I honestly do. You know why? Because all the energy I normally expend on the Everblades and the NHL teams I follow has nowhere to go.
It gets more and more bottled up, and next thing you know, I've turned the ECHL history into a handy dandy (technicolor) chart.
You read that right folks.
I turned all 23 years of the leagues history into one (long) chart.
I'm not sure if that makes me crazy or the biggest hockey nerd on Earth. Maybe it's both.
Where was I? Oh yes, the chart tracks the league from the first teams up until the season that's about to start. As the franchise relocates the color is changed. It's pretty interesting to see how many times some teams have changed locations and names. It's also funny to see some of the names. Oh man, Whoopee? The best.
(an easier to read version is here)
It's kind of amazing to see how unstable the ECHL has been at times. I have a little more respect for the league now. It's incredible how they have stuck in there. I also understand why the league seems less than enthusiastic about granting franchises. They have really been burned in the past.
Anyway, one thing is very obvious. The Blades have to make an announcement soon. It's pretty clear I'm going stir crazy.
Showing posts with label Hockey Nerdiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hockey Nerdiness. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Breaking Down The Numbers: Ticket Increases
(Bear with me guys, this is one of my long grumpy, too much time on my hands, posts)
On Tuesday, the Blades released this seasons ticket packages and rates. I was a little confused to see the team claim that purchasing the packages equaled savings. How can you save when the season tickets cost the same as regular day-of prices?
It's simple. You raise the prices on the tickets one to two dollars.
Let me break this down for you. My favorite seats are in the the club rows (second to fourth row) and cost $24 last season. I attended about 25 regular season games (stupid work schedule). That amounts to around $600 in tickets alone (I did get a free seat or two and bought a few nosebleeds on busy nights so I actually paid less). Of course, that's not counting parking or concessions. That also doesn't count the post-season games when there's always an increase in ticket price. Either way, that's a lot of money.
For me, the price increase only means a $50 increase in costs this season if I go to the same amount of games and buy the same seats.
So what if I opt for a ticket passage to save money this season? A full season ticket passage is out of the question because I won't be able to go to all those games and I'm pretty sure I'd have trouble finding someone willing to buy just one seat for the face value of the ticket.
So, maybe I go with the 20 game flex pack options. First, (as usual) the team isn't really clear on what that is. I'm assuming it's like last season when you got vouchers for your section and you took whatever in that range they had. Well, that's $480 for 20. The same price I paid last season for 20 tickets.
Honestly, there really is no savings for me. There is no visible benefit to buying the flex package for me. I'm lucky, I can afford the extra $50 over the course of the season and I know a couple of free seats will come my way through friends and work. With no real perks to the package that would make sense for me it's easier not to go through the hassle.
Obviously, not everyone is like me. What if you can make a majority of the games? What if you decide to be a season ticket holder? What if you, oh I don't know, like the club row too?
Lucky for me, one of my favorite readers, Matt, a season ticket holder, broke down not only his costs, but what his seats and season tickets would cost in the other arenas throughout the ECHL. It really is a thing of beauty and Google was kind enough to convert it so I could embed it right here for you. It really is worth the scroll through guys.
The big takeaway is, in my opinion, this: there are savings to be had in certain sections, just not all of them and not all the ticket packages. It's really up to you.
Me? I'm just going to suck it up. I can't get awesome pictures from the nosebleeds.
On Tuesday, the Blades released this seasons ticket packages and rates. I was a little confused to see the team claim that purchasing the packages equaled savings. How can you save when the season tickets cost the same as regular day-of prices?
It's simple. You raise the prices on the tickets one to two dollars.
Let me break this down for you. My favorite seats are in the the club rows (second to fourth row) and cost $24 last season. I attended about 25 regular season games (stupid work schedule). That amounts to around $600 in tickets alone (I did get a free seat or two and bought a few nosebleeds on busy nights so I actually paid less). Of course, that's not counting parking or concessions. That also doesn't count the post-season games when there's always an increase in ticket price. Either way, that's a lot of money.
For me, the price increase only means a $50 increase in costs this season if I go to the same amount of games and buy the same seats.
So what if I opt for a ticket passage to save money this season? A full season ticket passage is out of the question because I won't be able to go to all those games and I'm pretty sure I'd have trouble finding someone willing to buy just one seat for the face value of the ticket.
So, maybe I go with the 20 game flex pack options. First, (as usual) the team isn't really clear on what that is. I'm assuming it's like last season when you got vouchers for your section and you took whatever in that range they had. Well, that's $480 for 20. The same price I paid last season for 20 tickets.
