More Friday News

Could another junior hockey owner be joining Oren Koules in Tampa? It seems Len Barrie might be in the mix according to the Globe and Mail...

Mason City gets 2009 Robertson Cup

North Iowa awarded 2009 Robertson Cup Championship February 29, 2008 FRISCO, TEXAS - The North American Hockey League announced today that the North Iowa Outlaws have been selected to host the 2009 Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, which will be held April 21-25, 2009 at the North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, Iowa. "We are excited to bring our league championship to the North Iowa community in 2009," said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. "The Outlaws organization has helped bring the NAHL to new heights, both on and off the ice, and we have no doubt they will host a first-class tournament." "A lot of people have worked tirelessly to bring this tournament to the area," said Outlaws owner Mark Motz. "It’s going to be a great event for the community and an opportunity for the league to showcase some of the best young players in the country in addition to helping promote and grow the sport of hockey in the North Iowa area." The four-team Robertson Cup Championship crowns the NAHL’s playoff champion (USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior A national champion). As the host team, the Outlaws will receive an automatic bid to the 2009 tournament. The event will attract over 2,000 visitors, including fans, players, coaches, scouts and media over a four-day period. The economic impact to the North Iowa area generated from visitor spending is estimated at over $200,000. In addition, North Iowa residents will be provided the opportunity to attend the tournament, witnessing hockey at its best. "This will be a great event for the fans of hockey in the North Iowa area," said Outlaws GM Rick Wesp. "Not only will they be able to see and cheer on their own team, but they’ll see the best teams the NAHL has to offer, and we all know North Iowa has the best and the loudest fans in the league." Outlaws business manager Bob Thoms began inquiring about attracting the tournament to the area last September after the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau requested partners to submit new or existing sporting event ideas. Through the partnership of the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and Cerro Gordo County, the North Iowa Sports Authority was created and submitted a grant application to help attract the Robertson Cup to North Iowa. A $50,000 Regional Sports Authority District Grant, provided by the State of Iowa through the Iowa Tourism Office, and a $25,000 cash match was secured in October. "This funding gave the North Iowa Outlaws organization the boost needed to seek the bid for the National Tournament," said Thoms. "The North Iowa Outlaws, North Iowa Sports Authority and specifically the Mason City Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce have been working together extensively on this project because of the tremendous economic boost and national recognition it will bring to the North Iowa area," said Vicki Hensley, Chair of the North Iowa Sports Authority. "We are thrilled to be the host community." In addition to the Outlaws, the playoff series winners from the North, South and Central Divisions will receive the other three bids to the tournament. If the Outlaws win the 2009 Central Division playoffs, the runner up from the Central Division will receive the fourth bid. The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in the NAHL and youth hockey in the state of Michigan. Robertson was the owner of the Paddock Pools Saints when they won a record seven straight NAHL championships from 1976-83. The St. Louis Bandits will host this year’s Robertson Cup Championship. More details on the 2009 Robertson Cup Championship will be released in the coming months. For more information on the Robertson Cup Championship, visit www.robertsoncup.com.

Friday News

A new arena does not a quality operation make: Fronts taken to task over marketing; Mayor says club's promotion efforts 'amateurish' in nature. I'll wager fans would show up if the team were sold to someone else and run by someone with a clue. If Mavety is frustrated, how do you think the hundreds of remaining Fronts fans feel? Spitfires honour fallen Renaud... PIJHL shows interest in Squamish... Otters' Ftorek plans to return Here's a statistical look at the Pringe George Cougars after 999 games...

Simon says "I quit!"

