I was looking at the AHL attendance figures and if Oklahoma City is starved for ice-hockey after a one-year hiatus; we should be among the AHL attendance leaders.

AHL Attendance December 5:

intotheboards.net Minor pro Hockey news and Information (http://www.intotheboards.net/hockey2/publish/ahl_league/AHL-Attendance-Report.shtml)

AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE - ATTENDANCE

Team Games
Att.
Avg.

Hershey 12 109,033 9,086
Manitoba 16 115,774 7,236
Grand Rapids 13 86,331 6,641
WB/Scranton 11 69,012 6,274
Chicago 14 83,395 5,957
Providence 13 69,008 5,308
Houston 13 74,570 5,736
Lake Erie 15 74,884 4,992
Texas 12 61,588 5,132
Syracuse 11 51,787 4,708
Manchester 14 63,822 4,559
Hamilton 10 47,869 4,787
San Antonio 13 57,316 4,409
Portland 12 46,106 3,842
Adirondack 12 57,270 4,773
Bridgeport 16 60,361 3,773
Peoria 15 58,413 3,894
Rochester 11 42,414 3,856
Milwaukee 9 36,259 4,029
Binghamton 13 46,774 3,598
Abbotsford 13 45,364 3,490
Albany 15 50,513 3,368
Hartford 11 37,489 3,408
Rockford 14 46,698 3,336
Norfolk 9 29,156 3,240
Springfield 13 41,443 3,188
Toronto 13 39,602 3,046
Worcester 13 40,369 3,105
Lowell 14 25,160 1,797
TOTALS 370 1,667,780 4,509

















Question(?):

Are we getting the Springfield franchise -Or- a dormant Edmond team?

will they still be called the Blazers?

will they still be called the Blazers?

Since Bob Funk is a major investor, then my guess is yes. Even if he wasn't, the Blazers name would probably stay.

Why would they keep the Blazers name if the whole reason for folding the CHL team was to get a (still minor league but) "real" hockey team? If the Blazers weren't good enough for people when they were here, why keep the name association?

Because the "Blazers" is the traditional OKC team name and was a long, long time ago. The only time that I don't remember it being Blazers was when they were a Minnesota North Stars farm team (still in the old CHL) and they named the OKC team the Stars. It was just never right. I think an appropriates city team name is better than a copy of the parent name.

I've heard the Edmondton deal is definitely going to happen from an individual who seems to think he knows, but we certainly aren't hearing any news about it.

Millie....

Just to add a little bit to what is already being stated, the original 'Blazers' of the pre-1967 NHL expansion days was one of the best minor league teams of all time. Most of the players from those teams went on to long NHL careers with goaltenders Bernie Parent and Gerry Cheevers eventually being inducted into the Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Renaming the team to something like the 'Rampage' or 'Ice Okies' or some such silliness would really insult the long history of hockey in this city. Other teams, such as the Fort Wayne Komets and Peoria Rivermen, have bounced from league to league, level to level over the years and retained the historical team name.

Keep it traditional....keep it 'Blazers'.


http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/57/l_a0f78811d8b81b924daf481bacd09cb5.jpg

If this happens i hope they go with the old colors. The red just never looked right to me.

Why would they keep the Blazers name if the whole reason for folding the CHL team was to get a (still minor league but) "real" hockey team? If the Blazers weren't good enough for people when they were here, why keep the name association?

:phone:

It didn't have anything to do with the Blazers (namesake); more to do with the quality of players in the league and the CHL was labeling itself as double-A brand. Too many times I went to games and saw players miss open nets from point blank range; also, some stupid passes across ice that were intercepted.

You could market the name Blazers much better than you can come up with a new name.

Remember, Oklahoma City is not a hockeytown but a Blazertown!

This one year hiatus will be great for the return of hockey to Oklahoma City and at the Cox Convention Center (Myriad) where it will be ideal for crowds ranging from 6,000 - 11,0000.

I would predict that the Blazers will average 8,000 - 10,000 upon their return.

The name of the club has changed...Hate to be annoying but I can't say what it is...I have mortgage payments :ohno:

If they decide to rename the team--that will be OK.

