Rumors may be true [Archive]

Quacky

06-03-2009, 07:25 PM

Earlier today several threads where shut down because a moderator said I was posting rumors. Well you may want to read Cohn's latest entry (http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090603/BLOGS11/906039927). Everything I stated earlier this afternoon on this site seems to checking out with an addtional suprise. Maybe an Iowa team in the IHL.

The very headline says it all....

And we've got some rumors we're tracking down

This thread, along with any other that can't be verified, belongs in the Rumors Forum. Not here.

wutsturm

06-03-2009, 07:27 PM

I didn't realize you were a mod now, Quackster.

Quacky

06-03-2009, 07:29 PM

I didn't realize you were a mod now, Quackster.

I'm not. But common sense seems to be lacking here.

Of course, you probably don't get that, either.....

Kometswin

06-03-2009, 07:34 PM

Okay ducky, a little lesson in news reporting. If sources that are high up and know these things are telling you on or off the record that these things are going to happen they most likely are true. News reporters are always giving sources who can't give their names out. I happened to speak with one of the owners today who told me all the stuff in Cohn's column I did not speak to Cohn about it yet a few hours later it shows up in print! News reporters who go by their real name in a column would not last long if what they reported on each day was not true.

You may recall Cohn's column yesterday slamming the Komets and the IHL. Today the tone has changed since new information is coming out.

The very headline says it all....

And we've got some rumors we're tracking down

This thread, along with any other that can't be verified, belongs in the Rumors Forum. Not here.

Quacky

06-03-2009, 07:43 PM

The Chops aren't officially out of the AHL yet. (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20090603/SPORTS1403/90603051) The meeting was this afternoon.

They won't jump from the AHL (and pay a $12 million penalty) until they've seen their last dog die.

If it's not true and verifiable, it's a rumor. No matter who "says" or "tells" what.

Want me to break out the book I used when I taught journalism and spell it out more clearly? I tried to type slowly in this post.....

goalies-r-us

06-03-2009, 08:21 PM

Earlier today several threads where shut down because a moderator said I was posting rumors.

Hmmmm, and yet I got blasted by folks (this isn't just directed at you, KW) when I was saying the same thing... that rumors belong in the Rumors Forum, and spurious speculation belongs elsewhere. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Oh, and evidently I hurt a widdle bitty girl's feelings. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif If you can't handle what people say on the intertubes, folks, you shouldn't be hanging out around a message board. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

wutsturm

06-03-2009, 08:27 PM

Wow. I guess it is called silly season for a reason. A month out of the season and people are already crazy. :wacko:

No, you didn't "hurt my feelings". I obviously hit a nerve with you though, since you can't shut up about it (and had to give me a rep for it). :shock:

R_L!

06-03-2009, 08:55 PM

SteveMacD

06-03-2009, 09:11 PM

Just to solidify the Gems situation for everyone. There is a press conference scheduled for Tuesday at 10:00 AM to announce their entrance into the league. Too bad I can't make it due to classes at school. Also, in the past 3 days The Gems have been taking season ticket orders and have received over 100 at the current time.
Hey, that's twice as many as Cincinnati had a couple of seasons back, before they dropped their prices...I'd love to go, but I have to go to a meeting.

Kometswin

06-03-2009, 09:34 PM

This is hockey for gods sake, not some sissy game:devilish:

Hmmmm, and yet I got blasted by folks (this isn't just directed at you, KW) when I was saying the same thing... that rumors belong in the Rumors Forum, and spurious speculation belongs elsewhere. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Oh, and evidently I hurt a widdle bitty girl's feelings. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif If you can't handle what people say on the intertubes, folks, you shouldn't be hanging out around a message board. http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/ImaHockeyMom/boards/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

mfosterftw

06-03-2009, 10:29 PM

Is Hara going to get new ice before the start of next season? I've heard their old plant can't make ice.

Quacky

06-04-2009, 12:01 AM

Is Hara going to get new ice before the start of next season? I've heard their old plant can't make ice.

Well, that would be interesting!

Flint could fold and teams would still think they're at Perani!!!! laugh2

Quacky

06-04-2009, 12:08 AM

Earlier today several threads where shut down because a moderator said I was posting rumors. Well you may want to read Cohn's latest entry (http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090603/BLOGS11/906039927). Everything I stated earlier this afternoon on this site seems to checking out with an addtional suprise. Maybe an Iowa team in the IHL.

Dang!! Mr. Franke really has a way with words.

But have they put "any financial resources into the Flint Generals" during this past season? And if so, how much??

Still no mention of Bloomington! Come on, Cohn....ask him who the majority owner was as identified in the meeting with the city and CIAM on March 3rd. Not the lead owner, but the majority owner.....

Unnamed Source

06-04-2009, 02:38 PM

From what I have been hearing, this rumor does have some legs...BUT it isn't close to a sure thing.

We could possibly know more info early next week.

FWKRTJ

06-04-2009, 04:23 PM

Is Hara going to get new ice before the start of next season? I've heard their old plant can't make ice.

