Ducks hiring for an AHL related position in San Diego

[HansH]

Hans, without looking at the 2009 standings, were there 30 AHL teams then?

You are correct....nothing would surprise me.

There were 30 AHL _franchises_ already in existence at that time, at least two dormant. So, technically for a year, there were 31 franchises.

 

[210]

I don't think it's likely to happen in this case, but it amuses me how people conveniently forget the "temporary franchise" granted to create the T-Stars in 2009 when talking about the impossibility of some scenarios.

I've not forgotten it, the Iowa Chops were suspended due the to the owners violating AHL bylaws by using the franchise as collateral for a loan. The Texas Stars were awarded a franchise to temporarily replace the suspended Chops franchise provided they purchased a franchise by some date during the summer after the Starts played. They did, and not so shockingly it was the Chops. So there was never really 31 teams, it was just the league allowing the Stars to play while they finalized a deal with the suspended owners of the Chops.

Adding a 31st playing franchise is significantly different than that situation.

 

[210]

If the Ducks aren't buying an AHL franchise then why are they looking to hire an executive assistant for an AHL team in San Diego (as per the first post in this thread)? There's a building body of evidence that Anaheim has either purchased a team or intends to soon. So the question remains...who?

They have intended to since last summer when they made an offer to purchase the Norfolk Admirals and were told to go pound sand.

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/10/despite-continental-divide-admirals-not-about-move#

 

[RFA]

They're looking for someone with a High School diploma or equivalent work experience, according to the Mayor.....

 

[210]

They're looking for someone with a High School diploma or equivalent work experience, according to the Mayor.....

...and must be able to work weekends.

 

[JungleJON]

"Hahn says he would be more inclined to revive the Gulls if he could do so in the form of an American Hockey League franchise. The AHL is to the ECHL as Triple-A baseball is to Double-A and, as it happens, the only National Hockey League team without an AHL affiliate is the one in closest proximity to San Diego, the Anaheim Ducks."

This taken from an article back in 2010.

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/mar/09/no-home-for-hockey-sullivan/

 

[hkymnky]

They have intended to since last summer when they made an offer to purchase the Norfolk Admirals and were told to go pound sand.

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/10/despite-continental-divide-admirals-not-about-move#

Thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that before.

Ultimately everyone has their price, and while it sounds like Ken Young wasn't interesting in selling, I suspect there may be others who are more open to the idea. There's certainly no shortage of vulnerable franchises.

Perhaps there's something to be said about the speculation in the other thread about Bruce Landon's oddly specific, "There have been absolutely no negotiations or even mild discussions with Columbus about them purchasing the Springfield franchise." Perhaps this is because the team is being sold to Anaheim instead.

Speaking of the Bruce Landon article. Does anyone else find it odd that the former owner of the team is the one writing an article about the team? Shouldn't the current owner be stepping forward and demonstrating his commitment?

 

[RFA]

Interesting article on SD, but the author makes a couple of points I disagree with.

Minor league hockey being profitable does happen, but rarely. It's been generally accepted the 30% of AHL teams have made money the last 10 years or so, I'm guessing fewer the lower the level.

The whole ECHL being AA level is garbage. AA baseball players get called up to MLB fairly often- sometimes straight from AA or sometimes after a short AAA stint- which is more fill in guys and fewer prospects. ECHL is like Low A- not impossible to be in the NHL this year (or ever), but 99.9% won't be this year. How many players are even on NHL contracts? Max of 50- 25+ in NHL, 15ish in AHL, then draft picks, guys in Europe, etc.- what's left one or two?

If they're looking at SD for AHL it's no problem finding the GM, coach, players, trainers, etc.... The $27,000 secretary who can't go to the beach on weekends and "account execs" who might be getting commission (no we never said that) are going to be the tough positions to fill. So it's very possible they're looking to see if it's even possible to run a developmental team there beside the distractions like beach, babes, or TJ donkey show.

 

[Lunatik]

Post #14 answers this.

because you claim values will drop by your own fabricated percentages?

 

[Lunatik]

I don't think it's likely to happen in this case, but it amuses me how people conveniently forget the "temporary franchise" granted to create the T-Stars in 2009 when talking about the impossibility of some scenarios.

