It just doesn't seem like we'll have a core of returning players this year. And, there's a jillion ways to consider the implications of it all.
Or, maybe consider the reasons why. Number one guess would be: Are other CHL teams suffering the same number of player losses as we are? If not, or if so,
would be the main issue that makes us closer competitors or makes us more of an unknown.
But, first in my mind, is my faith in Dan and Forbes. They did it once, and surely they can do it again. Somehow, I think they wanted to build. Build from year to year. I'm guessing that isn't happening to a great extent, or enough to satisfy me as a spectator. So, maybe they are going to have to work harder to produce a competitive team this year also. At least harder than they anticipated say a year ago.
Fans have talked about the strong Euro$ that is wooing players. Money talks like nothing else. And while on the subject of money, and I'm just guessing here again (cause I ain't a big daddy), there seems to be a near vaccum in our area of fans who are willing to provide enough perks to intice the very best to play here. That's not far fetched when we all see it where the big names play. In other words, we all but see the cash flowing in other teams. Example was all the talk about the unfair match up with Colorado last year.
There was a near blatant call for cash last year and it died a lonely and near pennyless death. To me it was embarrassing to wittness numbers of fans who turned a blind eye to it or even complained about it. Yet, we same fans want to play in a league where other teams seem loaded with perks. If the alarm clock is not going off, it should be.
We have had players return...the Plouffes, Larocques, Hoggs, and a bunch of other favorites. So, it wasn't always like it is now. Maybe this Europe thing is bigger than we have imagined. From gleening hockey news, this Russian CHL seems to be competing with our NHL. Is that a big change?
What's left to wonder about is the negatives we fans keep hearing about. Different fans keep telling me how the players hated our bus. Is that a fan story or was it a player gripe? Since I drive a bus (school) for a living, I know for a fact how much nicer the newer buses are than the old ones shaking to death.
Time wise...currently...is favoring the players...they can play "hard to get". The closer we get to the season...it turns to the coaches favor...with who they want.
But, first in my mind, is my faith in Dan and Forbes. They did it once, and surely they can do it again. Somehow, I think they wanted to build. Build from year to year. I'm guessing that isn't happening to a great extent, or enough to satisfy me as a spectator. So, maybe they are going to have to work harder to produce a competitive team this year also. At least harder than they anticipated say a year ago.
Fans have talked about the strong Euro$ that is wooing players. Money talks like nothing else. And while on the subject of money, and I'm just guessing here again (cause I ain't a big daddy), there seems to be a near vaccum in our area of fans who are willing to provide enough perks to intice the very best to play here. That's not far fetched when we all see it where the big names play. In other words, we all but see the cash flowing in other teams. Example was all the talk about the unfair match up with Colorado last year.
There was a near blatant call for cash last year and it died a lonely and near pennyless death. To me it was embarrassing to wittness numbers of fans who turned a blind eye to it or even complained about it. Yet, we same fans want to play in a league where other teams seem loaded with perks. If the alarm clock is not going off, it should be.
We have had players return...the Plouffes, Larocques, Hoggs, and a bunch of other favorites. So, it wasn't always like it is now. Maybe this Europe thing is bigger than we have imagined. From gleening hockey news, this Russian CHL seems to be competing with our NHL. Is that a big change?
What's left to wonder about is the negatives we fans keep hearing about. Different fans keep telling me how the players hated our bus. Is that a fan story or was it a player gripe? Since I drive a bus (school) for a living, I know for a fact how much nicer the newer buses are than the old ones shaking to death.
Time wise...currently...is favoring the players...they can play "hard to get". The closer we get to the season...it turns to the coaches favor...with who they want.