Regg Simon has resigned as head coach of the Des Moines Bucs: Simon Resigns as Head Coach & GM February 28, 2008 The Des Moines Buccaneers announced today that Head Coach and General Manager Regg Simon has resigned effective immediately. Associate Head Coach Todd Knott will take over on an interim basis as Head Coach for the remainder of the season. “I felt it was in my best interest personally and professionally to step down at this time.” Simon said. “I appreciate the opportunity the organization has given me and I wish them the best of luck in the future.” Buccaneers President Shawn Edwards, who made the announcement to his staff this afternoon, said it was a “sad day for Buccaneer hockey”, and that “Regg was a special person”. Simon was in his fifth season with the Buccaneers and his third as Head Coach & General Manager. Edwards said that Simon “took this organization to the next level and will certainly be missed.” He said that Regg is a “great talent in the coaching field with a bright future”. Edwards went on to say that he “understands Regg’s reasoning behind the decision”. Todd Knott will be making his USHL Head Coach debut tomorrow night as the Bucs host the Chicago Steel. Knott, in his third season with the Bucs, has served as a Head Coach & General Manager in the past. During the ’04-’05 season Knott guided the Fargo-Moorhead Jets of the North American Hockey League to a division title. Also, for those wondering, my ISP has hosed my webserver, so most of my images, like the masthead to the blog, are currently unavailable. It should be resolved in a day or so.

Thursday News

L.A. developer buys Des Moines Buccaneers... Eric Ballard resigns as assistant for the Junior Blues... BCHL Clippers a father-son business... Commercial development expected around new Windsor arena... Councillor wants to plan now for new arena in St. Catharines... How bad off is Portland these days? They are dropping off the local sports scene map... And then there's this...

Wednesday News

Lewiston MAINEiacs fined; head coach suspended one game... PMI fires Gamblers coach Mark Mazzoleni... Renaud family Spits' top priority... NOJHL to hold off ruling on neck guards... K-Rock Pot opening "cool" and "awesome"... *Cue John Cougar Mellencamp* Lemme tell ya... about Jack and Darlene...

Mazz out in the cold

Mazzoleni Removed As Gamblers Coach Effective immediately, PMI has terminated Mark Mazzoleni's employment as head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Gamblers. Although PMI acknowledges the contributions of Mr. Mazzoleni to the Gamblers organization, it was felt the team needed a new direction. PMI will soon begin its search for a replacement head coach and general manager. Gamblers Assistant Coach Dave Insalaco will become the interim head coach and general manager for the remainder of this season.

Tuesday News

City of Soo ponders suites for Steelback Centre... Portland Winter Hawks under investigation by WHL... Winter Hawks to hire new GM... Deal to buy the Williams Lake TimberWolves awaiting BCHL approval... Ftorek, Otters close to deal?

Monday News

Darlene and Jack Tragis earn their way into Fairbanks Hockey Hall of Fame Wichita Falls sports editor piles on the criticism of KY Coliseum staffers... Wenatchee hockey team OK 'almost 100 percent'... Lewiston columnist: In fairness, referees should be subject to official reviews, too (hey, I'm an Sooner alumnus, so no argument from me)... Kingston provides fans with a good game in K-Rock Pot debut (but the result was predictable)... New arena for Niagara IceDogs discussed - Big dreams for a new 'spectator facility'... Crowds pack church to say goodbye to junior hockey star... Camrose lands Jr. A challenge set for November...

Friday News

Wenatchee gets conditional OK for NAHL franchise. I'm sure they just need to sort out the little things, like a lease, what division they'll play in, and how the whole travel thing is going to work... WHL league commissioner orders the Portland franchise to shake up the front office (and pay their bills)... Fronts eager for fresh start; Hockey club opens new arena (psst, sometimes you need more than a new barn for a fresh start)... Everett defenseman Graham Potuer suspended for two games... Grapes to speak of Renaud on Coach's Corner...

Thursday News

Will facility open on time?; With just days to go, workers scramble to bring the Kingston K-Rock Pot up to code... Fans miffed with KY Coliseum ushers, but they're more miffed at how the Wichita Falls TimesRecordNews framed the article, giving the appearance that fans were upset with the Wildcats... Windsor's games tonight and Sunday have been postponed following the death of team captain Mickey Renaud. Renaud's #18 has been retired, and all OHL players will wear his number on their helmets the rest of this season... Oh, and there's supposed to be a vote on Wenatchee today, no foolin'...

WHENatchee???