I don't think it is likely either because there are alot of teams they could buy. But if the unlikely happens and they are unable to find a willing seller, the NHL & AHL will find a way to get them a team if they really want the westward movement to take place.

 

[210]

because you claim values will drop by your own fabricated percentages?

AHL franchise values are high right now because there is a demand for them. Creating a franchise out of thin air that leaves an existing franchise without an affiliation 1) reduces demand for the current franchises and 2) causes current independent franchises to run the risk of being virtually worthless.

Exactly how is it you not understand basic supply and demand?

 

[Clinton Comets EHL]

AHL franchise values are high right now because there is a demand for them. Creating a franchise out of thin air that leaves an existing franchise without an affiliation 1) reduces demand for the current franchises and 2) causes current independent franchises to run the risk of being virtually worthless.

Exactly how is it you not understand basic supply and demand?

Exactly right.

What people are failing to realize:

The entire league does not want to move west, only 8 teams, tops...at some point.

There ARE eastern NHL teams that want THEIR AHL franchise in the, well, east.

Not all AHL teams are owned by NHL teams so even if there is a bunch of wink winks between them saying ok go form your own division out west, there are a whole bunch of independent owners who have the power to block certain moves.

All that said, I think there will be a western movement. My guess is the eastern teams and fans in those cities will never see them unless it is the finals.

There is going to be change. This year? Looking likely. Anyone know who? Only a select few owners and arena operators will know.

Hans says likely by end of this month and I agree. Know deadlines can be extended but ECHL/CHL was desperate absorption. Like all minor league moves, a whole bunch of dominos have to fall in place.

I do not see a 31st franchise though under almost any circumstance.

 

[Clinton Comets EHL]

I don't think it is likely either because there are alot of teams they could buy. But if the unlikely happens and they are unable to find a willing seller, the NHL & AHL will find a way to get them a team if they really want the westward movement to take place.

And risk the relationship with 29 other owner/partners? I don't see it.

 

[go comets]

Well they must be buying someone's AHLTeam... The question is who is willing to sell.I'm just guessing , but I would guess it is a north east based team being sold as there are enough privately owned teams here to affiliate with... Maybe nj or the rangers, but the rangers don't need the money.....

 

[hkymnky]

Well they must be buying someone's AHLTeam... The question is who is willing to sell.I'm just guessing , but I would guess it is a north east based team being sold as there are enough privately owned teams here to affiliate with... Maybe nj or the rangers, but the rangers don't need the money.....

Yeah, not only do the Rangers not need the money, owning an AHL team and having MSG manage the arena seems to be their ideal arrangement. My understanding is that things between MSG and Hartford went south in 2012 as a result of the whole Howard Baldwin "The Whale" fiasco. As it stands the XL Center is managed by Global Spectrum which makes the Wolfpack a tenant, and a strong candidate for AHL "infill" relocation.

Speaking of, does anyone know who manages Manchester's barn? My suspicion is AEG. I know the Monarch's contract with the city is up, perhaps AEG's management contract is up as well? If so Manchester could be an ideal market for the Ranger's AHL team and an MSG management contract.

Meanwhile...no one seems to be talking much about Bridgeport. Was the franchise sold along with the Islanders or is it stilled owned by Wang? Any idea if owning an AHL team fits in with the plans of the Isle's new owners? If I remember correctly there was a similar change in direction when St. Louis was purchased in 2012 and the Peoria franchise was sold to Vancouver last summer. If there's as much reluctance to sell among independent owners as some here are speculating, it may make sense that Anaheim's team will come from within the NHL fold.

 

[CHRDANHUTCH]

Yeah, not only do the Rangers not need the money, owning an AHL team and having MSG manage the arena seems to be their ideal arrangement. My understanding is that things between MSG and Hartford went south in 2012 as a result of the whole Howard Baldwin "The Whale" fiasco. As it stands the XL Center is managed by Global Spectrum which makes the Wolfpack a tenant, and a strong candidate for AHL "infill" relocation.

Speaking of, does anyone know who manages Manchester's barn? My suspicion is AEG. I know the Monarch's contract with the city is up, perhaps AEG's management contract is up as well? If so Manchester could be an ideal market for the Ranger's AHL team and an MSG management contract.

