Their current three-year lease with the City of North Bay and Memorial Gardens expires after the 2011-12 season and the North Bay Trappers are seeking a new long-term deal.
The Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League team shares the city-run Memorial Gardens with the Nipissing University Lakers, who are finishing up their own three-year lease in their third year of existence as a Ontario Universities Athletics hockey team.
Trappers president and general manager Chris Dawson told me that his team hopes to be a part of North Bay and the NOJHL and to play at Memorial Gardens “for years and years to come.”
Let’s hope so.
North Bay has a lengthy junior hockey history at both the Jr. A and Major Jr. levels.
Personally, I can remember watching the Trappers as a grade school kid as far back as 1963 when the high-scoring duo of centre Marty Reynolds and right winger Randy Prior were lighting it up for a North Bay team that was coached by a gentleman by the name of Howie Parker.
At any rate, that was then and this is now and junior teams in North Bay have survived various leagues and the politics of hockey.
Speaking of politics and hockey, it surprises me that no one within the North Bay media has ever seriously questioned a possible conflict of interest that Mayor Al McDonald now has in that he is one of the private investors who launched the hockey program at Nipissing University three years ago and continues to have it in direct competition with the NOJHL Trappers for advertising dollars and fan support at city-run Memorial Gardens.
Oh well, perhaps that is another story for another day, depending on who will be financing the hockey program at Nipissing University after this season. What I have been told by Nipissing University’s manager of integrated marketing communications Lisa Drinkwalter is that the school is committed to its hockey program for the forseeable future.
But back to the Trappers and their quest for junior hockey survival in North Bay.
I’m not from North Bay but I have family who is and we have always thought of the Gateway City as a junior hockey town. And I am quite sure that there are hundreds of folks in North Bay who feel the same way.
By the way, this isn’t about pitting the Junior Trappers against the University hockey team. Rather it’s about stating that North Bay has long been a junior hockey town and that the Trappers should be as big a part of the city as they are of the NOJHL.
No more, no less.
Thank You RR for telling it like it is!
LONG LIVE THE TRAPPERS!
Great article! RR! Can’t believe you remember Reynolds & Prior “The Gold Dust Twins” – did not think you were that old LOL!
Serioisly the Trappers are GOOD for North Bay and vicea versa!
I noticed this inclusion at the bottom of the Trappers roster page on the NOJHL site today.
As they continue to sure up the back end
#30 Carmine Alfano G 6-2 185 Mar 27/92 Oakville Blades Burlington, Ontario
It will be interesting to see how negotiations go at the end of this season. Council consistently insists that they want full cost recovery for rentals of the Gardens and yet Trapper attendance does not provide the club with much in the way of financial breathing room. It also isn’t easy to turn to sponsorships and advertising to make up the difference when the Lakers are trying to get those same dollars. How it all works out will be up in the air for a while.
Sure hope the Traps survive love the rivalry between them and the Eskimos.
bayinfo: I tried to find some info on the goalie Alfano but haven’t found much. Two years ago he played in 3 games with Junior A Brampton and last year he played Junior C in Caledon. I have no idea where he has played this year but it wasn’t Oakville.
Beavers won in a shoot-out. Nice for the boys & the fans!
Randy, by all accounts, having been on the ice with guys who knew Randy Prior, he was “a beauty.” Here’s a link from 2009, when flags were raised about the Trappers’ lease details, except Al McDonald wasn’t the Mayor when the Lakers/Trappers lease came into effect in 2009. Vic Fedeli was North Bay’s Mayor until October 2010. Interesting read and interesting comments:
http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=2218539
I have season tickets for, and attend regularly, both Lakers and Trappers games. I enjoy both levels of hockey with the younger Trappers and the older Lakers. Unfortunately there are too many fans (and city councillors) who are living a pipe dream waiting for the OHL to return. If these fans would realize the great entertainment value of both existing teams and support either or both of them, North Bay might yet become the “Hockeyville” that we voted ourselves to be.
hi Ken,
No where did I say Al McDonald was Mayor when the lease agreements came into effect.
Also, thanks for letting me know that you have been on the ice with guys who knew Randy Prior.
Regards,
RR
latest RR column posted on http://www.juniorhockey.com:
Soo Eagles look to Pullar together
PEACHY BLOG
Peachy like Nord Bay Trapper moar than Nord Bay Skycock becuz Cris Dawson nice man no like the Lil Prik ahahahahahahahahahahaha
ahahahahahahahahahahaha
ahahahahahahahahahahaha
RR u take this off I quit
RR…Great article about the Pullar (Our Lady on Portage) on the JuniorHockey.com site …
It’s great to hear RR recall Marty Reynolds and Randy Prior.