There are some great potential cities for rivalries--Houston, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Chicago, Toronto (also in NBA with OKC) and Texas (Austin)--former CHL city.

I still predict that there is a strong possibility that the AHL will be relocating some franchbises to Tulsa, Wichita (new arena under construction) and Kansas City.

Does anyone know if the Cox Center renovations were passed today?

Does anyone know if the Cox Center renovations were passed today?

Here you go:

NewsOK (http://newsok.com/city-council-approves-cox-center-improvements-for-proposed-ahl-team/article/3425238?custom_click=headlines_widget)

Thanks!

Why would they keep the Blazers name if the whole reason for folding the CHL team was to get a (still minor league but) "real" hockey team? If the Blazers weren't good enough for people when they were here, why keep the name association?

because the blazers logo kicks ass. hockey is all about the kick ass jersey logos and the fights the players get into. the game itself is only the secondary nature for fandom. :LolLolLol

because the blazers logo kicks ass. hockey is all about the kick ass jersey logos and the fights the players get into. the game itself is only the secondary nature for fandom. :LolLolLol

I guess if you think a crudely drawn logo of a capitol dome "kicks ass (that shows the lack of quality of your grammar)," then more power to you. Frankly, it is horrible.

I don't know about all this- the core of this team would be this year's Springfield (Mass) Falcons, and they suck.

I guess if you think a crudely drawn logo of a capitol dome "kicks ass (that shows the lack of quality of your grammar)," then more power to you. Frankly, it is horrible.
I think most of us are referring to the older Blazers logos, not the "Funk era" logos which seemed to change every few years. The last few were pretty bad and too busy, the color change was bad as well.

I think most of us are referring to the older Blazers logos, not the "Funk era" logos which seemed to change every few years. The last few were pretty bad and too busy, the color change was bad as well.

Then they should have said the former logos.

I was about to say....it's been a few years since you've been to a game if you think the Blazers are still using the some logo. It's the nature of the minor league beast to change logos and looks every few years ($$$$$).

I mean, I've never liked the new OSU flaming brand logo and prison jump suit orange uniforms.....but I don't think we should change the Cowboys name or quit attending football games.

I'll be happy as long as the name isn't the IceDawgz

Then they should have said the former logos.

Like Poke said, they haven't used the dome logo in several years. Lately they've been using the stylized 'B', which looks identical to the old Cleveland Barons logo. I thought the more recent 'traditional' jerseys were pretty sharp (traditional as opposed to the occasional alternate or holiday jersey).

I'd like to see them keep the name, but will support hockey's return even if it's the Ice Bison, or whatever. :)

Thank you for bringing up the Cleveland Barons....a classic example of a team with great tradition that have since changed their name to....are you ready.....the Lake Erie Monsters! Pathetic.

They took on the Rochester Americans last night....a team founded in 1956...with some very classic uni's this year. Talk about throwback.

http://lakeeriemonsters.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/News/Rochester_December-22_410.jpg

Can't wait for the AHL to get here.

OKC Roughnecks???

I mean, I've never liked the new OSU flaming brand logo and prison jump suit orange uniforms.....but I don't think we should change the Cowboys name or quit attending football games.

while i was watching a game earlier this year i noticed they had gotten rid of the flames. i wonder when that happened?

They probably got rid of the flaming homo logo right about the time they got rid of the digital alarm clock numbers. Let's review....

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k351/dentonv/Oklahoma%20State%20Football/rashaun_woods2_sm.jpg

But let's not forget some of our other horrific looks...

I bring you the 2000 Traffic Cone Pajamas...

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k351/dentonv/Oklahoma%20State%20Football/RashaunWoods.jpg

The 1993-1994 Solid Black look.....we went 7-15-1 in these.

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k351/dentonv/Oklahoma%20State%20Football/ToneJones.jpg

The ridiculous 1972 look....ugly helmet...and YMCA quality intramural jersey.

http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k351/dentonv/Oklahoma%20State%20Football/O58510.jpg

Our 3D Danny look of the early 1950's.....back when college freshmen looked like AARP members.

http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs174.snc3/20145_251610172164_577992164_4849265_1564641_n.jpg

And our 1970 team captains/Future Tax Accountants of America look...nice socks though.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20145_251625602164_577992164_4849368_1380144_n.jpg

I'm telling ya...it's sometimes tough being an OSU fan.

