Big news out of the WHSHL (Westman High School Hockey League) annual league spring meeting was the announcement that the league has added 3 new "franchises" who will begin play this fall. After a long hiatus, (they actually won the league in their previous 2 year stay) Roblin rejoins the league along with teams from McCreary/St.Rose and Sandy Bay. Word is that the franchise fee the league is demanding is not quite as high ($500 million) as what the NHL charges. After taking a leave of absence, the Rivers/Elton Rage are also back in the fold and there is even a possibility that the Antler River Devils (Melita/Pierson area) might make a comeback, bringing the total number of teams to,possibly 18 teams.
This is all great news for the WHSHL as it shows that high school hockey is on the right track, it continues to be strong, vibrant and successful, something that co-founder George Trowell hoped it would be some 27 years ago. At a time when midget hockey was getting out of control because of rough and dirty play resulting in numerous injuries, along with inadequate coaching and indifferent organization, it was his vision and dream that this sport belonged under the watchful eye of high school teachers, just like badminton, volleyball and basketball. In fact, when the league started, with 5 teams (Neelin, Vincent Massey, Crocus Plains, Boissevain & Virden), all the coaches were teachers and ex-B.U. Bobcats hockey players.
It should also be noted that there will be a change in leadership in the WHSHL as a new executive takes over, led by co-Presidents Corey Forbes from Glenboro and Jason Alf from Dauphin plus secretary/treasurer J. Crompain from Birtle.
Round 2 of the NHL playoffs are finishing up and to no one's surprise, all the series are tough, long drawn out affairs that might be better described as a "war of attrition", sort of last man standing. Just ask Crosby! Every single player is hurting, some more than others but it's all put aside for the good of the team come game time. I still like the Rangers (tough D), Predators (team of destiny?), Caps (they're waking up), and the Ducks (playoff testes) but I will admit that McDavid and his fellow young guns are making it interesting but Talbot has to wake up.
Thanks mainly to the huge increase from television revenue, another sports franchise was sold for an astronomical price, defying even the boldest predictions. The Florida Marlins, who at every home game have thousands of their fans disguised as empty seats, recently sold for $1.3 billion to a group of investors headed by none other than Derek Jeter, who also threw in a few millions of his own (pocket change for him). That's not a bad profit for former owner Jeffrey Loria who bought the franchise a few years ago for $130 million. Compare this to the sale of the NBA's LA Clippers, who last year sold for $2 billion, $1 billion over their estimated valuation.
In contrast, the NY Rangers are the highest valued NHL team at $1.3 billion, followed by the Habs (although I'm not sure who would want to own them?). And yet, the Pittsburgh Penguins couldn't find a buyer when they went on the block for a measly $750 million, go figure! This might change in the near future with the recent tv deals that were signed with the league (Rogers' 12-year contract worth a whopping $5.2 billion and NBC's 10 year $2 billion deal). Trivia time, what is the average NHL team worth?
The SWBL, with 11 teams participating, is on the verge of starting their regular season and by all accounts it should be a very competitive league. The defending champion Virden Oilers kick off their 2017 season on Tuesday, May 23 when they visit the new team on the block, the Rivers Comets. This will be followed by their first of 2 home games on Friday, May 26th and Sunday, May 28th against the Reston Blue Jays and Boissevain Centenniels, respectfully.
Two NFL teams just got a whole lot better because they signed two former studs that have, shall we say, "checkered pasts". Adrian Peterson has decided to go south to New Orleans while Marshawn Lynch will be taking his act to Oakland, his home town. Both gentlemen should be fresh and good to go as neither one has played much over the last couple of years.
Trivia answer, only $517 million. The Jets are in 21st place.
Until next time....