I have never seen anyone anywhere skate as fast as Randy Prior!!!After North Bay, he had some excellent years in minor pro.
As for Reymolds,he could stickhandle with anyone althouth being a little slow-a-foot he would often deke the same guy 3 times before getting to the net or dishing off to Prior. Marty also had an impressville Minor pro career.
As for the “Gold Dusttwins”,that monicker was earlier applied to George Gosselin and Don Hogan when they skated with the Blackhawks/Trappers in the old NOHA Senior A league in the fifties. Former New York Ranger leading scorer Ab Demarco Sr. was their “dipsy-doodle-dandy” centreman. Ab’s son,Junior,came through the Trapper ranks to spend a dozen years in the NHL,mostly with the Rangers and Kings.
Others who mde the NHL from those good Trapper teams included hall-of-famer Bill Barber and brother John as well as the Kannegieser brothers Sheldon and Gord.In addition Temiskaming lads Lafreniere,and Savard also made the big league.Great memories! Thanks RR!
Peachy would be banned in most civilised countries lol ahahaha lol ahahaha
Good weekend for the Eagles 2 Wins in 3 Nites but they still can’t win in North Bay. Oh well the “Border Battle” again this weeekend & yes RR nice writeup on Junior Hockey website about the Pullar!
Eagles have 2 best Goalies in the NOJHL with Chris and Louis. Nice writeup on them as well Randy. See you Friday nite at the “Bomber” RR? I owe you a cold one!
RR..cannot believe you remember Prior and Reynolds..Don Grierson wow..how bout..Julio Francella..Matt Thorpe..Andre Courtamanche..and the Garson-Falconbridge Native Sons..one of the all time great team monikers..
Hey Bomb Shelter,
The Eagles have very good Goalies, but look at the stats….I would have to say the Eagles had the “Best” Goalie in the NOJHL in John Kleinhans…now he plays for the Thunderbirds. Randy even said so in his article last week….which like the one today on the Pullar was very good.
barclay donaldson,
Yes, I remember all those names and Garson-Falconbridge Native Sons, I sure do remember watching them and one of their players, a great name: Chi Chi Farenzena. Remember him? His brother, Frank, was a Roman Catholic priest and a pretty good softball pitcher. I watched him pitch at Wilcox Park in the Soo when I was a kid. Also…remember a goalie by the name of Bob Whidden? I think he played for Garson. Remember a defenceman for Espanola by the name of Jungle Jim Currie?
Regards,
RR
Regarding Peachy: Enough is Enough Randy!
From the Netiquette link near your bio.
“Rules about comments
1. Respect – Everybody has a right to his/her opinion and nobody is perfect, thus respect other people’s comments and ideas. You can always argue intelligently, but keep it respectful.
2. The following lists the terms, messages and/or content that shall not be tolerated:
•Vulgarities;
•Offensive, slanderous, obscene and/or insulting comments;
•Threats and harassment;
•Personal attacks;
•Discriminatory, racist and/or sexist comments;
•Comments that incite to violence and/or hatred;
•Comments that have nothing to do with the thread and that are destined solely for provocation;”
This is a HOCKEY blog!
Also from the NOJHA…The very talented Ivan Boldirev who went onto a suprb NHl career,mostly with the Canucks.
kenadian,
Leave him alone. Peachy is obviously not meant to be taken seriously (sorry Peachy) and provides comic relief. I always get a chuckle out of his characterisations. It is simply in fun.
Scroll past if you are offended.
Hey Kenadian– Its Randy’s blog! Most of the contributors are hockey parents or true fans. The parents don’t last long ; the fans like me stay over many years. Peachy is a little over the top but most of us either ignore him or get a chuckle. Pick either of the above and quit pontificating.
Kenadian is right it’s a hockey blog, however….Peachy does make a lot of us laugh and his posts are occasional at best. if this was a daily occurence, it might get tedious, but as it is, i tolerate him (or her?).
Peachy is always a fresh breath of what can otherwise be boring stale air.
Some of the pointless finger pointing, criticizing , and personal attacks on here can be a lot more offensive than a guy like Peachy obviously trying to have a left field, over the top, purposely shocking, good time!
If the Eagles want to beat the Traps they should play them first game on their road trip not the third all the time.
latest RR column just posted on http://www.juniorhockey.com:
Thunderbirds making their own way in the Soo
The people have spoken, long live the Peach!
Peachy moar populur than RR ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
As always great coverrage of the Thunderbirds Randy. I enjoyed listening to your NOJHL Show on the Radio last nite and have just read the Articl on Junior Hockey site. Good job covering the NOJHL!
