Tuesday, August 30, 2011

My Thoughts: Barclays Center in Brooklyn a Possible Spot for a Minor League Team

By Dan Marley

            Over on the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, a new sports and entertainment complex is being built.
            Named the Barclays Center, its expected completion date is sometime in 2012.
            With the New Jersey Nets of the National Basketball Association relocating to Brooklyn, professional sports will be back in Brooklyn for the first time since 1958.  With the Nets, more tenants might make the Barclays Center their new home. 
According to sources, the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League will more than likely fill in one of the open spot.
In their first decade of operations, the Nets and Islanders played in the same venue in Long Island, bringing forth a nostalgic intention of reuniting the two teams under one roof.  This move would be great for the Islanders, however, skepticism and financial worries center on this potential move.
            Since 1972, the Islanders have played at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where they have won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983.  Their thirteen consecutive playoff appearances from the 1975 to 1988 seasons too brought in heavy volumes of fans and fan favorites like Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, Billy Smith, Mike Bossy, and Clark Gilles.
            After the 1989 season, however, two decades of missing the playoffs, poor trades, and early playoff exits led to a decline in attendance and popularity.  The 2004/05 NHL Lockout and 2008 United States economic recession were of no help to this team’s woes, as the rise of lacrosse and the poor economy in Nassau and Suffolk counties contributed to the franchise’s steady demise.
            According to ESPN, the Islanders averaged 11,000 fans per game, the worst in the NHL.  Of these fans, a majority of them were fans of their Atlantic Division rivals and of the notorious Quebec-ians that migrated from Quebec City on several occasions who wish to bring the Nordiques back into the NHL.
            To make matters worse, fans found other ways to use their tickets instead of going to the games or selling them online for a dime a dozen.  Greg “Opie” Hughes of The Opie and Anthony Show broadcasted his feelings about his favorite hockey club all over YouTube by dumping his tickets into the Hudson River after the Isles had lost its seventeenth in 18 games early in the regular season.
            Also, when the vote this summer came for a new arena on the Island, no one showed up to the voting booths.  Those who were able to make some kind of effort to cast their ballot voted “NO”.
            If the Islanders cannot make ends meet now, how would they be able to do so 30 miles west?
These reasons do not just affect the Islanders; they also affect the rest of the league.
            Apart from the Islanders, the New York Rangers are playing at the newly renovated Madison Square Garden five miles north of the new site.  The Rangers have one of the biggest fan bases in the league, and a huge following across the globe.  Also, the New Jersey Devils play ten miles west in Newark, New Jersey, and have a steadily growing fandom. 
It is because of this that professional hockey will not be able to properly thrive in Brooklyn.
            However, a minor league hockey team will be able to find a home here.  The Rangers are a perfect candidate for an affiliation here in Brooklyn.
            Right now, the Rangers have an affiliation agreement with the Connecticut Whale of the American Hockey League.  The Whale play 120 miles away from Madison Square Garden, and the travel between destinations on game day plays a heavy toll on the players being called up and sent down.  The traffic from the airports to the arena during rush hour too is critical, delaying the arrival of the players, giving them less preparation time to prepare themselves for their upcoming contests. 
            Another dilemma with this affiliation is the poor attendance.  In an arena that seats 15,000-plus, the Whale average only 5,600 per game, as of the 2010/11 season.  Reasons being due to the poor conditions of the XL Center in Hartford and the emotional toll that took place in 1997 when the Hartford Whalers relocated to North Carolina. 