That's laughable considering Disney on Ice goes there and Disney on Ice requires nearly perfect ice conditions (better than hockey requires) due to how strict they are with that sort of thing. Ice is NOT a problem at Hara...

Chaulker

06-04-2009, 04:52 PM

Well, that would be interesting!

Flint could fold and teams would still think they're at Perani!!!! laugh2

The only thing funny about this post is that your forced to put a little emotioncon after what you say to think that your funny.

I'll go ahead and go on record now, that if QC ends up having a team, Dayton will outdraw them, no problem.

It's still hard for me to believe that you're able to run around this place and "pick" on other teams when you have seen a hockey team fail first hand, and may never see the sport again in your hometown. I don't know what kind of person you are, but I'm thinking it's a lonely Christmas at the Quacky household.

pioneer98

06-04-2009, 04:56 PM

I'll go ahead and go on record now, that if QC ends up having a team, Dayton will outdraw them, no problem.

I'd actually take that bet...if we get a team at all.

EDIT: Don't forget that Dayton was essentially a failure too.

pioneer98

06-04-2009, 04:57 PM

I don't know what kind of person you are, but I'm thinking it's a lonely Christmas at the Quacky household.

They're called "hockey road trips" and they're actually quite fun.

PIMking

06-04-2009, 05:22 PM

They're called "hockey road trips" and they're actually quite fun.

Minor league hockey revolves around FW and the IHL. So no need to go on road trips and watch real hockey.

Quacky

06-04-2009, 06:22 PM

The only thing funny about this post is that your forced to put a little emotioncon after what you say to think that your funny.

I'll go ahead and go on record now, that if QC ends up having a team, Dayton will outdraw them, no problem.

It's still hard for me to believe that you're able to run around this place and "pick" on other teams when you have seen a hockey team fail first hand, and may never see the sport again in your hometown. I don't know what kind of person you are, but I'm thinking it's a lonely Christmas at the Quacky household.

And to think....you left for that other board because you claimed that it was this very stuff that made you go....

Now you've apparently made stalking and insulting me your ultimate goal. Must be sad to be living such a shallow life.

Quacky

06-04-2009, 06:28 PM

It's still hard for me to believe that you're able to run around this place and "pick" on other teams when you have seen a hockey team fail first hand, and may never see the sport again in your hometown. I don't know what kind of person you are, but I'm thinking it's a lonely Christmas at the Quacky household.

As for this little series of personal attacks,

1) The QC isn't my "hometown".

2) You're right. You have no idea what kind of person I am. Obviously. You just assume, which makes you look even more foolish.

Chaulker

06-04-2009, 06:56 PM

Minor league hockey revolves around FW and the IHL. So no need to go on road trips and watch real hockey.

Sounds like my earlier post towards the QC fan, didn't you tear up and leave last time?

And to think....you left for that other board because you claimed that it was this very stuff that made you go....

Now you've apparently made stalking and insulting me your ultimate goal. Must be sad to be living such a shallow life.

As for this little series of personal attacks,

1) The QC isn't my "hometown".

2) You're right. You have no idea what kind of person I am. Obviously. You just assume, which makes you look even more foolish.

Your post speak volumes, trust me.....you don't have to be to intelligent to understand that.

Find some area's where I go around and pump my chest because of the failure of other teams/leagues besides the QC's.

I could of turned around and made fun of the QC hockey team, but I didn't, I like a lot of people out of there, so instead, it just make more sense to make fun of you....if you want to call it that, I call it the truth.

As far as stalking, you end up in A LOT of IHL threads, seems that's the league I'm suppose to follow. Wasn't it just yesterday that you questioned my male/female status in a thread you weren't involved in? That must not be a stalking or a personal attack, forgive me.

Quacky

06-04-2009, 08:55 PM

Find some area's where I go around and pump my chest because of the failure of other teams/leagues besides the QC's.

Since you've already admitted that you do it (one team, another team...what difference does it make? If you do it once....), show me where I have. Other than questioning the due diligence of the IHL in considering Dayton, I don't think you'll find much at all. And that reflects on business practices, not that I want/think that Dayton will fail. I already said in the ECHL thread that I want Dayton fans to have hockey.

We've had games called at Perani because of the condition of the ice and it's been a standing joke for years....can't remember if that was before or after FW joined the league.

I could of turned around and made fun of the QC hockey team, but I didn't, I like a lot of people out of there, so instead, it just make more sense to make fun of you....if you want to call it that, I call it the truth.

Why would you make fun of the QC hockey team? Because they didn't quite make the playoffs in a 29-team league? (They were one win short....)

And just a point of interest. How many people do you know in the QC who aren't on these boards??!

You have a mighty big chip on your shoulder. But I spose all that rep you get for trashing QC and its fans makes it a little easier to bear....

mfrerkes

06-04-2009, 08:57 PM

I'll go ahead and go on record now, that if QC ends up having a team, Dayton will outdraw them, no problem.
Given the fact Dayton was drawing about 3,700 fans with an ECHL product, and we were barely cracking 3,000 at one level higher, I don't think you have to go out on a limb to make that call.

