Just a matter of time
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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) |
It's not likely at this point, but what if the Penguins were moved?
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If the Penguins can’t find a new rink in Pittsburg, three cities are ready to take them, Winnipeg, Hamilton and Kansas City. Since Winnipeg and Hamilton are natural hockey markets with suitable arenas, they have an edge over Kansas City. Pierre Lebrun, Canadian Press October 05, 2006 Source |
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) |
CBC: HNIC Hotstove
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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
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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) |
The Day the Jets Died, Part 1: Sudden, Painful Death
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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) |
Bettman Mentions Returning to Winnipeg
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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
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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
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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 |
Fuzzy NHL Winnipeg picture could clear
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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 |
MTS Centre is small, but 'just right': Chipman
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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?
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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 |
No Jets No! No Jets No! Hit the road Jets
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Jacques Marcoux makes a lot of points in his article. He frames the question correctly that the "debate should not be a question of should the Jets return, but rather can the Jets return and survive. The answer: Winnipeg cannot sustain an NHL team". The failure of the article is the lack of details to support his claim. Not a single number is presented to explain how this conclusion is reached. Even securing a quote or two from a business school expert right on his own campus would have helped. Mr. Marcoux's assertion that any involvement David Asper might have with the Bombers precludes his involvement in NHL ownership is simply untrue. In fact, David Asper said exactly the opposite on live local radio. Listen to the question and answer here. Jacques Marcoux, Volunteer staff, The Manitoban Online September 12, 2007 Source |
Go Jets Go! Make poor ol' Dancin' Gabe happy again...
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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 |
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) |
"Ask Gary Bettman" with Ron MacLean
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During the CBC Sports presentation of Hockey Night 2008, there was a segment following the NHL All Star Skills Competition entitled "Ask Gary Bettman" hosted by Ron MacLean. In this clip, Gary was asked when NHL teams would be in Winnipeg, Hamilton and Quebec City... CBC, Hockey Night 2008 January 27, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Mike Beauregard reports; Peter Mansbridge with Mark Chipman
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Mike Beauregard reports from Winnipeg focusing on the state of pro hockey, past, present and future. Following Mike’s report is a live, candid discussion between CBC television newsanchor Peter Mansbridge and Mark Chipman, governor of the Manitoba Moose hockey club, regarding the various aspects of the return of the NHL to Winnipeg. CBC Newsworld February 06, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
Mother of All Mailbags
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Content not related has been removed From his mailbag, John Buccigross anwsers a reader question from San Jose about lamenting the Jets White-Out and why there aren't more Canadian teams. He says that the NHL may want any new team to be able to stand in its' own without the need for revenue sharing. (Our financial scenarios found here validate that Winnipeg would not need revenue sharing to sustain itself.) John Buccigross, ESPN.com April 23, 2008 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) |
The Fan 960: Sportsline with Rob Kerr, Darren Ford
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Rob Kerr at Calgary’s 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 Asper’s 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) |
Daren Millard and Mike Brophy with Chris Mackie
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HockeyCentral at Noon on the Fan590 had Manitoba Mythbusters’ Chair Chris Mackie as guest. Both Darren and Mike seemed emotionally supportive yet financially skeptical at the start of the conversation. But as the flyer’s numbers showed over the course of the chat, the brain wins out over the heart and still supports Winnipeg’s return. The Fan 590 September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
ShawTV: NHL's Possible Return to Winnipeg
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With the Calgary Flames and Phoenix Coyotes playing an exhibition in Winnipeg Sept. 24th, Manitoba Moose owner Mark Chipman discusses the possible return to the city in the future, after Wayne Gretzky's comments about the corporate support. ShawTV September 24, 2008 (Link not available to source) |
ShawTV's Sports Talk with Mark Chipman
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ShawTV, Sports Talk: Hosted by Jim Toth, this week Manitoba Moose owner Mark Chipman talks about his team, the possibility of Sean Avery playing for the Moose and his push to bring the NHL to Winnipeg. ShawTV December 11, 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 “dubious” 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 won’t survive and that Winnipeg will get a shot however the valuation on these teams will require Mark Chipman’s group to write some major cheques. Irving was adamant in answering a listener’s 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 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) |
