Blair Mackasey comments on the NHL in Winnipeg
 | Blair Mackasey, head scout for Hockey Canada at the time, commenting on the NHL in Winnipeg following tremendous support during the 2005 World Junior Hockey Championship in North Dakota. TSN January 06, 2005 (Link not available to source) |
Welcome to Winnipeg
 | Edmonton Sun's Robert Tychkowski compares the sports landspace in Winnipeg to that of Edmonton during the 2005 NHL lockout. The article focuses on the loss of the Jets and what the team meant to Winnipeg. Comments from the Manitoba Moose staff downplayed their intent to bring back NHL hockey to Winnipeg. Robert Tychkowski, Edmonton Sun January 09, 2005 Source |
Just a matter of time
| | Sports business analyst says NHL's return to Winnipeg is a 'no-brainer' With the new CBA bringing both revenue sharing and a salary cap into view, a new arena in downtown Winnipeg that can derive much more revenue than the past Winnipeg arena, Mark Chipman has crunched the numbers. While he won't guarantee anything, he also won't rule anything out, as it pertains to the NHL returning to Winnipeg. Paul Friesen, Winnipeg Sun October 05, 2005 (Link not available to source) |
Fans favour Oilers
| | Coyotes just aren't Jets The players commented after the preseason game at the MTS Centre: "It's an exhibition game and it did not feel like one," said Doan. "It felt like a regular-season game with the way the crowd was into it. You could see them cheering and holding up signs. This was a unique opportunity that I enjoyed a lot." "It was great and in exhibition games, you don't get that a lot of the time," added Stoll. "I played with the Road Runners two years ago against the Moose and it was a different atmosphere in here tonight. You could feel it and it's good to see that. Winnipeg has always been known as a city that supports their sports." The Wave and the Go-Jets-Go Chant made appearances in the third period as the Oilers beat the Coyotes 5-0. Ken Wiebe, Winnipeg Sun September 18, 2006 (Link not available to source) |
A sympathetic ear
| | Great One recalls Jets' past and holds out hope for NHL future Gretzky comments positively about Winnipeg as he arrives in town for the first preseason game at the MTS Centre: "When the franchise left years ago, there were a lot of reasons as to why the team left," Gretzky began. "A lot of those issues have sort of changed. By that, I mean the salary cap, obviously, revenue sharing to a certain degree, the American-Canadian dollar is stronger than it was ... and the new facility. So there's a lot more in favour of Winnipeg maybe some day getting an NHL franchise back." He added, "I know the league, the players themselves, enjoy playing here." Gretzky concluded by saying, "The visiting teams enjoy the atmosphere in this city. There's a lot better chance in this day and age that this city could get a franchise than maybe 10 years ago. Whether or not it happens is something the league has to work out, and ownerships have to work out. But obviously this city's always going to get talked about, because it's a good hockey city." Paul Friesen, Winnipeg Sun September 18, 2006 (Link not available to source) |
The Fan 590: PrimeTime Sports with David Asper
 | 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) |
Canwest Global: Local Reaction To Gary Bettman's Support For Winnipeg
| | Local reaction to the NHL Commissioner’s support for Winnipeg’s return to the NHL. CEO Edmonton Oilers, Pat LaForge, supports Winnipeg. Global also speculates on potential NHL financials. (Although much was understated or missing.) Claims that $260 million would be required before the first season starts are inflated with no mention how future revenues streams for both hockey and non-hockey events at the MTS Centre may offset a team purchase cost. Canwest Global January 26, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CBC: Ron MacLean and Gary Bettman, All Star Game, Part 1
| | Gary Bettman responds to Ron MacLean’s questions at the 2007 All Star Game in Dallas, Texas. The NHL Commissioner does think that Winnipeg can support the NHL again with the new CBA. CBC, Hockey Night in Canada January 26, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CKY News: Nashville Up For Sale
| | CKY News Winnipeg: Local Winnipeg news broadcast regarding the possible relocation of the Nashville Predators. The story includes some of the key financials of the team. CTV Winnipeg January 26, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CBC: HNIC Hotstove
| | A week following Mr. Bettman’s supportive comments about Winnipeg, the group of reporters speak about some NHL governors support for it, a potential local ownership group has already reviewed two NHL teams books and concluded that the NHL would work in Winnipeg with the current MTS Centre at 15,003 seating capacity. CBC, Hockey Night in Canada: Hotstove January 28, 2007 (Link not available to source) |
CJOB 680 AM: Gary Bettman's comments at the 2006-07 NHL All-Star Game
| | 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) |
The Day the Jets Died, Part 1: Sudden, Painful Death
| | The good old hockey game is the best game you can name' -- Stompin' Tom Connors One of the best summaries of the events surrounding the Jets demise. For some this read will be a painful reminder of not only what was lost but of the politics and egos that became as much a roadblock to securing the Jets' future as anything else. It explains the sometimes public struggle it was to gain the commitment to build a new arena and practically at the same time, to sell the team to another local group. Much of this content was not public during those days. Included at the end of the story is a dateline of critical events. There is simply no better summary of these chain of events in existence, wrote by the Winnipeg Free Press' own Randy Turner. Randy Turner, Winnipeg Free Press March 31, 2007 Source |