I honestly think there will not be an opportunity to make this wager. It seems unlikely that an ownership group will be ready to go for 2009-10. Also, the recent turmoil in Kalamazoo has probably made any potential QC ownership think twice about throwing in with the IHL.

Chaulker

06-04-2009, 09:45 PM

Why would you make fun of the QC hockey team? Because they didn't quite make the playoffs in a 29-team league? (They were one win short....)

No, because it's a bad hockey market w/ fringe fans like yourself, what would I know about the actual hockey team, or care for that matter. What is there to know? They drew a lot of fans, then they didn't and now the IHL wants to go in there again.

And just a point of interest. How many people do you know in the QC who aren't on these boards??!

None of your business.

You have a mighty big chip on your shoulder. But I spose all that rep you get for trashing QC and its fans makes it a little easier to bear....

I don't trash QC fans, just the obvious ones that have no common sense like yourself, basically you and your lackey's that hang on every nonsensical word.

Rep points? It's been stated many times by MF that you go out on a limb to get people to give out negative points to others, I know that first hand. I could care less, if people feel the need to give 'em out for calling you out, so be it. I'm sure you beg your followers for 'em, why? I can't answer that.

The only chip on my shoulder that I have is seeing you run around this place and talk trash about things that you have no business talking about.....putting little laughing graphics after your post because they made you spit your grape nuts on your keyboards when you thought of them.

I read a lot of posts, but yours stick out the most because they don't make any sense. I always said, there's something to be said about someone w/ humility in any given situation, and last time I checked, your on a hockey board where your town has been gutted out of the sport, so what would normal people do? Probably shut their mouths and not dry to dig their situations into an open womb......so what type of person does that say about you? Not a very good one IMO, not at all.

hockey

06-04-2009, 10:20 PM

Quacky

06-05-2009, 01:47 PM

silvershoes

06-05-2009, 04:02 PM

Do you ever get the feeling that Quacky is Chaulker and a few other people. Seems like when ever she post's there is quickly a follow up.

Maybe we have all been dupped and there really is only 3 or 4 IHL fans on this board.
There'd be a lot more IHL fans on this board if Quacky didn't have so much fun making life miserable for them. I'd say that other place owes her a big vote of thanks.

Steve65497

06-05-2009, 06:18 PM

There'd be a lot more IHL fans on this board if Quacky didn't have so much fun making life miserable for them. I'd say that other place owes her a big vote of thanks.

Very true...

Hans

06-05-2009, 10:59 PM

There'd be a lot more IHL fans on this board if Quacky didn't have so much fun making life miserable for them. I'd say that other place owes her a big vote of thanks.
Riiight. Cause your dogged attacks on anyone who dares challenge any public statement made by the Frankes have made the IHL board -so- hospitable and such a wonderful place for actual discussion. Wait, so it's Quacky's fault there aren't more IHL fans here? I thought it was mine? No, wait, it was Foster's... no wait, it was...

Quacky

06-05-2009, 11:57 PM

That's laughable considering Disney on Ice goes there and Disney on Ice requires nearly perfect ice conditions (better than hockey requires) due to how strict they are with that sort of thing. Ice is NOT a problem at Hara...

So.....the ice is good andit's just everything else that needs renovating? (http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090604/BLOGS09/906049949)

maddog

06-06-2009, 03:42 AM

The arena may need to be updated but they will still have professional hockey there next year.

Steve65497

06-06-2009, 11:26 AM

Riiight. Cause your dogged attacks on anyone who dares challenge any public statement made by the Frankes have made the IHL board -so- hospitable and such a wonderful place for actual discussion. Wait, so it's Quacky's fault there aren't more IHL fans here? I thought it was mine? No, wait, it was Foster's... no wait, it was...

It is all 3 of you...

FWKRTJ

06-06-2009, 12:25 PM

So.....the ice is good andit's just everything else that needs renovating? (http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090604/BLOGS09/906049949)

If Hara is a dump then Flint, Port Huron, Kalamazoo, Muskegon are all dumps too. It's an old arena but is not even close to being "Toledo Sports Arena" style. It's not "beautiful", but I prefer those types of arenas over ones like Fort Wayne's anyday...

The parking lot is the biggest problem and it's being re-paved this summer. New glass will be put in...

Ben Smith hasn't been there in 30 years he says...

I was there 2 years ago and it wasn't bad at all...

mfrerkes

06-06-2009, 01:41 PM

Ben Smith hasn't been there in 30 years he says...

I was there 2 years ago and it wasn't bad at all...
Ben Smith sounds like a "gloom and doom" type. Why isn't Quacky jumping on him for being so negative in that article?

Oh....riiiight! It's the future of the IHL he's tearing down. Nevermind.

pioneer98

06-06-2009, 02:12 PM

Ben Smith sounds like a "gloom and doom" type. Why isn't Quacky jumping on him for being so negative in that article?

Oh....riiiight! It's the future of the IHL he's tearing down. Nevermind.