I was about to say....it's been a few years since you've been to a game if you think the Blazers are still using the some logo. It's the nature of the minor league beast to change logos and looks every few years ($$$$$).

I mean, I've never liked the new OSU flaming brand logo and prison jump suit orange uniforms.....but I don't think we should change the Cowboys name or quit attending football games.

What does the quote in bold have to do with Oklahoma City entering the AHL?:backtotop

The name will probably remain Blazers. I just hope it's a better logo. Oklahoma City dodged a redneck bullet with the Thunder instead of some hick name. I just hope Bob Funk is thinking the same as Clay Bennett.

So, what is the deal with the AHL? Did we get a team? The season started a while ago, so will it be for the 2010-11 season? I thought they agreed to play in the Cox Convention Center? Am I confused? What is the deal? Do we have a team or not?

So, what is the deal with the AHL? Did we get a team? The season started a while ago, so will it be for the 2010-11 season? I thought they agreed to play in the Cox Convention Center? Am I confused? What is the deal? Do we have a team or not?

There is no team this year.

The (ahem) "speculation" (ahem) is that there's an AHL team (Most likely Edmonton's AAA team) coming next season.

Hope that clears it up for you.

I think most of us are referring to the older Blazers logos, not the "Funk era" logos which seemed to change every few years. The last few were pretty bad and too busy, the color change was bad as well.


Funk changed Blazer uniforms more than some people changed their draws (underwear) .:LolLolLol

Rumor has it, that the Springfield Falcons owner has committed to another season in Springfield. However, that could all be talk out of the side of his mouth. Anyways that team sucks. They have dropped 15 straight. They always start off decent and then tank in the lat 3/4ths of the season. They finished dead last in the league last year, so I don't think we want them.

However, I also wish Funk wasn't involved in our potential franchise. If he couldn't manage the blazers with the attendance we had what makes him think he can manage an AHL team. Then he changed all of those uniforms. That always bugs me because it is as if the fans should go out and buy a new jersey each time he changes it. It is just annoying and dumb. Plus I like it when teams stick to the logos and jerseys over the years. It shows tradition.

Rumor also has it that it costs the Edmonton owners half a million a year to keep the franchise dormant. But they probably have tons of money anyways so maybe that is not a big deal. Oh well, I wish Funk would let us know what is going on. I wonder what the deadline is on the deal being done in order to have hockey by the 2010-2011 season.

When people start buying used underwear like they do used hockey jerseys, you will see a major increase in short-changing. Can you imagine the money to be made from an AHL sellout for a young Russians gamer jock at auction!

Note: (AHL sellout) to stay on topic.

Anyways that team sucks. They have dropped 15 straight. They always start off decent and then tank in the lat 3/4ths of the season. They finished dead last in the league last year, so I don't think we want them.

Yes, we want them.

I'm not sure if you're new to minor league hockey but inconsistancy is the one constant of the game.

While it's true the Falcons haven't made the playoffs since the 02-03 season, I don't think that's a lock we'll see the same thing here. Many teams bounce from top to bottom in the AHL.

Have you seen the current top team in the west, the first year Texas Stars? Their last season as the Iowa Stars saw them finish in dead last place. The Toronto Marlies did it a few years ago as well.

Same thing with Omaha...from no playoffs to first place in their division..back to no playoffs the next.....with .500 area hockey since moving to Quad Cities and now Abbortsford.

I honestly don't expect an AHL team to stay very long in Oklahoma City...so we might as well enjoy this level of hockey while it lasts.

Yes, we want them.

I'm not sure if you're new to minor league hockey but inconsistancy is the one constant of the game.

While it's true the Falcons haven't made the playoffs since the 02-03 season, I don't think that's a lock we'll see the same thing here. Many teams bounce from top to bottom in the AHL.

Have you seen the current top team in the west, the first year Texas Stars? Their last season as the Iowa Stars saw them finish in dead last place. The Toronto Marlies did it a few years ago as well.

Same thing with Omaha...from no playoffs to first place in their division..back to no playoffs the next.....with .500 area hockey since moving to Quad Cities and now Abbortsford.