Meanwhile...no one seems to be talking much about Bridgeport. Was the franchise sold along with the Islanders or is it stilled owned by Wang? Any idea if owning an AHL team fits in with the plans of the Isle's new owners? If I remember correctly there was a similar change in direction when St. Louis was purchased in 2012 and the Peoria franchise was sold to Vancouver last summer. If there's as much reluctance to sell among independent owners as some here are speculating, it may make sense that Anaheim's team will come from within the NHL fold.

it's the same company that manages both XL/VWA, Global Spectrum, besides Hartford's not going anywhere until 2017 at the earliest due to the lease extension and the flip back to the Wolf*Pack WAS A PART OF THAT as well.... Hartford's deal could extend until 2018-19 based off the extension confirmed by the Hartford Courant last February 26th of 2013, which sets them in XL through 2016-17 WITH 2 ONE YEAR OPTIONS....;

Bridgeport is owned outright by the Islanders and had signed a lease through 2021 at what is now Webster Bank Arena afaiu....

 

[HansH]

Speaking of, does anyone know who manages Manchester's barn?

I'm pretty sure it's actually SMG (given the big SMG logo at the bottom of the arena's webpage: http://www.verizonwirelessarena.com/ ), giving the Kings/AEG even more reason to move to an AEG-managed arena somewhere -- KC, Ontario, San Diego, take your pick.

 

[Hoodaha]

I'm pretty sure it's actually SMG (given the big SMG logo at the bottom of the arena's webpage: http://www.verizonwirelessarena.com/ ), giving the Kings/AEG even more reason to move to an AEG-managed arena somewhere -- KC, Ontario, San Diego, take your pick.

I'm sure AEG would like to have a primary tennant in the SDSA to fill some dates. The AHL would do just that, so even if the Kings weren't interested (which they are), you'd have to think it'd still be a good business decision for AEG.

 

[HansH]

I'm sure AEG would like to have a primary tennant in the SDSA to fill some dates.

Not just any tenant, though -- a few years back, there was a move to bring an ECHL franchise back to San Diego, and if I recall correctly, there was even an owner who had provisionally purchased a franchise (the provision was getting a successful lease at the SDSA)... but the younger Hahn, who is the head guy managing the arena for AEG Live, refused to even offer a lease at any price, is the scuttlebutt. Not sure if that's because that ownership appeared later to be undercapitalized, or if there really is still bad blood between the Hahn family and specifically the ECHL.

Now, if Hahn were to pull that with any prospective AHL team, I would believe his superiors would give him the choice of offering a lease, or losing his job. JMO, of course.

 

[210]

I'm pretty sure it's actually SMG (given the big SMG logo at the bottom of the arena's webpage: http://www.verizonwirelessarena.com/ ), giving the Kings/AEG even more reason to move to an AEG-managed arena somewhere -- KC, Ontario, San Diego, take your pick.

It is indeed SMG.

 

[hkymnky]

I'm pretty sure it's actually SMG (given the big SMG logo at the bottom of the arena's webpage: http://www.verizonwirelessarena.com/ ), giving the Kings/AEG even more reason to move to an AEG-managed arena somewhere -- KC, Ontario, San Diego, take your pick.

LOL, thats what I get for not taking a minute to look it up for myself.

The followup question still remains though: what is the duration of SMG's contract with Manchester. While having a team owned by one arena management entity playing in an arena operated by another isn't unheard of (apparently AEG has been in this position for some time), I can only assume that groups like AEG and MSG would prefer to control both sides of the tenant/management equation.

I keep coming back to MSG/Hartford moving to Manchester as it appears to be the most lucrative and geographically desirable location (potentially) available.

 

[go comets]

LOL, thats what I get for not taking a minute to look it up for myself.

The followup question still remains though: what is the duration of SMG's contract with Manchester. While having a team owned by one arena management entity playing in an arena operated by another isn't unheard of (apparently AEG has been in this position for some time), I can only assume that groups like AEG and MSG would prefer to control both sides of the tenant/management equation.

I keep coming back to MSG/Hartford moving to Manchester as it appears to be the most lucrative and geographically desirable location (potentially) available.

