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gfd28
(Rookie)
USA
33 Posts |
 Posted - 11/23/2012 : 6:24:26 PM
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Season ticket holder for 3 years, coming for 4. A beginner when compared to you other hardcore fans. Don't have the experience or long history with Cincinnati hockey like many of you, but wanted to get some thoughts, ideas, and upset out. Moral of the story below, stop expecting anything amazing. We don't have the ingredients for it and haven't for the 3 years since the last cup win.
I think we kinda need to face it. Cyclones are not on track to be super productive. Haven't been since the growing distant championship season. With so many examples to list, from a Captain tossing, to goalie troubles, coaches struggling, players sucking, the affiliate connections that result in the hand me downs, fewer food promotions, and my account rep basically ignoring me, I think its what we need to come to expect.
I have had to come to expect a loss, and hope for a win. With what little faith I had last year, even the beginning of this year I knew was too good to be true but it took some time for me to face it. The other teams we played simply didn't have the team connection that grows with playing multiple games into a season, traveling together and becoming one as a unit. Now we see what we have left. A struggling team, a coach with no true control due to affiliations, and a show on ice. Many of you I see are impressed with the AHL nature we are getting, which of course creates some kind of feeling that causes those really cool day dream wins, but then you wake up and see players missing passes, giving the puck up multiple times on multiple occasions in multiple games, not just games but seasons lost due to goalie trouble, I can go on and on. We lost to the worst team in the division. 3 losses straight, and more to come I guarantee. I love guessing as we all, but I am gonna call a 5 loss streak at minimum.
I am kinda over it this year. My hype is gone. My true excitement has been lost. And its not just the team or coach or performance. Used to be account reps who called me to let me know if I needed anything, used to be reps who didn't make it awkward when I went to the season ticket holder desk, used to be more pizza nights, hot dog nights, not just selling them self short for beer addicts, and management who went out of their way to just make something simple happen. Can't even keep someone who sits in a booth for 2 and a half hours and talks on a microphone. Seems like even the promo person got in a little trouble after making the stab to management that he was lucky they brought him back, and I haven't seen him since that night. Wouldn't be surprised if they let him go to huddle in pitty with Wildman. Next will be the guy who cuts their ice.
Call me crazy, but I think anyone still standing and applauding from 2010 needs to see its time to just watch some pretty crappy but, ok hockey. Just tired of the cold shoulder treatment and feel as if my $720 dollars have gone unnoticed. Don't think next year 2 full seats will be needed. This team, place, and management is something completely different what was there just 2 years ago. On track so far this year to be 20,000 people fewer than last.
Don't take me wrong, I will welcome any win and any chance we have at post season play. But its not expected. Not at the current Cyclone style. |
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tjpavlik
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 11/23/2012 : 7:51:21 PM
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I've been a season ticket holder since 06-07. I think its way too early to throw in the towel.
We have a goalie that is very early in his professional career and is still finding his game. My personal thought is he will get better but the only way that is going to happen is he has to play. Brian Foster is on the other end of the ECHL experience (ready to move on to the AHL, which will not happen unless someone gets hurt up there) and hopefully is providing some leadership and instruction to Zoltan.
I have never been a fan of Coach Skalde or his systems. This year hasn't changed my mind at all. For being an offensive orientated coach he either doesn't have the skill players he needs or is just plain hard headed and unwilling to make adjustments. The endless cycling of the puck, especially under the goal line, praying for someone to be open only works once or twice a game. Sneaking O'Hanley down for a shot is great but when the puck gets coughed up it leads to odd man rushes the other way. Wednesday night it took Toledo about a period to figure it out.
Matt McDonald as the assistant coach in charge or the defense has lead to some improved defensive play. I couldn't tell you if its his coaching or the caliber of the D-man we have this year. I'll take it either way.
Trading of Liambas had to be done to make room for the affiliated guys. I was never a fan of his and thought he was a liability most of the time he was on the ice. I applaud Skalde for having the cohjones to trade him instead of a skill player.
