This is a message from my friend Eric.
David and I will celebrate 28 years together in January. We have bought houses, enjoyed family, buried loved ones, had good times, endured bad times, gone on vacation, have great friends, support the arts, pay our taxes, volunteer...but haven't been on a reality show that results in the "winner" marrying someone, we don't go to Vegas and marry someone for 55 hours, we don't get corporate sponsors for a wedding /media stunt. We aren't the ones who are ending the sanctity of marriage. That's not what we want. We just want what is fair and equal. No political message. Just what's fair. It's time.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
My Wayne Gretzky Experience
Seeing a tweet today from Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski)about wanting to smoke a cigar with Wayne Gretzky before he dies reminded me about an experience I had with Wayne back in 2006.
I received an email from the Phoenix Coyotes back during the 2006-2007 season about an upcoming charity lunch with the team. All proceeds from the event were to go to charity so I looked at the options that were available.
You could buy an entire table for 10 at $1000 and a player or coach from the team would be at the table. You could pay $100 for just a seat at a random table or you could pay $1000 for the ability to sit with then head coach, Wayne Gretzky.
I was earning quite a bit of money back then so I decided to go for it and sit at Wayne's table. It seemed like a once in a lifetime experience and I did not want to pass it up.
Since he was the coach of the Coyotes at the time, I did not realize what a privilege it is to have this opportunity. Someone told me once that there is a prize in the Canadian Lottery that is a meal with the Great One. I was really young when he was playing so I was not educated on how amazing a player he was.
So I get there as soon as the doors open to the arena and head down to the covered ice. The Gretzky table stood out among the others as it was beautifully decorated and all but one chair has a Gretzky Coyotes jersey on it. I hurried over to the table and grabbed one of the seats next to the one without a jersey hoping he was going to sit there. The other people that paid to sit with Wayne started to sit down and I was surprised to hear a few of them actually flew in just for this opportunity. They were floored that they could pay $1000 to charity and were able to have a lunch with Wayne.
The entire team was introduced and then came to sit down. When Wayne sat he introduced himself and asked us all of our names. We all had a jersey, puck, hockey card, and hat at our places and he broke the ice and asked if he could sign our stuff. He was very good at talking to each of us on a personal level and it was great to see how down to earth he is.
Darren Pang was talking at the podium about the team and as soon as he was finished at least half of everyone else that was there got up from their table and came over to our table so Wayne could sign items for them. This is the part that made the experience amazing. Wayne obviously knew what we all paid to be at his table so when the other 200 people were coming up to him, he was polite and said hi, but he continued to focus all of his attention on us at his table. It really is cool to see how fast he can sign his name without looking. He was very nice and seemed genuinely interested in every single one of us.
One sad part is when every single person sitting at Georges Laraque's table got up at the same time to go wait in line and he was stuck there sitting by himself.
Looking back I think I took for granted that the greatest hockey player of all time was the coach and the fans had access to him. Even though I thought he was a terrible coach, he was a great player.
I had the jersey framed and it is still hanging in my living room.
I received an email from the Phoenix Coyotes back during the 2006-2007 season about an upcoming charity lunch with the team. All proceeds from the event were to go to charity so I looked at the options that were available.
You could buy an entire table for 10 at $1000 and a player or coach from the team would be at the table. You could pay $100 for just a seat at a random table or you could pay $1000 for the ability to sit with then head coach, Wayne Gretzky.
I was earning quite a bit of money back then so I decided to go for it and sit at Wayne's table. It seemed like a once in a lifetime experience and I did not want to pass it up.
Since he was the coach of the Coyotes at the time, I did not realize what a privilege it is to have this opportunity. Someone told me once that there is a prize in the Canadian Lottery that is a meal with the Great One. I was really young when he was playing so I was not educated on how amazing a player he was.
So I get there as soon as the doors open to the arena and head down to the covered ice. The Gretzky table stood out among the others as it was beautifully decorated and all but one chair has a Gretzky Coyotes jersey on it. I hurried over to the table and grabbed one of the seats next to the one without a jersey hoping he was going to sit there. The other people that paid to sit with Wayne started to sit down and I was surprised to hear a few of them actually flew in just for this opportunity. They were floored that they could pay $1000 to charity and were able to have a lunch with Wayne.
The entire team was introduced and then came to sit down. When Wayne sat he introduced himself and asked us all of our names. We all had a jersey, puck, hockey card, and hat at our places and he broke the ice and asked if he could sign our stuff. He was very good at talking to each of us on a personal level and it was great to see how down to earth he is.
Darren Pang was talking at the podium about the team and as soon as he was finished at least half of everyone else that was there got up from their table and came over to our table so Wayne could sign items for them. This is the part that made the experience amazing. Wayne obviously knew what we all paid to be at his table so when the other 200 people were coming up to him, he was polite and said hi, but he continued to focus all of his attention on us at his table. It really is cool to see how fast he can sign his name without looking. He was very nice and seemed genuinely interested in every single one of us.
