With the current discussions surrounding the future of the Phoenix Coyotes, I thought an article about the formation of the NHL would be appropriate. Contrary to popular belief, expansion, relocation and contraction in the NHL is not a new trend. It has occurred many times during the league’s history, particularly in the early years. The evolution of the NHL’s teams is an interesting story; the following is a list of each expansion, relocation and contraction which ultimately resulted in the NHL as it is today.
THE ROOTS OF PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY
In 1910, a professional hockey league known as the National Hockey Association (NHA) was formed in Eastern Canada and the United States. Shortly after that came the Pacific Coast League (PCL), a comparable hockey league in the west. In 1914, a transcontinental championship series was arranged between the two, with the winner getting the coveted Stanley Cup. World War I threw the entire hockey establishment into disarray, and the men running the NHA decided to suspend operations. But after the war, the hockey power brokers decided to start a whole new organization that would be known as the National Hockey League (NHL). At its inception, the NHL boasted five franchises- the Montreal Canadiens, the Montreal Wanderers, the Ottawa Senators, the Quebec Bulldogs, and the Toronto Arenas. When the PCL folded in 1926, the NHL, which at that point had ten teams, divided into two divisions and took control of the Stanley Cup.
1917- “Founding Five”- Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Quebec Bulldogs, and Toronto Arenas
1919- Montreal Wanderers withdrew from league; Toronto Arenas changed name to Toronto St. Patricks (decrease to 4 teams)
1920- Quebec Bulldogs transferred to Hamilton as Hamilton Tigers
1923- Boston Bruins (first American based-team) and Montreal Maroons granted franchises (increase to 6 teams)
1925- Hamilton Tigers withdrew from league; players signed by the new New York American franchise
1926- Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks and Detroit Cougars granted franchises (increase to 10 teams)
1927- Toronto St. Patrick's changed name to the Toronto Maple Leafs
1930- Detroit Cougars changed name to the Detroit Falcons, Pittsburgh Pirates transferred to Philadelphia as the Philadelphia Quakers
1931- Philadelphia Quakers withdrew from league (decrease to 9 teams)
1932- Detroit Falcons franchise changed name to the Detroit Red Wings
1934- Ottawa Senators transferred to St. Louis as St. Louis Eagles
1935- St.Louis Eagles withdrew from league (decrease to 8 teams)
1938- Montreal Maroons withdrew from league (decrease to 7 teams)
1941- New York Americans changed name to Brooklyn Americans
1942- Brooklyn Americans withdrew from league (decrease to 6 teams)
1943- “Original Six“- Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks remain
1967- Minnesota North Stars, California/Oakland Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues granted franchises (increase to 12 teams)
1970- Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks granted franchises (increase to 14 teams)
1972- Atlanta Flames and the New York Islanders granted franchises (increase to 16 teams)
1974- Kansas City Scouts and the Washington Capitals granted franchises (increase to18 teams)
1976- California Golden Seals transferred to Cleveland as Cleveland Barons; Kansas City Scouts transferred to Colorado as Colorado Rockies
1978- Cleveland franchise merges with the Minnesota North Stars (decrease to 17 teams)
1979- Edmonton Oilers, Quebec Nordiques, Hartford Whalers and Winnipeg Jets joined the league from defunct World Hockey Association (increase to 21 teams)
1980- Atlanta Flames moved to Calgary as Calgary Flames
1982- Colorado Rockies moved to New Jersey as New Jersey Devils
1991- San Jose Sharks granted franchise (increase to 22 teams)
1992- Tampa Bay Lightning and Ottawa Senators granted franchises (increase to 24 teams)
1993- Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and Florida Panthers granted franchises; Minnesota North Stars transferred to Dallas as Dallas Stars (increase to 26 teams)
1995- Quebec Nordiques transferred to Colorado as Colorado Avalanche
1996- Winnipeg Jets transferred to Phoenix as Phoenix Coyotes
1997- Hartford Whalers transferred to Raleigh as Carolina Hurricanes
1998- Nashville Predators granted franchise (increase to 27 teams)
1999- Atlanta Thrashers granted franchise (increase to 28 teams)
2001- Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets granted franchises (increase to 30 teams)
2006- Mighty Ducks of Anaheim changed name to Anaheim Ducks
The debate on possible franchise relocation and even expansion to 32 teams continues. With several teams struggling both financially and attendance-wise, and with the league always searching for new sources of revenue, one or the other is inevitable. Which struggling teams will be moved: Florida, Nashville, Atlanta, Carolina or Phoenix? What new cities will be the beneficiary: Portland, Seattle, Houston, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, Las Vegas or Hamilton? Stay tuned…….
