the 31st goes by and nothing is done. What's stopping Greg Jamison from buying the team and moving them at season's end? Answer: Nothing. I'll give you a hint Fred, if that happens, the Coyotes aren't moving to Quebec City for MANY reasons. Seattle would be a good bet, BUT Key Arena is not built for hockey and is so bad the WHL won't play there. http://sciencewitness.com/news/687.html Notice he mentions the problems with playing in the old building in the QC too.
So there it is. Another failed attempt by someone not qualified to comment on the current situation involving the Phoenix Coyotes. Sure, it's his right to do it, but when you do it lazily and with very little effort, I also have the right to correct and call you out on your BS. Don't quit your day job Fred and go translate the Bible or something.
DZ
Today a French Canadian translator, Fred Poulin, posted an article on TheHockeyWriters.com on the current state of the Phoenix Coyotes. Here is the link if you would like to read it before hearing the truth. http://thehockeywriters.com/phoenix-coyotes-the-clock-is-ticking-in-glendale/
If you are a Coyotes fan and have been following the ownership process, you know the untruths that are posted in the article. If you need a refresher, that's what I am here for. :)
Let's begin shall we? I'll give Fred some credit here, the first two paragraphs are actually factual and most fans would agree with him. That's where the credit comes to a screeching halt.
The third paragraph is where the fun begins:
"The problem is that two months later and only NINE DAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRY OF THE PROPOSED LEASE DEAL on January 31st, 2013, Greg Jamison has yet to buy the team and disclose his investment group and the reason why he does not want to name his investors."
Hey Fred, since when does an investor HAVE to reveal who his group is? Is it one of these unwritten rules or something you've made up. Had you been paying attention better, you would know one investor has already made itself public. Ice Edge. http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8338670/source-says-phoenix-coyotes-suitor-greg-jamison-secures-financing Oh and by the way, if the deal isn't still in play, why name investors when some of them may want to keep private? Hmmmmm?
But, hey, let's not facts get in the way of your story shall we?
"Heck, Jamison did not even bother to attend the Coyotes’ home opener on Sunday, game which they lost 6-4 against the Chicago Blackhawks."
And why not Fred? Could he have been in New York maybe? This we don't know, but for he not to show up to the home opener might just mean he had more important business to attend to. But hey, I have no facts to where he was so I won't mention it like a good journalist does. That's lesson number one to you Fred, you can pay me later. Let's continue.
"The good news is that the home opener drew a nice crowd of 17,132 hockey fans, a vast majority of them being Blackhawks fans."
That sentence is so wrong I don't know where to begin. First, Fred..you were there? I didn't see your name on the seating chart in the press box. Oh...right...you weren't. So how could you possibly know the difference in fans. Let me refer to someone who was there and had a great look at the crowd, ME. I, and other observers, say there was about 2K Chicago fans and actually less than last year's playoff series. Well, the 17,363 (another missed fact) was an OVERFLOW crowd because SRO tickets were sold. 101.3% of the building. http://espn.go.com/nhl/attendance Sorry..using facts again. Hope you can translate that Fred.
"The real test will be Wednesday night when the Coyotes host the lowly and Nash-less Columbus Blue Jackets at the Job. The crowd will be a good indicator of what to expect for the rest of the season in Phoenix for week-night games."
Oh sure..a real test is an 8 pm game against a team that doesn't draw flies on the road on a Wednesday. Obviously Fred is setting up his example for other claims he will make in the future. In discussing this game with other hockey fans, some from other cities in Canada, they agree that's it's a tough sell for most markets. Oh by the way, I have a feeling that section is setting up for the always lame Stubhub argument.
"Tickets for this game are still widely available and you can attend this game for a ridiculous $4.00 or you can watch the game on the low concourse for $16.00 if your budget is bigger."
I was right. For whatever reason, people in Quebec City can't grasp this simple and true concept. Stubhub is a ticket agency that allows fans to "resell already purchased tickets." Let me say that again so Fred can translate. It's for fans, and brokers, who ALREADY BOUGHT TICKETS TO RESELL THEM THERE. Are we finally clear on this fact? I hope so, because it's a lame point. Let's move on.
