pure-mad wrote:It's funny...my feet are here on the ground in Dundas/Hamilton. Chatting with the Generals and brass downstairs not too long ago. They're eager to make a run for the 2015 Allan Cup in Clarenville. Looking forward to hosting them. Talking to Kenora... pumped too. Dundas... of course they are. Wasn't speaking to anyone from SEPT past couple days. Hockey Canada and branch reps didn't have any indication of concern about the AP process etc... overwhelming responses that I have been hearing is that simply Bentley fans - not the team - whining. Interesting perspective... pretty accurate too I bet. Let me know how many AC ticket packages you need next year Wade... see what we can do for ya.
Outside of this BS that has been created and self-perpetuated by a couple of fans, the tournament has been outstanding display of senior hockey competition from Coast to Coast. A lot to be proud of.
Team Executive/Personnel don't use chat forums to express their official stance(s) on key issues. Its unproductive & unprofessional for them to do so. They also don't make a habit of spilling their guts to random fans in the beer gardens, so, I'm wondering whom you spoke with from the Generals, PM?
Any-hoo...
Nowhere have I said the Gens' would refuse the chance to come to Clarenville.
I feel like I shouldn't have to clarify this...but...I will...
What I said was: I think there are teams already evaluating the viability of Clarenville.
I think...when they look at whether or not to make the commitment...the first thing they will always take into consideration is $$$$.
That being said...most teams look at "$$$$" and realize...they don't have very much of it. That's just the way it goes for SR teams.
So, the next thing they do is figure out how to fund their season and we already know...it takes a lot of effort/time.
The chance at a reward is weighed against this investment. Its always a gamble. And even if you win the Allan Cup...unless your a HOST team...its not going to do JACK SQUAT for your bottom line...other than drain the account down further below "0".
Ahhh...but the allure of being a "National Champion" beckons....
Or does it?
Like I said before...Powell River is DONE. They are dropping back to 'AA' next year. Their chances at another Allan Cup are so minimal...and the challenges they face are far higher than probably anywhere else in Canada. At this time...I think its very likely BC doesn't send an SR AAA entrant at all for 14-15 season.
I could go Province to Province and talk about all the teams dropped out or close to it...but...that's not fully relevant to the thread.
This discussion is about the rules in Newfoundland, specifically...and I KNOW that everyone in the rest of Canada is curious to see how this next season is going to be legislated for the HOST Branch.
What Newfoundland teams will go 'AAA'?
Who will they send to the Allan Cup, along with the HOST team?
And the 64,000$ question...
Who will be using Affilates?
The rules Newfoundland has been using, regarding Affiliation don't seem to translate if they have more than ONE SR AAA team next year.
Mind you...we don't yet know if that will even be necessary.
All I know for sure is...it would be a lot simpler if their were no affiliation at all. For anyone. And every team had to win a playoff championship in the current season in order to qualify for the Allan Cup.