I honestly don't expect an AHL team to stay very long in Oklahoma City...so we might as well enjoy this level of hockey while it lasts.


Sweet & Sour you're so correct, and I might add; Oklahoma City has a way of bringing out the best.

From the deathbed of the National Finals Rodeo (Dallas) to the Oklahoma City Thunder (Seattle Supersonics); OKC will roll out the red carpet for the AHL.

Our community will welcome triple-A hockey back to one of the original CHL hotbed cities when AAA hockey was a true step from the Major Leagues.

I am not saying I don't want AHL hockey here. I am itching to have some hockey. I am stuck watching NHL network, versus, and the Dallas Stars. No offense to anyone, but I have never liked the Stars. I hate the colors, the logo, the name, and Mike Modano. They just don't sound intimidating, at all. But because you live in Oklahoma you get Fox Sports SW and you are stuck watching the Dallas Stars. I just watch them to watch the teams they play.

I do agree that the players would love to come here and play in front of 8-10K, but what makes you think Funk is going to spend the money to improve the team. I doubt it. He just lost millions on the Blazers. I just have a bad feeling about Funk being involved in this whole ordeal.

Wasn't there supposed to be a deal by Dec 31? Anybody heard anything?

Wasn't there supposed to be a deal by Dec 31? Anybody heard anything?

I'm sure it's done, but there has to be league approval. And I have heard a time frame of March, but deadlines are made to be broken. If you go to prodigalhockey.com , you can sign up for an email announcement.

Looks like things are progressing. The arena sounds like it will be pretty fancy. Hopefully we get this done soon. Sounds like the 31st deadline wasn't such a hard fast deadline. I was worried if they didn't do something by then, then we wouldn't have a team by 2010-2011.
The Journal Record - Article (http://www.journalrecord.com/article.cfm?recid=105754)

Just in case the link doesn't work. I tried hyperlink it.
The Journal Record - Article (http://www.journalrecord.com/article.cfm?recid=105754)

Atleast there is something going on, it's driving me nuts. I want to start saving money for season tickets!

I found this in the Edmonton Journal:

The most consistent organization in hockey (http://www.edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/edmonton-oilers/most+consistent+organization+hockey/2431884/story.html)

The few Oilers prospects with NHL futures on the roster -- we're thinking Taylor Chorney, Ryan O'Marra and perhaps Colin Mc-Donald -- won't have to go back to Springfield next year to answer for a second consecutive soiling of the sheets, poised as they are to become Oklahoma City's AHL franchise next season. The Falcons will have to get into bed with another NHL team.

"The affiliation agreement (between Edmonton and Springfield) expires at the end of this season. It has not been extended or renewed and to the best of my knowledge there have been no negotiations," said AHL president Dave Andrews.

"Clearly, Edmonton would like to activate its dormant AHL franchise. There has been lots of talk of Oklahoma City as a potential site. As yet, there has been no formal request to transfer that franchise anywhere. From a league point-of-view, the final date to request an activation is the spring meeting, toward the end of March."

An Edmonton source said Monday that the Oilers will indeed work out an affiliation deal with Prodigal Hockey LLC, which holds a newly awarded five-year lease at $300,000 US annually in the Cox Convention Centre. It's an old barn that will undergo $4.5 million US in improvements between now and next fall, a tab picked up by the City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Awesome find Betts! I can't wait until it is official.

AHL: State of the League Address and OKCNews - The Copper & Blue (http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/1/20/1261608/ahl-state-of-the-league-address)

From the board in Springfield...


Quote:
I was at a Springfield Falcons get together on Wednesday night. To nobody's surprise, President & GM Bruce Landon during his opening comments stated that:



"It won't be official for a couple of weeks, but the Oilers will not be returning to Springfield next season. They will be moving their AHL club to Oklahoma City."



Goodbye Oilers...thanks for nothing. The ownership group here in Springfield has been abused for the last six seasons now. Three with Edmonton, and the three previous with the Lightning. Pro hockey has been in Springfield since 1926, and these have unquestionably been the six darkest years in memory.



The players OTOH are all a good bunch and I wish them well wherever they end up in their careers.