The Day the Jets Died, Part 2: Big-league dreams, small-town fears
| | PEOPLE SAY HOCKEY IS A RELIGION. IT'S BIGGER THAN THAT.' --Sports psychologist Cal Botterill One of the best summaries of the events surrounding the Jets possible return. For some this read will be a painful reminder of not only what was lost but of the politics and egos that became as much a roadblock to securing the Jets' future as anything else. It explains the sometimes public struggle it was to gain the commitment to build a new arena and practically at the same time, to sell the team to another local group. Much of this content was not public during those days. Alot of the sentiment shared by some of Manitoba's business community may shed light in the future as to their motives and future involvement. There is simply no better summary of these chain of events in existence, wrote by the Winnipeg Free Press' own Randy Turner. Randy Turner, Winnipeg Free Press April 01, 2007 Source |
Ford thinks NHL's return to 'Peg is near
| | Mark Chipman cautiously yet positively responds to Gary Bettman’s assessment about Winnipeg. Darren Ford brings up the topic of hockey market size and supply and demand effects for creating ticket scarcity with the proper sized arena. Avi Saper, WinnipegFirst.ca April 03, 2007 Source |
Tories fan NHL flames
| | Both provincial parties that have governed Manitoba in the years after the Jets left, have stepped forward during the last provincial election to announce their support of the NHL’s return to Manitoba. Premier Doer of the NDP released an announcement just prior to Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen’s press conference at the MTS Centre with former Jet Thomas Steen at his side. Many options are available beyond direct provincial treasury involvement say both leaders. Julie Horbal, WinnipegFirst.ca May 07, 2007 Source |
CJOB 680 AM Radio: Richard Cloutier with John Glennon and Mark Chipman
| | 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) |
Bettman Mentions Returning to Winnipeg
| | TSN reports a Canadian Press story that contains Gary Bettman's "righting a wrong" comment in relation to Winnipeg. A Canadian newspaper editorial made the point that if the NHL did add another Canadian team it should go back to Winnipeg first because they have a new building and the NHL owes it to them. "I'm not opining on whether or not that's an opinion that I agree with, but it is an interesting and intriguing thought," Bettman said in a comment that raised eyebrows. "When we had the chance to go back to Minnesota, we did. Because it made sense, the right ownership, the right building situation," said Bettman. "The market was strong and vibrant. We haven't studied Quebec City or Winnipeg or anywhere else in Canada, but the notion that if it could work to put a franchise back in a place where one was lost, feels good - provided we don't wind up in a situation where we've created a prescription for another failing franchise." Bettman concluded by saying, "so am I intrigued? It's obviously something I've thought about in terms of trying to make right something that one point in our history went wrong." The NHL Commissioner also downplayed a second team for Toronto. The Canadian Press May 28, 2007 Source |
Bettman 'intrigued' by idea of NHL in 'Peg
| | This is the original article contains Gary Bettman's "righting a wrong" comment in relation to Winnipeg. Pierre LeBrun, Canadian Press May 29, 2007 Source |
Continue to be Passionate: Bettman
| | Tim Campbell’s complete one on one interview with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman included questions like “Did you really mean leaving Winnipeg was wrong?” and “Do you have rules on seats or luxury suites?”. Mr. Bettman’s responses were both fairly candid and positive and ended much worry over whether the MTS centre met NHL minimum standards. Tim Campbell, Winnipeg Free Press May 30, 2007 Source |
The party's over in Nashville, but it's just starting at Cup finals
| | Light the Red Lamp John Buccigross of ESPN.com reviews the situation in Nashville. He summaries how Craig Leipold got $70 million wealthier, while the team's attendance shows that relocation is only a matter of time. Buccigross speculates that Jim Balissilie may in fact end up with the team and that Winnipeg with its new rink will be in the mix to become a relocation target. John Buccigross, ESPN.com May 30, 2007 Source |
Fuzzy NHL Winnipeg picture could clear
| | You had to wade through the customary allotment of bafflegab and doublespeak, but when Gary Bettman invoked the name of Winnipeg during his state-of-the-union address earlier this week, it appears he did so for one of two reasons. The Vancouver Province's Ed Willes speculates on why Gary Bettman would bring up Winnipeg at his State of the Union news conference. "Mark Chipman, the Moose's owner, has maintained a dialogue with the NHL, studied the books of both Ottawa and Edmonton and he believes he could operate an NHL team on a break-even basis in his town." Willis adds, "Ten years ago, the NHL thought it had outgrown Winnipeg. It appears they've had time to reconsider." Canwest News Service June 01, 2007 Source |
Relocation, not Expansion
| | Lyle Richardson, aka Spector, Foxsports.com June 08, 2007 Source |
MTS Centre is small, but 'just right': Chipman
| | Mark Chipman explains why a bottom third seat capacity arena in Winnipeg offers better than bottom third revenues for a potential team in the Manitoba capital. Capacity scarcity offers value to season ticket holders in a rink that also has premium revenue streams in both club seats and luxury suites. Chipman also suggested that his ownership group has already run the numbers to suggest a ticket price face value average of $60 works. ($70 when fees and taxes are applied). Tim Campbell, Winnipeg Free Press June 30, 2007 Source |
Winnipeg, NHL silent partners?