One sad part is when every single person sitting at Georges Laraque's table got up at the same time to go wait in line and he was stuck there sitting by himself.
Looking back I think I took for granted that the greatest hockey player of all time was the coach and the fans had access to him. Even though I thought he was a terrible coach, he was a great player.
I had the jersey framed and it is still hanging in my living room.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Arizona Republic Response
I emailed the sports editor on the Arizona Republic about the lack of Coyotes coverage and this is the response I received.
"This will answer several e-mails I’ve received about our lack of staff road coverage for the Phoenix Coyotes.
We value the Coyotes and know they have loyal fans. But we have to make tough decisions about how best to use our resources to cover a myriad of sports in a crowded sports marketplace. At this time our policy with the Coyotes remains the same – we don’t expect to be able to travel with them. As the end of the regular season nears, and they appear headed toward the playoffs, then we will re-evaluate.
We are taking steps to minimize the impact of this decision by supplementing wire content with occasional staff stories on off days while the team is away – for example, reaching out to coaches and players on the phone when warranted.
Some have suggested that since the NBA is in lockout, we should reallocate travel money normally used on the Suns. That’s not relevant because we have to be prepared to react in case some form of a season still takes place. Also, we face new expenses in 2012, such as the Summer Olympics, that have to be considered.
Thanks for taking the time to share your concerns.
Mark Faller
Sports editor
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com"
"This will answer several e-mails I’ve received about our lack of staff road coverage for the Phoenix Coyotes.
We value the Coyotes and know they have loyal fans. But we have to make tough decisions about how best to use our resources to cover a myriad of sports in a crowded sports marketplace. At this time our policy with the Coyotes remains the same – we don’t expect to be able to travel with them. As the end of the regular season nears, and they appear headed toward the playoffs, then we will re-evaluate.
We are taking steps to minimize the impact of this decision by supplementing wire content with occasional staff stories on off days while the team is away – for example, reaching out to coaches and players on the phone when warranted.
Some have suggested that since the NBA is in lockout, we should reallocate travel money normally used on the Suns. That’s not relevant because we have to be prepared to react in case some form of a season still takes place. Also, we face new expenses in 2012, such as the Summer Olympics, that have to be considered.
Thanks for taking the time to share your concerns.
Mark Faller
Sports editor
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com"
Friday, October 21, 2011
Phoenix Coyotes Marketing
I have been a full season ticket holder for the Phoenix Coyotes for 9 seasons now and I have seen marketing campaigns come and go over the years. We have had everything from Pierre the hockey playing puppet that looked like he just got his ass kicked to the Don't Blink campaign last season that I thought was a total failure.
I understand that the marketing budget comes from the owner of the team and the current owner is the NHL so the team is limited in what they can and can't do.
Here is an idea though, why not ask the fans. Ask the fans what they want to see happen at the games, what kinds of ads they think will bring people into the door and in the seats. Who better to ask than the people that are passionate about the sport and have to spend their money to attend these games. If I was asked, I certainly would have told the team that fans would much rather have a bobblehead of Keith Yandle or Martin Hanzal rather than a rock star or US Senator.
I am sure there is great value in having someone with an expensive marketing degree and sports experience calling the shots in the end, but what bad would come out of asking the fans?
Here are some quick ideas for the team:
How many times do you see lots of empty suites at the games? I can't think of many better ways to get people in the door than giving away some suites throughout the season. Chances are that someone who won a suite would bring 11 others, some of which might never have gone to a hockey game before and after being to a game, would consider going again.
Have Facebook and/or twitter contests where people who retweet or post something on their wall would be entered to win a suite. It would be very easy to set up a ticket referral program where each person has a unique link and every person they send there and sells a ticket would be entered in the contest to win a suite. Throw in a food credit to sweeten the prize.
Wouldn't the team rather have 12 people in a suite rather than leaving it empty?
So how about the team sets up a web page on the Coyotes site where fans can send in their suggestions. There are COUNTLESS things the organization can do that would cost little to nothing. The team needs more fans in the seats and current fans really need the chance to voice their opinion.
I understand that the marketing budget comes from the owner of the team and the current owner is the NHL so the team is limited in what they can and can't do.
Here is an idea though, why not ask the fans. Ask the fans what they want to see happen at the games, what kinds of ads they think will bring people into the door and in the seats. Who better to ask than the people that are passionate about the sport and have to spend their money to attend these games. If I was asked, I certainly would have told the team that fans would much rather have a bobblehead of Keith Yandle or Martin Hanzal rather than a rock star or US Senator.
I am sure there is great value in having someone with an expensive marketing degree and sports experience calling the shots in the end, but what bad would come out of asking the fans?
