Good news! There will be playoff hockey in Toronto this year.
In my latest Hockey54.com article, I'll explain why it's time to ignore the Leafs and follow the Marlies.
Enjoy!
ER
Showing posts with label maple leafs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maple leafs. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Friday, October 07, 2011
Friday, April 08, 2011
Blue and White Love
Episode 49 of This Is Toronto is now available!
This latest edition features WeWantACup.com, a new website that hopes to maintain the Maple Leafs' presence in Toronto. According to the site's founder, the team's lack of success hurts the city in many ways.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: April 22, 2011
ER
This latest edition features WeWantACup.com, a new website that hopes to maintain the Maple Leafs' presence in Toronto. According to the site's founder, the team's lack of success hurts the city in many ways.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: April 22, 2011
ER
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Dealing with the Mob
And now, a short story written by yours truly.
It was inspired by a certain coach of a certain hockey team that plays in a certain Canadian city.
Hope you like it.
- ER
It was inspired by a certain coach of a certain hockey team that plays in a certain Canadian city.
Hope you like it.
- ER
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Marlies Nation
Episode 35 of This Is Toronto is now available!
Not only are the Toronto Marlies the top minor-league affiliate of the Maple Leafs, they're also heavily involved in the community. Marlies Play-by-Play Announcer John Bartlett talks about the team and the contributions the players make on and off the ice.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 8, 2010
- ER
Not only are the Toronto Marlies the top minor-league affiliate of the Maple Leafs, they're also heavily involved in the community. Marlies Play-by-Play Announcer John Bartlett talks about the team and the contributions the players make on and off the ice.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
NEXT EPISODE: Oct. 8, 2010
- ER
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Re. A Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man
There were some scenes I really enjoyed. There were also some scenes that dragged on. Overall, it was a good story. There were times I could relate to Stephen, the main character.
Personally, I think I would've appreciated the book more during my early twenties. That's how old Stephen is when everything in the plot comes together.
Next book: Briefing For a Descent into Hell by Doris Lessing
I think it's about the Maple Leafs, post-1967. Hiyoooo!
- ER
Personally, I think I would've appreciated the book more during my early twenties. That's how old Stephen is when everything in the plot comes together.
Next book: Briefing For a Descent into Hell by Doris Lessing
I think it's about the Maple Leafs, post-1967. Hiyoooo!
- ER
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Re. Bulldogs and Marlies
The American Hockey League has released its 2010-11 regular season schedule.
Here are the schedules for the Hamilton Bulldogs and Toronto Marlies.
- ER
Here are the schedules for the Hamilton Bulldogs and Toronto Marlies.
- ER
Monday, August 23, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Baseball Leafs
Episode 24 of This Is Toronto is now available!
The Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League have been a part of the local sports scene since 1969. They are also one of the city's most successful franchises. Maple Leaf P.A. Announcer, Statistician and Fan 590 Sportscaster Roger Lajoie discusses the team and previews the 2010 IBL season.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
- ER
The Toronto Maple Leafs of the Intercounty Baseball League have been a part of the local sports scene since 1969. They are also one of the city's most successful franchises. Maple Leaf P.A. Announcer, Statistician and Fan 590 Sportscaster Roger Lajoie discusses the team and previews the 2010 IBL season.
www.thisistorontopodcast.blogspot.com
- ER
Friday, May 08, 2009
The Pros & Cons of Balsillie's NHL Dream
To be perfectly honest, I'm really torn on this issue. It would be great to have another NHL franchise in Southern Ontario, but there are many alarm bells going off in my head. The only way to come to a decision is to break down all the facts, opinions and points:
PRO - A second NHL team in Southern Ontario will provide fans with a new way to see hockey played at the highest level. Maple Leaf tickets are extremely hard to get a hold of; not to mention the fact that they are also incredibly expensive. A new team equals a new opportunity for fans to see the NHL's best.
PRO - A new team will create new jobs for Ontarians. There will be jobs in the club's front office. There will be a need for ushers and vendors. There will also be construction jobs created for the building of a new arena and/or renovating Copps Coliseum. We're in the midst of a recession. A new team will create opportunities for people looking for work.