A bunch of us were siting at the Bomb Shelter having a few & voted on the Best Goalie’s in the League are:
1 – Klinehans
2 – Truhel
3 – Puig
4 – Applebee (Kirlan Lake)
5 – Lano (Sudbury)
Best who cover’s the Eagles is:
1 – RR
2 – JB John Bell
Most funni-est person on this Blog is:
PEACHY!!!!! AHAHHAHAHAHA!!!!!!
I am in Sudbury and a Cubs fan and I like Laino but the best NOJHL goalie that I have seen this year is the Truehel kid from the Eagles. Big kid and quik and agile and … better than most of the OHL goalies that I have seen playing the Wolves this season Imho.
Barnburner in Copper Cliff; congrats Eskis!
Cubs pulled another come-from-behind but lost in s/o. Anyone have the scoop on the shootout results?
Ok how many.MY vote not even close is ken be serious
What happen in Suds tonight 256 fans is that a error?
Correct me if I am wrong but I think I read somewheres on the Juniorhockey.com that RR himself says best goalies are Truehl, Puig & Kleinhans.
@sigs Lacasse and Begin scored for Eskis. Esposto for the Cubs. Carroll shot last but was stopped. @stick true figures on attendance. Was a challenge handed to players to bring more fans.
I heard lots of free tickets were given out at last Fridays wolves games.
Burgess’ kid was called up…..he was there wondering if he supplied a few tickets to family/friends….
the Burgess kid leads the Sudbury AAA Midgets in scoring as a 16 YEAR OLD. good player!!!
Cassio: You must not of watched many OHL games this year to say such a statement! Campbell, JP Anderson, Subban, Visentin, Wedgewood to name a few that I’m sure are better than all the NOJHL tenders. Even Vienneau and Mattson, who are on the NHL scouts radar for the upcoming drafts, are great goalies that would dominate this league.
I was surprised to see attendance last night in CC as well. Lots of college/university students from the Iroquois Falls area that I’m sure attended last nights game. Since it’s not a big barn to begin with, it must of looked packed in there!
Burgess, good player but his numbers are a little misleading IMO. He will get drafted much higher than he should at this year’s OHL draft for his name alone.
And with thier 3rd pick the Sudbury wolves select……sudz fans will freak if its any earlier. Watched him the Falls few weeks back. He didn’t do anything in that game but you can see he has some talent, nothing spectacular, decent size for a 16yr old. Will most definetly get selected higher than he should, either by the Wolves or the first team who needs to make a few dollars. Maybe Kingston, worked last year.
Would the Eskis have had any confidence left at all had they blown yet another game in the dying minutes/seconds? Fecteau must have sore neck from looking at the clock and back to the Cubs top line waiting for that buzzer to sound the end. Looks like something was working for Lacasse last night, Eskis need that offence distribution. Kid plays way better on the road.
new RR column just posted on http://www.juniorhockey.com:
What I don’t like about the Ontario Hockey League
Great article and insight as always Randy Russon. I agree totally about the OHL it is a totally overrated league and I would much rather sit at the John Rhodes Community Centre to watch the Thunderbirds play Blind River than be involved with the likes of the OHL. The NOJHL is a rising league and you do it so much service by covering like no other.
Best coverage by a country mile Randy in print, on the net, and on radio. Keep up the great work
any sudbury fans out there know is Micheal Rouleau is still with the team or not ? if he’s done with the cubs then they are down 3 guys in the past month not looking good going into the post season with everybody quitting if you ask me, Gagne Brown, Rouleau ?
And where’s Beaudry? Last couple of home games Ginson’s been behind the bench running the D
Nepotism is alive and well in Sudbury!
Kenadian, both assistant coaches have quit and three players have quit during the last month. The head coach remains. Think of it what you will.
Can someone that goes to nojhl games tell me how much you are paying at the door to get in also if the price goes up for the playoffs . thank you
http://www.northernlife.ca/mobile/displayarticle.aspx?id=57838
In the Northern Life
$11 adult , $8 seniors/student card, $6 under 14 yrs, in North Bay
I believe in the past the play off price increased by $1.
Well the Birds lost tonight 5-3 with one empty netter
Not to sure what can be done about the reffing but come on 8-1 in penalties .
