So what's going on in Flint?

[Quacky]

Got a call tonight from a QC fan (not on ITB) who has friends in Flint.

Apparently the Flint guy went today to put his money down on their season tickets, and was told that they wouldn't take money, only names and contact information at this time. What the heck is going on??!

As recently as early April, the Chairman of the BOG and IHL Executive of the Year assured us all (http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090401/SPORTS01/904010341/1001/SPORTS) that:


...all six teams are committed to returning next season...

Certainly he wasn't playing with words??! :shock:

[mfrerkes]

Got a call tonight from a QC fan (not on ITB) who has friends in Flint.

Apparently the Flint guy went today to put his money down on their season tickets, and was told that they wouldn't take money, only names and contact information at this time. What the heck is going on??!
This very situation has been mentioned on hockeymayhem.com by a fan of an IHL team. I highly doubt this is the same person that you spoke of. It would appear this rumor has legs. The scenario is not at all surprising given the magnitude of Flint's financial problems.

As far as playing with words...you should know, Quacky, that when someone says they are committed to keeping a certain hockey league in a certain city, that is usually the beginning of the end. How many months did we hear that QCSV was committed to keeping the Flames here from various Calgary/AHL/QCSV officials?

Taking names but not cash is a perplexing move to say the least. Especially when the organization not taking cash is one that needs it so badly; like Flint.

[QuackerBacker35]

This very situation has been mentioned on hockeymayhem.com by a fan of an IHL team. I highly doubt this is the same person that you spoke of. It would appear this rumor has legs. The scenario is not at all surprising given the magnitude of Flint's financial problems.

As far as playing with words...you should know, Quacky, that when someone says they are committed to keeping a certain hockey league in a certain city, that is usually the beginning of the end. How many months did we hear that QCSV was committed to keeping the Flames here from various Calgary/AHL/QCSV officials?

Taking names but not cash is a perplexing move to say the least. Especially when the organization not taking cash is one that needs it so badly; like Flint.

Quick, get freckles up there in Flint to use his wisdom to help the struggling Flint Generals. Lord knows if anyone can turn around a fan base and organization with his wise ranting it's him.

[Lucher]

Got a call tonight from a QC fan (not on ITB) who has friends in Flint.

Apparently the Flint guy went today to put his money down on their season tickets, and was told that they wouldn't take money, only names and contact information at this time. What the heck is going on??!

As recently as early April, the Chairman of the BOG and IHL Executive of the Year assured us all (http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090401/SPORTS01/904010341/1001/SPORTS) that:



Certainly he wasn't playing with words??! :shock:

To actually add to this, what I've heard (from another message board) is that if the new ownership group doesn't get to run Perani Arena then they don't intend to field a team. That's only what I've heard so I could be wrong.

[Chaulker]

Some of us here would like a place to discuss issues relating to minor league hockey, while not having to suffer through your pathetic attempts at running someone off the board.

It's a soap opera to these people.....they must like to induce/create their own drama to pump up their internet lives as to not deal w/ their own reality.

[Chaulker]

Back to the subject now: Flint's departure (and it does appear imminent now) is something that can't be glossed over. What does this mean for the IHL, especially since Dayton is still a question mark and QC is highly unlikely? Also, is it now reasonable to assume that Pickard's exodus was not merely an independent event bur perhaps linked in with the news coming out of Flint?

I don't think Pickards departure has much to do w/ the Flint situation....he was still doing the K-Zoo building management thing, and maybe found it was to much of an undertaking.

The Flint situation sounds very bad.....I've heard that if Perani didn't want to make a go of it, that there's another group waiting to take over, but I don't know how much of a loss the current owners want to take opposed to just letting the franchise die.

[bingdusters]

Back to the subject now: Flint's departure (and it does appear imminent now) is something that can't be glossed over. What does this mean for the IHL, especially since Dayton is still a question mark and QC is highly unlikely? Also, is it now reasonable to assume that Pickard's exodus was not merely an independent event bur perhaps linked in with the news coming out of Flint?

What it means is that nobody knows for sure what's going to happen. If I had to guess, I believe they would suspend operations for the upcoming season if they don't have an agreement in place for the arena by the league meeting. That would give them more time to secure the building and, quite frankly, rebuild trust within the community. Going dark for one year may not be the worst thing for Flint. With unemployment over 15% in Genessee County, the looming bankruptcy of GM and the ever shrinking coverage of this team by the media (other than when something goes wrong), it's going a challenging year if they do play.

I wouldn't worry about whether the league will play next season. It will have at least 6 teams and maybe 7 if Flint does continue. I don't think QC will be playing anywhere next season.

Just my opinion, nothing more.

[Hans]

Back to the thread topic:

What's going on in Flint? Anyone have anything to contribute other than the partisan sniping?

[Steve65497]

Bob Perani is indeed out...but according to Blake Sebring latest blog...Flint will be in for next season

[Hans]

Bob Perani is indeed out...but according to Blake Sebring latest blog...Flint will be in for next season
Sebring quotes Michael Franke, but not any of the Flint owners (Perani or otherwise). I would be much more interested in the Flint owners' (whoever they are, if Perani is indeed out) reactions to the rumors than one of the owners of another team.

