“2010-2011 could be an exciting year for CBJ fans as the team seems to be getting better and better. A couple of moves and they should be right there in the end.”
by GregA on the Blue Jackets making a legitimate run in playoffs Thread
Dispatch staffers weigh in on the Blue Jackets and other teams and issues across the NHL.
|
Notebook: Jackets boss knows losing isn't good for financial woes
Thursday, December 17, 2009 3:28 AM
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The Blue Jackets' 2-8-4 record since Nov. 19 comes when the club is seeking financial help to offset its claims of more than $10 million in annual losses. Rule of thumb in pro sports: Losing is not good marketing. So far, however, the Blue Jackets' downward spiral on the ice has not resulted in a negative backlash among community leaders, team president Mike Priest said. "I can't say I've seen a situation where our record is hurting the process that we're going through right now," Priest said. "But, certainly, when you find yourself not competing effectively, it causes the more casual fans, as well as others, to become a little less interested, and that's never a good thing. "I'm not saying that's happened yet, but that's the risk. Like I've always said, I have yet to find anything that winning hurts." Two weeks ago, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman named John Rosenberger, retired executive director of Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corp., to lead the search for new lease terms between the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena. As Nationwide Arena was privately built beginning in 1998, the Blue Jackets do not get revenue from their building on par with other NHL clubs, such as naming-rights fees, parking fees and some private-suite fees. The club is attempting to reconfigure the lease agreement to cover that lost revenue. According to sources, Nationwide Insurance has indicated to the Blue Jackets in recent weeks a willingness to begin paying a naming-rights fee to the club as part of a new lease agreement. The Blue Jackets' attendance has taken a sharp hit lately. The last two weeknight games, against Florida and Nashville, have drawn 12,800 and 12,856 fans, respectively. They drew just 14,461 for a game Saturday against Anaheim. Nationwide Arena seats 18,144 for hockey. Slap shotsCoach Ken Hitchcock yesterday was mulling over which goaltender to start tonight against Phoenix: Steve Mason or Mathieu Garon. Mason allowed four goals on 23 shots in a 4-1 loss Oct. 28. Garon had 36 saves in a 2-0 win Oct. 10 at Phoenix, and he has three shutouts in 10 career starts against the Coyotes. One line change is expected for tonight: Center R.J. Umberger will join wingers Jason Chimera and Rick Nash on the No. 1 line. Story toolsToday’s Top Stories |
Earning community pointsAdvertisement Cannon Fodder PodcastCannon Fodder is the podcast from The Dispatch sports team covering the Blue Jackets. Tune in for lively discussions about the team and the rest of the NHL. Subscribe to the show through its RSS feed or iTunes. Commentary from The Dispatch
Read Dispatch columnists Michael Arace and Bob Hunter share their thoughts on the Blue Jackets and the NHL. |