Honestly, there really is no savings for me. There is no visible benefit to buying the flex package for me. I'm lucky, I can afford the extra $50 over the course of the season and I know a couple of free seats will come my way through friends and work. With no real perks to the package that would make sense for me it's easier not to go through the hassle.
Obviously, not everyone is like me. What if you can make a majority of the games? What if you decide to be a season ticket holder? What if you, oh I don't know, like the club row too?
Lucky for me, one of my favorite readers, Matt, a season ticket holder, broke down not only his costs, but what his seats and season tickets would cost in the other arenas throughout the ECHL. It really is a thing of beauty and Google was kind enough to convert it so I could embed it right here for you. It really is worth the scroll through guys.
The big takeaway is, in my opinion, this: there are savings to be had in certain sections, just not all of them and not all the ticket packages. It's really up to you.
Me? I'm just going to suck it up. I can't get awesome pictures from the nosebleeds.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Top 10 Hockey Books
I had a request yesterday that I just couldn't resist. I realize I'm always making recommendations for hockey books, so making a top ten of my favorite hockey books was a brilliant idea. I'm going to preface this by saying that this is by no means a list of the greatest hockey books ever written. In fact, this is more an example of where my hockey interests lie.
10. The Code, by: Ross Bernstein- Perhaps a bit outdated now, but still really interesting for the perspective a lot of the players provide. Still a good look into why fighting in hockey happens and why it'll be around for awhile.
9. The Boys of Winter, by: Wayne Coffey- A really great look into the story behind the famous miracle on ice. I loved the detailed look at each one of the players and a the information on a lot of details you never hear about in the documentaries.
8. The Rebel League, by: Ed Willes- A great book about the insanity that was the WHA, and all the changes for the better its existence led to. It's hard to believe what the NHL might be like today if the WHA had never happened.
7. Jean Beliveau: My Life in Hockey, by: Jean Beliveau- An amazing look at an amazing man, in his own words. This book should be required reading for every single professional hockey player, and perhaps every fan.
6. Hockey Dad: True Confessions of a (Crazy) Hockey Parent, by: Bob McKenzie- Definitely the funniest book on this list, and probably the sweetest. It's written by current Everblade forward Mike McKenzie's dad, and it's well worth your time.
5. Saving Face: The Art and History of the Goalie Mask, by, Jim Hynes & Gary Smith- This is perhaps more of a coffee table book, but it's still a good read. It has absolutely beautiful pictures, as well as a very thorough overview of how the goalie mask evolved.
4. Pelle Lindbergh: Behind the White Mask, by Bill Meltzer & Thomas Tynander- A really interesting look at a promising goalie who had his life cut short too soon. I do not recommend reading this book in public if you cry easily. It's absolutely heartbreaking. It's still a good read though.
3. Hockey Night in Dixie, by, Jon C. Stott- I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who follows minor hockey or is a Southern hockey fan. It has the bonus of having a chapter devoted to the South Carolina Stingrays, and the Everblades get a mention or two in the book as well.
2. Zamboni Rodeo, by Jason Cohen- Another look into minor league hockey. This book focuses on one teams struggles throughout a really tumultuous season. I loved the focus on the players and their reasons for playing.
1. Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey, by Todd Denault- I really can't say enough about this book. It's a well written look at a truly fascinating man. Definitely a must read.
Honorable mentions:
- Shorthanded: The Untold Story of the Seals, by Brad Kurtzberg- I just got this for Christmas and I'm really excited to dig into it. It is a bit big though...
- Ice Warriors, by: Jon C. Stott- Another Christmas book I can't wait to dig into.
- The Game, by: Ken Dryden- I've been stuck on the 85th page for months now. I have no idea why I can't get into this book, it really is interesting.
So, what about you guys? Any books you think are must reads?
10. The Code, by: Ross Bernstein- Perhaps a bit outdated now, but still really interesting for the perspective a lot of the players provide. Still a good look into why fighting in hockey happens and why it'll be around for awhile.
9. The Boys of Winter, by: Wayne Coffey- A really great look into the story behind the famous miracle on ice. I loved the detailed look at each one of the players and a the information on a lot of details you never hear about in the documentaries.
8. The Rebel League, by: Ed Willes- A great book about the insanity that was the WHA, and all the changes for the better its existence led to. It's hard to believe what the NHL might be like today if the WHA had never happened.