Here's some interesting information about a potential name, and also information that makes it seem like it's probably a done deal:

Additional names for the Oklahoma City AHL teamdiscovered - The Copper & Blue (http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/1/15/1252460/additional-names-for-the-oklahoma)

Though lips are sealed from both Prodigal Hockey and the Edmonton Oilers, the affiliation agreement is already in place and has been for some time. The Oilers' will dust off the Roadrunners franchise, move their AHL affiliate from Springfield to Oklahoma City next season, and unless the proximity of the Tulsa Oilers and the backlash from Blazers fan is too much, they'll be named after an oil theme.

I just watched our future goalie give up 3...wait... 4 goals in one period. Ugh.

Here's some interesting information about a potential name, and also information that makes it seem like it's probably a done deal:

Additional names for the Oklahoma City AHL teamdiscovered - The Copper & Blue (http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/1/15/1252460/additional-names-for-the-oklahoma)

Though lips are sealed from both Prodigal Hockey and the Edmonton Oilers, the affiliation agreement is already in place and has been for some time. The Oilers' will dust off the Roadrunners franchise, move their AHL affiliate from Springfield to Oklahoma City next season, and unless the proximity of the Tulsa Oilers and the backlash from Blazers fan is too much, they'll be named after an oil theme.

One thing to remember. Before the name "Thunder" was announced, Clay, et al registered several domain names to keep the name a mystery.

My money is still on tradition... Blazers!

From the board in Springfield...


Quote:
I was at a Springfield Falcons get together on Wednesday night. To nobody's surprise, President & GM Bruce Landon during his opening comments stated that:



"It won't be official for a couple of weeks, but the Oilers will not be returning to Springfield next season. They will be moving their AHL club to Oklahoma City."



Goodbye Oilers...thanks for nothing. The ownership group here in Springfield has been abused for the last six seasons now. Three with Edmonton, and the three previous with the Lightning. Pro hockey has been in Springfield since 1926, and these have unquestionably been the six darkest years in memory.



The players OTOH are all a good bunch and I wish them well wherever they end up in their careers.

What does OTOH mean?

What does OTOH mean?

On The Other Hand

I just watched our future goalie give up 3...wait... 4 goals in one period. Ugh.

If your talking about Levasseur, he is a Anaheim Duck Prospect.

If your talking about Levasseur, he is a Anaheim Duck Prospect.

Good, then we can Leva him in Springfield.

Good, then we can Leva him in Springfield.I agree with you, but he will go where ever Anaheim sends him.

Is he related to Louie Levasseur, who played for the OKC Stars?

Springfield separation official, Oklahoma City announcement coming soon (http://www.coppernblue.com/2010/2/5/1297800/springfield-separation-official)

That's exciting news for OKC. I used to be a big hockey fan, but couldn't get into the Blazers. I'll have to catch some games when the new team gets here.

There will be a announcement on Tuesday at the Myriad at 4pm.

AHL in OKC http://http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-lands-american-hockey-league-team/article/3438183?custom_click=lead_story_title (http://www.newsok.com/oklahoma-city-lands-american-hockey-league-team/article/3438183?custom_click=lead_story_title)

i would like to see the OKC Oilers or the OKC Outlaws please never the Blazers

Oliver...

Think about this for a moment.......let's say Oklahoma City becomes the 'Oilers' and in a few short years Tulsa joins the AHL.

I would imagine Tulsa would like to keep the name of the team they've had since 1928. What do they do? Do we have two Oilers in the same league?

As for the Blazers name, it's really amazing how many people that have a limited understanding of the hockey history in OKC that immediately identify the 'Blazers' trademark with subpar quality hockey.

Unfortunate, actually.

when I hear Blazers I think of smokin Joe Burton the flaming puck logo and of course the myriad

I remember growing up and going to all The Blazers games w/ my Dad,he had good season tix.The Myriad used to be a rockin place back then!13k+ at a double-A hockey game it was nuts,one side of the arena yells GO The other Blazers!it was a good loud enviroment,great time growing up!(i am 28)so this wasnt too long ago!lol-I hope The BLAZERS name lives on!!!just sounds good!OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS!!!