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
IS IT TIME FOR A NEW COMMISSIONER?
In 1993, Gary Bettman became the first Commissioner of the NHL (previous to 1993, the title of the head of the NHL was President). Bettman was selected for the position because of his previous success as a senior vice-president and general counsel to the National Basketball Association (NBA). At the time, the push for expansion to the Southern U.S. had become a majority priority, so his experience working with major American cities was seen as a major benefit. The league wanted to enhance its profile in the South to take advantage of the large untapped market and the potential national television revenue and exposure.
As 16 years have gone by since his appointment, he has had ample opportunity to make his mark on the league. Let's take a look at his accomplishments.....and shortfalls.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN! Bettman has fulfilled the NHL's objective of Southern expansion. The league has moved into seven southern markets during his term: expansion teams in Miami, Anaheim, Nashville and Atlanta and team relocations to Dallas, Phoenix and Raleigh.
2. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! League revenues have skyrocketed during this period, from 400 million to more than 2.2 billion dollars.
3. TV OR NOT TV......Back in the 1990's, Bettman negotiated deals with major U.S. television networks to broadcast weekly games.
4. THROW US A BONE GARY! Bettman championed the Canadian Assistance Plan, a revenue-sharing agreement that saw American teams give money to help support the four small-market Canadian teams (Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Vancouver) throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
SHORTFALLS
1. SOUTHERN MAN DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN! The Southern teams have, for the most part, been a financial disaster. Most teams have extensive debt and struggle to fill their arenas.
2. STRIKE TWO.....During his tenure, there have been two labour stoppages, a 104 day strike in 1994-95 and the entire 2004 season. The stoppages were both intended primarily to bring player salaries more in line with team revenue. One could argue that the salary caps have not adequately addressed the problem as the average salary is as high as ever and many players exceed the $5 million mark. The cap forces teams to dispose of high paid players, resulting in a negative form of parity by weakening the strong teams.
3. DOWN THE TUBE! After some initial broadcast deals with FOX, ABC and ESPN, major U.S. television networks have turned their backs on the NHL. With the exception of a smattering of games after the conclusion of the NFL season, American viewers must rely on the much smaller VERSUS TV package which has a very limited availability in many parts of the country. As well, the money dried up and the current game of the week deal with NBC is a revenue sharing arrangement with NO money up front.
4. "NO CANADA!" Two Canadian based teams were relocated to the U.S.- Quebec to Denver and Winnipeg to Phoenix. Although the Nashville Predators and the Phoenix Coyotes have received league "bailouts" to keep them in their cities, no such assistance was offered to either Canadian team. Although the Canadian Assistance Plan did stave off further franchise relocation to the U.S., some would argue that this was done to appease the Canadian fans angered by the loss of the Quebec and Winnipeg teams. As well, attempts to move teams from the U.S. to Canada have been rebuffed by Bettman.
THE JUDGEMENT
It would appear that although Bettman has achieved some respectable results, most of his accomplishments eventually turned into shortfalls. Bettman served his purpose in the early years when the league was looking to expand. However, the NHL now needs to reshuffle some unsuccessful franchises to new locations, and most of the viable locations are in Canada; the six Canadian-based teams currently produce almost 1/3 of the league's revenue, and are among the top 10 in attendance. Bettman's perspective is clouded by the fact that he wants to protect his legacy. The league no longer needs a marketing manager but a genuine hockey person who can ensure that the teams end up in true hockey markets and not in American cities with large populations and few hockey fans. The league also needs someone who grew up with the game and understands the passionate fans in Canada and the Northern U.S.. The tradition of the game has been damaged and can only be repaired by a leader with credibility, who can guide the Board of Governors away from the quick fix and almighty dollar to long term stability.
