| Author |
 Topic  |
|
hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
 Posted - 07/31/2010 : 2:32:04 PM
|
With all of the changes occurring this off season and the fact that the franchise has been on a roll for the past three seasons, it begs the question.
The magnitude of the loss of both Weber and Stork is obvious. Not only were they the best coaching tandem in the ECHL, but the relationship with the AHL affiliate(s) essentially start at ground zero with the wholesale change in the Cyclone coaching staff, the complete makeover of the Hamilton staff and the loss of Santos in Milwaukee. It's entirely possible that we will have a new affiliate altogether.
The fact is that the hockey side of the equation is a complete unknown right now and given the calender, it's very hard to envision that a top level squad can be assembled in the time frame available to the new coach/gm.
I think a team which makes the playoffs would be about the top of what one can reasonably expect this season.
On the business side, the Cyclones have been increasing their attendance at roughly 30% per season over the past three years . They have increased attendance from 1880 per game in their return season of 2006-07 to an average of almost 3900 per game last season.
The ticket price raise isn't a big concern (only $1) and the very favorable schedule (21 weekend dates vs. only 17 last year) should lead to greater revenues for the team. Still, the upward trend has been phenomenal and it can't be expected to last forever. Should the team not be as competitive on the ice as they have been-a likely scenario-that could prove to have a somewhat negative impact on attendance as well.
The organization took a major risk when it released its very well entrenched PR man, John Hamel, who knew the ins and outs of the Cincinnati media and got very decent press coverage for the team. Hamel also was the chief force behind the 8944 turnout for "Education in Hockey Day" last season. John's passion for the Cyclones is something which cannot be manufactured as well as he obviously loved the Cyclones and his job(s). His shoes will not be easy to fill for the young Nick Brunker.
Also, the Cyclone marketing team has been very creative with their promotional ideas (obama bobbleheads, etc.). Can they continue to come up with the type of ideas which are key to keeping the attendance increases in play? They have set a very high standard for themselves and it won't be easy to continue coming up with winning marketing/promotional ideas.
So, am I all wet about these concerns or are they reasonable? |
Edited by - hrc666 on 07/31/2010 4:03:54 PM |
|
|
bags
(Person With Nothing Better To Do!)
USA
2224 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2010 : 3:24:11 PM
|
I like your points and the idea behind the post. I would really
be mad if the chances of him going were strong last month and the
team didn't do more to hang onto Dean Stork for his replacement.
Another problem is ticket prices. I still believe a sub $10 ticket
should be available and now I fear the county is going to tack on
more ticket tax and parking to pay the Bengals stadium off.
As for our current coaching problem, I wonder if Coach Weber might
have a suggestion of his own on a coach. Since he won't be in the
ECHL, a new coach would not be a threat to him.
Please everyone posting on this topic. Don't turn it into a
"Trash the Cyclone's Management" thread but instead just concern
over the current negative trend. The hiring of a new coach will
make everyone feel better( unless Chris Cichocki is named  )! |
 |
|
|
dbc
(Been Here Awhile)
865 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2010 : 5:53:04 PM
|
| Can't think of another case where a team wins a championship and the whole coaching staff leaves and no players have contracts. It is like starting at scratch. At least in most major league or triple A minor league teams there is a nucleus of players who return with long term contracts with the parent club. The other problem is that Chuck was VP Hockey Operations so the ability to evaluate and sign talent is also gone. They need to sign a coach this week--someone with a name and reputation so he can quickly attract and sign talent. Not trying to be a doom and gloomer here-- just realistic. There are no coaches, no GM, and no players and we are in August. While the fan increase has been great, I think it has been driven by success on the ice and not a passion for the game yet. My greatest fear is that in this "rebuilding year", attendance goes to hell and the team gets into financial difficulty. |
|
|
|
Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 07/31/2010 : 9:26:46 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by hrc666
The organization took a major risk when it released its very well entrenched PR man, John Hamel, who knew the ins and outs of the Cincinnati media and got very decent press coverage for the team. Hamel also was the chief force behind the 8944 turnout for "Education in Hockey Day" last season. John's passion for the Cyclones is something which cannot be manufactured as well as he obviously loved the Cyclones and his job(s). His shoes will not be easy to fill for the young Nick Brunker.
