While I wait for the world to end on Saturday I was wondering… Has the mainstream hockey media lost its’ collective mind, or are they trying to manipulate a fanbase? Reports surfaced late last night about the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers being “done.” Given that these reports come from the Globe and Mail lend them credence, but the flurry of denials coming from other well-respected writers saying that nothing was done undermines that. These denials are coming from the usual suspects, True North, the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, Darren Draeger and many more. Yet the Globe and Mail reports it as fact… and most interestingly, NHL.com has the report up on their news feed.
Comments from Commissioner Bettman, on his show last night, included a comment that has to fire up the Thrasher fan base. “It will be interesting to see how many people show up at the rally on Saturday,” That’s a strong message to Atlanta hockey fans. Get your butt out to the rally in the Gulch on Saturday if you want to save your team. I can speak from experience… the summer rally in 2007 here in Nashville was a turning point that built momentum to keep the Preds in Nashville, much to Ken Campbell’s displeasure.
I can’t help but to think that some serious manipulation is going on here. Come out with the story on the Thursday before a Saturday rally to show support for Atlanta’s hockey team. It is a classic suppression move, we see it in politics all the time. A big turnout sends a message to potential local owners. It sends a message to the Atlanta media. A big turnout will also appear to send a message to the commissioner’s office as well. By getting this story out prior to the rally, you try to depress the turnout to help make your story true.
You don’t think an agenda is at work here do you? Nah… (sarcasm /off)
Atlanta fans, you have an opportunity… I’ve seen a few battles break out in the comment section of the AJC blogs that indicate a rift between fan groups… put aside your differences and get out there in numbers. It may be your last and only chance to show potential local buyers what your fans base looks like and how powerful it can be.
I wish you luck.
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Y’know… the other part of this that really sticks in my craw is how the great fans in Winnipeg are being jacked around. As I’ve said before, I’d like to see a few more Canadian teams in the league and the ‘Peg should be one of those. But irresponsible reporting just toys with people.
The Canadian Press reported a crowd of about 50 fans in the streets of Winnipeg last night, celebrating the return of the NHL. A return that hasn’t been confirmed… when this is all said and done, the Globe and Mail may owe one gigantic apology to those fans… or they can take a victory lap.
It all depends on what happens over the next two weeks or so.
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Random Notes
- EA Sports is teasing NHL ’12 … with a screen shot that appears to include a Winter Classic mode.
- Welcome to the Conference Finals Tim Thomas. 31 saves in a dominating performance last night in the Bruin’s shutout win over Tampa Bay.
- Dirk Hoag over at On the Forecheck has an interesting look at the travel that would be necessary should the Thrashers end up in Winnipeg this season. The NHL appears to be leaning toward leaving the team in the Southeast no matter where the franchise plays their games for at least next season. It makes sense, but the travel will be pure hell for the entire division.
- The Vancouver / San Jose series is starting to build up a little bad blood. Maybe NHL.com may be fueling it… it’s another front page fail as the headline “Canucks Wallop Sharks in GM 3” under another headline stating “Over-Eager” … yup that works… game 3 is tonight.
- NHL Network is carrying the Memorial Cup Tournament again this year in the US. Coverage starts Saturday. The net will be carrying two games live over the weekend, each at 6pm CDT on Saturday and Sunday.
- Tonight’s playoff schedule – Vancouver @ San Jose – Canucks Lead 2-0 – 8pm CDT (Versus, CBC)
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