RON KANTOWSKI:

Economy thins ECHL’s ice

Attendance at minor league hockey games is down, and two teams are no more

KURT HEGRE / THE FRESNO BEE

Fresno Falcons jerseys hang in an empty locker at Selland Arena in Fresno on Dec. 23, the day after it was announced that the first-place team would fold, joining the Augusta Lynx of Georgia.

By Ron Kantowski (contact)

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009 | 2 a.m.

Supposedly the abbreviation “ECHL,” as in the hockey league in which the Las Vegas Wranglers participate, stands for nothing.

Wranglers

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Alex and Steve Silver discuss the Wranglers' upcoming road trip and possible early clinching of a playoff spot.

Sam Morris

A sparse crowd attends an April 12 playoff game between the Las Vegas Wranglers and the Stockton Thunder at the Orleans Arena.

LAS VEGAS SUN

Las Vegas Wranglers team site

It used to stand for East Coast Hockey League. But with card-carrying members in Las Vegas, Alaska, Bakersfield and on Victoria Island, off the coast of British Columbia — just to name a few — it didn’t seem right anymore.

But it doesn’t take as long to name the ECHL teams as it did six weeks ago.

As is the case with a lot of minor leagues, franchises in the ECHL have pretty much changed on the fly since the league was formed in 1988. But the league was proud of the fact that during its 20-year existence, one had never folded during the middle of the season.

Then during a three-week period in December, both the Augusta (Ga.) Lynx and Fresno Falcons boarded up their windows and left the ECHL, which operated with a high of 31 teams in 2003, with just 21 heading into 2009. One Web site claims as many as seven of those are struggling to stay afloat.

Now I think I know what ECHL stands for: Economy Creates Havoc League.

Attendance in the ECHL is down about 8 percent overall. But it was down 35 percent in Fresno, where the first-place Falcons averaged 3,284 for their first 16 home games of 2008-09 after averaging 5,035 last year.

“The horrific economy and the resulting decrease in revenue from season tickets, corporate sponsorships and overall attendance has created a situation this year which is not sustainable and we simply cannot continue to operate,” Falcons managing general partner Chris Cummings said in a statement.

Yes, the economy is horrific, Wranglers President Billy Johnson says. But not as horrific as the way the Falcons were managed. Johnson and others claim that poor marketing decisions, such as moving from a state-of-the-art arena back into an old one downtown, are what ultimately cross-checked the Falcons from the top of the Pacific Division standings into mothballs.

Fresno thus becomes the 40th ECHL franchise to fold or relocate, joining such colorfully named organ-i-zations (which is how hockey people refer to them) as the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies, the Greenville Grrrowl, the Jacksonville Lizard Kings (Jim Morrison’s favorite team), the Lexington Men O’ War, the Mobile Mysticks, the Pee Dee Pride, six teams with the word “Ice” in their names, and the Macon Whoopee, which, in a perfect world, would be protected by an obscure bankruptcy law.

Instead, a yet-to-be-named team in Toledo will become the ECHL’s 22nd member next year, when the Jamie Farr Arena, or whatever the new building there is going to be called, finally opens. Provided, of course, others don’t fold between now and then.

Johnson said a report that said as many as seven other ECHL teams were foundering was news to him, but added that “in any league, one third (of the franchises) ... aren’t making money, anyway.”

There are 21 teams remaining in the ECHL. One third of 21 is seven.

The missing Lynx and Falcons, say insiders, could hasten a merger between the American Hockey League, the National Hockey League’s top developmental league, and the ECHL, considered a rung down the ladder. Johnson said he wasn’t aware of any discussions along those lines.

But others say a combined minor league hockey circuit may be only a Band-Aid, anyway.

“I don’t care if you’re talking AHL or ECHL, minor pro sports is a struggle and it’s hard work,” Victoria Salmon Kings President Dave Dakers told the Victoria Times Colonist (which is a newspaper, not a person).

Dakers said there are only about six franchises in either league that are truly secure. “It’s standard in minor pro sports that there will be a changeover. It’s not a sign of weakness in the ECHL.”

But when teams fold in the middle of the season and games have to be canceled and rescheduled it creates instability and, in this case, considering the nature of the sport, a feeling of “rinky-dinkness” among fans. I suppose that the home team’s sweater that costs more than $100 at the souvenir stand could become a collector’s item overnight creates a little more value in the purchase but long term, it’s not what you want.

That’s why Johnson has sent a letter to Wranglers season-ticket holders assuring them that if the puck stops here, it’s only because Wranglers goalies John DeCaro or Kevin Lalande are having a good night.

“We’re doing OK,” Johnson said. “But we certainly have our challenges.”

Last season, the Wranglers averaged 4,970 paying customers at the Orleans Arena. This year, they are getting 4,275. That’s a drop of 14 percent. You could make up some of that with the next bobblehead giveaway, but those cost money. So do Rod Blagojevich hockey sweaters, which the Wranglers will wear Jan. 30 on “Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night.”

