Thursday, July 24, 2008
I'm sure by now you have read about Lupul's contract extension (I give it a thumbs up), John Stevens being named Coach of the Year by The Hockey News (I will assume they know more than I do), the prospects' camp (seems odd to have the likes of Ryan Parent and Steve Downie there, given that they played quite a lot for the Flyers last season, but I guess they are technically still prospects); Jason Smith signed with Ottawa, the Flyers picked up Arron Asham, Ossi Vaananen (because there just weren't enough Finns on the blueline yet!), and Glen Metropolit; and the 2008-2009 season schedule was released.
Of these items I've noted, the one that affects me directly is the schedule. Pal J. has already booked a flight out for the home opener weekend (game tickets not yet selected/purchased, pending what becomes available over the next couple months as well as determining who, if anyone, might also go with us). The Flyers' first home game of the upcoming season will be Saturday, October 11, vs. the Rangers. We expect to continue the new tradition (two years now running) of having Five Guys for dinner before the game ( .... that's a burger joint, people) and cracking open some champagne afterward, win or lose. That's now only two months and a couple weeks away. A manageable span of time.
In minor league news, it was made official that the Spectrum will be razed next summer and that the Phantoms will have to move on, likely to Atlantic City for the interim -- whatever is on the other end of that interim has not yet been decided, or at least has not yet been made known. There has been talk that an arena may be built in the Allentown area. My opinion on the matter is this: if they have to build a new arena anyway, why not somewhere closer to Philadelphia (say, Wilmington, DE)? This is not a rhetorical question, and maybe there is a good answer for Allentown being a better spot; but I would like to know the answer(s). I cannot be a season ticket holder if they are in Allentown. I can't even be a season ticket holder if they are in Atlantic City. I can probably make a few games in AC, but it will be a rare thing to go see them in Allentown.
But there is still this season, and this week I renewed my season ticket package -- well, most of it, anyway. Just two seats this year instead of three, for me and pal Hockey K. In the same place in section 201. At least 40 more opportunities to see the Phantoms where, as far as I'm concerned, they belong, before they take it all away.
In other minor league news, no one has announced that the name Chops is the joke that it really is, and I guess it's going to stick around. Honestly, it's [bleep]ing embarrassing. As I told J., the only time I would wear apparel Iowa Chops on it is if I spill my dinner on my shirt. At least the team itself will probably be awesome, if the success of the Portland Pirates is any indication. I'll go to a game while I am home for Christmas, if there is one, but I guess that my AHL heart is no longer divided, and I'm all Phantoms fan again.
Of these items I've noted, the one that affects me directly is the schedule. Pal J. has already booked a flight out for the home opener weekend (game tickets not yet selected/purchased, pending what becomes available over the next couple months as well as determining who, if anyone, might also go with us). The Flyers' first home game of the upcoming season will be Saturday, October 11, vs. the Rangers. We expect to continue the new tradition (two years now running) of having Five Guys for dinner before the game ( .... that's a burger joint, people) and cracking open some champagne afterward, win or lose. That's now only two months and a couple weeks away. A manageable span of time.
In minor league news, it was made official that the Spectrum will be razed next summer and that the Phantoms will have to move on, likely to Atlantic City for the interim -- whatever is on the other end of that interim has not yet been decided, or at least has not yet been made known. There has been talk that an arena may be built in the Allentown area. My opinion on the matter is this: if they have to build a new arena anyway, why not somewhere closer to Philadelphia (say, Wilmington, DE)? This is not a rhetorical question, and maybe there is a good answer for Allentown being a better spot; but I would like to know the answer(s). I cannot be a season ticket holder if they are in Allentown. I can't even be a season ticket holder if they are in Atlantic City. I can probably make a few games in AC, but it will be a rare thing to go see them in Allentown.
But there is still this season, and this week I renewed my season ticket package -- well, most of it, anyway. Just two seats this year instead of three, for me and pal Hockey K. In the same place in section 201. At least 40 more opportunities to see the Phantoms where, as far as I'm concerned, they belong, before they take it all away.