All things considered the Birds still gave them a hell of a game. Things will be different down the stretch the Eagle will need all the help they can get from there Refs like usual
I have been a Eskie suporting fan ever since they move the team here in IROQUIOS FALLS . I travel to Timmins to wacth them play there witch it cost me 75.00 gas more and now the playoffs are here they are raising the PRICE TO 15.00 ADULT OR SENIORS same price.I know i dont have to attend but i think the manegement got no respect for the seniors that help built this arena.I know for sure if they dont lower the price this will be my last year supporting this team and many more feel the same way. We have regular meetings at Timmysho pow wow every morning if you want to attend
I went to watch the Eagles/Birds game last night. Eagles dominated the first period, then the birds took over the pace for the 2nd and majority of the 3rd. The rumors are correct…officiating…? I’m a neutral fan but the officiating had a HUGE question mark next to it last night. Some of the calls/lack there of were a bit obnoxious IMO. The refferees kind of took the game out of the Thunderbirds hands. It’s tough to win a game when the refs put you in the box for close to, if not, a whole period. I think the NOJHL needs to sit down and access the officiating around the league. Not only in Soo, Mich but everywhere. However, it looks like the reputation of the brutal officiating at the Pullar is here to stay, at least for now. This should make playoffs interesting
The officiating in the American Sault last night was questionable both ways. Two Eagles had bloody faces from high sticks with no call. It was a good game to watch though. Fast, intense, and rough both ways. There were good penalties called and penalties that weren’t called that should have been. Bad officiating had little to do with the goals scored as all but the first Eagles goal was scored at full strength.
T -Bird prices
25 Home Games (not including playoffs)
Children 10 and younger Free accompanied by an Adult
Students $ 5.00
Seniors $ 7.00
Adults $ 9.00T B
game story posted on http://www.saultthisweek.com:
Wiggemansen sparks Eagles past Thunderbirds
When is the nojhl website under suspensions going to get updated, its only two weeks behind just curious what the T-birds coach gets for going on ice after game and screaming at officials, couple of his team players had to pull him away.
Hey Kurly
Instead of buying 2-3 a day coffee at timmys cut down to 1 , won’t be a problem to buy an eskis playoff ticket.
From what I have heard eskis loss a few corporate sponsor this year and if you want the team to stay you have to pay.
I for one don’t have a problem to pay extra for playoff ticket. go to an nhl game , I am sure playoff are more expensive than regular season.
Get your checkbook out Albert, I think league rules are 500.00 Fine and hopefully coach gets Suspension, League rules calles for 7 game suspension for harrasement of league official.
Also did you know that Eagles are a protected animals in the state of Michigan, why did #21 Delayer try and spear # 20 Dallas M. on the eagles he should also get suspended
Randy: just a note to say “thanks so much” for your coverage of the Soo Eagles here, on the Sault This Week and Junior Hockey websites and on ESPN 1400. You are the best!
Hey Golden Bear I think you have had too many golden beer!
There were 2 teams on the ice or did you miss that? Did you see the spear by Curry or better yet McLaughlin jumping on Kleinhans? There has been lots of players that have had the harassment penalty called on them without any game suspensions just ask a few of your beloved and endangered Seagulls lololol
I guess your belly aching because your team needs all the help they can get lolol.
Typical American this Golden Bear! Eagles are all good and T-Birds are all bad. You live in a dump ofa town where the Media doesnt even know you exist.! If it wasnt for RR no one would even know who the hell the Eagles are!
Birdsfan,
Get a grip! It’s a hockey game! Soo Michigan and the Soo Eagles are both a classy addition to the NOJHL. Turn your radio to 1400 AM during any Eagle game and you’ll see the coverage a little town can provide. It seems to me, everytime the TBirds lose to the Eagles, they come up with a story about the lousy, one sided officiating at the Pullar. And there may be times when the officiating is not up to par, but from my experience, the ‘bad’ calls go both ways. BTW, I didn’t hear any griping about the officials a couple of weeks ago, when the Birds scored a questionable OT game winner at the Essar. An otherwise very good game decided by a scrum, with the net off it’s perch and the goalie under a Bird player in the back of the net. It was hard to tell what crossed the line first…the pile of players or the puck. The ref’s had to talk about that one for a long time before they capitulated and allowed a goal. The Birds ran to the dressing room and were likely half showered, before the ref made a final call.
For the coach, of an all ready undisciplined team, to hop onto the ice to chase the ref down, well, I’ll only state that discipline starts behind the bench. Who sets the tone?
Meanwhile, the Sudbury Cubs had it tough last night at the Pullar. They played well in the first, but with a short bench, it was only a matter of time for them to run out of gas. The frustration level then got very high. The score (8-1) isn’t indicative of the quality of the game IMO. By the end of the third, I counted 7 guys on the Cubs bench…so basically, 2 lines; 12 players. If you see Espsoto get a multi-game suspension, don’t be surprised. He is deserving of all he gets.
