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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
 Posted - 01/03/2010 : 5:01:22 PM
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Scuba, I've never flip-flopped on being a hockey fan. I'll always be a fan of the sport. You don't have to attend "X" number of Cyclones games to be a hockey fan. Fact is, you don't have to attend any.
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www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
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SCUBA
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
584 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2010 : 12:55:14 AM
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| True, I agree to every thing in your last post however at times you have tried or claimed to support Cyclones hockey, took "x" amount of fans to a game, even bought season tickets. I think I read that from you at one time. Then apparently several harassed you at USBA, I don't ever advocate that, then you said you were done only to return after your hiatus from the cincy hockey scene only to post back on a site that are read by several who have issues with them and them you. Hockey fan you are, i'm not now or ever going to question that, I simply question your motives here. Look this thread.....we are not going to convince anyone here of anything, happy new year and good luck. |
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2010 : 6:57:28 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by SCUBA
Hockey fan you are, i'm not now or ever going to question that, I simply question your motives here.
Why do Cyclones fans such as yourself always think there's some sort of motive or agenda whenever I go to a game or post here?
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www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
Edited by - Donnie Hockey on 01/04/2010 10:33:01 PM |
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cyfa48
(Rookie)
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 5:16:01 PM
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Not to get off topic on this, but does anyone have the insider info on the financial state of the IHL as a whole? I have to say that I do miss a Dayton team to root against and this whole Muskegon/Cincy argument could be solved if the league were to be absorbed.
It just seems like with a limited amount of teams in the IHL, they run the risk the same IHL did in the early 2000's. I would rather see them play somewhere than get disbanded. |
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 6:38:03 PM
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Most IHL teams play in smaller buildings with a favorable lease agreement so they're able to survive with the ticket sales and sponsorship revenues they're generating. The biggest problem the IHL has is with the people running the league. The on-ice product is on par with the ECHL, but off the ice it's not even close.
The strongest franchise in the IHL is the Fort Wayne Komets, and there's a reason why they've remained in the IHL (and before that the UHL) instead of switching to the ECHL or becoming involved in owning and/or operating an AHL franchise. Muskegon keeps its head above water, as do a couple other franchises. |
www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
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hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 7:19:54 PM
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The IHL is a notch below the ECHL in play.
Really, there are at most 4 IHL teams (out of 7) that could be considered stable. 3 out of 4 of these have significant issues as well. There is only one IHL franchise which could be considered rock solid.
The Fort Wayne Komets are among the most successful minor league franchises in any sport. They could be the most profitable minor league hockey franchise with their attendance and ticket prices.
Muskegon has flirted with going to junior hockey in the past few years. Still, there is no reason to believe that Muskegon is in any trouble. But, it's hard to categorize them as strong either.
Quad City is hard to tell. People with whom I communicate say that the attendance figures are padded. I'm also told that corporate sales are very strong. Certainly a mixed bag.
The remaining four teams are in various states of disarray.
Bloomington just announced that it was seeking investors to pay for "additional marketing and promotional efforts". That is not a good sign. Bloomington ran into various financial problems last season. The future looks grim for this franchise.
Port Huron never gets any decent attendance. They've averaged significantly less than 2,000 for years. The ownership, however, is quite wealthy-or so I've heard. Should this be the case, then Port Huron evidently has no immediate worries, but one wonders how long an owner is willing to absorb deep losses.
Flint is a disaster. The team didn't even have its telephones operational until a few weeks before the start of the season. Flint's attendance is listed at about 1,500 per game, but I've heard that in reality it is much lower. Flint is a lost cause and it's highly probable that this season will be its last.
Dayton is a huge question mark. Its original ownership group were a pair of con artists/bozos. And that is a very kind description of them. They're gone--the league seized the franchise from them right after Thanksgiving.
The new ownership in Dayton appears to have some financially solid people in it. However, the bungling of Rich Bruner-the original owner-and the sad state of the Dayton economy makes the survival of the Gems an iffy proposition. Hopefully, they can make a go of it.
The minor league hockey landscape could undergo some drastic alteration in the coming off season. It's not out of the question to see some of the current IHL teams in the ECHL. There are many other possible scenarios as well which could take place this off season.
It will be interesting.
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"The only way David Desharnais will see an NHL game is if he buys a ticket".