7. Jean Beliveau: My Life in Hockey, by: Jean Beliveau- An amazing look at an amazing man, in his own words. This book should be required reading for every single professional hockey player, and perhaps every fan.
6. Hockey Dad: True Confessions of a (Crazy) Hockey Parent, by: Bob McKenzie- Definitely the funniest book on this list, and probably the sweetest. It's written by current Everblade forward Mike McKenzie's dad, and it's well worth your time.
5. Saving Face: The Art and History of the Goalie Mask, by, Jim Hynes & Gary Smith- This is perhaps more of a coffee table book, but it's still a good read. It has absolutely beautiful pictures, as well as a very thorough overview of how the goalie mask evolved.
4. Pelle Lindbergh: Behind the White Mask, by Bill Meltzer & Thomas Tynander- A really interesting look at a promising goalie who had his life cut short too soon. I do not recommend reading this book in public if you cry easily. It's absolutely heartbreaking. It's still a good read though.
3. Hockey Night in Dixie, by, Jon C. Stott- I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who follows minor hockey or is a Southern hockey fan. It has the bonus of having a chapter devoted to the South Carolina Stingrays, and the Everblades get a mention or two in the book as well.
2. Zamboni Rodeo, by Jason Cohen- Another look into minor league hockey. This book focuses on one teams struggles throughout a really tumultuous season. I loved the focus on the players and their reasons for playing.
1. Jacques Plante: The Man Who Changed the Face of Hockey, by Todd Denault- I really can't say enough about this book. It's a well written look at a truly fascinating man. Definitely a must read.
Honorable mentions:
- Shorthanded: The Untold Story of the Seals, by Brad Kurtzberg- I just got this for Christmas and I'm really excited to dig into it. It is a bit big though...
- Ice Warriors, by: Jon C. Stott- Another Christmas book I can't wait to dig into.
- The Game, by: Ken Dryden- I've been stuck on the 85th page for months now. I have no idea why I can't get into this book, it really is interesting.
So, what about you guys? Any books you think are must reads?
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Week in Review
Admittedly, it was not the best week for the Everblades. They saw their seven game win streak grinnd to a halt, lost two of their best players to AHL call-ups, and seen the IR list grow.
They only managed to wrestle two points out of their three game series. Of course, they managed to get those points from the best team in the entire ECHL so it's not as bad as it seems.
On the other hand, I managed to not only get myself involved in the yarmulke drama (we still haven't heard anything by the way). I followed that up by sending an e-mail, with pictures attached, to one of the writers for the most popular hockey blog on the Internet to let him know about the terrible holiday jerseys.
Well... the story got picked up. It also landed on the front page of Yahoo! sports and now has somewhere around 700 comments (most of which are more nuts than usual).
It got a little nuts obviously. I'm going to look for the silver lining and hope whomever is in charge of the final approval of the special jerseys will think long and hard before they approve the next one.
In good news, I got all the pictures from Friday and Saturday up, as well as the video of the teddy bear toss:
They only managed to wrestle two points out of their three game series. Of course, they managed to get those points from the best team in the entire ECHL so it's not as bad as it seems.
On the other hand, I managed to not only get myself involved in the yarmulke drama (we still haven't heard anything by the way). I followed that up by sending an e-mail, with pictures attached, to one of the writers for the most popular hockey blog on the Internet to let him know about the terrible holiday jerseys.
Well... the story got picked up. It also landed on the front page of Yahoo! sports and now has somewhere around 700 comments (most of which are more nuts than usual).
It got a little nuts obviously. I'm going to look for the silver lining and hope whomever is in charge of the final approval of the special jerseys will think long and hard before they approve the next one.
In good news, I got all the pictures from Friday and Saturday up, as well as the video of the teddy bear toss:
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Yarmulke Saga
There really are no words to describe what went down tonight.
Like any decent hockey fan, I check out Puck Daddy pretty regularly. It's always good for a laugh, definitely informative, and the comments remind me why I will never be a people person. So, when the put a post up about a zany giveaway I laughed.
Unlike past posts, this wasn't some crazy CHL giveaway or the Wranglers up to their usually insanity. No, an NHL team was giving away something pretty out there.
For whatever reason, the Florida Panthers decided it would be a great idea to give away yarmulkes.
And, let's be honest, they had to put their logo on it right?
So, as I'm just laugh at the insanity of the Panthers marketing team something occurs to me. We kind of live a short drive away. I could have a Panthers yarmulke if I wanted to, all I would have to do is drive right across to Sunrise. It couldn't be any better right?
