Around this time of year two summers ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning were boasting about their commitment to sponsor a brand spankin' new annual four-team college hockey tournament:"As we prepare to host the NCAA Frozen Four in 2012, we look forward to establishing a regular college hockey presence in Tampa Bay," said Ron Campbell, president of the Tampa Bay Lightning and the St. Pete Times Forum.That was then, and this (via INCH) is now:
The Tampa Bay Lightning has zapped the Lightning College Hockey Classic.Two and out... classic indeed (for the record, Notre Dame, which has co-hosted the event since its inception, and UMass will go down in history as the only two teams to ever win the event).
Interestingly, while this sounds like a case of new ownership somewhat indiscriminately purging remnants of the old administration for which they have no future use (and it may very well be just that), one week ago the Bolts announced that former team president Campbell -- the same starry-eyed chap from above -- "has assumed the role of Special Advisor to the Ownership" and "will work to develop new business and community relationships [and] nurture existing relationships." One would think that part of Campbell's special advice to the ownership would include cluing them in to the fact that forcing college hockey programs to scramble at nearly the last minute to fulfill their scheduling obligations because the new Hollywood heavy in town doesn't care much for amateur athletics might not be such a good idea, but one might be wrong -- there has been no comment out of Tampa yet as to the reason for the cancellation.
But the tournament will go on, having been moved to a suburb of Chicago (to start the day after another big hockey game in the Windy City), leaving nothing but good hockey and hard feelings in its wake:
"I am extremely disappointed in the Tampa Bay Lighting's decision to not continue the tournament," said Fighting Irish coach Jeff Jackson. "We had a verbal agreement to continue this for two more years, and as hosts of the Frozen Four in 2012, I'm not sure it's the best message to send to the college hockey community by cancelling the tournament at such a late date."And here I had almost convinced myself that Oren Koules was one of the good guys.
Update: Ken Schott strengthens his language here and calls for the NCAA to "hand out the ultimate punishment to Tampa" and hold the 2012 Frozen Four elsewhere.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-31-2008 @ 10:48PM
todd said...
It figures.....just one more brilliant move by Oren Klueless. It seems to me this ego maniac will have himself on the blue line for the bolts by season end. Building college hockey up leading into the 2012 frozen four was the best way to introduce the area to the great hockey that is played at that level, and the 2 tournements were very good. If you missed them you missed the heart of real hockey, as college football is for football. Kids playing for the love of the game and the pride of there schools, not for a bonus. What a shame to lose this event. I pray Klueless and the hollywood idiots don't ruin this franchise as well. And there ad campaign " owners to unite us?" are you kiding me? We were #6 in attendance in 2006 and # 3 in 2007 and # 8 in the 07-08 season. with an average of 18,692 tickets per game sold. The forum lists a hockey sell out at 19,500 tickets. Not bad for the worst team in the NHL last season. Under a 1000 people short of a average sell out for the season!? And the fact that when you go to a bolts game we finally have at least 80% of the crowd. Not like in the early days when they felt like Rangers home games. We have come ALONG way as a hockey town, from our cup to being in the top of attendance the last 6 years. And running the visiting fans out and filling the seats with bolts fans. Thanks Klueless, I think we are united just fine here, we just ask for quality hockey , and save your made for hollywood team for the movies. Want to unite us with the owners? Run the organization with some class and character and Win.
Reply
9-02-2008 @ 12:28PM
bell19 said...
UH you are confusing tickets distributed with tickets sold.
A huge chunk of the Lightning seats are 2 for 1's , freebies or other discounts.
Bottom part of the league in revenue.
9-01-2008 @ 9:28AM
jim_mich2002 said...
Who thought staginh the "Frozen Four" in Tampa Florida was a good idea in the first place? That decision appears to be one that allows the NCAA administrators and opportunity to work on their golf games at the expense of the colleges and the players who play for the love of the game.
Reply