A recent ESPN.com report said if the recession doesn’t end soon, all professional sports are in for a rude awakening that could result in luxury boxes being phased out, stadium and arena naming rights going away and teams staying where they are because there’s no money to build stadiums and arenas in other cities to woo them. And maybe, just maybe, if the flow of cash trickles down far enough, players will wind up taking second jobs to supplement their incomes — just like the rest of us.

Upon further review, maybe losing the Macon Whoopee among the mothballs isn’t such a bad thing after all.

Discussion: 12 comments so far…

By BlackCat

1/14/09 at 11:11 a.m.

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I am a Wrangler season ticket holder and the last letter I got from Johnson was back in August of 2003, informing us of the great promotions planned for 2003-2004. The letter this article is referring to appears to be a standard line borrowed from the Health District in connection with the 50,000 letters that suppositly went out during the endoscopy crisis. Perhaps if the fan club wasn't banned and all promotions didn't stop(other than that awesome stick we received last month - I'll treasure that forever) games would be fun again. I'm not renewing next year because I do not feel welcomed and the atmosphere has deteriorated over the past few seasons as the team has cut back more and more.
By puckpunk

1/14/09 at 2:37 p.m.

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I'm a season ticket holder since the beginning and love this team. There is a group of fans who hate everything and in my opinion are the ones that kill the atmosphere at the games. BlackCat is probably one becasue I know fan clubs are not banned and promotions didn't stop. The team just doesn't endorse any particular group as an official club. I know beacsue I asked to start one myself and i think thats Fair enough. There is a group that complain at every game about everything. Me and about three others had our seats moved two years ago becasue all these people do is complain all the time. I got this letter in the newsletter that ONLY SEASON TICKET HOLDERS GET and I appreciate the time they took to reassure us but also be honest with us with how things work. But you don't feel welcomed? You buy a seat and sit in it don't you? Do you need an escort? TO be introduced with the team? To be asked over for a bbq every Sunday? Maybe you should buy the team. Do you need a vote for who gets traded or what color the uniforms are? Maybe you complainers should get togeteher and buy the team. Maybe then you'll have an idea of what you're talking about instead of just complaining becasue you don't get everything you want. Seriously? We buy seats and we get a sensible benefit package and we go to the games. Simple dude. By the way, Black Cat, the night you got your stick (which was funny if you were paying attention to what they were doing) the team paid to bring in the Zooperstars which my kids loved. Keep up the great work Wranglers! Most of us get it!
By BlackCat

1/14/09 at 3:11 p.m.

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Are we talking about the same team? Funny, I remember the stick promotion being the NEXT NIGHT (Saturday) after the Zooperstars (Friday), but I was probably complaining so I'm confused. As for the letter, thanks for letting me know its in the newsletter for us season ticket holders - my January issue has not yet arrived At least you cleared that up for me. (Hoenestly, I have not received the January issue yet which is why I was confused).

Like you, I'm passionate about the team and have been a season ticket holder since day one. Its really the only entertainment in Vegas I truely enjoy, as I do not gamble and most shows do not appeal to me. Unlike you, I'll calmly explain my position. All I was trying to point out is that alot of the fun things that have been done in the past are gone, like Duke bobbleheads, Duke Calenders, magnetic schedules and even the Seasons Greeting Xmas card. Thats all. You need to spend money to make money - remember we have this great brand new lease this year to help things financially. But you claim promotions haven't stopped? I guess its relative season to season, but are we talking about the same team?

As for the fan club, take a tour of other team websites. They all have links to fan or booster clubs. Even NHL teams endorse this. But not the Wranglers. The Wranglers must have it right and everyone else must have it wrong. Afterall, Fresno did have a boster club and look what happened to them. I've been told, albeit second hand, that Mr. Johnson doesn't believe in them. Wow - free advertising and promotion. Lets turn it down. Sad. Who did you ask - your ticket rep or Mr. Johnson? Are we still talking about the same team?

Finally, I could see getting your seat moved because the view wasn't great or people around you are always drunk or vulgar, but because your neighbors complain all the time? Are you kidding me? Just ignore them. I believe there's more to it than your letting on. Seriously, you should have held out - the way things are going they would have most likely cancelled like I'm going to do.

Yea I get it. Dude.
By BJohnson

1/14/09 at 3:54 p.m.

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Black Cat:

I answer all season ticket holder emails and take all phone calls. The office number is 471-7825. I make it practice to answer every question and provide as much insight as possible.

Feel free to call and I will be glad to clear up any misconceptions you may have. BTW, it's my understanding that the newsletters are hitting mailboxes today, so you'll see the letter I've written to you. Apparantly Puckpunk (cute name by the way) has received his/hers yesterday or today.

Puckpunk has it correct, we do not endorse nor fund any single fan group or booster club, however all clubs have been encouraged and allowed to exist and have enjoyed direct access to the team -- even to the point where they socialize with players and coaches on off days. When you call, feel free to ask me about that as well. You might be surprised at what you'll hear.

I look forward to addressing your concerns. Again, 471-7825.

Billy Johnson
By MonkeyBrain

1/14/09 at 4:45 p.m.

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het cat what are you going to do with all time next year when you can't go to a hockey game and complain about not getting a mascot Pez dispenser? hahaha.
By puckpunk

1/14/09 at 5:19 p.m.