"Even if Greg Jamison manages to purchase the team in the upcoming days/weeks/months, it will be hard for his management group to ever turn a profit in Glendale with such low after-market ticket prices."
Again using the Stubhub model..I guess. He doesn't back up his misguided opinion with anything. Not even a mention of the new CBA, which will help owners in non-traditional hockey markets. I'm starting to think I know more than him. Reading does have that effect on me, something Fred obviously hasn't done much of here.
As for tickets sold at the team’s box office, (Wow..he's using team numbers here..WAY TO GO FRED!!) the club ranks 29th among NHL teams regarding the average ticket price at $36.15 only in ahead of the Dallas Stars. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Winnipeg Jets lead the league with an average of $123.77 and $98.27 respectively.
But no mention of other revenue streams such as naming rights, parking, suite sales and other corporate sponsorships that have been ignored since the team has been run by the NHL in this sentence as he tries to qualify the "hard to turn a profit" statement. But, hey that's using logic and facts again. Sorry.
"What is even more puzzling is that the AMF paid to Greg Jamison is not even on the City Council Meeting’s agenda planned later Tuesday in Glendale, which proves that the newly-elected Mayor Jerry Weiers does not intend to address the situation before the lease expires on January 31st, 2013."
And you were expecting it would be? And what, risk possible legal action if they do something before a legal document they signed is expired. Again, another misguided comment that he didn't research.
"What will happen next is still blurry as no one really knows what is going to happen to the NHL-owned team after the shortened NHL season."
Except we will all know something after January 31st. Does he have editors?
"Probable scenarios for the Coyotes:
1) Current lease offering expires and the Coyotes are relocated at the end of the season.
2) Greg Jamison finally closes the deal after purchasing the team from the NHL.
3) Glendale’s City Council amends the current AMF and extends it to a later date, allowing Jamison to “gather the required funds”.
4) The NHL, Greg Jamison and Glendale keep quiet and we don’t have any updates on the situation until the end of the season while the league is paying the players and the staff month by month."
Again, nothing sourced and more brain dead theories by a wannabee "journalist" In George Carlin fashion, from his take on the "Ten Commandments." Let's just scratch 4) off the list because it's just plain dumb. I left the vulgarities out because I am trying to keep this clean. It's a family blog. 1) and 2) are still in play as of today, but those closer to the situation than Fred is, are still very confident 2) will win. 3) isn't going to happen and the new mayor has said as much last week. Another fact Fred forgot to source.
"Finally, with the ongoing construction of a new arena in Quebec City (which at last check was a giant pile of dirt somewhere in QC) and the sale of the Sacramento Kings of the NBA to a Seattle-based group led by Chris Hansen, (still not final, but hey there are those facts again) the NHL now has at least two short-term options if it were to relocate the struggling franchise."
Time to blow Fred up even more here. For argument sake, let's say the 31st goes by and nothing is done. What's stopping Greg Jamison from buying the team and moving them at season's end? Answer: Nothing. I'll give you a hint Fred, if that happens, the Coyotes aren't moving to Quebec City for MANY reasons. Seattle would be a good bet, BUT Key Arena is not built for hockey and is so bad the WHL won't play there. http://sciencewitness.com/news/687.html Notice he mentions the problems with playing in the old building in the QC too.
So there it is. Another failed attempt by someone not qualified to comment on the current situation involving the Phoenix Coyotes. Sure, it's his right to do it, but when you do it lazily and with very little effort, I also have the right to correct and call you out on your BS. Don't quit your day job Fred and go translate the Bible or something.
DZ
Sunday, January 6, 2013
This Time..With FEELING!!!
