Post by headsigh on May 19, 2011 21:50:29 GMT -5
Dear hockey fans of Winnipeg,
From where I'm sitting, the writing is on the wall. It looks all too likely that my beloved Atlanta Thrashers will be sold to True North Sports & Entertainment, most likely to be renamed the Manitoba Moose. For 11 years, I've followed this team and loved it. My love for this team grew even deeper when my ECHL Birmingham Bulls were sold in a very similar deal and moved to Atlantic City.
I know the city of Winnipeg loves hockey, and I know there are many wonderful people in the city. I've been to Winnipeg, and I know despite it being very cold in the winter, it's a very beautiful town experiencing a renaissance of sorts. The arts scene in Winnipeg is incredible. In fact, one of your local music groups has become a favorite of mine. I'm talking about The Duhks.
I know your team will forge its own identity, but I beg of you to not forget this team's past. Please don't forget the likes of Kelly Buchberger, the first captain of the team, who took his lumps as he led the Thrashers to 14 wins in their inaugural season.
I beg of you to not forget the 2003-2004 season, when we faced what might be one of the darkest hours of our franchise, when Dan Snyder was taken from us way too soon. I sincerely hope TNSE continues the legacy of Dan Snyder and remembers and honors him by not issuing Number 37. That being said, I hope you continue another Thrashers tradition by despising #15 of San Jose with all your hearts.
Don't forget that Ilya Kovalchuk, Marian Hossa, Marc Savard, Peter Bondra, Kari Lehtonen, Ray Ferraro, Byron Dafoe, Bobby Holik, and Scott Mellanby all played for this team.
You're getting some great young players. Evander Kane, Bryan Little and Alex Burmistrov are all poised to be superstars. The system's not that bad either. IVan Telegin is going to be a great NHL player. Paul Postma is another prospect who should shine. I just hope you find someone other than Chicago to be your affiliate.
I don't know if I'll still be watching the NHL or not, but I love the team itself, the players who put on the jersey with whatever crest may be on the front. Honestly, I love this group of guys too much to turn my back on them. I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have about them as we go through this transitional time.
I just ask that you respect the fans of Atlanta. I know some of you still remember what it felt like when you lost the Jets. We're going through that right now, so please be cautious of that. I also ask that you love this team as much as I have. I don't think that should be a problem.
Please take care of my boys in blue.
From where I'm sitting, the writing is on the wall. It looks all too likely that my beloved Atlanta Thrashers will be sold to True North Sports & Entertainment, most likely to be renamed the Manitoba Moose. For 11 years, I've followed this team and loved it. My love for this team grew even deeper when my ECHL Birmingham Bulls were sold in a very similar deal and moved to Atlantic City.
I know the city of Winnipeg loves hockey, and I know there are many wonderful people in the city. I've been to Winnipeg, and I know despite it being very cold in the winter, it's a very beautiful town experiencing a renaissance of sorts. The arts scene in Winnipeg is incredible. In fact, one of your local music groups has become a favorite of mine. I'm talking about The Duhks.
I know your team will forge its own identity, but I beg of you to not forget this team's past. Please don't forget the likes of Kelly Buchberger, the first captain of the team, who took his lumps as he led the Thrashers to 14 wins in their inaugural season.
I beg of you to not forget the 2003-2004 season, when we faced what might be one of the darkest hours of our franchise, when Dan Snyder was taken from us way too soon. I sincerely hope TNSE continues the legacy of Dan Snyder and remembers and honors him by not issuing Number 37. That being said, I hope you continue another Thrashers tradition by despising #15 of San Jose with all your hearts.
Don't forget that Ilya Kovalchuk, Marian Hossa, Marc Savard, Peter Bondra, Kari Lehtonen, Ray Ferraro, Byron Dafoe, Bobby Holik, and Scott Mellanby all played for this team.
You're getting some great young players. Evander Kane, Bryan Little and Alex Burmistrov are all poised to be superstars. The system's not that bad either. IVan Telegin is going to be a great NHL player. Paul Postma is another prospect who should shine. I just hope you find someone other than Chicago to be your affiliate.
I don't know if I'll still be watching the NHL or not, but I love the team itself, the players who put on the jersey with whatever crest may be on the front. Honestly, I love this group of guys too much to turn my back on them. I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have about them as we go through this transitional time.
I just ask that you respect the fans of Atlanta. I know some of you still remember what it felt like when you lost the Jets. We're going through that right now, so please be cautious of that. I also ask that you love this team as much as I have. I don't think that should be a problem.
Please take care of my boys in blue.