PRO - A new team is good for the economy. Money will be made though admission and merchandise sales. There will also be plenty of advertising deals. Portions of the profits will be pumped back into the economy. Of course, this won't clear up all economic troubles, but it's certainly helpful.
PRO - The new team would not be an expansion team. Therefore, regular season and playoff success is likely to occur sooner. From all accounts, the Phoenix Coyotes appear to be an up-and-coming team.
CON - As pointed out by The Fan 590's Jack Armstrong, a second NHL team in Southern Ontario will negatively affect all other area-based teams; not just the Maple Leafs and the Sabers, but also the Raptors, the Blue Jays, TFC, the Argos, Ti-cats and Bills, the Marlies and Bulldogs, the Rock, Bandits and Nationals, and all nearby OHL and OHA clubs. As shown by the sports media, hockey comes first in Southern Ontario. A new NHL club will take away attention from all these teams. A new club could also take away fans and their money. For example, your average sports fan may decide to spend his/her hard earned money on "Coyotes" tickets, instead of Raptor tickets.
CON - Yes, there's a market for a second NHL team, but will there be enough support? I'm not an expert, but if Southern Ontario is a great hockey market, wouldn't every single professional team in the area do well in terms of attendance and support. As I've written before, the Hamilton Bulldogs averaged 4900 fans at their homes games (played at Copps Coliseum) during their 2006-07 AHL season; the same season when the Bulldogs won the Calder Cup. In fact, the game where they actually won the AHL championship had a paid attendance of 14,205, about 5000 seats short of a sellout. The Marlies have also had a poor attendance record, even though the team has performed better than their parent club the past two seasons. Let's not forget about the disastrous 2007 AHL All-star game held at Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum. Based on these results, I have to question anyone who says Southern Ontario would be a great hockey market.
CON - The Coyotes are a Western Conference team. Hamilton, which is where the team will likely end up, is more suited to be in the Eastern Conference. If the Coyotes are reassigned to the East, it will create uneven conferences. It seems minor, but it will affect how the games are scheduled. If they stay in the West, then the team will likely have to adjust to time-zone differences more often, which leads to a greater chance of fatigue. Remember, all Eastern Conference team are part of the same time-zone. The Western Conference teams do not have that luxury. Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.
CON - The Maple Leafs have deep roots in Southern Ontario. I simply cannot imagine a world where Leaf fans would be willing to buy season tickets for a different NHL team. In addition, I would be very surprised if MLSE allowed another team to relocate to Southern Ontario. Jim Balsillie would have to compensate MLSE for any loss of revenue caused by his team.
VERDICT: Based on the breakdown, I feel a second NHL club in Southern Ontario would be a bad idea. As I said, there is a market, but I wonder if there will be sufficient support. Based on the signatures Balsille has collected on his website, there appears to be some form of support. But I feel that's because the media has made this out to be an "American Commissioner vs. Canada" storyline. Gary Bettman is not anti-Canadian. He made sure the Oilers and Flames stay in their respected cities because he understands the importance of hockey to Canadians.
The issue here is Balsillie trying to bring an NHL team to Southern Ontario by using an approach that's not approved by the NHL owners. The NHL would have no problem having a team in Southern Ontario, as long as the relocation follows their procedures. What makes the situation such a mess is the various reports which claim that Balsille's actions have hurt his reputation with the other NHL owners. If his attempt to move the Coyotes fails, it's because of the owners and not Gary Bettman.
Regardless, it's likely that there will be a second NHL team in Southern Ontario in the future. However, if it turns into a finanical disaster and fails to draw support, I will not be surprised.
- ER
PRO - A second NHL team in Southern Ontario will provide fans with a new way to see hockey played at the highest level. Maple Leaf tickets are extremely hard to get a hold of; not to mention the fact that they are also incredibly expensive. A new team equals a new opportunity for fans to see the NHL's best.
PRO - A new team will create new jobs for Ontarians. There will be jobs in the club's front office. There will be a need for ushers and vendors. There will also be construction jobs created for the building of a new arena and/or renovating Copps Coliseum. We're in the midst of a recession. A new team will create opportunities for people looking for work.