Or are you telling us that Sebring DID speak to the Flint owner when he talked to M. Franke? :) (Sorry, had to make the joke!)

[bingdusters]

Bob Perani is indeed out...but according to Blake Sebring latest blog...Flint will be in for next season

That's not exactly what he said. He said Flint will be a "member" of the IHL in 2009-2010. That isn't the same thing as playing. Keep in mind that the Chicago Hounds franchise was a "member" the past two seasons even though they didn't play.

[wutsturm]

That's not exactly what he said. He said Flint will be a "member" of the IHL in 2009-2010. That isn't the same thing as playing. Keep in mind that the Chicago Hounds franchise was a "member" the past two seasons even though they didn't play.
Muskegon, Port Huron, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Kalamazoo are all "members" of the IHL as well. Chicago was an inactive franchise, inactive being the key word.

[mfrerkes]

That's not exactly what he said. He said Flint will be a "member" of the IHL in 2009-2010. That isn't the same thing as playing. Keep in mind that the Chicago Hounds franchise was a "member" the past two seasons even though they didn't play.
I don't know that using the Chicago Hounds as a template for the future of Flint hockey is exactly going to help the IHL's image, nor will it save the sport in Flint.

[Quacky]

So, a question. If Flint did go inactive for next season and not fold, and (supposing) that Dayton wasn't accepted and QC didn't jump, could the IHL still play/get visas with only five organizations actually icing a team?

Is there a legal fine line here?

[Quacky]

Hey, at least I have some stake in this league....not running around trying to start stuff and make myself look as miserable as you people do.

With a possible ownership group still exploring the IHL and the IHL very actively pursuing QC, how do QC fans not have a stake in this??! :wacko:

[qcflames07]

So, a question. If Flint did go inactive for next season and not fold, and (supposing) that Dayton wasn't accepted and QC didn't jump, could the IHL still play/get visas with only five organizations actually icing a team?

Is there a legal fine line here?

ive heard you have to have atleast 4 teams in the league to get visas.

[Geoff]

Six. The EPHL couldn't have visas due to having only 4 teams. The SPHL was worried this offseason because they had 4 returning teams and if they only got 1 expansion team, they couldn't get visas.

[Chaulker]

And for the record....I'd like to see two scenario's happen as far as the IHL goes:

1.) IF they get to 8 teams, I'd hope they align themselves w/ the current rules and draw some talent.

2.) Fold up shop and the other teams join the E or fold and the K's go to the AHL.

I don't wish for anything more then a better product.

[mfrerkes]

I don't wish for anything more then a better product.
That's where I'm at with this whole IHL thing as well. If QC joins and it helps makes the league better/stronger/more stable, then everyone wins. If QC joins and it keeps the IHL afloat just long enough for an ECHL merger, I'd be cool with that too.

I'd rather see us try something than go dark for a season and hope like Hell that all the fans come back for 2010-11. There's risk associated with any move and no guarantees of success. Our time in the AHL certainly taught us that lesson.

[QCfan]

Too bad for Flint fans. They have been holding on for a long time, and I know what that is like to have that uncertainty and rumors always hovering. It sucks.

[Komettheclown]

Rumor has it a Gens. employee was stealing deposit money and thats why they have temporarily stopped taking deposits.

[pioneer98]

Rumor has it a Gens. employee was stealing deposit money and thats why they have temporarily stopped taking deposits.

That is horrible.

I hope you are right. I think?

[Lucher]

I doubt that's it. From a financial standpoint, they are essentially creating a new company that will "do business as" (bda) the Flint Generals. That means a whole lot of paperwork and setting up new bank accounts. They could be right in the middle of the process and don;t want to take the risk of messing up funds so they won't accpet ticket money until the accounts are straight. Just what I think.

[wutsturm]

Rumor has it a Gens. employee was stealing deposit money and thats why they have temporarily stopped taking deposits.
I've heard something like that too, from various people. If that is the case, I hope they can find out who did it (if they don't already know) and fire them.

[Hans]

Rumor has it a Gens. employee was stealing deposit money and thats why they have temporarily stopped taking deposits.
Damn - talk about biting the hand that feeds you! Just... wow. (if true, of course).

[hockey]

That is horrible.

I hope you are right. I think?

Curious if this is an employee who has been working without pay for awhile. While it is not acceptable, it sure would explain the situation.

[Unnamed Source]

Flint will be fine, they will be in the IHL next season. The reports about the employee stealing money are for the most part correct, based off of what I have bean hearing as well.

Just a perfect example of why things are not always as they appear.

[mfrerkes]

Rumor has it a Gens. employee was stealing deposit money and thats why they have temporarily stopped taking deposits.
Ummm. Fire the thieving employee and put someone in charge of finances you can trust. Problem solved. There's no need to stop serving your customers in that scenario.