BirdsFan1, You must not have a radio or a newspaper across the pond. The is no doubt that Randy Russon is #1 in NOJHL coverage by a country mile but there is plenty of other coverage on the Eagles over here.
ESPN1400 is the flagship station for live Soo Eagles radio coverage with 20-year veteran broadcaster Johnny Michael Bell providing the play-by-play of almost every game. John Bell also hosts the Soo Eagles Show on Thursday night’s at 5:00 on ESPN1400, where they interview players, coaches, and other people involved with the Eagles. The other radio stations, owned by Sovereign Communications promote the Eagles (and the Thunderbirds) with ads and daily mentions on their morning shows. The Evening News also has articles in the paper mentioning the Eagles, including a cover story in Sunday’s paper, and has their reporters at most if not all of the games. And last check, the Eagles has a much higher attendance count per game that the T-Birds.
I would say that, thanks to Randy Russon and the best coverage in the NOJHL, fans in Sault Michigan know exactly who the Eagles are and I’ll put our “dump” of a Pullar up against the Rhodes anyday.
eaglesfan
Well FYI I did and do make comments about the officiating here in the Sault and in particular the game you speak of you can’t sit there and tell me the last time these two teams met was not one sided look at the stats 8-1 in penalties even your fans that sit by me agree
Now to quote you :
For the coach, of an all ready undisciplined team, to hop onto the ice to chase the ref down, well, I’ll only state that discipline starts behind the bench. Who sets the tone?
So
Eagles have 673 PIM
Birds have 690 PIM
I guess your team is just about as undisciplined as the birds only a couple of penalties different Who sets the tone ???
Birdsfan1 To call Soo, Michigan a “dump of a town” is just absolutely ridiculous! The Michigan Sault is a beautiful town with a lot of history and great people. If it was such a “dump of a town” why is it that the lines at the gas pump and at Walmart are full of people from Soo, Ontario?? I am sure you are among them. Do us all a favor, Birdsfan1, if you don’t like the American Sault, stop at customs, turn around, and buy your gas, milk, and groceries on your side!!! Otherwise, don’t disrespect the American Sault, it only shows your ignorance and true colors!!
upront,
Then what are you whining about? The ‘poor birds’ just can’t get a break from those American refs!! Give me a break. I never said the Eagles were angels, but your and Birdfans whining is over the top. And the coaches dramatics are not going to win the refs over.
As for discipline, I’ve never seen the likes of such ‘bush’ behaviour. Does sense of entitlement ring any bells? The Birds can’t stand having competition next door that they can’t dominate game in and game out!
Kurly when the Eskis move back to Timmins because of lack of $$$$ we will remember your rant.
eaglefan
my post was not whining as you say it is just stating facts
I wonder why some of your refs no longer ref the games could it be because ??
I guess I hit a nerve with you lolol
Good Luck down the stretch.
Well I for one am happy with what we have in the Iroquois Falls, and will keep supporting them throughout the playoffs and the upcoming seasons. This is the best hockey we will have in our little town and we should be proud that we have this. Everything in this world is going up and this team needs dollars to operate. We have a great arena and a great group of people who work day in and day out to bring us this fine hockey that we can enjoy. To the fans of the Eskies come on, get out and support our team, if we let this go we will never get it back. Thanks to all the people who makes this happen and we should be proud of the great league that we are in.
I.F. is a great hockey town and I love the atmosphere at the Igloo, having the team there is certainly a bright spot and the Eski’s organization have always managed to put out very competitive teams year after year. This is definetly great value for the money of admission. When the Eskis come to the Gardens we definetly get to see some good hockey between the Trappers and them.
The game between K.L and the Trappers was a bit of a snore fest on Saturday, with the Trappers dominating all game long. They need to keep doing that from here on with all the teams they face and I’m certain they will have a long play off run.
Having said that it looked like the Gold Miners just gave up with the exception of about 3-4 and the frustration showed on the faces of the players. This is a team who is in their 2nd round of team building in one year. With the change of ownership and the renewed enthusiam from the community of Kirkland Lake there will be better opportunities to recruit some better talent. If I could say this to the players, keep your chin up, play hard no matter what in finishing up the season and trust that the club will be working hard to bolster the team for next year. I look forward to a much tighter race next year in the East.