PRO - A new team is good for the economy. Money will be made though admission and merchandise sales. There will also be plenty of advertising deals. Portions of the profits will be pumped back into the economy. Of course, this won't clear up all economic troubles, but it's certainly helpful.
PRO - The new team would not be an expansion team. Therefore, regular season and playoff success is likely to occur sooner. From all accounts, the Phoenix Coyotes appear to be an up-and-coming team.
CON - As pointed out by The Fan 590's Jack Armstrong, a second NHL team in Southern Ontario will negatively affect all other area-based teams; not just the Maple Leafs and the Sabers, but also the Raptors, the Blue Jays, TFC, the Argos, Ti-cats and Bills, the Marlies and Bulldogs, the Rock, Bandits and Nationals, and all nearby OHL and OHA clubs. As shown by the sports media, hockey comes first in Southern Ontario. A new NHL club will take away attention from all these teams. A new club could also take away fans and their money. For example, your average sports fan may decide to spend his/her hard earned money on "Coyotes" tickets, instead of Raptor tickets.
CON - Yes, there's a market for a second NHL team, but will there be enough support? I'm not an expert, but if Southern Ontario is a great hockey market, wouldn't every single professional team in the area do well in terms of attendance and support. As I've written before, the Hamilton Bulldogs averaged 4900 fans at their homes games (played at Copps Coliseum) during their 2006-07 AHL season; the same season when the Bulldogs won the Calder Cup. In fact, the game where they actually won the AHL championship had a paid attendance of 14,205, about 5000 seats short of a sellout. The Marlies have also had a poor attendance record, even though the team has performed better than their parent club the past two seasons. Let's not forget about the disastrous 2007 AHL All-star game held at Toronto's Ricoh Coliseum. Based on these results, I have to question anyone who says Southern Ontario would be a great hockey market.
CON - The Coyotes are a Western Conference team. Hamilton, which is where the team will likely end up, is more suited to be in the Eastern Conference. If the Coyotes are reassigned to the East, it will create uneven conferences. It seems minor, but it will affect how the games are scheduled. If they stay in the West, then the team will likely have to adjust to time-zone differences more often, which leads to a greater chance of fatigue. Remember, all Eastern Conference team are part of the same time-zone. The Western Conference teams do not have that luxury. Either way, it's a lose-lose situation.
CON - The Maple Leafs have deep roots in Southern Ontario. I simply cannot imagine a world where Leaf fans would be willing to buy season tickets for a different NHL team. In addition, I would be very surprised if MLSE allowed another team to relocate to Southern Ontario. Jim Balsillie would have to compensate MLSE for any loss of revenue caused by his team.
VERDICT: Based on the breakdown, I feel a second NHL club in Southern Ontario would be a bad idea. As I said, there is a market, but I wonder if there will be sufficient support. Based on the signatures Balsille has collected on his website, there appears to be some form of support. But I feel that's because the media has made this out to be an "American Commissioner vs. Canada" storyline. Gary Bettman is not anti-Canadian. He made sure the Oilers and Flames stay in their respected cities because he understands the importance of hockey to Canadians.
The issue here is Balsillie trying to bring an NHL team to Southern Ontario by using an approach that's not approved by the NHL owners. The NHL would have no problem having a team in Southern Ontario, as long as the relocation follows their procedures. What makes the situation such a mess is the various reports which claim that Balsille's actions have hurt his reputation with the other NHL owners. If his attempt to move the Coyotes fails, it's because of the owners and not Gary Bettman.
Regardless, it's likely that there will be a second NHL team in Southern Ontario in the future. However, if it turns into a finanical disaster and fails to draw support, I will not be surprised.
- ER
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Career Suicide?
The Maple Leafs have a new head coach - Ron Wilson.
Congratulations, Mr. Wilson!
Welcome to hockey's equivalent of the seventh layer of hell.
The Hek
*Audio Circus: 2006-2008*
Congratulations, Mr. Wilson!