Thanks for your efforts Gary, but it's time for you to move on.
(coming soon...A Short History of NHL Expansion and Contraction Since League Inception in 1917)
As 16 years have gone by since his appointment, he has had ample opportunity to make his mark on the league. Let's take a look at his accomplishments.....and shortfalls.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. THE SOUTH WILL RISE AGAIN! Bettman has fulfilled the NHL's objective of Southern expansion. The league has moved into seven southern markets during his term: expansion teams in Miami, Anaheim, Nashville and Atlanta and team relocations to Dallas, Phoenix and Raleigh.
2. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! League revenues have skyrocketed during this period, from 400 million to more than 2.2 billion dollars.
3. TV OR NOT TV......Back in the 1990's, Bettman negotiated deals with major U.S. television networks to broadcast weekly games.
4. THROW US A BONE GARY! Bettman championed the Canadian Assistance Plan, a revenue-sharing agreement that saw American teams give money to help support the four small-market Canadian teams (Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Vancouver) throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
SHORTFALLS
1. SOUTHERN MAN DOESN'T GIVE A DAMN! The Southern teams have, for the most part, been a financial disaster. Most teams have extensive debt and struggle to fill their arenas.
2. STRIKE TWO.....During his tenure, there have been two labour stoppages, a 104 day strike in 1994-95 and the entire 2004 season. The stoppages were both intended primarily to bring player salaries more in line with team revenue. One could argue that the salary caps have not adequately addressed the problem as the average salary is as high as ever and many players exceed the $5 million mark. The cap forces teams to dispose of high paid players, resulting in a negative form of parity by weakening the strong teams.
3. DOWN THE TUBE! After some initial broadcast deals with FOX, ABC and ESPN, major U.S. television networks have turned their backs on the NHL. With the exception of a smattering of games after the conclusion of the NFL season, American viewers must rely on the much smaller VERSUS TV package which has a very limited availability in many parts of the country. As well, the money dried up and the current game of the week deal with NBC is a revenue sharing arrangement with NO money up front.
4. "NO CANADA!" Two Canadian based teams were relocated to the U.S.- Quebec to Denver and Winnipeg to Phoenix. Although the Nashville Predators and the Phoenix Coyotes have received league "bailouts" to keep them in their cities, no such assistance was offered to either Canadian team. Although the Canadian Assistance Plan did stave off further franchise relocation to the U.S., some would argue that this was done to appease the Canadian fans angered by the loss of the Quebec and Winnipeg teams. As well, attempts to move teams from the U.S. to Canada have been rebuffed by Bettman.
THE JUDGEMENT
It would appear that although Bettman has achieved some respectable results, most of his accomplishments eventually turned into shortfalls. Bettman served his purpose in the early years when the league was looking to expand. However, the NHL now needs to reshuffle some unsuccessful franchises to new locations, and most of the viable locations are in Canada; the six Canadian-based teams currently produce almost 1/3 of the league's revenue, and are among the top 10 in attendance. Bettman's perspective is clouded by the fact that he wants to protect his legacy. The league no longer needs a marketing manager but a genuine hockey person who can ensure that the teams end up in true hockey markets and not in American cities with large populations and few hockey fans. The league also needs someone who grew up with the game and understands the passionate fans in Canada and the Northern U.S.. The tradition of the game has been damaged and can only be repaired by a leader with credibility, who can guide the Board of Governors away from the quick fix and almighty dollar to long term stability.
Thanks for your efforts Gary, but it's time for you to move on.