Here are some quick ideas for the team:
How many times do you see lots of empty suites at the games? I can't think of many better ways to get people in the door than giving away some suites throughout the season. Chances are that someone who won a suite would bring 11 others, some of which might never have gone to a hockey game before and after being to a game, would consider going again.
Have Facebook and/or twitter contests where people who retweet or post something on their wall would be entered to win a suite. It would be very easy to set up a ticket referral program where each person has a unique link and every person they send there and sells a ticket would be entered in the contest to win a suite. Throw in a food credit to sweeten the prize.
Wouldn't the team rather have 12 people in a suite rather than leaving it empty?
So how about the team sets up a web page on the Coyotes site where fans can send in their suggestions. There are COUNTLESS things the organization can do that would cost little to nothing. The team needs more fans in the seats and current fans really need the chance to voice their opinion.
Monday, October 17, 2011
2012 NHL UFA List
I know, I know, I am looking way too far ahead, BUT here is some notable players who will be unrestricted free agents after this season.
Alexander Semin
Ryan Smyth
Nick Lindstrom
Zach Parise - i personally would love to have him on the Yotes.
Jaromir Jagr
Saku Koivu
Jordin Tootoo
Sami Lepisto
Al Montoya
This is just a very short list, you can see the rest here.
2012 UFA List
Here is a list of the Coyotes whose contracts expire after this season.
Shane Doan - UFA
Daymond Langkow - UFA
Ray Whitney - UFA
Taylor Pyatt - UFA
Patrick O'Sullivan - UFA
Kyle "El Chupacabra" Chipchua - RFA
Petteri Nokelainen - RFA
Michal Rozsival - UFA
Adrian Aucoin - UFA
Chris Summers - RFA
In my opinion, Doan will be signed to a contract that will have him here for the rest of his playing days soon after Jamison takes over the team.
Alexander Semin
Ryan Smyth
Nick Lindstrom
Zach Parise - i personally would love to have him on the Yotes.
Jaromir Jagr
Saku Koivu
Jordin Tootoo
Sami Lepisto
Al Montoya
This is just a very short list, you can see the rest here.
2012 UFA List
Here is a list of the Coyotes whose contracts expire after this season.
Shane Doan - UFA
Daymond Langkow - UFA
Ray Whitney - UFA
Taylor Pyatt - UFA
Patrick O'Sullivan - UFA
Kyle "El Chupacabra" Chipchua - RFA
Petteri Nokelainen - RFA
Michal Rozsival - UFA
Adrian Aucoin - UFA
Chris Summers - RFA
In my opinion, Doan will be signed to a contract that will have him here for the rest of his playing days soon after Jamison takes over the team.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Stanley Cup Odds 2011-2012
Here are the current odds to win the cup according to BoDog.
Vancouver Canucks - 7/1
Washington Capitals - 7/1
Boston Bruins - 10/1
Pittsburgh Penguins - 10/1
San Jose Sharks - 10/1
Philadelphia Flyers - 11/1
Chicago Blackhawks - 12/1
Detroit Red Wings - 12/1
Los Angeles Kings - 14/1
Buffalo Sabres - 18/1
Tampa Bay Lightning - 18/1
Anaheim Ducks - 25/1
Montreal Canadiens - 25/1
Nashville Predators - 30/1
New Jersey Devils - 30/1
New York Rangers - 30/1
St. Louis Blues - 35/1
Calgary Flames - 40/1
Dallas Stars - 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes - 40/1
Carolina Hurricanes - 45/1
Edmonton Oilers - 50/1
Toronto Maple Leafs - 50/1
Winnipeg Jets - 60/1
Colorado Avalanche - 65/1
Columbus Blue Jackets - 75/1
Florida Panthers - 75/1
Minnesota Wild - 75/1
Ottawa Senators - 75/1
New York Islanders - 80/1
Vancouver Canucks - 7/1
Washington Capitals - 7/1
Boston Bruins - 10/1
Pittsburgh Penguins - 10/1
San Jose Sharks - 10/1
Philadelphia Flyers - 11/1
Chicago Blackhawks - 12/1
Detroit Red Wings - 12/1
Los Angeles Kings - 14/1
Buffalo Sabres - 18/1
Tampa Bay Lightning - 18/1
Anaheim Ducks - 25/1
Montreal Canadiens - 25/1
Nashville Predators - 30/1
New Jersey Devils - 30/1
New York Rangers - 30/1
St. Louis Blues - 35/1
Calgary Flames - 40/1
Dallas Stars - 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes - 40/1
Carolina Hurricanes - 45/1
Edmonton Oilers - 50/1
Toronto Maple Leafs - 50/1
Winnipeg Jets - 60/1
Colorado Avalanche - 65/1
Columbus Blue Jackets - 75/1
Florida Panthers - 75/1
Minnesota Wild - 75/1
Ottawa Senators - 75/1
New York Islanders - 80/1
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