| | City's slow, steady, quiet approach best way to land team Both True North chairman Mark Chipman and CEO Jim Ludlow were invited this past January to make a presentation to the NHL's executive committee in a meeting which operators of the MTS Centre preferred to keep hush-hush. "Because we've expressed interest in knowing more about their plans in the past and a desire to be considered in whatever plans they might have, we were invited with some other cities to go and... explain to the executive committee how our market might fit into whatever plans they're contemplating," Chipman said. "I think the (NHL is) just beginning to contemplate the possibility of expansion and I think they want to know what's out there." Chipman added, "we described our existing organization. We described the building that we play in. We described what we judged to be the market capacity. And if they were considering either expansion or relocation we felt we were capable of going to the next step." Chipman was not aware if the NHL had established any pecking order of potential markets. Ludlow said the message of the presentation was to inform the league's executive committee on the overall success of the MTS Centre, in terms of Moose attendance and the strong entertainment component of the new arena. Chipman explained, "I think we were treated very fairly and very respectfully, and I think the comments you've seen have been a reflection of that presentation and the ongoing dialogue after that." In regards to the CBA and an ever-evolving salary cap, Chipman said, ""We want to understand it in the event an opportunity does come forward because we want to be ready for it." Randy Turner, Winnipeg Free Press July 07, 2007 Source |
Go Jets Go! Make poor ol' Dancin' Gabe happy again...
| | William Gould explains how sports teams define cities and unify its people. "Nothing seems to unite Winnipegers like a good 'Go Jets Go' chant that can be heard from groups of Winnipegers in football stadiums to Grand Forks hockey rinks. There seems to be something universal and underdog about the story of the Winnipeg Jets, like the city of Winnipeg itself." William D Gould, The Manitoban Online September 12, 2007 Source |
Peg as good fit for NHL? Well, duh!
| | Randy Turner brings to light a quote from Edmonton Oiler CEO Patrick LaForge. "As it relates to Winnipeg, it's one of the great hockey markets in North America," LaForge insisted. "The next proposal -- if there ever is one -- for expansion, it has to be a great hockey market. And Winnipeg passes the great-hockey-market test." Turner explains that not only has the NHL's feelings towards Winnipeg changed for the better over the last few years, but over those same years, positive comments made by NHL brass about Winnipeg have went from headlines to practically unreported as it is no longer newsworthy. The refreshing part as Turner explains is that "the understanding at the highest level of the NHL that ... modest stability may be more financially attractive than sinking another drill into unfamiliar territory." Randy Turner, Winnipeg Free Press September 20, 2007 Source |
Sens owner, Paddock tout Winnipeg for team
| | Senators owner Eugene Melnyk says that talk about arena size in Winnipeg misses the point. Both he and former Jets GM and coach and current Senators coach John Paddock support Winnipeg’s return. Winnipeg Free Press, from the news services November 07, 2007 Source |
Hockey Hearsay
| | A Loonie idea for Winnipeg A high-ranking hockey source says the league receives daily calls about bringing a franchise back to Manitoba. The NHL reportedly also reinforced its patent on the Winnipeg Jets name and logos. Sportsnet.ca November 07, 2007 Source |
The Fan 590: 10 Minutes with Gary Bettman
| | 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) |
