Pheonix Coyote situation.

[drew881]

Expanding Hockey to the US market is a great idea but we need to take a step back and look at this from a simplistic perspective. There is no need to get creative and try to force hockey down the throats of cities that simply do not enjoy it. The NHL needs to stick to it's core strenghts and leverage opportunities that are painless and obvious. The strongest hockey market in the WORLD is the 200 kilometer stretch between Toronto and London and it does not have a professional hockey team. Why make things complicated? A franchise will sell out every single game, every single year in Hamilton and sell more merchandise than they could print. Hockey is even bigger in this region than it is in Toronto (hard to believe). Toronto is very multicultural but once you step beyond the outskirts of the GTA, you've got dozens of medium sized cities (100-200 thousand) that eat, breath and live hockey. Hamilton is 600 thousand strong, and it is a perfect central hub to draw from the entire Southern Ontario market. Moving Phoenix to Toronto is not giving up on the dream or plan to increase the popularity of hockey in the states, but rather it is a simple business decision to take the league most struggling franchise (in the worst professional hockey city in North America) and move it to the most popular hockey spot on the planet. In any business situation, if you can take your worst franchise / asset and move it to the top of the pile, you go ahead and do it without thinking twice. It's time to keep things simple, and the move from Phoenix to Hamilton is a no brainer.

True, but the Buffalo Sabres are going to be pretty pissed off.

[Ari Gold]

Expanding Hockey to the US market is a great idea but we need to take a step back and look at this from a simplistic perspective. There is no need to get creative and try to force hockey down the throats of cities that simply do not enjoy it. The NHL needs to stick to it's core strenghts and leverage opportunities that are painless and obvious. The strongest hockey market in the WORLD is the 200 kilometer stretch between Toronto and London and it does not have a professional hockey team. Why make things complicated? A franchise will sell out every single game, every single year in Hamilton and sell more merchandise than they could print. Hockey is even bigger in this region than it is in Toronto (hard to believe). Toronto is very multicultural but once you step beyond the outskirts of the GTA, you've got dozens of medium sized cities (100-200 thousand) that eat, breath and live hockey. Hamilton is 600 thousand strong, and it is a perfect central hub to draw from the entire Southern Ontario market. Moving Phoenix to Toronto is not giving up on the dream or plan to increase the popularity of hockey in the states, but rather it is a simple business decision to take the league most struggling franchise (in the worst professional hockey city in North America) and move it to the most popular hockey spot on the planet. In any business situation, if you can take your worst franchise / asset and move it to the top of the pile, you go ahead and do it without thinking twice. It's time to keep things simple, and the move from Phoenix to Hamilton is a no brainer.

Why not move to the Raptors to the USA since there in Canada which is clearly not a basketball market? As for the "worst hockey city in America" when the Coyotes made the playoffs they sold out games. They were talked about as much of the Suns. They did pretty well from 96-02 and you never heard any talk about it being a bad move than. The problem is they havent made the playoffs since 2002 and that's the main reason they are in this mess. I still go to games and alot of other people do also, it's not like half the arena is empty it's still pretty full. It's not like people arn't interested in hockey because when they were winning they were the talk of the town. If they move to w/e sure they may sell out because it's like a new toy but once they don't make the playoffs for another 7 years I'd like to see how many people still support them.

The Raptors always have excellent attendance and are one of the more profitable franchises in the NBA year in and year out.

Back on Topic..

Any NHL market can draw fans when they are making playoff runs, but if you can't balance the books when your team is in rebuild mode your city can't support an NHL team. It’s a simple as that.

From a business perspective it makes sense to move a failing franchise to Hamilton where they would sell out every game win or lose.

This talk about building a fan base in the US is all well and good but a move to Hamilton would be money in the bank and would give the NHL another cash cow to churn out revenue to get them through these tough economic times.