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"I've been told, albeit second hand, that Mr. Johnson doesn't believe in them." So you're posting all your complaints and you've NEVER EVEN talked to the guy in charge? Really? To answer your question I called him and got a fair answer. it's cool he gave you his number and asked you to call. I bet you don't. good one on the pez head monkeybrain. lol! Oh and i moved because i spend money to have a good time and don't need to hear your crap.
By Randolf

1/14/09 at 5:47 p.m.

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Black Cat:

I too have been a season ticket holder since day one. Personally I don't understand what your problem is. You can't enjoy a hockey game unless there is a promotion or a fan club??? I don't need to be in a fan club to be a Wranglers fan.

For the last three years the Wranglers have been one of the best teams in the league. They have posted 3 consecutive 100 point seasons (a league record). They have two division titles and one conference title. They won the Brabham Cup in 06-07. Last year they went to the Kelly Cup Finals. All this franchise has done is put a great product on the ice for us fans to watch. A cheap trinket from a promotion doesn't make a game fun to watch. Sure they can add to the experience but if that's a primary reason for attending a game then I'm sorry but you are no hockey fan.

As for promotions most of those are sponsored. I have a KB homes wrangler cap. I have Integrity Chrysler glasses and my dog eats out of an Integrity Chrysler bowl etc. I would guess that there aren't as many promotions because corporate sponsorship is down.

Mr Johnson:

Please keep up the good work. Your staff has always been helpful, curteous, professional and prompt whenever I have needed assistance. My season ticket rep made it a point to contact me and let me know the changes in the schedule after Fresno folded. I do feel as though my business is appreciated and I will continue to support the WRANGLERS!!! If your staff treats BlackCat the way they treat me then this person is probably one of those people that it doesn't matter what you do they won't be happy.

BTW I can't wait for prison uniform night!!!
By BlackCat

1/14/09 at 5:54 p.m.

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Billy Johnson:

Thank you for your concern - I will call you - I appreciate you commenting without attacking me and getting emotional like Monkeybrain and puckpunk. At least you can respond in a civl tone. Thanks again.

MonkeyBrain: You're kidding - right? The Wranglers are only an activity for me, and in this economy I have alot more important things in life to worry about.

Puckpunk - Actually I have talked to Billy Johnson in the past about other concerns - although not about the fan club since it wasn't the topic I was concerned about at the time. In fact, I offered to take Mr. Johnson to lunch as a token of my appreciation, which he declined. But you're right - it is cool he gave his number - and I know he is very good about responding to e-mails, even if that too has only been told to me by others who have e-mail him in the past. I find it amusing that every comment I have is a complaint - you must be a real joy to be married too.
By BlackCat

1/14/09 at 6:06 p.m.

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Randolf:

My only point with the promo is that it creates a fun atmosphere for the people who are not the diehards. The on ice product has never been a problem for me, even in 2004-05 when we missed the playoffs. Most fans who go do not have season tickets and want a good time and probably could care less about the games. Like you, I have a investment in the team, and would hate to see the team leave or fold because the games are not fun to go to. The more promotion there is the more the fans will come out. Stuff like the prison uniform promo is exactly what we need - this is minor league hockey - its suppose to be fun. Go ahead, pull a Lance Galbraith and take a cheap shot at my comments.
By Our_Linn

1/15/09 at 9:29 a.m.

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Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night? Doesn't it bother anybody, including the writer of this story that Gov. Blagojevich has not been convicted of anything? He may very well be found guilty but isnt there still a presumption of innocence in this country?
By puckpunk

1/15/09 at 11:01 a.m.

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OurLinn: ummmmm, no. Doesn't bother me.
BlackCat: youre upset becasue i took a cheap shot at your cheap shots? Youe now admitted that youve heard good things about how johson responds to email and you dealt with him once and were so appreciative you wanted buy him lunch then you go on to a newspaper to blast the guy and the team without EVEN calling him at all and youre a smarta$$ about it with "how all the other teams must have it wrong?" Glass houses buddy. The attacker complaining about being attacked. Let me know how your call with him goes.
Lance G: I miss you you were fun to hate.
By ganga

1/30/09 at 11:37 p.m.

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I think the problem in the ECHL isn't the lack of giveaways. More young players are taking the collage path and more young players are starting at the ahl or nhl level. Over the last few years our beloved echl has started to fade thanks to the NHL salary cap forcing more young players to the NHL as they are less expensive. I still love going to my Wrangler games. I know the NHL expects an NHL team here in Vegas in the next 5 years (or so they say over and over again on "NHL Live") but if we stop going to games no arena will be built and there go our chances. The only games this year that had good attendance so far was prison uniform night and when Blue Man played. Yes we lost both games but the people who went did so for the game as well as the promotion. Yes we are a struggling team this year but please remember, even a loosing game is better than anything else for the money, and it doesn't cost too much to go. Our Wranglers now have 2 former players in the NHL. Many more will follow but we must support them even in bad times if we are to survive. I call to ALL hockey fans in Vegas to attend a game in the next month. Please don't make me rant again.

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