When McDonald's has an employee stealing money out of the cash register, the managers don't tell people in line..."Sorry! We can only take your name and order at this time, but we can't take any payment or render services."

For the sake of the IHL, this far-fetched explanation had better be the truth. With Kalamazoo jumping off the ship, Flint's departure would put the IHL's future in a hospice unit.

[Quacky]

Maybe they were filtering that money to the players and coaches who weren't paid at the end of the year, either.

How on earth can an organization field a team and sign players when said players haven't yet been paid for last season??

Unless, of course, another organization has stepped up once again and taken care of Flint's payroll woes.....

This isn't negativism, folks....it's common sense!!! How many times can the Generals be in trouble before someone says, "Enough!!" :smash:

[wutsturm]

Ummm. Fire the thieving employee and put someone in charge of finances you can trust. Problem solved. There's no need to stop serving your customers in that scenario.

Sometimes, it's more complicated than just firing the individual. If the employee was stealing money from the account, they need to close the account, set up a new one, etc. Or - maybe they just found out which employee it was.

[mfrerkes]

Sometimes, it's more complicated than just firing the individual. If the employee was stealing money from the account, they need to close the account, set up a new one, etc. Or - maybe they just found out which employee it was.
You stop taking your customers' money and put your ticketing operation on hold because of one thieving employee?

Get real.

[PIMking]

You stop taking your customers' money and put your ticketing operation on hold because of one thieving employee?

Get real.

Exactly, Unless the Frankes want to keep another team afloat they are toast.

I love this unamed source fellow though hes just so full of information.

My question is since there is a thief why are they not taking money? thats just idiotic..

[wutsturm]

My question is since there is a thief why are they not taking money? thats just idiotic..
Huh? Maybe it's because they don't want the thief to steal any more money??

[Quacky]

Let's get real here. If someone really is stealing money, how hard could it be to figure out who it is?

There can't be that many employees left in Flint....unless the owners are stealing from themselves!!! laugh2

[mfrerkes]

Huh? Maybe it's because they don't want the thief to steal any more money??
Okay...that is the mother of all BS answers.

You want us to believe that Flint is keeping the thieving employee around and eliminating the temptation for him to steal by refusing to accept money from would-be season ticket holders?

Jesus H. Christ!

[pioneer98]

I'm sorry, but this thread is just hilarious. If the IHL can't field 6 teams next year, we can blame the unnamed, uncaught thief in the Flint box office. laugh2

And some people say QC should beg to be part of this league.

[mfrerkes]

And some people say QC should beg to be part of this league.
Once Flint goes down the tubes, the begging will come entirely from the IHL.

They'll be begging someone with cash to burn to put a team in Moline. It didn't work when Mullen and Cornfield begged people to sign a petition and give $25. I doubt it will work when the Frankes beg, either.

[pioneer98]

Once Flint goes down the tubes, the begging will come entirely from the IHL.

They'll be begging someone with cash to burn to put a team in Moline. It didn't work when Mullen and Cornfield begged people to sign a petition and give $25. I doubt it will work when the Frankes beg, either.

Speculation. At least you're doing it in the rumors section this time.

[Quacky]

I'm sorry, but this thread is just hilarious. If the IHL can't field 6 teams next year, we can blame the unnamed, uncaught thief in the Flint box office. laugh2

And some people say QC should beg to be part of this league.

Or the fact that the Frankes can't afford to support yet another team....at some point, even the Frankes are gonna run out of money!!

This thread is where I come for comic relief..... :lmao:

[Quacky]

Huh? Maybe it's because they don't want the thief to steal any more money??

This one post explains so much! :lmao:

I will no longer wonder why you post what you do.... :lmao::lmao:

[PIMking]

This one post explains so much! :lmao:

I will no longer wonder why you post what you do.... :lmao::lmao:

Better watch out! this is the same poster asking us why we are in the IHL forums. Coming from a league thats sitting in a puddle no longer thin ice I wouldn't be suprised if they are begging for QC to join the "league"

[Quacky]

I can't decide if she does it because she's stupid, blonde, both, or does it on purpose to try to confuse us..... :lmao:

I know she's young, but I refuse to use that. I know a lot of very smart young people....

[TcFlint]

Rumors are circulating that Flint will have some major announcements in the next week to ten days. This from respected sources. I think it is looking good for Flint's return, but will not be too excited if there isn't a coaching change and if Bob Perani still plans to run the team from his home in Thailand!

[Nikola_Tesla]

I can't decide if she does it because she's stupid, blonde, both, or does it on purpose to try to confuse us..... :lmao:


Well, I can't speak for everybody, but I know I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting for you to decide.... But, in the meantime, tell me: what's your excuse?

[Quacky]

Well, I can't speak for everybody, but I know I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting for you to decide.... But, in the meantime, tell me: what's your excuse?

Too much interaction with people like you.

[Nikola_Tesla]

Too much interaction with people like you.

All that interaction and yet you still haven't learned anything.... I'm sure I won't be the only one that holds the hope that you'll somehow get better... although it may be to the point where it will require divine intervention. Good luck with that.