I'm not sure why you aren't tearing down Dayton more, as a resident doom and gloom type. Dayton can draw 8K for Midwest League baseball, but their ECHL team suspended operations because it could only draw 1500 to 2000? (I realize their reported attendance was higher than that, but the people on these boards have said it was way inflated).

Sadly, its a somewhat familiar situation. And yes, for the record, I will be just as skeptical about our chances if a couple pizza guys try to put an IHL team in the Quad Cities. One of them would have to be Happy Joe Whitty to even have a chance. :grin:

Quacky

06-06-2009, 11:55 PM

I'm not sure why you aren't tearing down Dayton more, as a resident doom and gloom type. Dayton can draw 8K for Midwest League baseball, but their ECHL team suspended operations because it could only draw 1500 to 2000? (I realize their reported attendance was higher than that, but the people on these boards have said it was way inflated).

Sadly, its a somewhat familiar situation. And yes, for the record, I will be just as skeptical about our chances if a couple pizza guys try to put an IHL team in the Quad Cities. One of them would have to be Happy Joe Whitty to even have a chance. :grin:

Just imagine what the giveaways would be like, though!! :happy:

No more happy meals for the QC crew!!! laugh2

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 12:58 AM

I'm not sure why you aren't tearing down Dayton more, as a resident doom and gloom type. Dayton can draw 8K for Midwest League baseball, but their ECHL team suspended operations because it could only draw 1500 to 2000? (I realize their reported attendance was higher than that, but the people on these boards have said it was way inflated).
There's really nothing that interests me about Dayton. I've never lived there and have no plans to live there. If they have hockey, good for them.

I'm not sure whether to praise Dayton for getting 8,000+ to show up for MWL baseball...or feel sorry for them. If the residents of your city are so starved for entertainment that they flock to watching low-A baseball, something is amiss.

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 01:00 AM

Just imagine what the giveaways would be like, though!! :happy:
Taco Pizza Tuesdays!!!!

We'd be packing the arena every night just on that promotion alone. This is some good stuff we're brainstorming here.

QuackerBacker35

06-07-2009, 02:30 AM

Cyclones Rock

06-07-2009, 02:44 AM

Hey, that's twice as many as Cincinnati had a couple of seasons back, before they dropped their prices...I'd love to go, but I have to go to a meeting.

Our season ticket numbers were bad (and still are), but were never that bad.

Cyclones Rock

06-07-2009, 02:51 AM

Given the fact Dayton was drawing about 3,700 fans with an ECHL product, and we were barely cracking 3,000 at one level higher, I don't think you have to go out on a limb to make that call.

Just FYI.
Dayton's announced numbers were fraudulent. And have been since I've been attending their games (2001-02).

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/bombers-owner-puts-blame-on-economy-nutter-center-72712.html

I had estimated attendance at a bit shy of 2000 per game. Siehl is the GM of the Nutter Center, so he has access to the real information.

The 1,800 figure was bodies in the house. In another article, which I posted on another thread (and can't find), Siehl stated that TOTAL Bomber regular season ticket revenues were $345,000. That is not an error. Less than $10,000 per game. Which equates to actual paid attendance of less than 1,000 per game.

Never take the announced Bombers attendance numbers with anything more than a grain of salt and certainly don't use them as a factual basis for comparison. Without knowing anything about the QC market, I can almost guarantee anyone that any team in any league would outdraw and outgross the Bombers of the Papista era.

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 09:52 AM

AceFace905

06-07-2009, 11:34 AM

Just FYI.
Dayton's announced numbers were fraudulent. And have been since I've been attending their games (2001-02).

http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/bombers-owner-puts-blame-on-economy-nutter-center-72712.html

I had estimated attendance at a bit shy of 2000 per game. Siehl is the GM of the Nutter Center, so he has access to the real information.

The 1,800 figure was bodies in the house. In another article, which I posted on another thread (and can't find), Siehl stated that TOTAL Bomber regular season ticket revenues were $345,000. That is not an error. Less than $10,000 per game. Which equates to actual paid attendance of less than 1,000 per game.

Never take the announced Bombers attendance numbers with anything more than a grain of salt and certainly don't use them as a factual basis for comparison. Without knowing anything about the QC market, I can almost guarantee anyone that any team in any league would outdraw and outgross the Bombers of the Papista era.
Wow, that's a ridiculous amount of freebies. Nay, STUPID amount of freebies. :wacko:

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 12:18 PM

Wow, that's a ridiculous amount of freebies. Nay, STUPID amount of freebies. :wacko:
That's always a tricky line to figure out: Butts in the seats versus dollars in the cash register. A bigger number of butts in the seats looks good on paper, until you tally up your ticket receipts.

Despite their failure after just two seasons, the QC Flames did a pretty accurate job reporting actual attendance. I believe places like Peoria, Rockford, and Iowa were fluffing their numbers somewhat...which is why those teams will likely follow QC out of the AHL within two years.

Sounds like Dayton was trying to put on the "happy face" with their attendance figures as well.

pioneer98

06-07-2009, 01:35 PM

I enjoy going to Lumberkings games not so much for the baseball, but a chance to drink beer and enjoy a nice summer's day by the river. Some games can be exciting towards the end, but most of the time I'm there to chat with friends. It's more the enviroment then the game in baseball's case.

