The situation is this: I have been here in Norfolk for the last 7 years. We have always had a respectable hockey team on the ice as the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Perennially in the playoffs, and because of some heated rivalries with Hershey and Wilkes-Barre, the team had it's first sellout games in the franchise's existence last year. They were near the top of the division all season, and the fans had a great rapport with the players, many of whom graciously and professionally did alot of volunteer work with the community.
Then the switch was flipped. The affiliation ended, and the AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning came to town, complete with the worst record in the league.
Is is wrong of me to be feel that the ownership of this franchise was utterly foolish to let what they had go, and not continue the affiliation with a solid team with a reputation, good fan base, and a decent financial future?
2007-12-09 22:34:00 · 8 answers · asked by Truebluesince82 2 in Sports ➔ Hockey
Jingles- I guess it is conceivable that there are more reasons than meet the eye, but it seemed rather sudden. The whole thing was hush-hush until the playoffs started. Maybe I am more irritated at the fact that I have to pay 15% more out of pocket for a ticket to watch a team that shows considerably less grit, hustle and will than what I am used to. I'm not the only one either. Their home attendance is down sharply as well, from an average of 4687 last year to 4178 this year. That's just shy of an 11% shortfall. I just don't think it was a good decision, whoever may have made it. Who knows... maybe things will come together.
2007-12-09 23:36:40 · update #1
KIDM2- I dunno. Somethings really fishy in our town, and this time it's not in Ocean View. I get so frustrated about it. Last year we had a team. Now we have Wanvig, Milley, and "the other guys". It's like a circus sideshow, and with this ownership issue in the sunshine state... who knows where it will leave us.
2007-12-09 23:44:41 · update #2
It is wrong of you.
The deal between Norfolk and Chicago was set to expire at the end of last year (It was a new 2 year deal signed after the lockout) while the Black Hawks were busy setting up Rockford as their new affiliate.
This was known to the Norfolk ownership group and there really was nothing they could do about it. Once the deal expired, they had to find a team needing an affiliation. Tampa came through.
2007-12-10 06:55:54 · answer #1 · answered by Like I'm Telling You Who I A 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you on the other end of the spectrum. Everyone knows I have been cursed as a Lightning fan. The old Lightning affiliate was the Springfield Falcons, and was good for the Lightning. They had the players that were regulars for being called up. Then they had to make this deal, and the chemistry is a slow process. I can imagine how this has been like throwing the wrench in the spokes for you guys. If I didn't already like the Lightning, I definitely would not want to be financial associated with them. Let's hope the Lightning can find a good buyer (for my sake, one that will not move the team) and their relationship can improve.
It is always interesting to hear the other side. I would be mad as well.
2007-12-10 01:11:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I feel your pain. I to am an Admirals fan(born and raised in H.R.) and I think that was a rotten deal also. However there is something else behind the scenes that they are being mum about. Whats worse is that the Lightning are in dire straits financially and there is an uncertain future about it in Tampa. When you look at the facts surrounding everything it looks to be more business related than anything. Who knows. Jim Balsille may come calling soon.(heres hoping anyway).
Edited to add: Well I am hoping good things will come out of it. Hampton Roads deserves a pro team more than Sunrise Florida or Nashville Tennessee. I hope that whatever happens it happens for the better and not the detriment. Soon there will be pro sports in H R, until then you guys are at the mercy of others. BTW, nice tie in with the Ocean View comment. Oddly eneough I miss that place.
2007-12-09 23:27:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The team I work for went from AHL to ECHL, because of money issues. The level of play went down so far. The owners have some big sports conglomorate, so they could care less about this team. Unfortunately, hockey is a business and you have to deal with the jag offs who have money. Affiliations are hard to get and maintain too. I still love getting paid to work there though.
2007-12-10 05:51:40 · answer #4 · answered by Ferocious Love 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not wrong of you to be mad. Heck, that is what being a fan is all about. You buy the ticket, buy the jersey, buy the bobblehead and for that investment you have the right to be mad, giddy, disgusted or anything you please. I am sure that the decision of the ownership had to do with money and they may have had little or no choice about the deal. Never the less, you were betrayed. You put your heart and soul into the team and they took it away for some cash. Bastards!!!
2007-12-09 23:38:37 · answer #5 · answered by wgheitmancefortitude 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the closest minor league team to me is the Florida Everblades. it is approximately an hour and a 0.5 away on the West Coast of Florida. immediately force for the period of Alligator Alley. I even have been to countless video games . it incredibly is a relaxing time . however the Panthers are twenty minutes from my abode .
2016-11-14 07:09:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You say they let the affiliation go, but do you know that for sure and do you know all the reasons why? There might have been several reasons you are not aware of, so perhaps it wasn't really their choice.
2007-12-09 22:38:59 · answer #7 · answered by jingles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and ashamed
2007-12-10 01:45:34 · answer #8 · answered by Witness4Christ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