(coming soon...A Short History of NHL Expansion and Contraction Since League Inception in 1917)
Sunday, October 4, 2009
THE PHOENIX COYOTES' DEBACLE- THE NHL`S EMBARRASSMENT
The Phoenix Coyotes' debacle has gone from the sublime to the ridiculous. Jim Balsillie negotiates directly with the owner of the Coyotes to purchase and move the bankrupt team to Hamilton. Gary Bettman gets his nose out of joint because he feels that Balsillie is attempting to usurp his authority. They proceed through the legal system for a resolution and when things start to go bad for the NHL, they put forward their own proposal to purchase the team (a clear conflict of interest in my opinion). To make matters worse, the judge's decision is essentially a non-decision......although he decided that Balsillie has to follow proper procedure to acquire and move the franchise, he rejects both proposals. Now, the Coyotes continue to hang by a thread financially, coach Wayne Gretzky is unceremoniously forced out of his job, fan support has dwindled to nothing and the creditors still have no compensation.
This has become a battle of egos between Bettman and Balsillie. Meanwhile, the franchise sits on the edge of the abyss with no sign of a legitimate resolution. It is clear that Phoenix cannot and will not support the Coyotes, and yet the NHL continues to throw good money after bad by propping up this crippled organization. Who in their right mind will be willing to buy the team and keep it in Phoenix, with the prospect of losing millions of dollars every year? And since Bettman seems to have an aversion to moving teams to Canada, he looks to Las Vegas and Kansas City as possible locations. Moving the team to another non-hockey city is not the answer, it will merely relocate the problem, not eliminate it. Bettman argues that if Hamilton wants a team, they should apply for an expansion franchise and that his responsibility is to preserve the existing teams. If that is true, where was he when Quebec and Winnipeg were allowed to move to U.S. cities? I don't recall him offering to purchase the franchises and keep them in Canada. He made little attempt to help these teams remain in their cities and to negotiate with the local governments to build new, viable arenas. It appears that there is a double standard here, and his real objective seems to be to protect his Southern U.S. expansion scheme at all costs. Southern expansion has been a disaster, yet he refuses to face reality and accept the blame for a failed strategy.
Jim Balsillie has made some mistakes in his approach. Yes, Gary Bettman made it clear that he was never going to give his approval to the move. However, Balsillie fed the fire of conflict with the league by refusing to negotiate with the NHL, and he ignored the league's legal corporate authority to control the ownership and location of its franchises. That being said, the NHL needs passionate hockey fans with deep pockets like Balsillie to operate the franchises. And Hamilton is a perfect place for a team, located in "hockey-mad" Southern Ontario- there are more hockey fans there than in the entire Southern U.S.! (and NHL, give your head a shake, a team in Hamilton will not hurt the Toronto Maple Leafs- it will create an exciting and profitable rivalry!) Gary Bettman has to either swallow his pride and accept responsibility for his mistakes and open the door to Canadian cities and to owners like Balsillie, or the Board of Governors need to take a close look at his leadership. The greed for expansion dollars is driving the Governors, but they need to start doing what is best for the long-term survival of the league.
It's time for a change of philosophy and a change of leadership. Or the NHL will continue to struggle in many U.S. cities, causing further embarrassment to the league. Canadian fans have long felt alienated by the league; a very dangerous situation as it is the Canadian fan who will ensure the long term financial survival of the league and of hockey as a legitimate professional sport.
This has become a battle of egos between Bettman and Balsillie. Meanwhile, the franchise sits on the edge of the abyss with no sign of a legitimate resolution. It is clear that Phoenix cannot and will not support the Coyotes, and yet the NHL continues to throw good money after bad by propping up this crippled organization. Who in their right mind will be willing to buy the team and keep it in Phoenix, with the prospect of losing millions of dollars every year? And since Bettman seems to have an aversion to moving teams to Canada, he looks to Las Vegas and Kansas City as possible locations. Moving the team to another non-hockey city is not the answer, it will merely relocate the problem, not eliminate it. Bettman argues that if Hamilton wants a team, they should apply for an expansion franchise and that his responsibility is to preserve the existing teams. If that is true, where was he when Quebec and Winnipeg were allowed to move to U.S. cities? I don't recall him offering to purchase the franchises and keep them in Canada. He made little attempt to help these teams remain in their cities and to negotiate with the local governments to build new, viable arenas. It appears that there is a double standard here, and his real objective seems to be to protect his Southern U.S. expansion scheme at all costs. Southern expansion has been a disaster, yet he refuses to face reality and accept the blame for a failed strategy.