I'm as big a baseball fan as there is, but I really couldn't care less who wins and loses the games. The atmosphere and running into old friends is the main reason I go. The only baseball-related reason that I go is to see some of the future major-leaguers. It's neat to say that I saw them play here.

The Bandits only have a couple really good prospects at this time (Charles Cutler and Niko Vasquez), but the Lumberkings are stacked once again, despite switching affiliations from Texas to Seattle this year. They are sending 8 All-Stars to the Midwest League All-Star game.

Last year they were just as good. We saw Neftali Feliz strike out 12 in 5 innings last year. He's the #9 prospect in all of minor league baseball this year. I think we'll be hearing about him in the bigs before too much longer.

pioneer98

06-07-2009, 01:49 PM

Getting back to hockey (but still off-topic, I guess)...

This is why I don't think the USHL would be a terrible fit for QC. It would be similar to the River Bandits in that they could make it very, very cheap to bring a family to a game, and it would be a more fun, laid back atmosphere. The people who are more "true" hockey fans still say the games are very entertaining (I haven't seen a USHL game myself yet, but plan to next year). It also looks like at least a couple players from each team get drafted by the NHL. Another few probably go into the minors and work their way up that way. From that standpoint, it wouldn't be that different of a situation to the River Bandits as far as how many players make it up to the big leagues. The geography of the USHL is great for us, too.

The fact the operating costs are so low would make it more affordable for the front office to do promotions. Bottom line: it would give QC a chance to build its fan base. It's a cheap enough league that we could probably have a USHL team here forever (just like the Midwest League). If we built the fan base up enough, maybe someday we could go back to a CHL or ECHL if the opportunity presented itself.

komethckygirl4

06-07-2009, 03:40 PM

There's really nothing that interests me about Dayton. I've never lived there and have no plans to live there. If they have hockey, good for them.

I'm not sure whether to praise Dayton for getting 8,000+ to show up for MWL baseball...or feel sorry for them. If the residents of your city are so starved for entertainment that they flock to watching low-A baseball, something is amiss.

Well, Dayton is affiliated with the Reds, so I'm sure that helps. And I think they have always been pretty good in years past until this season.

I know Fort Wayne hasn't always been good but attendance isn't horrible. I think if they had a closer affiliate than San Diego then attendance could be higher too. Kinda weird to think that Torii Hunter used to play for them...

I love baseball but I'll only go a few times a season in Fort Wayne. I haven't seen anything higher than the Mid-West league but plan on going later this summer to watch some triple A. I don't know why I don't go to more, but maybe it is because it is single A.

I've been following minor league baseball more now than someone I graduated with was drafted right out of high school in the first round. Plus, he actually spent his first season in South Bend so he was playing in the Mid-West league. He's already in AA right now and it wouldn't surprise me if he was called up to the D-Backs by next season.

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 07:22 PM

The fact the operating costs are so low would make it more affordable for the front office to do promotions. Bottom line: it would give QC a chance to build its fan base. It's a cheap enough league that we could probably have a USHL team here forever (just like the Midwest League). If we built the fan base up enough, maybe someday we could go back to a CHL or ECHL if the opportunity presented itself.
I would say the task of our next hockey team is not to build a fan base, but rather re-build what we once had. Junior hockey is an entirely different animal. You don't have franchise players; that is the Kerry Toporowskis, Mark McFarlanes, and Hugo Proulxes which helped endear the Mallards to this area.

With junior hockey, the kids might stay two years...then it's off to college or the professional leagues. There's no timeframe to develop a franchise player. Perhaps this is partially why the AHL failed: none of our best players were anxious to stay in the Quad Cities with the allure of Calgary always on their minds.

I think we know that the Quad Cities wants: wins, championships, fights, and some guys committed to making the Quad City area their home. You can't get that entire package with junior hockey.

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 07:29 PM

Well, Dayton is affiliated with the Reds, so I'm sure that helps. And I think they have always been pretty good in years past until this season.
I'm sure if Dayton didn't have the Reds as an affiliate, you could cut those attendance figures in half....still giving the Dragons a decent turnout for low-A baseball.

Even if the Quad Cities had AAA-level baseball, I wouldn't make it to many more games than I do already. I've been to several Major League games (White Sox, Twins) and nearly slipped into a coma. The sport is just plain boring to me.

PIMking

06-07-2009, 08:50 PM

I'm sure if Dayton didn't have the Reds as an affiliate, you could cut those attendance figures in half....still giving the Dragons a decent turnout for low-A baseball.

Even if the Quad Cities had AAA-level baseball, I wouldn't make it to many more games than I do already. I've been to several Major League games (White Sox, Twins) and nearly slipped into a coma. The sport is just plain boring to me.

but you like arena football.....

I haven't been to a baseball game in a long time. But I rather see the big boys play then minors.

mfrerkes

06-07-2009, 10:16 PM

but you like arena football......
It's an excuse to get out of the house. I enjoy attending Steamwheelers games, although I did myself a favor by missing last night's beatdown.

