OK… I’ve seen spin before… but this one redefines the word. Today’s edition of the Globe and Mail features a column from Bruce Dowbiggin that celebrates and crows about the newspaper being… wrong! Not that you could tell that from the words used. The headline?
“Winnipeg gets Thrashers: As first reported in the Globe and Mail…”
Dowbiggin then goes on brag about how all the other Canadian media tried to shoot holes in the story and intimates nefarious activity going on behind the scenes all to discredit the story. Let’s recount the story as reported by Stephen Brunt. He reported in the May 19th edition that the deal to move the Thrashers to Winnipeg was “done” and would be announced on May 24th.
The announcement was made on May 31st and the deal was indeed not “done” as reported. I hate to break it to Bruce… the story, as reported, was factually incorrect. The fact that what was reported eventually happened is true and Brunt does deserve some credit for unearthing it, but I remind you that the Globe and Mail also reported, multiple times, that the Phoenix Coyotes were moving to Winnipeg as well. I suppose this proves the old saying that a broken clock is right twice a day.
Oh… and by the way… Dowbiggin asks a question in his column…
” Why was it considered bad form for Jim Balsillie to sell prospective season tickets to prove Hamilton’s worthiness as a franchise but True North’s quasi-telethon Tuesday for season tickets was simply good business practice? Just asking.
Ummm… maybe because Mr. Balsillie was selling tickets to a team he did not have a league sanctioned agreement in place to buy? Maybe because Mr. Balsillie was saying that he had no intention of moving the team
the day before those Hamilton tickets went on sale? Maybe because, even when Mr. Balsillie was trying to salvage the wreckage of his ill-fated attempt to buy the Nashville Predators by saying he believed Nashville was a hockey town and had no intention of moving the team (again,) his Ticketmaster site was STILL active and selling prospective tickets for a move.
Sheesh… don’t toss me a softball like that one… Did you really need to be reminded that the only reason Jim Balsillie doesn’t own an NHL franchise right now is because of his own arrogance and hubris Bruce?
Oh and by the way… Quebec City gets a team… when that happens, according to the
Globe and Mail, I will be able to brag about “As first reported on Hockey Buzz.”
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Looks like the reports out of Texas are true. Predator’s Assistant Coach Peter Horachek interviewed for the Dallas Stars vacant head coaching position. There are quite a few names being bandied about for this position, most notable Kirk Muller and Ken Hitchcock.
Horachek has been with the Predators since 2003 and is only the third assistant coach that the team has had. He has been involved in Nashville hockey twice in his career, his current role and also as the head coach of the ECHL’s Nashville Knights back in the early 90’s.
Those that have been clamoring for a change in assistants in Music City may be getting their wish. Should Horachek get the Dallas job, there will be a complete turnover of the coaching staff under Barry Trotz (except Mitch Korn) in the past year. I’m sure that Joe Nieuwendyk wants to make a call fairly quickly as the draft is fast approaching.
Good luck to Coach Horachek in this process, he has paid his dues and I’m glad he’s getting a shot to get his own team.
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Random Notes
- What a goaltending battle last night! Both Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo were outstanding.
- Once again, with the Sedins shut down, Ryan Kesler improves his chances for the Conn Smythe. Simply great play in causing the turnover that led to the game winner.
- OK… I’ve given Alex Burrows credit for changing his game and stopping the stupid stuff that distracts from it… but really? Biting? What, are we four years old now? Prior biting incidents have led to suspensions, get out your tinfoil hats gang. If a suspension is announced, you will hear the conspiracy theories crank up.
- The replacement of Colin Campbell with Brendan Shanahan removes one ugly piece of the disciplinary process for the NHL, the appearance of bias. There was just too much smoke there… Colin Campbell is a good man who, for the most part, has done a good job in the role, however, it is good that this change is taking place.
- Tonight’s playoff schedule – None - Game two is Saturday night.
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You are invited to follow me on Twitter. Search for @PredPAPaul… Not only will I be updating when I get news or updates, but we are having a bit of fun by getting your input on Gnash introductions, weigh in on Twitter and who knows, we may use your introduction for the best mascot in the NHL at the next Preds game!
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COMING UP ON THE NEXT SLAPSHOT RADIO…
We had a great show last night featuring ESPN’s Scott Burnside discussing the Atlanta / Winnipeg situation, and the Puck Daddy himself, Greg Wyshynski, talking about ex-Pred Cliff Ronning and why he was so good on early NHL video games. We also talked NHL combine with Shane Malloy… the podcast is posted.
You can get check out our podcasts at
the SlapShot Radio podcast page.
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