Welcome to hockey's equivalent of the seventh layer of hell.
The Hek
*Audio Circus: 2006-2008*
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Worst Goal Ever!
I never played organized hockey. However, if I was a goalie and the puck was bouncing towards me, I would probably get in front of it.
The Hek
PS: Happy Birthday Mr. Wood!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Ode To The No-Trade Clause
I'm trying really hard to figure out what could possibly be going through the mind of Mats Sundin.
Let me see if I get this straight:
- He does not want to waive his no-trade clause
- He wants to stay in Toronto
- He wants to be a Maple Leaf until he draws his last breath
- He wants to win a cup in Toronto
- He does not want to play for another team/contender
Is he nuts? Seriously, what kind of Kool-Aid are they serving at the Air Canada Centre? Did somebody spike Mats Sundin's Gatorade?
Sundin is huge value. The Leafs can trade him to a number of teams and get young quality talent in return. Best of all, Sundin can go to a contender and win a Stanley Cup.
But he doesn't want that.
Sundin would rather stay with the Leafs, who won't make the playoffs for at least a couple more seasons. He says he wants to be part of the 'journey to a championship' and refuses to be a 'rent-a-player.' Honestly, what's so wrong with being a 'rent-a-player?' David Cone didn't have a problem with it when he was traded to the Blue Jays late in the '92 season. Ditto for Ricky Henderson in '93.
Sundin's loyalty must be applauded, but also questioned. One can make the strong argument that his loyalty will hurt the Maple Leafs in the long run. However, if that's what he wants to do, then we should accept it. Given his accomplishments, Leaf fans MUST RESPECT Sundin's decision.
However....
Mark my words. Come September, 2008, Mats Sundin will not be playing for the Maple Leafs.
The Hek
*The Audio Circus: Great trade bait!*
Let me see if I get this straight:
- He does not want to waive his no-trade clause
- He wants to stay in Toronto
- He wants to be a Maple Leaf until he draws his last breath
- He wants to win a cup in Toronto
- He does not want to play for another team/contender
Is he nuts? Seriously, what kind of Kool-Aid are they serving at the Air Canada Centre? Did somebody spike Mats Sundin's Gatorade?
Sundin is huge value. The Leafs can trade him to a number of teams and get young quality talent in return. Best of all, Sundin can go to a contender and win a Stanley Cup.
But he doesn't want that.
Sundin would rather stay with the Leafs, who won't make the playoffs for at least a couple more seasons. He says he wants to be part of the 'journey to a championship' and refuses to be a 'rent-a-player.' Honestly, what's so wrong with being a 'rent-a-player?' David Cone didn't have a problem with it when he was traded to the Blue Jays late in the '92 season. Ditto for Ricky Henderson in '93.
Sundin's loyalty must be applauded, but also questioned. One can make the strong argument that his loyalty will hurt the Maple Leafs in the long run. However, if that's what he wants to do, then we should accept it. Given his accomplishments, Leaf fans MUST RESPECT Sundin's decision.
However....
Mark my words. Come September, 2008, Mats Sundin will not be playing for the Maple Leafs.
The Hek
*The Audio Circus: Great trade bait!*
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
MLSE = Disgrace
Yes, there needed to be a change in the Maple Leafs' front office. Yes, John Ferguson Jr. was not getting the job done and needed to be replaced. However, the way Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) handled this situation was absolutely disgusting.
Just imagine what it would be like to be John Ferguson Jr. For the last few weeks you have had to endure scathing comments from the fans, the media, and your employer.
The lack of confidence from your employer has to be the worst; especially when that employer is subtlety letting everyone know that you're not a good General Manager, you're going to be fired shortly, and a number of replacements have already been contacted. MLSE openly made all the preparations for JFJ's execution. Fortunately, their actions have been condemned by many high-ranking officials in the NHL.
The majority of Leaf fans can be very irrational sometimes. They have insulted and ostracized JFJ to a point that is disrespectful and downright disgraceful. I understand his track record was less then stellar, but that does not give people the right to go on Facebook and create groups such as "John Ferguson Jr Must Die" and "John Ferguson Jr has royally f**ked over the Toronto Maple Leafs." I don't like J.P. Richardi. I don't like what he's done to the Blue Jays. I think he should be fired. However, I don't want him to die and I'm certainly not going to put the blame all on him.