[WEFFPIM]

So, the NHL and the Coyotes went to bankruptcy court yesterday afternoon. Not much of a decision was made about the issues, but here's a summary of what happened that I got from a Coyotes message board:

I’d like to bring you all up to date on the situation after the hearing yesterday. I and a few members of the Coalition Leadership team were present for the proceedings. Though the issue of who actually owns the team and has the authority to sell it and/or put it into Chapter 11 bankruptcy was not decided, we did make some progress…

Team Ownership: The NHL or Jerry Moyes?

One of the main issues in this case is the Proxy agreement that was signed in November 2008 by Jerry Moyes & his wife, along with Jeff Shumway and a League representative. This Proxy agreement stated that the NHL would take control of the club and the voting rights for the Coyotes in return for financial assistance to Mr. Moyes to run the club. The document also states that Moyes/Shumway could not declare bankruptcy or enter into a purchase agreement with a potential buyer without the League's approval.

Instead of ruling on the issue of who is in control of the team at this time, Judge Baum pointed out that selling the team and ensuring that the money owed to the creditors be paid is a more important issue at this time. To that end, he has ordered both sides to identify and meet with a mediator before the next hearing on May 27th. What this means basically, is that regardless of who owns the team and who has control, the team needs to be sold to the bidder who offers the most money without conditions. The issue of whether or not the team can be relocated must also be dealt with so that interested bidders can place their bids and the team can be sold as soon as possible.

The “Relocation Issue”

One of the most debated issues surrounding this case is whether or not the team can be relocated. The League says no and for several reasons:

1) According to the NHL, a team cannot be relocated unless the current owner of the team files an application before January 1st of the year in which they wish to relocate the team. There are several problems with the Moyes/Balsillie situation if this guideline is upheld. First and foremost is the fact that no such application was made by Moyes. Balsillie is the one who wishes to move the team and he is not the owner of the team. You cannot make an application to move a team if you are not the current owner of the team. Also, the application must then be reviewed by the League and presented to the Board of Governors, who must approve. So according to this, even if Balsillie’s offer were to be accepted, there is no way he could move the team to Hamilton for the 2009-2010 season.

2) According to the League Bylaws and Constitution, any buyer wishing to purchase an NHL franchise must first submit an application and go through a rigorous evaluation process then be approved by the Board prior to sale approval. Mr. Balsillie has not completed this process.

The relocation issue MUST be decided before any bids can be placed so that bidders can understand exactly what they are bidding on. Is it a franchise that must stay in Glendale, AZ or is it a franchise that can be relocated? The judge wants to be sure to provide each side with adequate time to submit arguments and documents that support their cases. He will hear the arguments on June 22nd. This will be a very important decision, as it may mean Ballsillie will back out on his offer if there is no option for him to move the team to Southern Ontario.

The Sale of the Team

The final issue that was discussed was how the actual sale of the team would be handled. The Moyes/Balsillie group is pushing for an expedited sale as they wish to move the team immediately and be able to make draft picks and free agency decisions. The NHL on the other hand, would like to take a bit more time to attract and entertain as many potential bidders as possible.

The basic process (which is still up for approval) would consist of the interested parties being required to fill out the ownership application and go through the review process with the League. The parties who are approved for potential ownership will be given to the judge who will handle the actual auction. The potential owners will also be given the opportunity to meet with the city to discuss the issues regarding Jobing.com Arena. The target time for this auction to happen is sometime in July.

So Coyotes fans, we actually are not much farther today than we were prior to the hearing yesterday. One thing I can assure you of however, is that Judge Baum seems to be an intelligent and fair man who is not going to rule in this case without knowing all the facts and looking at everything from every possible angle. This may mean that it takes a little longer to get the answers that we are seeking. However, when you look at the facts it’s hard to see how he would not be able to rule in the League’s favor.