You can't fault the Wenatchee World for trying. Still, that vote everyone's waiting to hear the results on hasn't been taken yet. I guess communications to central Washington are slow in the winter, what with the passes being closed all the time. I'm guessing that the major hang-up with accepting Wenatchee is still the divisional alignment. This whole time the thought has been to add them to the South along with the three Alaska teams, Texas, Wichita Falls, and Topeka. I'm guessing that's not real popular with the three teams actually in the south. It also goes without saying you can't set your divisions until you know who is committed to next season and where they will be playing. I'm not holding up any franchise voodoo dolls, so don't read too much into this, but I doubt we'll see the same pieces on the chessboard this fall. I understand the vote is tomorrow. No really, I'm not joking. Update: The WenWorld seems to have picked up on the delay...

Wednesday News

Spitfire captain's autopsy results released to family, not public... Mayor in talks on new home for Niagara IceDogs... Surrey drops Basford suspension, freeing him to join Giants... Q governors vote for 68-game schedule...

Tuesday News

Windsor Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud dies suddenly after collapsing (video)... Sertz steps down after 12 years as Otters' director of operations (includes video)...

Monday News

Hastings sets USHL all-time wins record... Generals to retire Lindros' No. 88, I'm sure the Soo Greyhounds banned the number years ago... Finley an excellent fit for Rockets staff... Francis Filion suspended for one game... Dubuque claims CSHL regular season title... Goin' to the 'Dogs; Niagara Falls fans pack arena to support St. Catharines team...

Saturday News

Frontenacs bid old rink good-Knight, but without Larry Mavety... Cozy comfort for Kent crowds in new home for Seattle T-Birds... USHL announces new partnership...

Friday News

Are you kidding me? Yet another league, Part II, the Lakefront International Junior Hockey League. Yeeeeeesh... Wenatchee NAHL vote postponed until Monday. What a way to run a railroad. Read the second paragraph carefully - why do you even consider approving a team with only the exec board? A recommendation to the full BoG I could see, but this was billed as final approval... Op-Ed: Rothschild shoots and it scores (for Wausau)...

Thursday News

A funny thing happened on the way to the NAHL voting on Wenatchee... nothing. After posting the Wenatchee World article yesterday, the response I received from several teams was "Vote? What vote?!???" as apparently the vote is not scheduled until next week. I'm not sure where the miscommunication originated, but then again, the World couldn't even get Mark Frankenfeld's name right (it has since been corrected)... Is everyone ready for yet another independent "Junior A" hockey league? No? Well too bad, you're stuck with one anyway. Say hello to the Wisconsin Junior Hockey League... If Wausau-are arena is built, team will follow... OHL suspends Kingston GM/head coach Larry Mavety, but not long enough for Fronts fans. Here's a clip of what resulted int he suspension...

Wednesday News

Wenatchee NAHL franchise up for a vote Tuesday. I haven't heard the result yet... I have heard there is a meeting going on today concerning the arena in Bloomington, IL. I hope to have more details by this weekend. Moose Jaw Warriors fined and suspended... Fargo's main rink financing almost secured... Fargo awarded 2009 IIHF U-18 Tournament, beating out St. Cloud and Providence... Ferguson, Brand honored with distinguished service awards...

Tuesday News

WHL board of governors meeting focuses on economy... Small-market WHL clubs remain viable... Selwood steps down as coach - Oshawa Generals promote Chris DePiero to bench boss... USHL president preparing to retire (not much here that wasn't in the release yesterday)... Rendell gives hope to Erie arena plan... Huskies and Saguenéens fined by QMJHL... Outbreak of mono really bugging 67's... Allow Mooseheads coach to map his hockey fate... High-flying Wolverine grounded by bad judgment... Surrey Eagles suspend centre for season... Welcome to the league, Verdun; now you figure out the schedule... Ray Bourque hopes Verdun move will be a success...