My ticket rep has disappeared as well but when I need something I email him and he gets right back to me. I like to think of myself as low maintenance, however. (Others may disagree)
I don't know what happened to Wildman. I thought he did a decent job. The new guy (don't know his name, or care really), eh, whatever. DJ Mitts (the "WHO WANTS T-SHIRTS ?!?!" guy) has a regular gig and only occasionally works the Cyclones games. You may see him more later in the season.
Attendance is down on an average basis but the Cyclones have always drawn much better after New Years Day. The promotions are all geared toward that fact. The cheap beer puts a few paying butts in the seats and makes a killing on the beer. I'm guessing but the $1 hot dogs/ Pizza doesn't touch the beer profit. Look at those pyramids on cheap beer night. That's a lot of profit.
So long story short, my jury is still out. No one ever thought the 2010 team would have won anything this early in the season. Give the boys a little more of the season before going all gloom and doom. They may just surprise us and win another championship. And Coach Skalde may be the Coach of the Year. (or not) I still enjoy going to the games, win or lose. |
Edited by - tjpavlik on 11/23/2012 7:55:09 PM |
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Donnie Hockey
(Loves To Post!)
USA
1514 Posts |
Posted - 11/23/2012 : 11:10:51 PM
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The Cyclones are currently in first place in the North Division, but fans are unhappy. It wasn't that long ago that the Cyclones weren't an active franchise and in 2005-06 there was no pro hockey at all in the city for fans to enjoy. If the mentality of the fans is nothing less than a Kelly Cup bound team is acceptable, then there won't be pro hockey here in the foreseeable future. As the history of the sport in Cincinnati has shown, appreciate what you have today because tomorrow it might be gone.
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SCUBA
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
584 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2012 : 03:49:36 AM
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| It's not often, if at all that i've actually agreed with Donnie, but i'm with him on this one. It would be nice to win a championship every year but that just won't happen |
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Hakeedude
(Been Here Awhile)
524 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2012 : 08:36:32 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by SCUBA
It's not often, if at all that i've actually agreed with Donnie, but i'm with him on this one. It would be nice to win a championship every year but that just won't happen
Took the words right out of my mouth. Think of it this way, gfd- We are being treated to close-to-AHL level hockey for as long as the strike lasts, and even ECHL style is a great bang for the buck. I remember the days of NO hockey in Cincinnati; that's a depressing way to go through winter! |
Edited by - Hakeedude on 11/24/2012 08:39:29 AM |
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gfd28
(Rookie)
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2012 : 2:52:54 PM
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| I am just saying as a whole, from the management to the team I am not seeing any difference than in the last 2 years. I don't expect any huge return. And I am a bit concerned about the treatment from the front office. Just seems as if there is an overall caring decline going on. Just a tad frustrated but still love hockey and supporting a local team. |
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Cyclonesdiehard
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2012 : 9:35:07 PM
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| I guess I look at it different than you. As a season ticket holder I am happy I have my tickets in hand for each game. I do not like the my rep calling me, emailing me, or visiting me at my seats every game. I do not care what management does. I just want to watch the hockey game. I don't need all the side shows going on that some folks need to go to the game. I go to watch the CINCINNATI CYCLONES play hockey, and to watch a good game win or lose. Each their own I guess. |
http://cyclonesopinionpage.blogspot.com/ |
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Reggie Dunlop
(The Next Level!)
USA
399 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2012 : 9:57:09 PM
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That's a pretty huge rant against a first place team that is playing without one of its top offensive threats (Luciani). The play has been pretty good thus far, but certainly can improve. Two straight road wins are promising, too, as well as Zoltan's shutout. If expectations are for a Kelly Cup every year in an affiliated, developmental league, that's a tough way to live. There is way too much beyond anyone's control to build an ECHL dynasty. It's a transient league where teams start from scratch every year.