Because I'm a good friend, and I know two of my Twitter buddies @CaityKauffman and @CVClyde, are just as appreciative of zaniness, I sent off some texts and of course they were in. Seriously, who wouldn't be?
Tuesday afternoon rolls around and off we go to the Panthers game, absolutely pumped by getting our hands on some sweet yarmulkes. We get over to the East coast without any problems, walk right up to the ticket booth, and next thing we know they're offering an upgrade to the eighth row on the seats we wanted.
Couldn't get any better right?
We get through the security check and get our tickets scanned. No problems.
I know I stood around pretty confused for a good two minutes. Where was the guy handing me my awesome Panthers yarmulke?
We eventually flagged a guy who worked for the team down and asked if they ran out. He informed us that they were only for special group packages.
Well, um, OK. Might as well head to our awesome seats, right?
Unfortunately, for the Panthers, technology today is to the point where you can check the Internet from your phone, or your friend can send a tweet to the person who wrote the original blog post that inspired you to drive an hour and a half across the state of Florida for a piece of cloth with a Panthers logo on it.
So, we had no choice but to launch an investigation. I'm going to quote from Caity's Twitter stream. Mostly because I may have been to chicken to get all up in someones grill. Also, someone had to guard our seats (at least that's what I'm going to tell myself).
I'm not surprised that this went down. It really is a good way to sum up the organization as a whole. Lots of promises they can't keep, disappointment, half-arsed apologies, and no ability to admit they were wrong.
Now, I admit it was pretty silly to pester people about a scrap of cloth with a Panthers logo, and really, it is incredibly silly. If the stupid thing doesn't show up in my mailbox within the next week I'm going to be able to go on with my life.
But, the next time I think about seeing an NHL game I'll think twice about heading to Sunrise. I'd rather travel the same distance to Tampa and give my money to the Lightning. Because honestly, the Everblades, an ECHL team that's afraid of technology and their fan base, runs a tighter ship than the Panthers. And that's sad.
Like any decent hockey fan, I check out Puck Daddy pretty regularly. It's always good for a laugh, definitely informative, and the comments remind me why I will never be a people person. So, when the put a post up about a zany giveaway I laughed.
Unlike past posts, this wasn't some crazy CHL giveaway or the Wranglers up to their usually insanity. No, an NHL team was giving away something pretty out there.
For whatever reason, the Florida Panthers decided it would be a great idea to give away yarmulkes.
And, let's be honest, they had to put their logo on it right?
So, as I'm just laugh at the insanity of the Panthers marketing team something occurs to me. We kind of live a short drive away. I could have a Panthers yarmulke if I wanted to, all I would have to do is drive right across to Sunrise. It couldn't be any better right?
Because I'm a good friend, and I know two of my Twitter buddies @CaityKauffman and @CVClyde, are just as appreciative of zaniness, I sent off some texts and of course they were in. Seriously, who wouldn't be?
Tuesday afternoon rolls around and off we go to the Panthers game, absolutely pumped by getting our hands on some sweet yarmulkes. We get over to the East coast without any problems, walk right up to the ticket booth, and next thing we know they're offering an upgrade to the eighth row on the seats we wanted.
Couldn't get any better right?
We get through the security check and get our tickets scanned. No problems.
I know I stood around pretty confused for a good two minutes. Where was the guy handing me my awesome Panthers yarmulke?
We eventually flagged a guy who worked for the team down and asked if they ran out. He informed us that they were only for special group packages.
Well, um, OK. Might as well head to our awesome seats, right?
Unfortunately, for the Panthers, technology today is to the point where you can check the Internet from your phone, or your friend can send a tweet to the person who wrote the original blog post that inspired you to drive an hour and a half across the state of Florida for a piece of cloth with a Panthers logo on it.
So, we had no choice but to launch an investigation. I'm going to quote from Caity's Twitter stream. Mostly because I may have been to chicken to get all up in someones grill. Also, someone had to guard our seats (at least that's what I'm going to tell myself).
@wyshynski I'm going to go do some journalistic questioning of Panthers employees... I demand my yarmulke!
Investigation commencing. RT "@Sean_Leahy: @caitykauffman Interesting. Site promo says "all ticket buyers" - http://bit.ly/gLsOE8"
Guest services has no idea about alleged yarmulkes. Sent to section 105. #yarmulkegate2010
Um, section 105 is a random Jewish heritage DJ who is not affiliated with the Panthers. Lies. GIVE ME MY TACKY YARMULKE #yarmulkegate2010
At guest services hanging out with an actual Hebrew woman who is distraught about lack of yarmulkes.