I've never been a die-hard football fan, which is probably why I don't mind watching the Steamwheelers. Most people who are football purists absolutely detest the arena variation.

It's just entertainment to me. Baseball is in no way entertaining. I'd rather spend two hours playing video poker at Jumer's Casino than waste 30 minutes watching any given MLB contest.

PIMking

06-08-2009, 12:10 AM

It's an excuse to get out of the house. I enjoy attending Steamwheelers games, although I did myself a favor by missing last night's beatdown.

I've never been a die-hard football fan, which is probably why I don't mind watching the Steamwheelers. Most people who are football purists absolutely detest the arena variation.

It's just entertainment to me. Baseball is in no way entertaining. I'd rather spend two hours playing video poker at Jumer's Casino than waste 30 minutes watching any given MLB contest.

VIDEO POKER?!?!?!?!??!

Man you need to live it up a bit and play some craps! Thats the only casino game I play.

mfrerkes

06-08-2009, 12:26 AM

VIDEO POKER?!?!?!?!??!
Multi-hand video poker to be more specific...

...preferably Deuces Wild, but I'll settle for Jacks or Better if no other machine is available.

rumrunner

06-08-2009, 12:45 AM

If QC had a choice, IHL now or ECHL next year - What say u?

pioneer98

06-08-2009, 12:46 AM

It's just entertainment to me. Baseball is in no way entertaining. I'd rather spend two hours playing video poker at Jumer's Casino than waste 30 minutes watching any given MLB contest.

I know you hate baseball. You have to have an appreciation for is nuances to fully enjoy it. It really helps if you played it a lot and have had some firsthand exposure to these nuances. In this respect, its appeal is similar to other niche sports like soccer, or, dare I say, hockey.

pioneer98

06-08-2009, 12:47 AM

if qc had a choice, ihl now or echl next year - what say u?

I say ECHL

I wish we had such a choice.

PIMking

06-08-2009, 01:56 AM

I say ECHL

I wish we had such a choice.

Nah we want NHL! even fans from the quad cities wouldn't support that either because the Mallards could beat them.

Nikola_Tesla

06-08-2009, 03:59 AM

Well, Dayton is affiliated with the Reds, so I'm sure that helps. And I think they have always been pretty good in years past until this season.

I know Fort Wayne hasn't always been good but attendance isn't horrible. I think if they had a closer affiliate than San Diego then attendance could be higher too. Kinda weird to think that Torii Hunter used to play for them...

I love baseball but I'll only go a few times a season in Fort Wayne. I haven't seen anything higher than the Mid-West league but plan on going later this summer to watch some triple A. I don't know why I don't go to more, but maybe it is because it is single A.

I've been following minor league baseball more now than someone I graduated with was drafted right out of high school in the first round. Plus, he actually spent his first season in South Bend so he was playing in the Mid-West league. He's already in AA right now and it wouldn't surprise me if he was called up to the D-Backs by next season.

How is that new downtown ballpark? I've seen pictures of it, and it looks nice; but I haven't been back to FWA since it's been built. And, what's the status of the old ballpark i.e. is it now the new, new Carrington Field?

Quacky

06-08-2009, 04:04 AM

I say ECHL

I wish we had such a choice.

I'm with you....

I just don't want to face yet another season of instability. It was so nice in the early days (I'd say before the last 4 or 5 years of the Mallards) when we always knew there would be a league there. Now, from one day to the next, it's all a question.

At least the ECHL has enough teams that we'd be set for a while into the future!

pioneer98

06-08-2009, 09:29 AM

I would say the task of our next hockey team is not to build a fan base, but rather re-build what we once had. Junior hockey is an entirely different animal. You don't have franchise players; that is the Kerry Toporowskis, Mark McFarlanes, and Hugo Proulxes which helped endear the Mallards to this area.

With junior hockey, the kids might stay two years...then it's off to college or the professional leagues. There's no timeframe to develop a franchise player. Perhaps this is partially why the AHL failed: none of our best players were anxious to stay in the Quad Cities with the allure of Calgary always on their minds.

I think we know that the Quad Cities wants: wins, championships, fights, and some guys committed to making the Quad City area their home. You can't get that entire package with junior hockey.

The ECHL could be great here IF Rockford, Des Moines and Peoria all come with us....and IF we contend for a championship with regularity. Those are two really big unknowns. It would be great if it worked out. Obviously, I'd prefer the ECHL over anything short of the AHL, but I just don't have a ton of confidence with these big unknowns hanging out there.

The River Bandits don't have players more than 2 years either, and it doesn't seem to affect them. I agree the USHL is a "different animal", but that doesn't necessarily mean worse. The USHL probably more than any other league available to us is truly a "developmental" league.

The USHL does not need any geographic realignment - it could work here right now as it is. It would allow the real hockey fans to get their fix, and provide cheap entertainment for families. It would be cheap enough that we wouldn't have to win a championship every other year to sustain it.