 A clear indication of dissatisfaction was seen during the Whale Bowl, the AHL’s “Winter Classic” that saw very little interest in the Hartford community.  The crowd attendance was equivalent to the maximum capacity of the men’s bathroom at the University of Connecticut football field.
A change in scenery would be best for the organization.
            An affiliation in Brooklyn for the Rangers will preserve a New York hockey identity within the five boroughs and make call ups and send downs easier to regulate and conduct.
            Because of the close proximity of the two teams, fans can meet and greet with future Rangers and help better promote player and team development in the upcoming seasons.  If fans want to see how the prospects are doing, they can go to the games at an affordable price and see them play, rather than look up highlights online.
            Instead of a plane or long car ride to and from Hartford, players will be taking a short subway ride between boroughs, cutting down travel time and making arraignments stress-free.
            As for media agreements, WKRB (90.3 FM) and Brooklyn Community Access Television Brooklyn can air the games.  WKRB currently broadcast the Brooklyn Cyclones (Single-A affiliate of the New York Mets) of the New York-Penn League and the addition of a sports team to a student-based network can lead to more advertising, scholastic programs, and financial interests to the Brooklyn Center for Media Education.
            The biggest concern centering on this move would be the scheduling of games and transportation.  In regards to this, the AHL can make the Brooklyn team’s schedule non-conflicting with the NHL’s, having them play at home when they are on the road and vice versa or playing on the other’s off days.
            Another concern is keeping the AHL and NHL 30 teams even.   
Relocation would be required, and there are two perfect candidates for this: the Whale and the Abbotsford Heat.
            In Hartford, there have been murmurs about building a new sports and entertainment complex in the surrounding area with the slightest hint of bringing back their beloved Whalers.  If construction does go underway, the Whale would need to relocate, and Brooklyn would be a perfect fit for the farm team.
            When the Heat popped into the hockey picture in British Colombia as the farm team for the Calgary Flames, all major markets in that area focused their attention on the Heat, disrupting broadcasting agreements with the Chilliwack Bruins of the Western Hockey League.  Chilliwack and Abbotsford are very close neighbors. 
Media focus of the Heat led to a major decline in profits for Chilliwack and eventually to their relocation in the B.C. capital of Victoria.
            “You don’t do what Calgary did here,” said Daryl Porter, former owner of the Chilliwack Bruins, on Chilliwack’s 89.5 The Hawk back in April, “… [There’s a code in minor sports, and especially in hockey]… the fundamental bad break at the end of the day [turned us into victims].”
            Ironically, the WHL reigns more supreme than their AHL competitors in the Western Canadian province.  Despite the new complex that was built in Abbotsford, the team averaged less than 50 percent attendance, while the Chilliwack Bruins averaged over 60-percent at the 5,000-plus Prospera Center.
            By relocating the Heat to Brooklyn, not only would the Rangers have a closer minor league affiliate, the popularity and media rights to the B.C. Division of the WHL will be preserved and given more room to grow.
            The completion of the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn will leave a huge question mark for future tenants.  With hockey, it is too early to place a professional hockey team within ten miles of two major markets; especially a team whose organization that has is poorly ranked in interest.  A minor league team is a great start to promote hockey in the area and an affiliation with the local New York Rangers will benefit the organization in the short and long term.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Proud playoff run and offseason happenings have Oshawa fans looking forward to 2012 season


