The Fan 590: PrimeTime Sports with David Asper
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David Asper, Executive Vice President, CanWest Global, speaks with Prime Time Sports about Winnipeg and NHL expansion. David Asper has indicated his interest in being part of an ownership group and is comfortable with the MTS Centre as host. He further indicated that beyond Winnipeg being a rabid hockey market that there is a will to have a team in Winnipeg. The Fan 590 January 23, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM: Gary Bettman's comments at the 2006-07 NHL All-Star Game
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Local media reaction to Gary Bettman's comments at the 2006-07 NHL All-Star Game about Winnipeg's return to the NHL. Paraphrasing Bettman: "Under the current CBA, Winnipeg could probably support the NHL." Both David Asper and Mark Chipman attended the game and festivities in Dallas, Texas. CJOB 680 AM Radio January 28, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Richard Cloutier with John Glennon and Mark Chipman
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CJOB Radio: Richard Cloutier interviews John Glennon from "The Tennessean" as well as True North and the Manitoba Moose's own Mark Chipman regarding the imminent sale of the Nashville Predators to James Balsillie and the continuing efforts to bring the NHL back to Winnipeg. Mark Chipman states clearly his interest in bringing an NHL hockey team back to Winnipeg. He further points out that the CBA hasn't worked for all teams and has indicated that he has contacted the NHL with his interest. CJOB 680 AM May 24, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM, Football Huddle with David Asper
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CJOB Radio: 'Football Huddle' call-in show with David Asper and his stance regarding investing in the NHL in Winnipeg. CJOB 680 AM October 07, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
The Fan 590: 10 Minutes with Gary Bettman
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The Fan 590: 10 Minutes with Gary Bettman, discussing the Predator's situation, the league's economics, additional teams in Canada, scoring, fighting, as well as Eugene Melnyk's recent claim, reported in the Globe and Mail, that 40% of the NHL's total revenue is earned in Canada. The Fan 590 November 08, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CBC Radio with Ron MacLean
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CBC Radio: Hockey Night in Canada's Ron MacLean is interviewed en route to Hockey Day in Winkler. Ron is absolutely convinced that a southern NHL team will move to Winnipeg. CBC Radio February 09, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Canadian clubs bring in 1/3 of ticket revenue
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The Fan 590: Jim Kelly chats about the recent NHL document which states that the top 6 Canadian clubs (20% of the NHL teams) bring in 1/3 (33%) of ticket revenue in the league, and mentions how this statistic should convince Gary Bettman to add another Canadian team to the NHL. They note past Canucks owner Arthur Griffith's surpportive comments about placing a team in Winnipeg, Hamilton and Quecbec City as well as very direct and supportive comments by the NHLPA head, Paul Kelly. Jim Kelly mentions that the NHL would probably drop resistance to Jim Balsillie if his destination target was Winnipeg, Quebec City or Kitcherner-Waterloo instead of Hamilton and its territorial issues with the Maples Leafs and Sabres. Jim Kelly, The Fan 590 May 30, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Winnipeg Sun: Five Minute Major
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Winnipeg Sun's Five Minute Major - Program discussing NHL free agency and its effect on Winnipeg's chances in the NHL. Winnipeg Sun sports writers talk about the cap being upped $6 million a year and the resulting July 1, 2008 free agent spending spree. Discussion turns to how much tougher it will be for the troubled markets being able to reach the salary cap floor of $40.7 million (assuming they don't qualify for full revenue sharing.) Following that, questions surround whether the growing cap has any influence of Winnipeg's changes for a return. The writers seem to think that a growing cap is driven only by a growing revenue pool which should be matched by a Winnipeg team due to a rising dollar and potentially the use of revenue sharing should it be required. Winnipeg Sun July 03, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Hockeycentral with NHLPA's Paul Kelly
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The Fan 590: Paul Kelly, NHLPA Executive Director, joins Hockeycentral to discuss the financial state of the league and relocating franchises to Canada. Paul Kelly directly points to Hamilton (even with territorial rights issues), Winnipeg and Quebec City. A second team in Toronto would sellout every night, Paul Kelly says as well. Paul also indicates that some teams may be in financial difficulty. Further, he indicates if they can't be resolved after 3 to 5 years of losses, those teams should be relocated with those Canadian prospective cities at the top of the list of destinations. The Fan 590 July 25, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Bob Irving
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Daily Sports Commentary with Bob Irving, with comments regarding NHL expansion to Europe, his reaction to Wayne Gretzky's and Jim Rutherford's recent comments, and how he believes Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Mark Chipman will come up with the "deal of the century" in the next decade to bring the NHL back to Winnipeg. Bob Irving, CJOB 680 AM Radio September 15, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Richard Cloutier with Mark Chipman