And those old fairweather Mallards fans can sit at home all Winter and be miserable for all I care. Some of them may even come back if the team is named the "Mallards" and they make a playoff run no matter what league they are in. They obviously don't care about the level of hockey.

mfrerkes

06-08-2009, 09:41 AM

Nah we want NHL! even fans from the quad cities wouldn't support that either because the Mallards could beat them.
:lmao:

...and don't forget the reason why QCSV failed was because they were spending too much on player salaries....

:lmao:

mfrerkes

06-08-2009, 09:53 AM

The USHL does not need any geographic realignment - it could work here right now as it is. It would allow the real hockey fans to get their fix, and provide cheap entertainment for families. It would be cheap enough that we wouldn't have to win a championship every other year to sustain it.
I agree that geographically speaking, the USHL is as close to perfect as the Quad Cities could get. It's also a low-budget operation. I can't see this area getting too fired up about junior hockey, though...even with the Mallards name plastered on the jersey. Scott Mullen seems to share a similar view.

pioneer98

06-08-2009, 10:02 AM

I agree that geographically speaking, the USHL is as close to perfect as the Quad Cities could get. It's also a low-budget operation. I can't see this area getting too fired up about junior hockey, though...even with the Mallards name plastered on the jersey. Scott Mullen seems to share a similar view.

The USHL attendance figures are pretty impressive for such a low league. But remember: they only play 30 home games, and as a result have much fewer weeknight games. This brings their average up quite a bit.

Like I said, I'd love for the whole ECHL scenario to pan out, but I don't think the USHL is a terrible backup plan.

mfrerkes

06-08-2009, 10:11 AM

The USHL attendance figures are pretty impressive for such a low league.
Ever been to Waterloo, Fargo, or Sioux City?

There's a reason why something like the USHL draws big there - lack of local competition for the entertainment dollar.

pioneer98

06-08-2009, 11:40 AM

Ever been to Waterloo, Fargo, or Sioux City?

There's a reason why something like the USHL draws big there - lack of local competition for the entertainment dollar.

Ever been to Omaha, Des Moines or Cedar Rapids?

komethckygirl4

06-08-2009, 01:52 PM

How is that new downtown ballpark? I've seen pictures of it, and it looks nice; but I haven't been back to FWA since it's been built. And, what's the status of the old ballpark i.e. is it now the new, new Carrington Field?

I can tell you after Saturday! Haven't been there yet, I'm going there to celebrate my birthday. But all of my friends that have gone really love it.

I'm not sure whats going on with the old ballpark. I thought I remember seeing they made like 400K from an auction? I didn't get the chance to read more into it yet.

jackalsfan1

06-08-2009, 05:35 PM

That's laughable considering Disney on Ice goes there and Disney on Ice requires nearly perfect ice conditions (better than hockey requires) due to how strict they are with that sort of thing. Ice is NOT a problem at Hara...
Uh they were here last year and the ice was so bad they could only use half the sheet.

jackalsfan1

06-08-2009, 05:43 PM

and IF we contend for a championship with regularity. .

I don't think you can cheat in the E unless you have somebody with bigger pockets than even the Franke's like a certain guy in Estero, FLA. He runs the only team where the talent disparity is greater than everybody else. The great thing about it is he can't win the big one.

Nikola_Tesla

06-08-2009, 06:01 PM

I can tell you after Saturday! Haven't been there yet, I'm going there to celebrate my birthday. But all of my friends that have gone really love it.

I'm not sure whats going on with the old ballpark. I thought I remember seeing they made like 400K from an auction? I didn't get the chance to read more into it yet.

Right on, happy birthday!

Quacky

06-08-2009, 07:28 PM

I don't think you can cheat in the E unless you have somebody with bigger pockets than even the Franke's like a certain guy in Estero, FLA. He runs the only team where the talent disparity is greater than everybody else. The great thing about it is he can't win the big one.

A somewhat level playing field would be nice.....

mfrerkes

06-08-2009, 08:12 PM

Ever been to Omaha, Des Moines or Cedar Rapids?
Yes I have...and all three of those cities were in the bottom half of USHL attendance this past season. None of those three teams could draw more than 2,700 per game.

Chicago was far and away the worst-drawing team in the league. That all basically ties into what I was saying earlier: the more options a city has for entertainment, the less likely USHL hockey will be drawing large crowds there.

PIMking

06-08-2009, 09:30 PM

pioneer98

06-08-2009, 11:44 PM

Yes I have...and all three of those cities were in the bottom half of USHL attendance this past season. None of those three teams could draw more than 2,700 per game.

Chicago was far and away the worst-drawing team in the league. That all basically ties into what I was saying earlier: the more options a city has for entertainment, the less likely USHL hockey will be drawing large crowds there.

Huh. Thanks for pointing that out. I never bothered to actually check their attendance. I just assumed that the way Omaha and Des Moines talk about their USHL teams that their attendance was really good.

On the flip side, we weren't that far above 2,700 ourselves, sadly. One of my biggest reasons for thinking the USHL is not a terrible idea is just because I want to keep a team here for the long haul. I think that could be accomplished with a USHL team. I'm not as sure about all the other leagues due to their expenses. We're not always going to win every year. We need to be able to weather those down seasons one way or another.