Gasparini to Retire as USHL Head

From a league release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: February 11, 2008 USHL TO UNDERGO MANAGEMENT CHANGE The architect of the USHL to ease into retirement GRAND FORKS, N.D.: The United States Hockey League has announced that it will be initiating a process that will ultimately lead to the retirement of league president Gino Gasparini. "This is something that I’ve been thinking about, and recently I’ve thought about it more and more, so that was an indication to me that the timing is right to make this move," Gasparini said. "I wanted to make sure the league had enough lead time so that they could put a plan in place for the next person that will come in and lead this wonderful organization." The league will be hiring a new president or executive director, with Gasparini staying on board as the league’s commissioner to assist in the leadership change transition. "Gino had a vision for the USHL many years ago and through his guidance and persistence that vision has become reality," said Jim Kronschnabel, Chairman of the USHL Board of Governors. "We all owe Gino a huge debt of gratitude for keeping the team owners on track with the mission he laid out for us and helping us to achieve our goals. Hopefully he will continue to be a part of the USHL for many years to come." A search committee has been formed and will present a list of finalists for the position to the USHL Board of Governors at its May meeting. Members of the search committee are Irv Dana, Lou Mervis, Luc Robitaille and Michael Schupay. Josh Mervis will serve the committee as its secretary and Brian Schoenborn will act as the committee’s legal advisor. Gasparini will also serve on the committee as an ex officio member. The timetable to fill the position will fall after the league meetings and into the off-season. Gasparini came to the USHL in 1995, following a distinguished career as the head coach and athletic director at the University of North Dakota, where he led his teams to three national titles. His tenure in the USHL has been just as successful. In 13 seasons as the league’s leader, Gasparini has transformed the USHL from a run-of-the-mill junior league into the biggest supplier of talent to NCAA Division I college hockey. The growth isn’t reserved for college hockey alone. Attendance numbers have reached unprecedented heights, the league has experienced successful expansion and ownership has stabilized. The number of players chosen by, and ultimately appearing on NHL rosters, has skyrocketed under Gasparini’s watch. He was the driving force behind the league’s campaign for Tier I status, a classification which the league received from USA Hockey in 2002. Clearly, Gasparini’s vision has made the USHL the hockey development machine that it is today. "It isn’t all due to me and I don’t want anyone to get that impression. The stabilization and growth of the USHL came about through teamwork and passionate ownership that all had a vision for the league," Gasparini said. "People like Butch Johnson, who spent many years as the chairman of the board and present board chairman Jim Kronschnabel have been instrumental in moving the league forward. The current ownership will continue to move the league forward."

Can't Get There From Here?

The Topeka Roadrunners got hung up due to weather this week trying to fly to Alaska, resulting in their Friday game against Fairbanks having to be rescheduled. Frankly, I'm surprised this hasn't happened more often since Fairbanks has had junior hockey, as many flights from the lower 48 to Alaska originate out of Minneapolis. However, while observing things in Wenatchee the past several weeks, I've discovered that they might be even more isolated than the Alaska teams. Sure, teams can fly into Seattle and bus the two hours or so to Wenatchee, but only if one of the two passes over the Cascades are open. It seems like the pressing news in the Wenatchee World is an always update as to whether Snoqualmie (I-90) or Stevens (US-2) Pass are open. As of this moment, they aren't. I can't imagine teams would fly into the smaller airports east of the Cascades, due to the cost. So the question becomes - "what's the over/under on postponed games in Wenatchee each year if they join the NAHL?"

Friday News - Early Edition

A quick correction. For what it's worth, a member of the Alliance Hockey organization called me to task for describing NAHL commish Mark Frankenfeld's new position as Director of Hockey Operations a full time gig. I was clearly wrong, however, in stating that Frankenfeld has been with Alliance for some time. I got Alliance confused with the Texas Attack, with which Frankenfeld has been previously associated... Kingston's new arena has a sponsor, but what about the name? I don't normally get behind causes here (unless they are my own), but I'm encouraging everyone to write in a vote to name the new arena the K-Rock Pot... Brooks commits to $19.1M arena... Are the Burnaby Express on track to leave town? Pat Maroon - seasoned rookie... Q&A with Cedar Rapids RoughRiders defenseman Matt Donovan... David Branch backs Windsor for Junior Worlds... WHL extends commissioner Ron Robison's contract through 2010-11 season (insert obligatory comparison to Mark Frankenfeld here)...