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CJOB Radio: Richard Cloutier talks corporate support in Winnipeg with Mark Chipman. Mark calls Gretzky's comments about Winnipeg not having that corporate base "folklore" and that Gretzky "very well may be" wrong. Mark also says how much stronger the corporate community has become since 1996 and that a team would not come here without proper validation on a high degree of certainty. The committments for season tickets and corporate-base revenues streams would need to be demonstrated before an ownership group could move ahead and purchase a team. Those committments could not be for just for 1 or 2 years. Mark Chipman believes that with his group owning the arena and all its revenue streams, that they would love to become owners of an NHL team in almost any way conceivable. As an illustration of the robust economy, Mark Chipman says that currently, there is a waiting list of over 50 companies for the MTS Centre. Mark also presents the Manitoban economy as one of the most stable that can be pointed to. Richard Cloutier with Mark Chipman, CJOB 680 AM Radio September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Daren Millard and Mike Brophy with Chris Mackie
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HockeyCentral at Noon on the Fan590 had Manitoba Mythbustersâ Chair Chris Mackie as guest. Both Darren and Mike seemed emotionally supportive yet financially skeptical at the start of the conversation. But as the flyerâs numbers showed over the course of the chat, the brain wins out over the heart and still supports Winnipegâs return. The Fan 590 September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Larry Updyke with Gary Doer
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CJOB Radio: Larry Updyke asks Manitoba Premier Gary Doer about Wayne Gretzky's recent comments about the corporate support in Winnipeg as pertains to the NHL in Winnipeg. Premier Doer was very supportive of Winnipeg's return to the NHL, noting that support here for the exhibtion games will outdraw many of the troubled teams currently in the NHL and be able to support NHL hockey wants it returns. CJOB 680 AM Radio September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Bob Irving prior to NHL Exhibition game
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CJOB Radio: CJOB Sports Director Bob Irving's comments prior to the NHL Exhibition game between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Calgary Flames at the MTS Centre. (Actual attendance at the game was 12,621 And the ticket price average was $80.) CJOB 680 AM Radio September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
The Fan 960: Sportsline with Rob Kerr, Darren Ford
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Rob Kerr at Calgaryâs Fan 960 interviews Darren Ford of Jetsowner.com on exhibition game day between the Flames playing the Coyotes. Darren indicates an ownership group led by True North Sports and Entertainment is ready, with several prominent yet quiet local money people in touch with the NHL. Darren also explains why the MTS Centre size of 15,000 is not a roadblock to anyone including the ownership group. Darren indicated corporate support in Winnipeg is in place for Mark Chipman to even consider a venture like this. Darren confirms that David Asperâs involvement with a new stadium may not hold him back from being part of the NHL ownership group. Darren then also contrasted the Jim Balsille approach to the NHL to that of the Chipman group. The Fan 960 September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Prime Time Sports: NHL clubs in financial trouble
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Discussion about how many NHL teams may be available for sale right now. Bob McCown then compares per game gate receipts between the highest (Toronto) and the lowest (Phoenix). Prime Time Sports September 30, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Prime Time Sports with Doug McLean
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The Fan 590: Informative discussion with former Columbus Blue Jackets executive Doug MacLean. Knowing the financials of a mid market team like Columbus, Doug compares it to Tampa, the team he and his ownership group were to buy. He illustrates the tightening credit during the negotiations at the time he stepped aside from the group. He would be nervous being part of Tampa now and says that walking away might have been the most positive break he could have expected. Doug describes the trouble in Columbus selling a 5 or 10 year luxury suite deal at $100,000 a year. Doug thinks that $85 to $90 million in revenues in order to support an NHL team; noting many teams are not reaching that. Doug confirms that 15 to 18 NHL teams make money right now. Bob McCown explains that the NHL may be the most exposed of all major leagues with a significant number of teams hanging in the balance. Doug says that your ticket revenues should match player payroll costs in order to have a chance to break even in Columbus. The rest of your revenues offset the cost of running the team, which roughly $28 to $29 million. All numbers before revenue sharing. The Fan 590 September 30, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
The Fan 590: Hockeycentral with NHL VP Bill Daly
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The Fan 590 / Hockey Central: Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean host the daily noon-hour hockey talk show. Mr. MacLean asks the NHL VP Bill Daly a question regarding Winnipeg and the possibility of "temporary expansion". Doug is adamant that relocation will have to happen, and Mr. Daly doesn't appear to disagree at all. The Fan 590 November 21, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