Making JFJ the scapegoat for forty years of futility is ridiculous. Most of the blame should fall squarely on MLSE.
Like any other corporation, MLSE only cares about making profit. Regardless, of how the Leafs fare every season, MLSE will always have financial success. If doesn't matter if the Leafs are the best team in the NHL or the worst, fans will still fill up the Air Canada Centre. Therefore, in the eyes of MLSE, there's no need to fix the product because people are willing to pay outrageous prices to watch a mediocre hockey team. Even if one person canceled his/her season tickets as a way of protesting the on ice product, there would be 100 people waiting to take that person's place.
The real victims - along with the fans - are MLSE's "neglected children:" the Raptors, the Rock, TFC, and the Marlies. These entities have had to fight for attention while the Leafs get the majority of support. There are probably people at MLSE who only care about the Leafs and wouldn't mind if the other teams disappeared. Fortunately, the neglected children understand that in order to have financial success, you have to have a winning product. Some have found that success (Raptors and Rock), some are building towards that success (TFC), and unfortunately, some have floundered (Marlies). However, this in turn allows the four teams to have a loyal and intelligent fan base.
To his credit, JFJ acted very professionally despite the way he was treated. He will probably find work somewhere else very soon. Truth be told, he was probably relieved he would never have to work for MLSE ever again.
The Hek
Just imagine what it would be like to be John Ferguson Jr. For the last few weeks you have had to endure scathing comments from the fans, the media, and your employer.
The lack of confidence from your employer has to be the worst; especially when that employer is subtlety letting everyone know that you're not a good General Manager, you're going to be fired shortly, and a number of replacements have already been contacted. MLSE openly made all the preparations for JFJ's execution. Fortunately, their actions have been condemned by many high-ranking officials in the NHL.
The majority of Leaf fans can be very irrational sometimes. They have insulted and ostracized JFJ to a point that is disrespectful and downright disgraceful. I understand his track record was less then stellar, but that does not give people the right to go on Facebook and create groups such as "John Ferguson Jr Must Die" and "John Ferguson Jr has royally f**ked over the Toronto Maple Leafs." I don't like J.P. Richardi. I don't like what he's done to the Blue Jays. I think he should be fired. However, I don't want him to die and I'm certainly not going to put the blame all on him.
Making JFJ the scapegoat for forty years of futility is ridiculous. Most of the blame should fall squarely on MLSE.
Like any other corporation, MLSE only cares about making profit. Regardless, of how the Leafs fare every season, MLSE will always have financial success. If doesn't matter if the Leafs are the best team in the NHL or the worst, fans will still fill up the Air Canada Centre. Therefore, in the eyes of MLSE, there's no need to fix the product because people are willing to pay outrageous prices to watch a mediocre hockey team. Even if one person canceled his/her season tickets as a way of protesting the on ice product, there would be 100 people waiting to take that person's place.
The real victims - along with the fans - are MLSE's "neglected children:" the Raptors, the Rock, TFC, and the Marlies. These entities have had to fight for attention while the Leafs get the majority of support. There are probably people at MLSE who only care about the Leafs and wouldn't mind if the other teams disappeared. Fortunately, the neglected children understand that in order to have financial success, you have to have a winning product. Some have found that success (Raptors and Rock), some are building towards that success (TFC), and unfortunately, some have floundered (Marlies). However, this in turn allows the four teams to have a loyal and intelligent fan base.
To his credit, JFJ acted very professionally despite the way he was treated. He will probably find work somewhere else very soon. Truth be told, he was probably relieved he would never have to work for MLSE ever again.
The Hek
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Go (Baseball) Leafs Go!
Congratulations to the Toronto Maple Leafs!
2007 Intercounty Baseball League Champions
2007 Intercounty Baseball League Champions
At least there's one "leaf" team that can win a championship ;-)
The Hek
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