Well, I've been inspired to write my first blog in 2013. Hopefully this will be an ongoing thing. My motivation is the end of the NHL lockout and the impending completion of the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes to Greg Jamison. First, let's look at the lockout. The NHL and NHLPA met for over 14 hours yesterday and reached an agreement on a new CBA at 3 a.m. AZ time Sunday. The season will either start on the 15th or 19th, more than likely home games for the Coyotes. Either way, hockey is back and I couldn't be happier.
Now ownership news. Now that the
lockout is off the NHL's plate, the league can focus on closing the
deal with Greg Jamison. Jamison said today that he expects to meet
with the league later this week or early next week and begin the
legalities to close the deal. It would be great if he could get the
keys to the team before the puck drops on the season, but we'll see.
The big point is Coyotes fans can finally put to bed constant
ownership crap, from Deal or No Deal news, to Glendale City Council
goofiness, to misguided pot shots from the mental midgets in Winnipeg
and Quebec City and trust me, there's quite a few of them. This fan
base has been tested more than any other fan base in Phoenix. They
deserve to celebrate a happy ending more than most fans here. Oh, by
the way, the name will be changed to the Arizona Coyotes with a new
on-ice look. Probably next year, but we will see on that.
Now we get to the impending season.
The Coyotes are structured very well for a short season. In my
opinion, if a team wants to make the playoffs they must have solid
defense and goaltending from the start. The Coyotes have that. Not
only is the defense strong, but they have their best shot blocker
coming back after a stint in Pittsburgh in Zybenak Michalek.
Here are my thoughts on the strengths of
the Pacific Division and where the Coyotes play into all of this:
Offense:
1. Anaheim
2. San Jose
3. LA
4. Phoenix
5. Dallas
Anaheim has always had a strong
offense, but has had horrendous defense, which leaves Jonas Hiller
exposed a lot. If they can get just average defense, they will be a
better team. Until then, light the lamp. San Jose is similar, but
with a better blue line now. Their biggest problem in my opinion is
in net. LA is another team, strong and big up front, but lack the
fire power of Anaheim and SJ. Phoenix, it is what it is and it has
worked. They will need guys like David Moss and Lauri Korpikoski to
step up the production.
Defense:
1. Phoenix
2. LA
3. San Jose
4. Dallas
5. Anaheim
Like I stated, the Coyotes have a very strong blueline and goaltending. This will carry them far this shortened season. LA is good on the back end, but I'm still not sold on John Quick in net. The Sharks are better, but not as deep as the top two.
Goaltending:
1. Phoenix
2. LA
3. Dallas
4. Anaheim
5. San Jose
Again, Mike Smith is one of the best in
the league and the Coyotes will need a big effort this season. Quick
will have to equal his play in LA and if Dallas gets any kind of
improvement on its blue line, they could be good.
Pacific Prediction:
1. Phoenix (by a game over LA
2. LA
3. San Jose
4. Anaheim
5. Dallas
There it is. Now, let's get back on the ice and in the arenas and lets play some hockey.
Now, for the other sports in the valley. We know about the Cardinals. Coming off a 5-11 season, the team cleaned house for the most part. President Michael Bidwill has to hire a new GM and head coach and is in the process of interviews. We'll see what happens with the Redbirds when the draft comes and training camp begins. As for the Suns, well...it's a transition year. This one is tough because the longest history I have as a fan is with the Suns. The roots are deep with this team, so it hurts to see this season play out. The sports cliché is you have to be bad before you can be good. Well, the Suns are bad. We will have to see if this franchise can get back to playoff basketball fans are accustomed to.
That's about it for now. I do want to
make this one suggestion. If you are looking for a place to spend
your sports dollar, try the Coyotes. Sure, I understand the point
it's hard to watch on TV for Joe Q sports fan. Go to Jobing.com
Arena and give the team a try. They are the best team in town right
now and look to make their fourth straight playoff appearance. Give
them a try.
Happy New Year to everyone reading
this. I hope 2013 is the best year ever.
Thanks,
Dave
Monday, October 1, 2012
A Little Update...October
Decided since I am sitting at Chase Field watching the Dbacks take on Colorado in the last homestand of the season, it's the perfect time to update you on some doings.