Well I’m one eskis fan that travel from Timmins and I go to probably 60% of the games, when I don’t go it’s because my own kids have hockey and I can’t make it. I agree with Northernlites, it’s the best hockey we have and if we loose the eskis we’ll have nothing.
latest RR column posted on http://www.juniorhockey.com:
Torrid Twin Soo Tempest
A couple of pricing from the OHL for you Kurly
Oshawa Generals individual playoff ticket prices:
Single Ticket Prices
Bowl Seats – $18.25
Centre Seats – $20.30
Medallion Seats – $25.35
Premium Centre Seats – $30.45
Sudbury Wolves playoff tickets:
vary from $18 to $23.
a senior (65+) or youth (3-18) gets a 15% discount, so a $20 ticket costs $17
Kurlydo and anyone else likeminded:
Thank goodness for the intelligent responses favoring the eskis, ticket prices etc cause they said it a lot nicer than I would of.
Last time I checked, the beer store, lcbo and gas stations didn’t give seniors discounts. I asked a local funeral home owner if he did and he just laughed.
Town doesn’t discount property taxes either ’cause of your age.
You drive a nice truck, you can afford lots of tims coffee so you’re not destitute on your company pension and old age security.
You and your coffee mates are selfishly just thinking about yourselves; did you notice that the club kept kids’ tickets at $5 and had family packages?
And in regards to the pioneers who built the JJA…dont go there. You would’ve been what, 12 yrs old at the time it was built (1955) so you were what, the mascot?
I’m sure that the original contributors are mostly dead or too old to attend a hockey game.
Oh, and given the amount of $$ you and your cronies spend @ TH, do you get a senior discount there?….
I didn’t think so.
eski01 & northernlites
Echo your comments and I`m sure Kurly does too…but I`m sure we are the most expensive at the door for reg. & playoffs in this league. And before you all start jumping and explaining the expenses for this club, I am very aware of it.
And yes apparently we lost some big corporate sponsors and yes we are saving approx. $10.000 by having K-L join in the loop rather than travelling to Manitoulin.
We are getting good crowds averaging ..what 450-500 all season and pack houses for many playoff runs.
You can`t make this club run only on the patrons back.
Welcome to the site Northernlites…don`t remember seeing your posts before.
Playoff ticket prices increase in the playoffs is a league wide (in the ohl and I’m assuming other leagues) policy. Usually it’s a $1 per round
Fishnut Stick and Eskimo you guys most bring in over 1 hundred thousand plus a year and fishnut i think you change your handle your way over it and i did work at the arena in 55 plus you all know my name .Im not a hypocrite but i think you guys are . and fishnut im older then what you think i am. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahha
I see where “eaglefan” is the same old authority on these matter’s that pertane to the Border Battle. A wise man once told me this: Keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut”. Perhapps you should just watch the game’s “eaglefan” and be the fan that you claim to be!
Just read your latest article on Junior-Hockey-com Randy and as usual you are on top of the Game! Anothr great piece of writing!
15 bucks for the first round may seem a little high, but i think you have to look at the big picture and try to spread those 5 extra dollars per game over the entire season. I also didn’t see any mention of the them raising prices in other rounds but i could be wrong. 15 for any round is A OK by me.
It’s no secret the Eskis are fighting tooth and nail for every dollar to keep this thing a float. Attendance is good but if they aren’t winning it drops yb up to 100 a game which is enough to rock their financial boat. I was told the club needs to get through AT LEAST one round to not go in the red for the year. It’s that tight. I suppose you can leave the prices the same for playoffs and HOPE it brings in huge crowds but there is no guartantee it’ll bring in anymore than the reg season faithful. Banking or betting on the team making it the finals could be a costly/crippling mistake. This year although they’ve been quite entertaining, the Eskis will need to be near perfect in order to make it to the finals. D and Goaltending haven’t been consistent enough IMO and there are still a few individuals up front as well. I’d be betting with my heart and not my eyes to project a championship. Trappers, then Cubs, then EAgles or Tbirds? All very good teams they Eskis are going to have mre than their hands full in each and every round. Although they’re shooting to win the league, Eskis org is probably just trying to be realistic and financially responsible. 650 fans at $15 equals way more money than $700 at $10.00, especially over 3 games. Kurly I put you in the 50 that won’t show up because of ticket hikes but you’re a fans fan and i honestly hope you and any others who feel the same as you will have a change in heart and make it out to the rink for the playoffs. I’m afraid the SEtick and Eskis01 are right and without the support, we might all find ourselves at Timmies talking about good old days when we had the Eskis.
Let’s be honest and remember that although we all love I.F. if you take out the camps and cottages (if you have one), The Abitibi Eskimos are all the good folks of Iroquois Falls have for entertainment. I certainly don’t mind kicking in an extra few bucks (for playoff hockey)to help ensure i have plans for some 20-30 cold Saturday nights during our long (and potentially very boring) winters.