NHL Live with Bob McKenzie
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NHL.com / NHL Live: Bob McKenzie's reaction to Brian Burke as new GM in Toronto, the Mats Sundin situation, the economic crisis and the salary cap, and the financial state of the NHL which could lead to some relocations, which could possibly happen within the next year. NHL.com December 01, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
NHL Live with Bob McKenzie
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NHL.com, NHL Live: Bob McKenzie discusses potential relocations, the possible sale of Buffalo, rumours that Tampa Bay may miss a payment for its team mortgage with past owner Bill Davidson and that expansion is shut down for now. Bob believes that Las Vegas will get an NHL team within 4 to 5 years, but probably through relocation and not expansion. NHL.com December 08, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
The Fan 590: Round table
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The Fan 590: Round table discussion with Bob McCowan, Steven Brunt, David Shoalts and Gordon Kirk regarding the Phoenix Coyotes' financial situation. David Shoalts explains how dire the situation is in Phoenix with potential losses reported to be anywhere between $25 to $35 million per season. Debt servicing is a large portion of the reason with lower bowl seating left empty being the other. For a recent game against the Leafs, the announced attendance was around 13,000+ with maybe 5,000 to 6,000 people in the rink. Ticket prices are also deeply discounted, so the attendance is only one concern for the fanbase. Relocation or contraction has been whispered by an unnamed NHL governor. Gretzky's contract was somewhere around $3 million along with an equity position in the team as managing partner with past owner Steve Ellman. Bob McCown references Mike Brophy's article where many ticket deals around the southern NHL are happening long before the economic downturn started. The group concludes that on-ice performance certainly affects short term gate, but probably shouldn't be key to team survival. Shoalts reinforced that debt is the real problem for Phoenix. Talk then moved to a second Toronto team and possible NHL governor disenchantment with Gary Bettman. It may turn into scapegoating the NHL leader if the economy forces the governors. The Fan 590 December 12, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Bob Irving
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CJOB 680 Radio: CJOB sports director Bob Irving comments on the possible return of the NHL to Winnipeg. CJOB 680 AM December 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: CJOB sports director Bob Irving comments on the possible return of the NHL to Winnipeg.
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Local radio sports director Bob Irving talks about Phoenix needing NHL advances on revenue sharing and league shared revenues as well as the troubled teams having no chance for success. He further states that by not having fans directly participating in the great game of hockey there will never be that connection to the game, which puts hockey teams at a huge disadvantage to the main sports football, baseball and basketball. Thus there chance for success is razor slim. When these teams finally face this reality, many cities will be interested especially those in Canada. There will be an opportunity for the local ownership group to relocate one of those teams to Winnipeg in the next couple of years. It will require large cheques being signed by that group and significant involvement by the provincial government will be required (such as loan guarantees, hockey bonds, etc.) beyond direct ownership. CJOB 680 AM Radio December 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 Radio: Bob Irving and Richard Cloutier
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A local radio station recaps the year in news on Christmas Eve 2008. Premier Doer comments on his wish to see the NHL return through a quiet and private sector-led group. Without naming Gretzky, Doer notes that his summer time quote is âdubiousâ now that Phoenix is now in financial limbo. Sports Director Bob Irving mentioned that the provincial government would love to be in power when this return occurs. As such, the province will be there, but not as the leader. Irving indicated that some teams wonât survive and that Winnipeg will get a shot however the valuation on these teams will require Mark Chipmanâs group to write some major cheques. Irving was adamant in answering a listenerâs comment that the MTS Centre size will not be a roadblock providing the private people and the government have the money on the table. Irving underscored several times that Mark Chipman will do anything he can to bring the NHL to Manitoba. Host Richard Cloutier thinks that it is closer now to a return than in the last few years. CJOB 680 AM December 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB's Bob Irving sports commentary on ESPN Player Survey
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ESPN Player Survey: We asked (again), players answered Local radio sports director Bob Irving talks about a recent survey of NHL players where they were asked to pick their choice for another NHL city. Las Vegas was chosen first to no one's surprise considering the survey was asking a sample of predominant young men with lots of cash where they would like to visit a few times a year. Winnipeg was the next choice and well ahead of any other city usually refered to for expansion or relocation. This is significant since a large share of NHL players (those 31 and under) would have never played in Winnipeg when the Jets were here. CJOB 680 AM & ESPN February 09, 2009 (Link not available to source) |