John Hamel worked hard, but so do washing machines. Nick Brunker will do a good job for the Cyclones. He's been part of the Cincinati sports media for the past three years and will be able to hit the ground running because he knows the people he needs to at each outlet. |
www.twitter.com/donhelbig |
Edited by - Donnie Hockey on 07/31/2010 9:44:47 PM |
|
|
|
MikeyB
(Rookie)
20 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 03:50:36 AM
|
| I've had season tickets for the last 2-3 years. This upcoming season I don't think I will. At this point it seems more prudent to 'wait and see' before committing a large chunk of money. I don't mind paying a premium per ticket to not be locked in for a whole season, especially if this turns out to be a bad season. |
|
|
|
carriveaux
(Rookie)
USA
18 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 10:13:41 AM
|
| WOW I can not believe that people are talking about this next season as if it is a complete wash and some not even getting thier season tickets. Yes we would love to win everygame and always win the Kelly Cup every year , but reality says never will happen. We have been on such a winning streak that some don't remember the not too long ago we did not even have a hockey team to go support. I have bought my season tickets already even knowing Coach was leaving , but a new Coach will finally be picked and like alot of years we might start slow because of the late change but I for one with my family will be there and win or lose , they are still our team . Sure we prefer too win every damn game but we will support them even through rebuilding another coach's vision. Go Cyclones. |
|
|
|
somebeach
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1224 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 10:47:08 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by carriveaux
WOW I can not believe that people are talking about this next season as if it is a complete wash and some not even getting thier season tickets. Yes we would love to win everygame and always win the Kelly Cup every year , but reality says never will happen. We have been on such a winning streak that some don't remember the not too long ago we did not even have a hockey team to go support. I have bought my season tickets already even knowing Coach was leaving , but a new Coach will finally be picked and like alot of years we might start slow because of the late change but I for one with my family will be there and win or lose , they are still our team . Sure we prefer too win every damn game but we will support them even through rebuilding another coach's vision. Go Cyclones.
Amen to that. I agree with everything in your post. We have already gotten our season tickets for next season. And we are making plans for some road trips this year, too. Win or lose, we will support the team (I learned my lesson in the play-offs against Reading to never say its over). Whomever is named the new coach certainly has a lot of work to do. We don't know if Chuck had signed anybody for the upcoming season as nothing has been announced, but that is the way that the team does it, not announcing any signings until just before training camp. |
What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
ZINGER!!!!! |
|
|
|
cloneinator
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
597 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 1:30:28 PM
|
| I too have concerns about the upcoming season, but I never even gave a second thought to not renewing my season tickets. I will be there regardless supporting the 'Clones. |
...And on the eighth day, GOD created the Cyclones! |
|
|
|
Cyclonesdiehard
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 5:11:15 PM
|
| This is the life of a minor league hockey fan. We all knew we had a great coach, and new he would move on eventually. There is absolutely no reason not to get season tickets again. Ray Harris will find a coach, and the team will play hockey. |
http://cyclonesopinionpage.blogspot.com/ |
|
|
|
bhf303
(The Next Level!)
198 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 7:00:03 PM
|
| I got my season tickets as well. We are also planning some road trips for the upcoming season. Hopefully we have a great year, but we will be there regardless. |
Somersaults, thats how I roll! |
|
|
|
poff34
(The Next Level!)
USA
250 Posts |
Posted - 08/01/2010 : 10:21:53 PM
|
| I got my tickets. I guess they are not TRUE fans. They are like Bengals fans they only spend the money when they are doing well. The team still needs support when they arent doing well!!!! |
Poff34
|
|
|
|
hrc666
(Loves To Post!)