By Daniel A. Marley

            The Oshawa Generals have one goal for the 2012 season: translating a renewed team dynamic into Ontario Hockey League and Memorial Cup Championships.
In 2011, the Generals made the playoffs after missing the cut for the last two seasons, posting a 39-19-10 record for 88 points and reaching the second round of the playoffs.  
Last season also made history for one Christian Thomas, as he joined his father Steven “Stumpy” Thomas as the first father-son duo in OHL history to score 50-plus goals during their semi-pro tenures. 
            During the offseason, Thomas signed an entry-level deal with the New York Rangers, who drafted him in the second round of the 2010 National Hockey League Draft.  If Thomas does not make the cut with the Rangers during training camp, he will return to the Oshawa roster.  He also took part in the World Junior Championships camps with Team Canada, where his skills will continue to develop.
            The outcomes of the 2011 NHL Entry and OHL Priority Selection Drafts went in favor of the Generals, as they saw five current roster players drafted into the NHL and young talent replacing missing slots for the team’s future plans.
            On June 24, forwards Nicklas Jensen (No.29, Vancouver), Boone Jenner (No. 37, Columbus), Lucas Lessio (No. 56, Phoenix), Andy Andreoff (No. 80, Los Angeles), and defenseman Colin Suellentrop (No. 116, Philadelphia) were drafted into the NHL.  However, because of their rate of development and team needs, they will remain on the Generals roster for 2012.
            These skaters, along with Thomas, make up the new team dynamic that has brought the Generals out of the cellar.
             Second-year Danish forward Jensen has become well acclimated with North American hockey.  His improvements in speed, puck control, and shooting accuracy were shown in his 58-point performance last season.
            Jenner had a very productive year in 2011.  His playmaking mentality on the ice helped him earn career highs in goals (25) and assists (41).
            Lessio had a productive rookie year with the Generals, registering 27 goals and 27 assists with a plus/minus rating of eight. He ended the year on a poor note, receiving a two-game suspension for game misconduct against the Niagara IceDogs in the playoffs.  After his suspension, Lessio will spend the season working on his speed and perfecting his forecheck and power strides up and down the ice.
            Andreoff had a great 2011 campaign, registering 75 points and leading the team in penalty minutes with 109.  He will see more ice time, especially on the special teams units.
            Defenseman Suellentrop is a stay-at-home defenseman with great on-ice mobility.  His plus-21 rating and 70 penalty minutes show that opponents will find it difficult to score when he is on the ice.
            Open roster spots will lead to heavy competition amongst the prospects that were selected in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection Draft.  General Manager and Head Coach Chris DePiero’s intentions in this draft were to build a new core for the long term and enhance their defensive and goaltending depths.
            The 2011 Oshawa draft class included forwards Cole Cassels and Bradley Latour and goaltender Ken Appleby, who signed deals shortly after the draft.
            DePiero was relieved when he saw Cassels available by the time the Generals made their selection in the first round.  Son of former NHL forward Andrew Cassels, Cole is highly revered by DePiero for his “very skilled offensive game.”  In 48 games with the Ohio Blue Jackets Under-16 club, Cassels scored 22 goals and made 44 assists.  He also participated in the 2011 OHL Showcase Tournament, registering three points in four games.
            Latour’s too is revered by the Generals organization for his “hard work and dedication, as he pushes to improve his development.”  In 42 games with the Barrie Junior Colts, Latour registered 24 goals and 20 assists with 36 penalty minutes.  He too participated in the Showcase Tournament, recording four points in four games.
            Appleby will be competing with goaltender Peter DiSalvo for the starting role this upcoming season.  His size will be in his favor, however, has room for development and time in his favor to perfect his game.  With the North Bay Midget Trappers AAA, Appleby recorded a 2.19 goals against average in 21 games.
            The Oshawa Generals start their 2011/12 campaign against their division rival Kingston Frontenacs on September 23 and at home on the 25th against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.