I can see your point kurly, a dollar is a dollar, but we have to realize that to run a JR A hockey team it takes dollars. Im sure you would agree with me when I say as eskisfan says what else is there on a Saturday night in our little town. If we dont support, then we will lose. Just think of all the volunteers who give there free time to bring us this great entertainment. Through the years we have had some good teams play for us, these kids seem to up their game when there is a crowd of faithful behind them.
I know your a faithful fan who is voicing your opinion on what you feel. but I also know you are a true hockey fan at heart. Ill see you at the playoffs kurly, where we can root and cheer for the kids that play their heart out for their fans
400 to 500 fans ain’t going to cut it ( need 600 to 800 to stay afloat) lose in the first round in 4 games SAY-LA-VEE
Stick if you want 700 fans keep the price at around 12.00 dollards and maybe the arena will get fill and get more revenues from 50\50 snack bar chuck a puck and the souvenir shop
Snack bar is a private business, Chuck a Puck revenues go to local KidSport chapter, Souvenir Shop ran by individual who purchases/designs all that gear on his own, with no support from the Eskis. He just helps brand the club and if he can make a few dollars in the process good for him but the poor bugger probably has more $ in inventory than he makes in a full year. He is on the board of the club, but since the Club has no revenues to support fund him, the shop is on his own dime.
None of those three operations provide income for the club. Only revenue on game night is the gate and 50/50! If they can’t afford the extra 5 bucks to get in the game, then they probably weren’t able to play the 50/50 all season. Which is fine and i feel for those fans who can’t afford to come. family pass and youth pass not changing is great. family being the most important and kudos to the Eskis for leaving that the same.
Brings me back to my earlier statement, 700 at $10 or even $12 still leaves you further behind than 600-650 at $15!
TY Eskisfan now we are getting to know how this club is run
eskisfan:
As you say, I realize advancing at least one round in the playoffs can mean the difference between breaking even and losing money but I would still like to see the day when teams in this league do not automatically make the playoffs. From a fan’s point of view, fighting for a playoff spot can add to general interest and excitement (as Leaf fans know well).
no prob Kurly, and please understad, i wasn ‘t rtrying to be offensive/defensive. Just providing information and maybe my opinion on what the Eskis rationale MAY be.
There is a reason this topic became heated, people only get excited or irritated regarding things we care about. Obvious our hockey is one of those things.
Was at the rink watching the trappers game on sat night and noticed young Durochers was wearing a suit, and not hockey equipment. Did some asking around again, and it turns out coach sat him for what they put in the media as a rest day, as he had played 3 games in a row that week. I was also informed that his OHL club needed him badly on sat night as their lineup has been depleted with injuries and suspensions.
Turns out that the OHL club was told that the Trappers needed Durochers because they were hit with the flu. Oddly enough, all Trappers were dressed and played a great game. Must have been a 4 hour flu bug…it’s been going around.
I think its safe to deduct that he was sat as punishment, and not to rest. These kids are used to being on the ice consecutive days, there is no way he needed a rest. Plus, lets be realistic, no way he played 20+ minutes with the wolves. At his age, he’d be lucky to play 8mins a game…so how tired could he have been. I would hope these kids are in good enough shape to play a few games in a row at the end of a season.
Anyways, I keep picking on this Durochers situation, only because I find it disgusting that an affiliate team would put up so many hurdles. And yes, I understand that all players on the Traps are important to each other, but OHL experience is hard to come by, and would only help the traps come playoff time. I’m guessing Abitibi are quite happy with Begin’s Q experience.
So when you want to talk about Junior Hockey surviving in North Bay, I think a few things need to be fixed in order to survive and thrive. How many affiliate players will want to play in North Bay in the future? How many clubs will send their players for development to a team that will not release them.
Great point Hockeyfan, we have a great league with some pretty good hockey players. This league should and must be a stepping stone for some of the more gifted athletes. They should not be held back if they are called up to the OHL, this is what our league is all about ,showcasing our talent for the betterment of the players. Hopefully every player that gets an opportunity to move up will be given that chance.
Hockeyfan, Northernlites:
Part of a players development is discipline. Actually, a major part. If a player on any team, thinks they are bigger than the team, they are not developing properly.
I know nothing of Durochers case. But I will set a scenario which may explain it. He may have ‘blown’ curfew one too many times. The coach decided to discipline him with the only tool he has…a benching. The public does not have to know and the coach may want to keep it in-house. He may even be injured, but the team wants this kept quiet. Suffice to say, if he is that good of a player, you can bet the coach would prefer him to be playing. But if not benched now, then when? The playoffs would be too late to send a message. This may even be (likely is) happening with the OHL teams blessing.