According to Panthers guest services, a third party (Jewish organization) was supposed to provide yarmulkes. Looks like it fell through.
I actually want to watch the game, so after the second period ends (7:37 remaining), I'll finish the quest for a Panthers yarmulke.
JUST SAW A STACK OF YARMULKES CLANDESTINELY HANDED TO A MAN IN A SUIT WTF.
Confronted gal who had custody of mysterious yarmulkes - in charge of sponsorship. Showed her NHL press release. Sent to client services.After all this goes down, the Florida PAnthers finally mande an announcement. Sort of.
Second intermission. Off to confront client services. #yarmulkegate2010
According to this dude: group sales only. Mailing some to season tix holders... & now us
*Tonight's giveaway was not an actual giveaway to everyone that attended, just those that bought a special pack for the game...Then, after sending this out via Twitter they went back, and actually changed information regarding this event on their website. Like I said, there really are no words.
I'm not surprised that this went down. It really is a good way to sum up the organization as a whole. Lots of promises they can't keep, disappointment, half-arsed apologies, and no ability to admit they were wrong.
Now, I admit it was pretty silly to pester people about a scrap of cloth with a Panthers logo, and really, it is incredibly silly. If the stupid thing doesn't show up in my mailbox within the next week I'm going to be able to go on with my life.
But, the next time I think about seeing an NHL game I'll think twice about heading to Sunrise. I'd rather travel the same distance to Tampa and give my money to the Lightning. Because honestly, the Everblades, an ECHL team that's afraid of technology and their fan base, runs a tighter ship than the Panthers. And that's sad.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Fun With Numbers
I have no problem admitting that one of my favorite ways to waste time is checking out the stats pages over at the ECHL's website. It's really fascinating to see a very cut and dry version of how well a player is (or is not) playing. Here's how the players on the Everblades are shaping up...
Goals
- Alex Imbeault leads the team with 9 goals in 11 games.
Assistst
- Mitch Fadden leads in assists with 10 assists in 10 games.
Plus Minus
- Matthew Pistilli has the best with a +6.
- Francis Lemieux has the worst with a -10.
PIM
- Mike Egener has the most penalties in minutes with 31.
- Nick Tanasky is the only player (aside from our goalies) on the roster that is at 0. Of course, he's only played three games so far.
PPG
- Alex Imbeault also leads with 5 power play goals.
SHG
- Matthew Pistilli leads the team with 2 shorthanded goals, worth mentioning is Alex Hutching's 1 shortie.
A lot of these stats reveal things we already know Imbeault and Fadden are producing. A lot. Other stats, like the plus minus tell you something more. That stat is a measure of how a player contributes defensively. Sadly, Francis Lemieux has one of the worst =/- stats in the entire conference, if not the entire league (I'm too lazy to check that).
The Blades are in Greenville, finishing up the second week of their road trip. I won't be tweeting the game like I usually do, and I know I'm not going to re-cap it either. Now, if someone were to send me their re-cap I would have no problem posting it...
Also, it's been too many post since the last kitty:
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Goals
- Alex Imbeault leads the team with 9 goals in 11 games.
Assistst
- Mitch Fadden leads in assists with 10 assists in 10 games.
Plus Minus
- Matthew Pistilli has the best with a +6.
- Francis Lemieux has the worst with a -10.
PIM
- Mike Egener has the most penalties in minutes with 31.
- Nick Tanasky is the only player (aside from our goalies) on the roster that is at 0. Of course, he's only played three games so far.
PPG
- Alex Imbeault also leads with 5 power play goals.
SHG
- Matthew Pistilli leads the team with 2 shorthanded goals, worth mentioning is Alex Hutching's 1 shortie.
A lot of these stats reveal things we already know Imbeault and Fadden are producing. A lot. Other stats, like the plus minus tell you something more. That stat is a measure of how a player contributes defensively. Sadly, Francis Lemieux has one of the worst =/- stats in the entire conference, if not the entire league (I'm too lazy to check that).
The Blades are in Greenville, finishing up the second week of their road trip. I won't be tweeting the game like I usually do, and I know I'm not going to re-cap it either. Now, if someone were to send me their re-cap I would have no problem posting it...