Victoria Royals look to instill WHL tradition back in the B.C. Capital


By Daniel Marley

         A proud Western Hockey League era came to an end in 2011 with the Chilliwack Bruins relocating to the British Columbia capital of Victoria.
The sudden move of the Bruins came earlier this year with the expiration of the lease to Chilliwack’s Prospera Centre and the fear of a National Hockey League relocation of a team to Winnipeg, which would have resulted in a relocation of the American Hockey League’s Manitoba Moose to Victoria.
According to reporter Allan Maki of Globe and Mail, the relocation of the Bruins was done to preserve the popularity of the WHL in the league’s British Columbia Division and prevent an AHL team from relocating there and “hogging up” all of the media outlets in the province.  
Fortunately for all leagues involved, the Moose relocated to the Newfoundland and Labrador capital of St. John’s and the WHL market in the Western Canada province was not disrupted.
For the second time in WHL history, semi-professional hockey will have operations in Victoria.  Fans will be graced with the physical style of play that the Bruins fans have adored since their inaugural season in 2006, leading the league in penalty minutes last year with 1,553.
Last season, Chilliwack finished third in the B.C. Division and sixth in the Western Conference with a 33-31-8 record for 74 points.  They made the playoffs, only to lose to the Spokane Chiefs in the first round.
This year, the Royals look to generate their new fan base by preserving their physical game while incorporating a stronger offensive core and restructuring their goaltending for a better push towards their Ed Cynoweth and Memorial Cup dreams.
With the loss of key players like forwards Roman Horak and Ryan Howse and defensemen Brandon Manning and Jeff Einhorn to league age restrictions and regulations, the Royals have done almost everything to fill in these missing roster spots.
The Royals’ restructuring began at the Canadian Hockey League Import Draft and the WHL Bantam Draft early in the offseason with the selections of Czech Republic center Lukas Kralik and defenseman Joe Hicketts respectively.
The Royals were relieved to see Kralik still up for grabs by the time they made their selection.  He is highly revered for his offensive production and physical presence.  According to Hockey Scout and Analyst Dan Sallows, he is a “strong skater who has a good shot, nice hands, and displays good puck protection, reminding hockey fans of a young Ilya Kovalchuk.” Expect him to make a push for a spot on the top line and for his talents to be utilized on the special teams units.
The selection of Kamloops native Hicketts is the perfect compliment for the loss of Manning for his effective two-way defensive game.  Scouts view him as a dominant force that stands up for his team and puts points on the board.  With the Kamloops Jardines Blazers Bantam AAA in 2010/11, he registered 18 goals, 41 assists, 54 penalty minutes, a plus/minus rating of 98, 300 hits, and 33 blocked shots in 51 games.  He also showed great leadership with his Triple-A club, and if he proves himself this year, he will earn a captaincy down the road.
Other 2011 Victoria draft picks include defenseman Zach Peterson of the Edmonton SSAC Bantam AAA club and center Brendon Benson of the Lethbridge Bantam AAA club.
After the draft, the Royals continued their tweaking by trading for defenseman Hayden Rintoul of the 2011 Ed Chynoweth Cup Champion Kootenay Ice and goaltender Keith Hamilton of the Western Conference Champion Portland Winterhawks. 
Rintoul’s strength on the blue line was a key component to Kootenay’s championship run.  The perfect replacement for Einhorn, Rintoul will catch the interest of Victoria fans with his defensive zone concentration and leadership.  In 51 games last season, he registered 24 points with 51 penalty minutes and a plus-16 rating.
The loss of Chilliwack goaltender Lucas Gore made the Royals trade for a goaltender like Hamilton.  After serving as Marc Carruth’s backup in Portland, Hamilton has shown that he deserves the starting role with the Royals.  For three Bantam draft picks, the Royals got a player who is known for his positioning and eye for the puck.  In 28 games played, Hamilton recorded a 17-6-2 record with a 2.91 goals against average, a 91.4 save percentage, and one shutout.
There are two players from last year’s roster that will make a huge impact this year in their new home.  They are forwards Kevin Sundher and Robin Soudek.
Former 2007 first rounder Sundher now has the role as primary goal scorer with the departures of House and Horak.   He is well known amongst the Chilliwack fan base for his offensive mindset and consistency.  He can generate plays in the offensive zone and make accurate passes to his teammates on the ice. 
Last season, Sundher registered 52 assists and 76 points in 70 regular season contests and seven points in five playoff games.  He had a career best in the month of February when he shined offensively with 19 points in 12 games.
Soudek has seen his offensive production and his physicality increase since he left the Edmonton Oil Kings after the 2009-10 season.  His point totals doubled, as well as his time in the penalty box.  In 61 games in 2010, Soudek scored 25 goals and assisted on 32 with 70 penalty minutes.
 Other key players include forward Brandon Magee (12-17-29) and defensemen Mitch Topping (5-11-16) and Tyler Stahl (1-9-10).
The Victoria Royals open up their inaugural season with a home-and-home series on September 23 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and September 24 at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria against the Vancouver Giants.