Wednesday News

There's finally a trailer available for the recently released documentary Junior, about the Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Although screenings are currently available only in Quebec, with any luck I'll have a copy of the movie shortly and will be able to give it a proper review... Brodsky: "I can't stand to listen to the games, and I can't stand to watch them" - Prince George Cougars owner says in candid video interview... WHL Board of Governors conclude mid-season meetings... Kamloops Blazers head coach Greg Hawgood backtracks on earlier comments that the NCAA is a better track than Major Junior... Penner is back to where he wants to be, in Prince Albert... Portland goaltender vents his frustration... Blades' Molleken draws two-game suspension... Burnaby Express players back on same page... Bruins' Brandon Campos a gifted sniper... A dilemma for Minnesota Ice Hawks: Stay or play elsewhere... Orillia Terriers all but assured of fifth-place finish; Team likely to start playoffs on the road...

Tuesday News

A few days ago NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld was named Director of Hockey Operations for the Alliance Bulldogs, a youth program located in Dallas-Fort Worth. Frankenfeld has retained a minor role with Alliance throughout his tenure with the NAHL league office, but this is an interesting move considering it's a full-time position for someone who is supposed to be a full-time commissioner. I would have thought the NAHL Board of Governors would have learned their lesson with part-time commissioners a few administrations ago with Larry Pedrie, who maintained a gig similar to Frankenfeld's, but based on feedback I've received thus far, it appears the BoG were unaware of Frankenfeld's new position. Speaking of lessons unlearned - Quebec businessman hoping junior hockey will fly in Habs-crazy Montreal market... Score one for the Canadian economy - Naming rights increase in Kingston; Deal for downtown centre moniker will go up in value each year. If I had to guess, they inked a deal with an energy provider... Ouellet, Morrison in hunt for scoring title as QMJHL season heads into home stretch... Shakeup seems to be working fine - Chilliwack coach separates slumping big guns Moller and Santorelli... PEI Rocket attempt to turn back time... Saskatoon Blades pay price for fight night... Pats get some extra work on Super Bowl Sunday... Geoff Killing sets new Bulls record...

Monday News

Topeka Roadrunners sign lease extension with arena... Petition group claims the Steelback Centre has cost taxpayers close to $70,000 (includes video)... Condors lose Choules to Acadie-Bathurst... Captain Kayfes traded away from Bizzy to Fairbanks... QMJHL's Victoriaville Tigres fire head coach Martin Bernard... It's Madam President; Denise Burke of the Niagara IceDogs is the only female team president in CHL... London chasing juniors again...

Saturday News

And then there were five; Attack partner sells his stake... Weyburn's McMillan reaches 1000-win-milestone. Other coaches in SJHL can't fathom so many wins... Was January the worst month ever in Prince George Cougars' history? Owner Rick Brodsky banking on the future... Generals' game in Kingston postponed... Erie Otters suspend Frank Grzeszczak indefinitely for violating team rules... OHL hosts midget showcase in Saginaw... Coombs concerned about complacency in Dubuque... Winnipeg on the short list to host 2010 World Junior Hockey Championship... Windsor, London team up for World Juniors bid... Edmonton and Calgary jointly seek 2012 world junior hockey tourney... Memorial Cup selection committee down to four members... Selection committee looks at Halifax... Schenn brothers taking WHL by storm... Omaha forward looks to be force... Quebec league sold Newfoundland short... Bizzy Bobcats still in NAHL playoff picture... Flying Aces getting results in MinnyJHL... It seems more Frontenacs fans are getting grumpy with owner Doug Springer...

Friday News

Short blog this morning... I'll get the rest of my links done tonight or Saturday morning. Billings Bulls go for milestone win tonight... Junior hockey franchise raises guarded excitement in Thunder Bay...