1363 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 02:46:42 AM
|
I've got my tickets as well.
My original points were not to bash the Cyclones or be a purveyor of gloom and doom, but to recognize the simple facts that the Cyclones are undergoing a very severe transformation in their hockey operations and that the business side has some strong challenges as well.
As far as I'm concerned, the team doesn't owe me another winning season until 2015-16 or so. We've been treated to outstanding hockey for the past four years and had the chance to watch stand out players such as Desharnais and Desjardins. I would love to see the on ice (and off ice) success of the organization continue unabated, but whether it does or not will have no bearing upon my level of support of the Cyclones.
That said, the team faces seriously challenges in being a highly competitive team on the ice this coming season. No coaches, affiliation connections severed in terms of personnel on all levels, and the fact that it's already August puts this organization squarely behind the 8 ball. A highly competitive team is not impossible, but there are quite a few high hurdles to overcome. |
"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
|
|
|
|
bags
(Person With Nothing Better To Do!)
USA
2224 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 06:52:23 AM
|
When you started this topic, I think I know what you meant, but I was
holding my breath to see where it went. The idea of not buying season
tickets never even crossed my mind, but I'm glad to see so many stepping
up and shooting that down. To "Donnie Hockey", a very big thank you for
giving a positive point and keeping the topic friendly. The late AHL
choice for Weber kinda left us thinking maybe we were safe from losing
him. I know it would be a step down, but what about the old Norfolk
coach? Jim Johnson was 15-5-1-1 with his close out of the year for
them. It seems he was knocked out due to new management change.
Anyhow my season tickets are bought and I'm hoping a new coach will
be in place by next Thursday (8-12) and the signings will start flooding
in. |
|
|
|
psychlone
(Rookie)
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 11:15:43 AM
|
I agree with the concerns. It would be great to have sort of an ECHL dynasty but it will be a rebuilding year.
I have always thought that hockey in Cincinnati had a tough hill to climb because the media has it's focus on the Reds, Bengals, college hoops, and high school football. It seems the only time that the Cyclones get any coverage is when they make it to the playoffs. So you have that along with fair weather fans and that it not just with the Cyclones but you see it with the Bengals and Reds as well. Just look at this past weekend's attendance at the Reds games. Do well and they will come.
So, I think the key for the Cyclones is to have some great promotions to bring the people out and to get a coach that recruit some great players. Heck, having a big name in hockey wouldn't hurt either. I still think the Bengals picking up T.O. wasn't just about putting together a winning team but to get people in the seats. My opinion only I'm sure but put for example, someone like Gretzky on the bench (I know he wouldn't come here - just an example) and you can bet people will come just to see him.
EDIT - I should also mention that this isn't going to keep me from coming to the games (just in case I was sounding a little down which wasn't entirely my intent).
|
Edited by - psychlone on 08/02/2010 11:18:45 AM |
|
|
|
roxyjess615
(Finally Got A Star!)
USA
61 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 12:58:18 PM
|
I am sure every TRUE hockey fan has the same concerns as the next. If you are a TRUE hockey fan, you would not give a second thought as to not buying your season tickets because the team may not do well. Seriously, if you are going to act like that, then don't be a sports fan! EVERY team has their ups and downs! Who knows, everyone last year said we were going to be terrible and look what happened, another Kelly Cup!
Keep you heads up, we don't know what kind of awesome may be right around the corner! |
|
|
|
cloneinator
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
597 Posts |
Posted - 08/02/2010 : 1:54:19 PM
|
| HRC, don't feel like you have to qualify your remarks...I certainly never took it as "Cyclones bashing." In fact I made a similar comment in another thread on July 27 I felt the team was behind the eight ball. They are observations and areas of concern, but hardly anything that will keep the true fans away. Different perspectives are what makes this board interesting. |
...And on the eighth day, GOD created the Cyclones! |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Topic Locked