[MAS]

Interesting point Derren Dregar has said, what happens to Doan with his no movement clause? Obviously he isn't gonna stay in Phoenix while the team leaves, but the question remains is it a breach of contract if the team moves? He signed the no-movement clause to stay in phoenix where his family is so if the relocation thing goes through the NHLPA will have a legal battle on their hands as well

[cmavswin]

Interesting point Derren Dregar has said, what happens to Doan with his no movement clause? Obviously he isn't gonna stay in Phoenix while the team leaves, but the question remains is it a breach of contract if the team moves? He signed the no-movement clause to stay in phoenix where his family is so if the relocation thing goes through the NHLPA will have a legal battle on their hands as well

http://www.nhlscap.com/no_trade.htm

A no-move clause may prevent the involuntary relocation of a player, whether by Trade, Loan or Waiver claim. A no-move clause, however, may not restrict the Club's buy-out and termination rights as set forth in this Agreement. Prior to exercising its Ordinary Course Buy-Out rights pursuant to Paragraph 13 of the SPC hereof, the Club shall, in writing in accordance with the notice provisions in Exhibit 3 hereof, provide the Player with the option of electing to be placed on Waivers. The Player will have twenty-four (24) hours from the time he receives such notice to accept or reject that option at his sole discretion, and shall so inform the Club in writing, in accordance with the notice provisions in Exhibit 3 hereof, within such twenty-four (24) hour period. If the Player does not timely accept or reject that option, it will be deemed rejected.

[15th overall]

Why not move to the Raptors to the USA since there in Canada which is clearly not a basketball market? As for the "worst hockey city in America" when the Coyotes made the playoffs they sold out games. They were talked about as much of the Suns. They did pretty well from 96-02 and you never heard any talk about it being a bad move than. The problem is they havent made the playoffs since 2002 and that's the main reason they are in this mess. I still go to games and alot of other people do also, it's not like half the arena is empty it's still pretty full. It's not like people arn't interested in hockey because when they were winning they were the talk of the town. If they move to w/e sure they may sell out because it's like a new toy but once they don't make the playoffs for another 7 years I'd like to see how many people still support them.

Don't take this the wrong way, but Phoenix is just a bad pro sports town man. Atlanta's in the same boat.

I think alot of it has to do with the makeup of the city. Like Florida a ton of people in the PHX area are transplants who already have allegiances. It's almost like they need a 15 year hiatus to get the next generation of Phoenixicians(?) to grow up to form a solid fanbase for pro teams.

Hartford again?

The mayor of Hartford actually did meet with Bettman about bringing hockey back to Hartford a couple months ago. Ever since Bob Kraft almost moved the Patriots there only to pull out the rug at the last second theyve been fiending a pro team. Richest state in the country but the Boston/NY market line could make them an awkward fit.

[chrbal]

i think its funny that Canada is looking to add teams rather then looking at losing them. Hockey in Phoenix always seemed stupid to me. Same with Atlanta. Its not even about the weather, although..., it just seems stupid.

[WEFFPIM]

Staying in Phoenix for at least another year:

PHOENIX - The Coyotes are staying in Phoenix, at least for now.

A bankruptcy judge has rejected the proposed sale of the franchise to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who would have moved the team to Hamilton, Ontario.

Judge Redfield T. Baum issued a 21-page ruling late Monday afternoon, concluding the June 29 deadline imposed by Balsillie did not allow enough time to resolve the complex case.

“Simply put, the court does not think there is sufficient time (14 days) for all of these issues to be fairly presented to the court given that deadline,” the judge wrote.

The ruling is a victory for the NHL, which had argued Balsillie was using the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to make an end-run around the league's rules over who owns teams and where they are located.

“We're pleased the court recognized the validity of league rules and our ability to apply them in a reasonable fashion,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in a statement Monday night. “We will turn our attention now toward helping to facilitate an orderly sales process that will produce a local buyer who is committed to making the Coyotes' franchise viable and successful in the Phoenix-Glendale area. We are confident that we will be able to find such a buyer for the Coyotes and that the claims of legitimate creditors will be addressed.”

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes ... l#comments

[cb4_89]

Why not move to the Raptors to the USA since there in Canada which is clearly not a basketball market?

Because it really is. Its nowhere near the bottom of attendance and has a huge following. Thats like saying lets move the Dallas Stars because USA is not a basketball market. Toronto is a very good market for basketball and the raptors ain't going anywhere. But if there was a basketball team in like Halifax or something then it should be moved cuz it wouldn't last there.