--donnie hockey
"David Desharnais will be invisible during 5 on 5 hockey. IN THE AHL"
--donnie hockey
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Edited by - hrc666 on 01/07/2010 7:34:07 PM |
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 7:48:34 PM
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| If Clueless Joe really knew his stuff when it came to minor league hockey he'd be able to explain why Fort Wayne is in the IHL and not a member of the AHL or ECHL. |
www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
Edited by - Donnie Hockey on 01/07/2010 7:53:39 PM |
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cyfa48
(Rookie)
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 9:02:13 PM
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Thanks for the insider info here, guys. I don't know how either of you get your info, but it's more than I could ever find.
As far as Fort Wayne is concerned, I thought someone on here (who, I forget) mentioned that the Komets did some of the financial supporting for the Gems and maybe another team or two. I suppose that isn't the case at all? I thought that there was a recent conversation in here about the idea that Fort Wayne would rather support a league than run the risk of joining a bigger pond like the ECHL or AHL and possibly not have the same success.
I remember the fun days back in the old IHL when Fort Wayne and Cincy would play each other. I kinda miss seeing this team also. That's why I'm happy to see the Wings back in the ECHL when they made the jump.
I would love to see some of these teams together because they make for reasonably manageable weekend road trips, which have been a blast for me in the past. I recently went to Toledo last November and loved the arena! I think it would be fun to make some trips to Dayton again and even Fort Wayne. It beats going all the way to Elmira or Trenton. |
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hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 10:54:47 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Donnie Hockey
If Clueless Joe really knew his stuff when it came to minor league hockey he'd be able to explain why Fort Wayne is in the IHL and not a member of the AHL or ECHL.
That wasn't the question asked,  donnie.
You probably think it's the old player union dues thing. Figures |
"The only way David Desharnais will see an NHL game is if he buys a ticket".
--donnie hockey
"David Desharnais will be invisible during 5 on 5 hockey. IN THE AHL"
--donnie hockey
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 11:05:07 PM
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| If the IHL folds the Komets will become members of the CHL or SPHL. |
www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
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hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 11:09:24 PM
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How anyone can take you seriously is beyond me.
Do you really think that the Frankes are going to dump their team in the SPHL? It's a step down the quality ladder and Fort Wayne is so far outside the geographical footprint that it's ridiculous. The fact that you even think that anyone could give this credibility is simplyish.
But, your minions will still give you credibility despite absurd claims such as this.
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"The only way David Desharnais will see an NHL game is if he buys a ticket".
--donnie hockey
"David Desharnais will be invisible during 5 on 5 hockey. IN THE AHL"
--donnie hockey
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hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 11:13:11 PM
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Why don't you float your Komets to the SPHL in a forum where Komet fans post?
My response to your idiotic notion will seem kind in comparison.
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"The only way David Desharnais will see an NHL game is if he buys a ticket".
--donnie hockey
"David Desharnais will be invisible during 5 on 5 hockey. IN THE AHL"
--donnie hockey
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Edited by - hrc666 on 01/07/2010 11:20:54 PM |
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/07/2010 : 11:49:04 PM
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We'll see what you have to say if the IHL were to go under and that's the direction the Franke's took their Fort Wayne Komets.
Whether or not I have credibility with you and some others on this board or with those that follow the Cyclones is really quite inconsequential to me. The only thing that really matters to me, Joe, is that there's a hockey team here for the long haul for hockey fans to enjoy. I couldn't care less whether there's a team at USBA or the Gardens, or what league it is. Hockey's hockey. |
www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
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hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2010 : 12:09:10 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Donnie Hockey
We'll see what you have to say if the IHL were to go under and that's the direction the Franke's took their Fort Wayne Komets.
Whether or not I have credibility with you and some others on this board or with those that follow the Cyclones is really quite inconsequential to me. The only thing that really matters to me, Joe, is that there's a hockey team here for the long haul for hockey fans to enjoy. I couldn't care less whether there's a team at USBA or the Gardens, or what league it is. Hockey's hockey.
You really look silly. The SPHL for a market which pays AHL prices for a sub ECHL product!! LOL.
As for your claim about having a hockey team here for others to enjoy............Your actions don't mirror your claim.
If the enjoyment of hockey for Cyclones fans is your goal, a good first step would be to stop posting here.
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"The only way David Desharnais will see an NHL game is if he buys a ticket".
--donnie hockey
"David Desharnais will be invisible during 5 on 5 hockey. IN THE AHL"
--donnie hockey
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2010 : 12:29:16 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by hrc666
If the enjoyment of hockey for Cyclones fans is your goal, a good first step would be to stop posting here.
I'm disinclined to acquiesce to your request. Means "no".
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www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
Edited by - Donnie Hockey on 01/08/2010 12:44:25 AM |
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