I just can not see the ranger puting their ahl players in new hampshire. they will want their players close to MSG, i see them landing someplace in NY. Maybe it will take a couple years but in NY maybe back in Bingo or Syracuse. i think Albany is pretty much dead, Glens falls is in need of Updates to continue in the AHL and the city is trying to sell it. i do see the ECHL in Glens Falls and Worcester.

 

[210]

I just can not see the ranger puting their ahl players in new hampshire. they will want their players close to MSG, i see them landing someplace in NY. Maybe it will take a couple years but in NY maybe back in Bingo or Syracuse. i think Albany is pretty much dead, Glens falls is in need of Updates to continue in the AHL and the city is trying to sell it. i do see the ECHL in Glens Falls and Worchster.

I've seen lots of misspellings of "Worcester", but that one is a first for me.

 

[JungleJON]

Not just any tenant, though -- a few years back, there was a move to bring an ECHL franchise back to San Diego, and if I recall correctly, there was even an owner who had provisionally purchased a franchise (the provision was getting a successful lease at the SDSA)... but the younger Hahn, who is the head guy managing the arena for AEG Live, refused to even offer a lease at any price, is the scuttlebutt. Not sure if that's because that ownership appeared later to be undercapitalized, or if there really is still bad blood between the Hahn family and specifically the ECHL.

Now, if Hahn were to pull that with any prospective AHL team, I would believe his superiors would give him the choice of offering a lease, or losing his job. JMO, of course.

If you look above a couple of posts - I have the link to the article I think you are talking about.

 

[MM658]

Perhaps there's something to be said about the speculation in the other thread about Bruce Landon's oddly specific, "There have been absolutely no negotiations or even mild discussions with Columbus about them purchasing the Springfield franchise." Perhaps this is because the team is being sold to Anaheim instead.

Speaking of the Bruce Landon article. Does anyone else find it odd that the former owner of the team is the one writing an article about the team? Shouldn't the current owner be stepping forward and demonstrating his commitment?

Charlie Pompea used to show up in Springfield fairly often when Landon was running the team. He's now taken the role of being a silent owner, for whatever reason. I haven't seen him at all this year (but I don't attend every game), and his daughter has been the public face of the franchise since officially taking over prior to this season. As I've stated in the other thread, there are a lot of things different about the way Springfield is being run since Landon stepped aside.

My opinion: the wild card regarding the Springfield franchise is the MGM casino(website link) that will be built diagonally across the street from the MassMutual Center, opening probably in 2017.

The casino plans to utilize the MM Center as their de facto on-site arena for entertainment (see "FAQ" quote below), with an airwalk linking the arena/convention center to the casino property. The Falcons could either be part of that entertainment mix, and thus benefit greatly...or could be marginalized by the other events booked by MGM. (Who knows, I suppose that MGM could even obtain an ownership stake in the team, if they were so inclined.)

I would think that the prudent move for the Pompea family would be to determine which direction the casino will push the franchise, and act accordingly. If the Falcons are embraced by MGM, sit tight for now and reap the benefits at that time. If MGM has plans that will marginalize the team, now is a great time to have an AHL franchise on the market, due to Western demand driving up franchise values.

Will MGM Springfield have an impact on the MassMutual Center?

Our vision is to maximize and enhance Springfield's existing cultural assets including the MassMutual Center. MGM Springfield is planning to develop a partnership between the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and MGM Resorts International in order to help bring world-class entertainment to Springfield. This strategic partnership would generate significant marketing opportunities for the MassMutual Center and the various events it hosts. We will leverage MGM's unparalleled entertainment connections and relationships to help secure additional world-class acts in the arena.

As part of the host community agreement, based on a memorandum of understanding with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, MGM has agreed to be a major sponsor of both the Springfield Falcons hockey team and the Springfield Armor basketball team (since moved to Grand Rapids)for at least three years after the proposed casino resort complex opens. MGM also will pay for improvements to the electronic marquee outside the MassMutual Center. MGM will support convention and meeting sales and Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau marketing efforts at a minimum of $250,000 annually. Furthermore, MGM has pledged to make $250,000 in ticket purchases annually for non-MGM events at the MassMutual Center.