Also, it's been too many post since the last kitty:
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday Links
The Everblades take on the Greenville Road Warriors (I cringe every time I type that name) tonight in the first of two preseason games. If you can't make the game you can listen online or watch over at the B2 network (now known as America One). Although the radio feed is free, you're going to have to pay for the video feed.
Now, on to the fun!
- I love this short biography of Larry Murphy. He's one of my favorite players of all time, and I was seriously considering going with his name and number for my customized jersey.
- Your Wikipedia Hockey page for today- "Ceremonial First Puck"
- You have to check out this blog post about the Blue Jackets decision to affiliate with a CHL team. They already have an agreement with Gwinett, so the announcement of this agreement was a bit disappointing to say the least.
- Also, since we're on the subject, have you seen my magnificent work of hockey nerdiness? This affiliation chart tracks every affiliation of every ECHL team. I'm very proud of it.
- I know I talk a lot about Twitter, but I think it's a really valuable tool for staying up to date on the latest Everblades news and scores. This is a really easy guide for getting started.
- The best reason to get on Twitter? You can follow two of the Everblades! Forwards Kevin Deeth and Mike McKenzie (he's on a bit of Twitter break right now sadly) are both on Twitter. I also have to recommend following some of the Jr. Blades players. They're a very funny group. While your at it, you can follow me or Woody from the Blades' Blog.
- You have to love hockey fans in training...
see more This is Photobomb
Now, on to the fun!
- I love this short biography of Larry Murphy. He's one of my favorite players of all time, and I was seriously considering going with his name and number for my customized jersey.
- Your Wikipedia Hockey page for today- "Ceremonial First Puck"
- You have to check out this blog post about the Blue Jackets decision to affiliate with a CHL team. They already have an agreement with Gwinett, so the announcement of this agreement was a bit disappointing to say the least.
- Also, since we're on the subject, have you seen my magnificent work of hockey nerdiness? This affiliation chart tracks every affiliation of every ECHL team. I'm very proud of it.
- I know I talk a lot about Twitter, but I think it's a really valuable tool for staying up to date on the latest Everblades news and scores. This is a really easy guide for getting started.
- The best reason to get on Twitter? You can follow two of the Everblades! Forwards Kevin Deeth and Mike McKenzie (he's on a bit of Twitter break right now sadly) are both on Twitter. I also have to recommend following some of the Jr. Blades players. They're a very funny group. While your at it, you can follow me or Woody from the Blades' Blog.
- You have to love hockey fans in training...
see more This is Photobomb
Monday, August 16, 2010
Goodbyes and Affiliation News
There has been lots of little bits and pieces of news over the last few days. Since I'm feeling oddly productive today (I never feel like this on a Monday), I thought I'd do a round-up of everything that's been going on.
First, some Goodbyes.
Two more players have left for the Elite Ice Hockey League. Both Mike Bayrack and Mike Hoffman have signed with the Belfast Giants (All the logos in the EIHL are super hideous for some reason). I'm not going to miss Hoffman, he played for one game before signing with the Syracuse Crunch. I will miss Mike Bayrack though.
He's was probably one of the most experienced hockey players in the entire ECHL last season (he should hit 1,000 regular season games while playing for the Giants). He was a great presence on the ice, and he was a pretty nice dude.
Eric Lampe has also signed an agreement with the Syracuse Crunch (they love poaching our players I guess). I don't blame him for opting for an AHL contract, and I don't blame the Crunch for signing him. He was one of the best players in the playoffs, and deserves to get noticed. I just wish one of our affiliates had done the noticing.
Now, on to affiliations!
This of course means it's spreadsheet time!
As you can see, the Greenville Road Warriors have announced two new affiliations. They'll be receiving players from the Rangers and Flyers. This leaves the Canadiens and the Wild as the last two NHL teams without an ECHL affiliate (that had one last season at least). I'm still holding to my belief that the Wild will sign with Bakersfield (the only team without an affiliate). My best guess is that the Canadiens will sign with Kalamazoo Wings. It makes sense location wise, and really, what player wouldn't want to wear these awesome jerseys (and helmets) during warm-ups?
First, some Goodbyes.
Two more players have left for the Elite Ice Hockey League. Both Mike Bayrack and Mike Hoffman have signed with the Belfast Giants (All the logos in the EIHL are super hideous for some reason). I'm not going to miss Hoffman, he played for one game before signing with the Syracuse Crunch. I will miss Mike Bayrack though.
He's was probably one of the most experienced hockey players in the entire ECHL last season (he should hit 1,000 regular season games while playing for the Giants). He was a great presence on the ice, and he was a pretty nice dude.