PIMking

06-09-2009, 12:20 AM

Its all about the attendance....

Bob Rotruck

06-09-2009, 02:14 AM

Here are the USHL attendance figures. FWIW, Omaha also has the UNO college hockey team which is quite popular and draws really well too at 6k+ per game.

http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/attendance.html?leagueid=49&seasonid=3192

I think Lincoln's attendance is close to their capacity. Waterloo's capacity is about 3000 so I don't think they could do much better than their average of 3100. Not sure about the others but it wouldn't surprise me if there were similar situations in that league where it's 90%+ capacity for their average in a smaller building.

I guess Omaha's situation isn't that far removed from Kalamazoo in that both cities have a 2nd team in the CCHA that obviously draw their share of fans too. I know that WMU isn't the greatest draw in the world and they haven't had good teams lately but they still are another team in the same town and they even occasionally both have home games on the same night I believe.

Quacky

06-09-2009, 03:48 AM

Its all about the attendance....

Really?

(Sorry, PIM, just messin' with ya!! laugh2)

pioneer98

06-09-2009, 08:56 AM

Here are the USHL attendance figures. FWIW, Omaha also has the UNO college hockey team which is quite popular and draws really well too at 6k+ per game.

http://www.pointstreak.com/stats/pro/attendance.html?leagueid=49&seasonid=3192

You'd be surprised how familiar QC is with UNO's attendance.

FWIW, UNO plays a 20 home game schedule all on Fridays and Saturdays. A handful of games occasionally overlap with their USHL team.

mfrerkes

06-09-2009, 09:12 AM

I think Lincoln's attendance is close to their capacity. Waterloo's capacity is about 3000 so I don't think they could do much better than their average of 3100. Not sure about the others but it wouldn't surprise me if there were similar situations in that league where it's 90%+ capacity for their average in a smaller building.
Absolutely, and that's completely in line with what I was saying earlier. The smaller areas (where there are less competing entertainment options) like Waterloo and Lincoln are outdrawing larger cities like Des Moines and Omaha.

Waterloo, with only 150,000 in their metro and junior A hockey, was pulling in more fans than the Quad Cities...who has nearly triple the population and played in a league one notch below the NHL.

jackalsfan1

06-09-2009, 09:24 AM

whats wrong with the everblades? the fact that they have two affilates helps also.

Yeah that is it.:happy:

QCfan

06-09-2009, 10:21 AM

Hans

06-09-2009, 01:17 PM

It is all 3 of you...
Enjoy your hermeticly sealed bubble over there then.

davyd83

06-09-2009, 03:17 PM

The USHL attendance figures are pretty impressive for such a low league. But remember: they only play 30 home games, and as a result have much fewer weeknight games. This brings their average up quite a bit.

Like I said, I'd love for the whole ECHL scenario to pan out, but I don't think the USHL is a terrible backup plan.

I will guarantee you that there will be more players on USHL rosters that advance to the NHL, than on IHL or CHL rosters. And I'm not talking about retreads playing out the string who are on their way down and out.

QuackerBacker35

06-09-2009, 03:35 PM

I will guarantee you that there will be more players on USHL rosters that advance to the NHL, than on IHL or CHL rosters. And I'm not talking about retreads playing out the string who are on their way down and out.

I wouldn't mind seeing some USHL hockey. It sounds like a fun time with some passionate kids that want to make it to the NHL.

Bob Rotruck

06-09-2009, 03:59 PM

Absolutely, and that's completely in line with what I was saying earlier. The smaller areas (where there are less competing entertainment options) like Waterloo and Lincoln are outdrawing larger cities like Des Moines and Omaha.
.

I really disagree with your overall assessment although I've heard it before. Some markets are just better suited for this stuff than others for whatever reason but it doesn't necessarily mean it's from less stuff to do or from being in a smaller town. Sometimes the arena is a better atmosphere or better location and sometimes the marketing is better. And sometimes it's just a community that really loves the hockey team vs. another community that isn't into it.

You don't think there are other things to do in Lincoln? They have sports events all over the place. There are a variety of different reasons why some teams draw really great and other teams don't and not all the smaller towns where there is supposedly "less to do" are automatically going to pack them in.

Quacky

06-09-2009, 05:00 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing some USHL hockey. It sounds like a fun time with some passionate kids that want to make it to the NHL.

Well, perhaps we should be planning yet another road trip for the fall.

CR has a relatively new arena. Or, if we went to DM, we could meet up with Buc!

Quacky

06-18-2009, 06:33 PM

My hubby bought season tickets for the first year of QC hockey...and I did not want him to..:smile: and every year since. But I really doubt if he would buy them to see junior hockey.

So we will just sit and wait for news, and hope for the best outcome for QC.

Well, in FW news today, there was a notice that the IHL meetings (http://fwnextweb1.fortwayne.com/ns/sports/tailingthekomets/?p=2227) have been extended a day, through today.

Maybe what I heard is true....that they need more time to discuss meeting the "requests" of QC.