First...my health. Things are going really well. As of today I am down 35 pounds since June. Combination of eating better and pretty good gym work is making it a smooth transistion. Down almost a couple off pants sizes too. Still a long ways to go, but it's fun along the way. Ethan is in kindergarten and having a good time and learning a lot. He can read by himself, for the most part and enjoys reading to anyone who will listen. Ethan is still having some trouble listening in class, but he is trying his hardest. We have an award system set up, so he is motivated...I think.
Nicole is still trying to fund raise for the Susan G. Komen foundation 3Day walk coming up in November. Check my, or her, Facebook page to find out more about her latest fundraising effort this weekend, or if you just want to donate to her cause. She is working hard on this and I am very proud of her.
This turned out to be a short update, for once. Hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful day and a better life. Cheers!!
Dave
First...my health. Things are going really well. As of today I am down 35 pounds since June. Combination of eating better and pretty good gym work is making it a smooth transistion. Down almost a couple off pants sizes too. Still a long ways to go, but it's fun along the way. Ethan is in kindergarten and having a good time and learning a lot. He can read by himself, for the most part and enjoys reading to anyone who will listen. Ethan is still having some trouble listening in class, but he is trying his hardest. We have an award system set up, so he is motivated...I think.
Nicole is still trying to fund raise for the Susan G. Komen foundation 3Day walk coming up in November. Check my, or her, Facebook page to find out more about her latest fundraising effort this weekend, or if you just want to donate to her cause. She is working hard on this and I am very proud of her.
This turned out to be a short update, for once. Hope everyone reading this is having a wonderful day and a better life. Cheers!!
Dave
Friday, August 3, 2012
It's August...Thank You!!
Well July has passed and I am happy for that. (see two blogs ago) Things are definitely on the uptick. Just a quick word on my health. I promise I won't bore you with much. Three weeks ago my wife an I decided to join a gym, locally owned Mountainside Fitness. What a difference it has made. Before going back to the gym, I was already making progress on my diet and lost a few pounds. After three weeks of gym time, and a couple of personal training sessions, I am down 20 pounds. Now..I'm a big guy, no denying or hiding it so the change is subtle at best, but I feel good, having a good time and everything is fine. Now, some of my family and friends probably said, "that's great, but we've heard that before and we'll see after a couple of months" and they would be right. My track record with this isn't the best I agree. However, I recently had a battery of tests and found I may have a small blockage that is easily contained by drugs and exercise. Both my regular and cardio doctor think I'm not in danger and have cleared me for additional training. So, just to prove to myself and others, today I signed up for training sessions for the next year, so I HAVE to go and can't quit if I wanted too. Nicole and I are splitting two sessions a week for now, since she is in training for the Susan G. Komen walk (watch Twitter and Facebook for a cool fund raising event for that). After November, I will go two a week. My goals are simple, get back into shape and do Pat's Run in April, which is something I have always wanted to do. I'm not a runner at all, but it's for a great cause and in memory of a great man. I still have a long way to go, but it's been fun getting back in the gym again and working hard.
Ok, now for what this blog is built for. My sports takes. Let's start with the only team playing games in Arizona right now, the Diamondbacks. As of writing this, the D'backs are playing the Phillies in the opening game of a three game road series. The roll they are on right now is very similar to late last season. Everyone is contributing and Kevin Towers is making the right moves to make it work. They are in a great spot to make a post season run, and it's been fun lately watching them play. Still a lot of baseball left to play. So far, so good.
Next..the Coyotes. Still waiting for new ownership and Shane Doan. Coyotes fans have been waiting a LONG time for new ownership and should get some soon in Greg Jamison. He is a hockey guy with a history of success that has a smart business plan to make this situation work out in Glendale. He has the right general manager in Don Maloney and the right coach in Dave Tippett and certainly the right goaltending coach in Sean Burke, who has transformed Mike Smith into an elite level netminder. I still hope all will be resolved very soon and the Coyotes will be here for 20 years plus, and Doan can wear the "C" again in a Coyotes uniform.