As far as the game experience, the USBA Game Operations department is a ship of fools. Completely disorganized and incapable of resolving the myriad issues that exist. They paid lip service to change last summer with their STH survey, but virtually nothing has changed from the past few seasons. So, while it's frustrating, I've come to expect poor game operations and try to work around all the incompetence. I'm there because I love hockey and am happy to have a team in town. It was a dark day when they went on self-imposed suspension. |
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Catch22
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
676 Posts |
Posted - 11/24/2012 : 10:53:22 PM
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As a partial season ticket holder I'm happy with management in terms of that. Our rep communicated well when we bought the tickets and when there was a seat mixup when we got our tickets (probably our fault) they fixed it immediately. And the ability to miss games and trade those tickets in on another game is HUGE for us, as we are very busy and will often miss games. The organization isn't perfect, but at least they are flexible.
Promotions... I'd like to see even less. Sure, it gets butts in seats which is important. But I'm kind of sick of being surrounded by people who aren't watching the game, don't care, and are only there for free kiddie chicken fingers or a stupid damned snow globe. I'll openly admit that I hate these people as they negatively effect my game experience. At least have the common courtesy to not be texting or playing angry birds while the puck is in play!
Coach - I think success at this level comes to the coaches that can best juggle the inevitable revolving door of players. The guy that can install a working system that all of the players buy into and then can get the constantly changing roster working in that system will have success. Webber was very very good at this, at least so far Skalde hasn't been.
Goalies - With 2 affiliates it is what it is. Sometimes guys will play very well and the parent teams will have no injuries/callups and things will be great. Other times you'll get a flop that has a contract and needs to be stuck somewhere. Other times you'll get a project (congrats to The Zoltan on his shutout tonight!). Other times you'll get lucky when you are desperate and the dude from the SPHL will put the team on his back and carry them into the playoffs.
Flip a coin, roll dice, whatever.
This season - Thank god for the lockout. So far the roster has been fairly stable and we have some talent that we likely wouldn't have otherwise. Regardless of the record the hockey is just plain better than what we normally see. I'd be OK if the lockout lasts all year at this point as I'm seeing some good stuff with my $12 ticket as a result. |
Yes, I grew up playing hockey... In Alabama. |
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cloneinator
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
597 Posts |
Posted - 11/25/2012 : 08:58:56 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Catch22
This season - Thank god for the lockout. So far the roster has been fairly stable and we have some talent that we likely wouldn't have otherwise. Regardless of the record the hockey is just plain better than what we normally see. I'd be OK if the lockout lasts all year at this point as I'm seeing some good stuff with my $12 ticket as a result.
I could not agree more with this! The NHL season is a wash and the Cyclones (and fans) are certainly benefiting from it. Would not hurt my feelings at all if they cancelled the season.
As far as Ticket Reps go, I have ZERO complaints with mine. He always returns my calls and bends over backwards for me. I am bringing a group of 216 in January, and whether it was that or a group of 20 I get the same great service from him. |
...And on the eighth day, GOD created the Cyclones! |
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tjpavlik
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
552 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2012 : 11:17:06 AM
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| Uh, these guys are pretty good. |
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gfd28
(Rookie)
USA
33 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2012 : 6:44:07 PM
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| Yes, we managed to beat the worst team in the league. Amazing. We should have done this the first time. We didn't. We also had goalie swaps. Hard to beat a 6'5" goalie who can focus on the puck. If things turn, I am game. It does feel a bit better after last night, but don't get too excited. |
Edited by - gfd28 on 12/01/2012 7:35:49 PM |
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Catch22
(Been Here Awhile)
USA
676 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2012 : 10:35:21 PM
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Annnnnnnd they gave up 38 shots and did a lot of PKing tonight from the looks of the game sheet. Every team has on off night but it feels like they wasted one with Magnus in goal, and I'm still convinced there won't be many.
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Yes, I grew up playing hockey... In Alabama. |
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