Your right, it is a great league which showcases some very talented young men. It’s a treat to watch some good hockey right at home and that’s why we all love the NOJHL. Been a fan for years and as much as I hate seeing Begin set up on the boards and collect point after point, or hate seeing Carroll come down the wing with his quick release, it is a treat to watch.
And I’m sure there are some very deserving midget players that would love to play up to fill the roster. I saw young Aubertin play for Abitibi this year and he had a great game.
Getting called up should not be seen as negative, and in fact if spun right, is a huge positive for the NOJHL host club.
Your absolutely right in that account eaglefan, if discipline is necessary then im all for it, and hopefully this is the case here. I dont think any coach in our league would purposely hold back a individual at a chance of playing a game(s) in the OHL. Our league is being looked at more than ever for producing quality players. Even if your in first place or last its always a treat to watch this caliber of hockey.
Hockeyfan, my circles tell me the Wolves never requested Danny for Sat, period, and he was also informed earlier on in the week that this would be the scenario…,,, you seem to like to stir up the pooop
Also, correct me if i am wrong(i have been before), call ups to OHL are only allowed 10 games(reg season) , max, Danny is at 8. Would it be smart to blow one of those last 2 games on a fourth game in four nights?? Or maybe play it down the road, where he could put a fresher foot forward??
The Trappers do not have a flu bug, that was a couple weeks ago, when Danny came back to play a game to give the Trappers 3 lines. You are mixxing up old news , with current events, just to support your side of your argument
This situation is not the same as Begin, as Begin was not a call up, he actually left the Eskies to be on the Q teams roster, and then quit and came back to join his club(probably because they have a chance to win, and his Q team was in the basement, and winning in ones final year is a priority to some). Danny is not in that boat. Danny is in an AP situation ( so I understand) which is capped at so many games. Danny who actually played the 8 game maximum in last years regular season as a call up to the Trappers.(playoffs are unlimited for APs in our league)
When all involved can only benefit for all the obvious reasons that a player would move on and excel, I find it extremely missguided and dissapointing that you constantly want to make something bigger out this than there is. Not sure what your beef is , but you do have one
You wanna ask about people holding back.
In the past some midget teams actually have not let players play games in our league due to them having a practice the same night. That unfortunately has happened a few times over the years, they have their own reasons for doing so.
Desrochers has played 8 games with the Wolves so far, 4 of them over the last two weeks. Is there still a 10 game limit for players like him or has the rule changed? Thanks
Eaglefan
Like your way of thinking..how too often we fans presume something but if only we knew what exactly goes on the bench or the dressing room.
Bayinfo – I don’t have a beef and am not trying to stir a pot. Just been hearing a lot about this situation lately in different circles. But these are not facts I hear – just gossip. The pooop I hear is not from any credible sourcesd and is definitely one sided. And as we all know there are 2 sides to each story.
You are right on the flu thing that was couple of weeks ago I heard that.
I know the begin deal is not the same was just sayin that I’m sure the eskis love his q experience now.
I also did not know about the 10 game rule. Makes sense I guess.
I agree with you about one thing it is pretty selfish for a midget club to not give a player because of a practice.
Thanks for replying.
Hockeyfan. lets hope Danny can get his first Ohl goal in one of his next two games.
And hope the Trappers can get more consistant and do damage in the playoffs.
Want to see what goes on “behind the scenes” go rent/buy the documentry “JUNIOR” they follow the Baie-Comeau Drakkar around for a year………
Kirkland Lake Gold Miners have replaced Head Coach Dave Gillespie with with former New Liskeard Cubs Standout and former Soo Greyhound and London Knight Tim Zafiris. Sounds like this will be a trial for Zafiris who will coach out the remainder of the season to see if it’s something he’ll be interested in pursuing next year. Zafiris is a Chiropractor who resides in New Liskeard and should help KL in recruinting players from the Tri-Towns.
new blog just posted:
THE NOJHL ON FEBRUARY 15
Wiggemanson is a very good player with tremendos upside. Good for you to tell his story, Randy.
You would think that Lake Superior State would be all over this kid – not to mention a few others from the “Soo Eagles”.
If not for theire Goalie, Lake Superior would be an “also ran” again this year. Their coach just “doesn’t get it” – at least in my opinion.
To: Bayinfo
Alfano played preseason for the Oakville Blades. Info attached
http://www.insidehalton.com/sports/article/1070655–blades-win-preseason-opener