In other minor league news, no one has announced that the name Chops is the joke that it really is, and I guess it's going to stick around. Honestly, it's [bleep]ing embarrassing. As I told J., the only time I would wear apparel Iowa Chops on it is if I spill my dinner on my shirt. At least the team itself will probably be awesome, if the success of the Portland Pirates is any indication. I'll go to a game while I am home for Christmas, if there is one, but I guess that my AHL heart is no longer divided, and I'm all Phantoms fan again.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
WHAT.
You have GOT to be kidding me.
The Iowa Chops???
Hey, there is no pig tastier than Iowa pig, and I really look forward to having some when I visit home in a couple weeks. But let's face it. The nummy piece of pig flesh that we grill up in the summer is the only thing that should be referred to as an Iowa chop. How must it feel for one of the players to have to say, "Yeah, I was a Portland Pirate but now I'm an Iowa chop." That's right, a PIECE OF MEAT.
[Mmmm....Iowa chop.]
I stand by my assertion that the Chops is a terrible, terrible name for a hockey team. Isn't "chops" something a musician has, anyway, not a hockey player?
"We’re confident that the team will continue to gain respect in this community and in the league for years to come." Not with this name. What a joke! I'd really mock, but you know what? At least Iowa will have AHL hockey in two years, whereas the Phantoms are done after this season.
The Iowa Chops???
Hey, there is no pig tastier than Iowa pig, and I really look forward to having some when I visit home in a couple weeks. But let's face it. The nummy piece of pig flesh that we grill up in the summer is the only thing that should be referred to as an Iowa chop. How must it feel for one of the players to have to say, "Yeah, I was a Portland Pirate but now I'm an Iowa chop." That's right, a PIECE OF MEAT.
[Mmmm....Iowa chop.]
I stand by my assertion that the Chops is a terrible, terrible name for a hockey team. Isn't "chops" something a musician has, anyway, not a hockey player?
"We’re confident that the team will continue to gain respect in this community and in the league for years to come." Not with this name. What a joke! I'd really mock, but you know what? At least Iowa will have AHL hockey in two years, whereas the Phantoms are done after this season.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Happy FA Day.
Ok, so I can't say as I have much of an understanding of all the moves made since season's end to this point (e.g. Janne Niskala being traded for then away) -- but I look forward to all the pieces falling together and making sense.
What's happened so far? SYNOPSIS!
Danny Syvret in (AHL d-man, traded Ryan Potulny to Edmonton for him)
Jeff Carter in (signed a nice contract, 3 year, 5 mill per)
Steve Eminger in (signed a contract, what, yesterday? Two days ago? 1 year, 1.2 mill)
Tim Ramholt in (dude played for the Flaming Qs mostly, another d-man, traded KYLE GREENTREE for him -- noooooooooooooooo!!!! What are the Phantoms going to do for offense? I guess they are just going to rely on this stack of defense they've got instead.)
In addition to Potulny and Greentree also out: Sami Kapanen (retired); Vinny Prospal (rights traded to TB for a pick, signed with TB); Umberger (traded to Columbus for draft pick); Triston Grant (traded for Niskala, who then was swapped to TB for a pick); Denis Gauthier, placed on waivers.
Still trying to sign: Randy Freaking Jones and Riley Cote.
I don't think the Flyers do anything flashy today, but I wouldn't put anything past this front office.
What's happened so far? SYNOPSIS!
In addition to Potulny and Greentree also out: Sami Kapanen (retired); Vinny Prospal (rights traded to TB for a pick, signed with TB); Umberger (traded to Columbus for draft pick); Triston Grant (traded for Niskala, who then was swapped to TB for a pick); Denis Gauthier, placed on waivers.
Still trying to sign: Randy Freaking Jones and Riley Cote.
I don't think the Flyers do anything flashy today, but I wouldn't put anything past this front office.