Now, on to affiliations!
This of course means it's spreadsheet time!
As you can see, the Greenville Road Warriors have announced two new affiliations. They'll be receiving players from the Rangers and Flyers. This leaves the Canadiens and the Wild as the last two NHL teams without an ECHL affiliate (that had one last season at least). I'm still holding to my belief that the Wild will sign with Bakersfield (the only team without an affiliate). My best guess is that the Canadiens will sign with Kalamazoo Wings. It makes sense location wise, and really, what player wouldn't want to wear these awesome jerseys (and helmets) during warm-ups?Thursday, July 29, 2010
Affiliation News!
(Since I'm putting this post up so late tonight Friday Links will be up sometime after noon)
It looks like the Blades decided the best way to handle being dumped by the Panthers was to buddy up with their cross state rivals. You may remember (from my awesome spreadsheet) that the Tampa Bay Lightning were sending their prospects from the Norfolk Admirals to a CHL team. Apparently, the new regime in Tampa is smarter than that, and opted to go with an ECHL affiliate instead. If you're interested,you can check out some info on their prospects in Norfolk here.
There were two other affiliation announcements made recently. The Jackals announced an agreement with the Anaheim Ducks, and the Kalamazoo Wings announced an agreement with the New York Islanders.
There are two ECHL teams who have no affiliate, Greenville and Bakersfield. I would put good money on The Wild signing an agreement with Bakersfield. The Rangers, Panthers and Flyers don't have too many options if they want an affiliate in the East. If you take a look at the ECHL location map and compare it to the aaffiliation chart. You'll see the only real options available (this doesn't include Trenton and Wheeling as their owned by their parent clubs and seem to be kept on a short leash) in the East are Greenville and South Carolina.
View ECHL Team Locations in a larger map
The teams could decide to use the CHL. They could also arrange to send players to an ECHL team without an affiliation agreement (if they do this, won't be able to call-up players that have an ECHL contract), the team could also tough it out until next year, and hope a good option for them becomes available. As always, we won't know until it happens. Until then, I guess I have to check out our new affiliates schedule to see when I'll be heading up North.
It looks like the Blades decided the best way to handle being dumped by the Panthers was to buddy up with their cross state rivals. You may remember (from my awesome spreadsheet) that the Tampa Bay Lightning were sending their prospects from the Norfolk Admirals to a CHL team. Apparently, the new regime in Tampa is smarter than that, and opted to go with an ECHL affiliate instead. If you're interested,you can check out some info on their prospects in Norfolk here.
In a (kind of) weird coincidence. The Norfolk area used to have an ECHL team named the Hampton Roads Admirals. I happen to have a jersey from their junior team. Of course, I also have jerseys from the short lived Russian Penguins and the Greenville Grrowl too. Maybe I need to stay away from ebay.
There are two ECHL teams who have no affiliate, Greenville and Bakersfield. I would put good money on The Wild signing an agreement with Bakersfield. The Rangers, Panthers and Flyers don't have too many options if they want an affiliate in the East. If you take a look at the ECHL location map and compare it to the aaffiliation chart. You'll see the only real options available (this doesn't include Trenton and Wheeling as their owned by their parent clubs and seem to be kept on a short leash) in the East are Greenville and South Carolina.
View ECHL Team Locations in a larger map
The teams could decide to use the CHL. They could also arrange to send players to an ECHL team without an affiliation agreement (if they do this, won't be able to call-up players that have an ECHL contract), the team could also tough it out until next year, and hope a good option for them becomes available. As always, we won't know until it happens. Until then, I guess I have to check out our new affiliates schedule to see when I'll be heading up North.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Affiliation News
(I'm going to put the Friday links post up a little later than usual to give this post some more time at the top of the page)
There's some bad news for Everblades fans tonight. The Florida Panthers have decided not to renew their affiliation (scroll to the bottom) with the Blades. It's a little sad, the blades have had a relationship with the Panthers for quite a few years. If you look at the new, updated, affiliation chart it looks like several teams are available for an affiliation.
The Flyers, Rangers, Ducks, and Wild are all NHL teams that have lost their ECHL affiliate this season. You may remember that there was some talk about the Rangers showing some interest in the Everblades. I have to admit it didn't seem realistic at the time, but now it's starting to sound possible. As usual, we won't know until it happens. Hopefully, it happens soon.
