Hartley Miller’s Slap-Shots Friday Jan. 25th, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013 @ 3:45 AM
"No one knows more than me that this is a results based business. I’ve been here 3 1/2 years and there haven’t been results and I am fully aware of that." (Dean Clark, Dec 12, 2012)
When one achieves twice as many losses as victories, (83-163-5-11 record) and he is in the 4th year of
a five year deal, there is no surprise when a pro or major junior hockey coach loses his job.
a five year deal, there is no surprise when a pro or major junior hockey coach loses his job.
Dean Clark was very professional and classy with his exit from the Prince George Cougars. He didn’t try to deflect his record, offered no excuses and was prompt in getting back to me on Tuesday, the day he was dismissed.
"It’s never an easy thing to hear for sure, but that’s part of the game. The team hasn’t done what it should do and when that happens, something has to happen and that was me. No one likes to get fired. I take a lot of pride in what I do and what I’ve done", said Clark, who ranks in the top 10 in WHL wins as a coach; success he earned with Calgary, Brandon and Kamloops.
At the time of his departure, the Cougars had the second worst record in the WHL (14-26-2-4) and with just 26 games to go and a playoff spot slipping away, GM Dallas Thompson decided to pull the trigger after the team lost 10 of 12.
Clark lacked talent to work with in his P.G. tenure, however, the specialty teams should have been better. The Cats are ranked last on the PP and 18th on the PK.“If you look at those stats, we’ve been at the bottom or near the bottom for quite some time this year and in the past and certainly those are factors to where we are here right now and certainly that played a role in it,” said Thompson.
While there is no defending Clark’s record, there is also no excuse for Thompson’s achievements.
Since taking over as GM, the team has missed the playoffs in three of the last five years and four of eight. Not including OTL’s and SOL’s, the Cougars are 127 games below .500 over the past 5 1/2 years. Thompson is well aware of that and will continue to be under the microscope for his accountability.
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Throughout the years, hockey has changed immensely, but even with new rules, more technology and mass social media coverage there are still some old fashioned things that can recapture a blast from the past.
I am making reference to a venue full to seating capacity, something that has been rare in Prince George in recent years, but still remains the ultimate environment to not only watch a game, but to participate.
On January 18th, the Spruce Kings filled the barn with a SRO crowd of 2,034 in the first game of a home double-header against Chilliwack, a 4-2 Chiefs victory.
It’s been well documented that attendance has slipped dramatically in recent years for the BCHL games at the P.G. Coliseum and WHL action at CN Centre.
The Spruce Kings are gradually re-building their fan base, something that the Cougars are still striving for. Sure, the Kings have a competitive team that improves their situation, but there’ve been organizational changes, a focus on promotion, plus a huge contribution from major sponsors that
have played a significant role to winning back the customers.
have played a significant role to winning back the customers.
The environment to watch a game is part of the experience in attending a game. In a building 1/2 or less to capacity, the energy, enthusiasm and euphoria is drained. In other words, lack of atmosphere can certainly translate to apathy.
A facility, like the Coliseum, where the fans are an earshot away from the players, adds to the culture of the game if every seat is taken.
The product on the ice remains paramount to the fortunes of any team but do not underestimate the social aspect as a major component to a Friday night outing. Prior to faceoff or in between periods, fans have an opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and acquaintances. It may be the only time one gets that chance, however, if hardly anybody is in the building that point becomes moot.
The Spruce Kings are averaging 1,144 fans, slightly above the league average. That may not seem like much, but in the 2010-11 season, the team’s average was a paltry 696.
Not every game is going to be filled to capacity but on the occasions that it does, there’s a feeling of nostalgia.
Today’s era is filled with texts and tweets but nothing can replace putting the gadgets away, going to the concession stand, analyzing the game with the person seated next to you, all in the comforts of a building that is rocking. Ideally, the glass is not half full or half empty, but overflowing with sparkle.
From the Quote Rack:
A nice gesture, sure, but if Gary Bettman really meant it, he would have done it on Oprah.
Steve Schrader of the Detroit Free Press, after the NHL ran full-page ads in many newspapers
to apologize for the work stoppage.
to apologize for the work stoppage.
Some are criticizing Manti T’eo for still talking about his girlfriend even after he found out she wasn’t real. But hey, plenty of people live with a fantasy they know doesn’t exist… like Maple Leafs fans and their team in the Stanley Cup.
Cincinnati lineman Andre Smith was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded gun at Atlanta’s airport. Well even though they are out of the playoffs, good to see that the Bengals are keeping in
mid-season form.
mid-season form.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, Californiawww.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
The bloody sock worn by Curt Schilling in Game 2 of the 2004 World Series (not Game 6 of that year’s ALCS) is being auctioned off. Isn’t that like auctioning off Roger Maris’ 59th HR?
Yogi Berra is joining Twitter. His first message–"I wanna thank u for making this day necessary.”
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
The Tampa Bay Rays, formerly the Devil Rays, have signed Juan Oviedo, who used to go by the name of Leo Nunez, just weeks after they also signed Roberto Hernandez, who was once known as Fausto Carmona. Their home opener is against …… The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York
Nationals star Bryce Harper told Jimmy Kimmel he showers seven times a day at the ballpark. I had
no idea he was a cleanup hitter.
no idea he was a cleanup hitter.
Pamela Anderson is the first celeb voted off Britain’s Dancing on Ice, but gets over $200,000 for skating 150 seconds. Sounds like a perfect contract for Anderson—front-loaded.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was filmed crying during the national anthem before the game with the New England Patriots. Lewis says he was filled with emotion knowing he it might be his last game and wanted to pre-audition for “Sobbing with the Stars”.
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russel Westbrook blocked a halftime basket that would have given each fan in Denver a free plate of melted cheese. Westbrook says the shot would not have gone in but I’m going to wait until he sits down with Oprah before I rush to judgment.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgaryhttp://smacksport.blogspot.com
And in case you missed it:
Tiger Woods is apparently trying to reconcile with his ex. Rumor has it that he has reached out to
Manti Te’o for advice on starting with an online relationship.
Manti Te’o for advice on starting with an online relationship.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller
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