Jim Balsillie has made some mistakes in his approach. Yes, Gary Bettman made it clear that he was never going to give his approval to the move. However, Balsillie fed the fire of conflict with the league by refusing to negotiate with the NHL, and he ignored the league's legal corporate authority to control the ownership and location of its franchises. That being said, the NHL needs passionate hockey fans with deep pockets like Balsillie to operate the franchises. And Hamilton is a perfect place for a team, located in "hockey-mad" Southern Ontario- there are more hockey fans there than in the entire Southern U.S.! (and NHL, give your head a shake, a team in Hamilton will not hurt the Toronto Maple Leafs- it will create an exciting and profitable rivalry!) Gary Bettman has to either swallow his pride and accept responsibility for his mistakes and open the door to Canadian cities and to owners like Balsillie, or the Board of Governors need to take a close look at his leadership. The greed for expansion dollars is driving the Governors, but they need to start doing what is best for the long-term survival of the league.
It's time for a change of philosophy and a change of leadership. Or the NHL will continue to struggle in many U.S. cities, causing further embarrassment to the league. Canadian fans have long felt alienated by the league; a very dangerous situation as it is the Canadian fan who will ensure the long term financial survival of the league and of hockey as a legitimate professional sport.
Friday, October 2, 2009
"SUPER JOE" RETIRES
In any generation, there is an elite group of players that can be classified as "stars". Similarly, there are few that can legitimately carry the title of "leader". Joe Sakic is one of the highly select group of players that can be considered as both. During his 20 year NHL career, he played 1378 games and with his brilliant wrist shot scored 625 goals and 1641 points, including at least 40 goals five times and 100 points six times. He captained the Colorado Avalanche to two Stanley Cups and won numerous awards. He played with and won the most valuable player award for gold medal-winning Team Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
He overcame many obstacles in reaching this pinnacle of hockey stardom. He accomplished it as a small player in a big man's game. Born to Croatian immigrant parents, he did not learn to speak English until he enrolled in school. Playing as a rookie on the Western Hockey League's Swift Current Broncos, he faced tragedy on the night of December 30, 1986, when the Broncos team bus, driving in bad weather conditions, crashed after the driver lost control on a patch of black ice outside of Swift Current. While Sakic was unharmed, four of his teammates were killed.
He officially ended his playing career after last season and was honoured yesterday by the Avalanche as they retired his #19 sweater. He is also one of a select few individuals to play his entire career with one franchise (Quebec Nordiques- Colorado Avalanche). Both his teammates and opponents have long respected Joe for his hard work, leadership ability, selfless play and amazing skill as well as his charity work off the ice, and he has been acknowledged as the classiest player of his time. There is no doubt that he will be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible. We have been fortunate to be able to enjoy and appreciate this marvelous player for 20 years. Thanks Joe, it's been a pleasure.
He overcame many obstacles in reaching this pinnacle of hockey stardom. He accomplished it as a small player in a big man's game. Born to Croatian immigrant parents, he did not learn to speak English until he enrolled in school. Playing as a rookie on the Western Hockey League's Swift Current Broncos, he faced tragedy on the night of December 30, 1986, when the Broncos team bus, driving in bad weather conditions, crashed after the driver lost control on a patch of black ice outside of Swift Current. While Sakic was unharmed, four of his teammates were killed.
He officially ended his playing career after last season and was honoured yesterday by the Avalanche as they retired his #19 sweater. He is also one of a select few individuals to play his entire career with one franchise (Quebec Nordiques- Colorado Avalanche). Both his teammates and opponents have long respected Joe for his hard work, leadership ability, selfless play and amazing skill as well as his charity work off the ice, and he has been acknowledged as the classiest player of his time. There is no doubt that he will be elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as soon as he is eligible. We have been fortunate to be able to enjoy and appreciate this marvelous player for 20 years. Thanks Joe, it's been a pleasure.
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