There's some bad news for Everblades fans tonight. The Florida Panthers have decided not to renew their affiliation (scroll to the bottom) with the Blades. It's a little sad, the blades have had a relationship with the Panthers for quite a few years. If you look at the new, updated, affiliation chart it looks like several teams are available for an affiliation.
The Flyers, Rangers, Ducks, and Wild are all NHL teams that have lost their ECHL affiliate this season. You may remember that there was some talk about the Rangers showing some interest in the Everblades. I have to admit it didn't seem realistic at the time, but now it's starting to sound possible. As usual, we won't know until it happens. Hopefully, it happens soon.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Reality Check
Now that the Everblades have a coach, it's time to think about next seasons roster. As much as I'd love to see everyone from last year come back it's not going to happen. This is because of a rule the ECHL has regarding veteran players (you may remember this from my IHL rant last month). The league has a rule in place that places a limit on the number of veterans a team is allowed to have on their active roster. The ECHL defines a veteran the following way...
I went ahead and highlighted the players that would be considered veterans in that lovely blue color. I took the liberty of adding Peter Metcalf, because I choose to hold out hope that a new coach may change his mind and bring him back (a girl can dream). I didn't include players with AHL/NHL contracts as the league doesn't count them, and I also didn't include goalies as they are exempt from veteran status.
As you can see, there are six players that qualify as veterans. I think it's no secret that I'd like to see Ryan Lang and Peter Metcalf next year, but beyond that I really have no opinion on who should make the cut. Ernie Hartlieb is definitely a given, the season ticket holders would mutiny if he didn't come back. I hope the team starts announcing signings soon, the wait is killing me.
"A veteran shall mean a player, other than a goaltender, who has played in at least 260 regular season games of professional hockey."Why is this important? Well, the ECHL limits their teams to only four veterans at a time on their active roster. I've gone ahead and sorted through the team's roster at the end of the year, checked them through Hockey DB, and used my trusty calculator to see which guys qualify as a veteran. Junior hockey and college hockey don't count toward their status as those are played under armature status (that means NCAA, WHL, OHL, etc.). Playoff games don't count either so I've not included them in my calculations. I've put it all in a nice, easy to read, spreadsheet for you (I'm such a hockey nerd). The link to the sheet itself is here if you don't like the squished version.
I went ahead and highlighted the players that would be considered veterans in that lovely blue color. I took the liberty of adding Peter Metcalf, because I choose to hold out hope that a new coach may change his mind and bring him back (a girl can dream). I didn't include players with AHL/NHL contracts as the league doesn't count them, and I also didn't include goalies as they are exempt from veteran status.
As you can see, there are six players that qualify as veterans. I think it's no secret that I'd like to see Ryan Lang and Peter Metcalf next year, but beyond that I really have no opinion on who should make the cut. Ernie Hartlieb is definitely a given, the season ticket holders would mutiny if he didn't come back. I hope the team starts announcing signings soon, the wait is killing me.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
ECHL Affiliations
(enjoy this quick post between my double shifts, hopefully it makes sense)
With nothing newsworthy going on in the Everblades universe, I've had a lot of free time on my hands. Because of this, I present a lovely spreadsheet of affiliations for all ECHL teams. The full sized version can be found here (the blogs templates likes to shrink things).
At the bottom you'll notice I've included the NHL teams that are without an ECHL affiliate. The Rangers lost theirs when the Checkers moved to the AHL (and became our affiliate), and the Wild lost their affiliate when the Johnstown Chiefs folded. Also interesting is the Lightnings choice to use a CHL affiliate instead of an ECHL one (which is just another reason to cheer for the Panthers in my opinion).
The new team in Greenville will be announcing the winning name from the contest they held later this month. I'm hoping they announce their NHL affiliate at the same time. I don't like all the red at the bottom.
With nothing newsworthy going on in the Everblades universe, I've had a lot of free time on my hands. Because of this, I present a lovely spreadsheet of affiliations for all ECHL teams. The full sized version can be found here (the blogs templates likes to shrink things).
At the bottom you'll notice I've included the NHL teams that are without an ECHL affiliate. The Rangers lost theirs when the Checkers moved to the AHL (and became our affiliate), and the Wild lost their affiliate when the Johnstown Chiefs folded. Also interesting is the Lightnings choice to use a CHL affiliate instead of an ECHL one (which is just another reason to cheer for the Panthers in my opinion).
The new team in Greenville will be announcing the winning name from the contest they held later this month. I'm hoping they announce their NHL affiliate at the same time. I don't like all the red at the bottom.
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