There have been a lot of conversations and subsequent confusion in the last few weeks pertaining to a couple of topics. The first one is the organizational structure of the franchise, and their reasons for getting involved with this team. Secondly, there are some misunderstandings in relation to some of the changes that have been made going into the 2008/2009 season. This has been bothering me and many other people, and I am going to lay out my opinion, in an attempt to get everybody on the same page.
Firstly, I have been a fan of the Express since the very beginning. I remember the excitement I felt in early 2005, as I read the People’s Press articles about a possible Junior A franchise coming to Owatonna. I have supported the team in a variety of ways through the first 3 seasons, and I will continue to support the team no matter what kind of ownership structure is in place. Over time, I have met, and gotten to know many of the folks who stepped up and brought junior hockey back to Owatonna this summer. The common thread with all these people is a love for the sport of hockey, and a desire to keep it viable in the city of Owatonna. Even with the economy in the tank, many of these folks donated tens of thousands of dollars of their own money to make this happen. The only agenda I have seen, is to have a team on the ice this winter. Very simply, without the generosity and dedication of these folks, we would not have a team! After everything that has happened, it is deplorable for anyone to question the motives of the organization. Numerous meetings were held, and everybody had the opportunity to have their opinions heard. A Board of Governors was elected (not appointed) from this group of donators, and they were given the task of running this franchise. That’s the way it works in a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Nobody expects everybody to agree on all matters pertaining to the team, but you have to trust the board to do what is in the best interest of the franchise. If you feel left out of the conversation, I’m sure they would be happy to accept your donation, and include you in the meetings. Bottom line: These people went out on a limb to keep junior hockey in Owatonna, and we should all be forever grateful.
Secondly, yes there have been many changes made going into this season. With the first 2 ownership groups, there had always been somebody there that could afford to keep the team afloat financially. With the current ownership structure we do not have that luxury, there is no “Daddy Warbucks”, and there is no secret money tree. Yes the team is still called the “Express”, but it cannot be operated the same way it was the first 3 seasons. This team is going to have to make money to succeed. They cannot afford to give things away. Allowing rain check tickets, vouchers, beer bucks etc… was something the previous owners could afford to do. If you took advantage of those opportunities the first 3 seasons, great, you worked the system as it was setup, and hopefully it made you a fan of junior hockey. But the system has now changed, and we all need to make adjustments. The powers that be listened to the supporters of the team, and Coaches Cullen and Fink were brought back, ticket prices were lowered, and playoff tickets were included in your season ticket package. A general manager and a sales manager were hired. The organization has taken huge steps to make this franchise into the 1st class operation we as fans desire.
What it all boils down to is that if the donations and sales (tickets, merchandise, etc..) don’t meet or exceed the expenses (ice-time, staff salaries, etc…), this whole thing will not succeed. That is where all the rest of us come into play. The fans are going to make or break this team. So please, do your part to support this team. The organization still needs donations, so help out in that respect. If you can’t afford to donate, (it’s tax-deductible by the way), buy season tickets, or buy single game tickets, or buy merchandise, or volunteer to help the team on game nights. This team belongs to Owatonna, but Owatonna needs to get behind the team. I want to be able to watch junior hockey in Owatonna, and I hope you do too.
Sorry to get all preachy, but I feel something needed to be said.
--Big Kahuna
P.S. – I mentioned above that playoff tickets are included in the season ticket package. This has been confirmed by the organization. Also, remember that the price of season tickets is lower if you buy them before August 15th, so buy them soon.
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10 comments:
Well you cant push people to spend money they no longer have. I suggest the ticket prices be lowered even more. I think that selling more low priced tickets is better than no have people like me ie, most of the fans that did not donate than to have us not spend any.
Money money money, its all about money. The team is begging already and it has not even had a practice.
Lets go express.
When will the website be updated and better. It is embarrassing. Even Dr. Evil's is better. Hear Matt is worried this will be his last year coaching.
"Money money money, its all about money. The team is begging already and it has not even had a practice." - Good, I'm glad you understood what I was saying. It is about the money. Very simply: If they make enough to cover expenses, we get to watch junior hockey in Owatonna for many years to come.
By the way, the team is not begging for money. I took the opportunity to try and explain the situation to the people out there that don't understand how this needs to work. I am not part of the organization.
--BK
BK:
Thanks for all the information. IMO the team needs to raise money just like the rest of the teams do. Anything they can do to raise money is good.
Why dont you charge $ for parking in the Steel lot during games?
I wonder if Beer prices will go up?
Matt R should be worried since the ownership group is splitting up.
Charging for parking would be a bad decision, and I would guess it is not being considered.
--BK
Yes, I would not go to a game if I had to pay to park. It is an expensive night out anyway. Average cost per couple is about $40 with a taco and beer.
Attending 2 games a month is roughly $80 for us. It is expensive but we like hockey.
See you at the rink:)
This is where things go wrong. Nobody official has ever said anything about the team charging to park. An anonymous poster suggested it as an idea to increase revenue. Immediately people misconstrue that and are in an uproar. Please from here on out, take a breath, count to 10, and STOP OVER-REACTING TO EVERY RUMOR YOU FIND ON THE INTERNET!!
--BK
If they would, and I believe they won't, charge for parking, people would just park at Wings or in that area and walk over. Therefore it'd be nothing accomplished but bad PR.
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