Cardinals. Training camp has started and the boys in red will be playing in the Hall of Fame Game this weekend against New Orleans. Preseason is horrible, but I'd watch bad football over anything really, so bring it on. All indications say the Cardinals will have a stellar defense, some believe top-five in the NFL. However, quarterback and offensive line are still question marks. The offense doesn't have to be world-beaters, just be average and score 17-20 points a game..that's it. The defense will do it's job. We will see how this all pans out.
Sun Devils Football: New energy, new attitude, new coaches. I have high hopes for Todd Graham and the Sun Devil Football team. He has made a lot of positive strives inside and outside the program already, but now it's time to earn the paycheck on gameday. Realistically Sun Devil fans should hope for a bowl game, any bowl game, which we know these days is .500 football. Next year's recruiting class is already looking special on paper and high school football hasn't started yet. I also LOVE what he is doing in-state. High school football players in this state has been virtually ignored by both ASU and UofA over the last five years or so and it's time for that to change.
Suns: Honestly..I dunno. This team could challenge for a playoff spot, or could tank horribly. I like Luis Scola. He could be a very good player in this system. The have some scoring on the outside, but is it enough? I don't know. I think we will let this be until training camp, so we can at least see a roster to see who is even on this team.
Well, that's about it. If you read this far, congrats..you get a cookie. Me..well I'll have a protein bar or shake. They actually aren't that bad. Thanks for reading and mostly caring.
DZ
Ok, now for what this blog is built for. My sports takes. Let's start with the only team playing games in Arizona right now, the Diamondbacks. As of writing this, the D'backs are playing the Phillies in the opening game of a three game road series. The roll they are on right now is very similar to late last season. Everyone is contributing and Kevin Towers is making the right moves to make it work. They are in a great spot to make a post season run, and it's been fun lately watching them play. Still a lot of baseball left to play. So far, so good.
Next..the Coyotes. Still waiting for new ownership and Shane Doan. Coyotes fans have been waiting a LONG time for new ownership and should get some soon in Greg Jamison. He is a hockey guy with a history of success that has a smart business plan to make this situation work out in Glendale. He has the right general manager in Don Maloney and the right coach in Dave Tippett and certainly the right goaltending coach in Sean Burke, who has transformed Mike Smith into an elite level netminder. I still hope all will be resolved very soon and the Coyotes will be here for 20 years plus, and Doan can wear the "C" again in a Coyotes uniform.
Cardinals. Training camp has started and the boys in red will be playing in the Hall of Fame Game this weekend against New Orleans. Preseason is horrible, but I'd watch bad football over anything really, so bring it on. All indications say the Cardinals will have a stellar defense, some believe top-five in the NFL. However, quarterback and offensive line are still question marks. The offense doesn't have to be world-beaters, just be average and score 17-20 points a game..that's it. The defense will do it's job. We will see how this all pans out.
Sun Devils Football: New energy, new attitude, new coaches. I have high hopes for Todd Graham and the Sun Devil Football team. He has made a lot of positive strives inside and outside the program already, but now it's time to earn the paycheck on gameday. Realistically Sun Devil fans should hope for a bowl game, any bowl game, which we know these days is .500 football. Next year's recruiting class is already looking special on paper and high school football hasn't started yet. I also LOVE what he is doing in-state. High school football players in this state has been virtually ignored by both ASU and UofA over the last five years or so and it's time for that to change.
Suns: Honestly..I dunno. This team could challenge for a playoff spot, or could tank horribly. I like Luis Scola. He could be a very good player in this system. The have some scoring on the outside, but is it enough? I don't know. I think we will let this be until training camp, so we can at least see a roster to see who is even on this team.
Well, that's about it. If you read this far, congrats..you get a cookie. Me..well I'll have a protein bar or shake. They actually aren't that bad. Thanks for reading and mostly caring.
DZ
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