Hartley Miller's Slap- Shots -September 10th, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010 03:45 AM
If the Vancouver Stock Exchange included the Prince George Spruce Kings Hockey Club as a penny stock, the current value or share price would be at an all-time low.
The low market value is the bad news.
On the other hand, the good news is when value hits “rock bottom” there is only one direction to move, and that is with the arrow going straight up. So, this begs the question- How high will the Spruce Kings stock rise?
I do not know the answer to this question, but do neither the fans, nor the organization itself. After all, there is a reason for a 60-game BCHL regular season, which begins this weekend. P.G. will open at home Saturday vs Quesnel.
Let us chart the Spruce Kings recent history, a time that has not been kind to the team that calls the Coliseum, an outdated castle, home. In the past five years, the Spruce Kings did not finish higher than fifth in their Conference, and never above eighth in the league. More recently, in the previous three years the team is 26 games below .500 in the regular season.
Did I mention the Kings failed to win a playoff series in the last half decade? Ouch!
The Spruce Kings output improved from 49 points in 2005/06 to 75 in 06/07, the season they hosted the Royal Bank Cup. Since then, in three consecutive years, Prince George earned 52, 61, and 41 points.
The following chart displays the Kings’ achievement (or lack thereof):
|
Season
|
Record
|
Points
|
Conference
|
Overall
|
Playoffs
|
|
09-10
|
18-37-1-4
|
41
|
8th out of 9
|
16th out of 17
|
did not qualify
|
|
08-09
|
26-25-3-6
|
61
|
5th out of 8
|
11th out of 16
|
2-3
|
|
07-08
|
21-29-1-9
|
52
|
6th out of 8
|
13th out of 16
|
1-3
|
|
06-07
|
34-19-2-5
|
75
|
5th out of 9
|
8th out of 17
|
3-4
|
|
05-06
|
21-34-4-3
|
49
|
6th out of 8
|
13th out of 17
|
1-4
|
Now, let's utilize the stock market analogy. If the Spruce Kings stock rose to a $1 on the market (a high in the last five years) in 06-07 when they played in the final at the Royal Bank Cup, a tournament they hosted, then their market price would have dropped to a mere nickel following the forgettable 09-10 season.
Nobody associated with the team wants to remember how dreadful last season ended. Crowds plummeted, the bank account shrunk and the club had ZERO victories against teams with winning records. In addition, the Spruce Kings achieved the least amount of points in the league, except for lowly Williams Lake (a club that has now vanished again), and the team missed the playoffs.
Hey, the past is the past, and the future is now. Yes, each new season, in any league, brings optimism, to every team. In fact, each club begins the regular season with identical records, in a tie for first place.
In any sport, anywhere, no team needs a despondent attitude. The Spruce Kings optimism lies with several key players and a committed supporting cast. 20-year-old Ryan Benitez will be called upon
to give the team consistent goaltending, a part of their game that they did not receive (from seven net minders) last season. Benitez, from Denver, has a scholarship in place to attend Princeton University next year.
to give the team consistent goaltending, a part of their game that they did not receive (from seven net minders) last season. Benitez, from Denver, has a scholarship in place to attend Princeton University next year.
Forwards Jeff Earnest (U of Alaska Fairbanks) and Chris Bodo (Mercyhurst College) also have scholarships in their back pocket for the 2011-12 season. Earnest, Bodo and 20-year-olds RJay Berra and Nic DeSousa hope to make significant contributions offensively. Another 20-year-old, Justin Fillion, will anchor the defence.
Head Coach and GM Ed Dempsey hired a couple of new Assistant coaches to replace Bayne Koen, who was dismissed quietly in the summer. Long time local minor hockey coach Jason Garneau, and former Quesnel Millionaires Head Coach and GM Tom Bohmer, will share the “barking” workload under Dempsey. Oh, by the way, Dempsey will be seeking a contract extension since his current deal runs out after this season. Does he deserve one is a topic for another day.
This season, The Spruce Kings will not feast off Williams Lake, but despite that, their plight is hopeful. Does 54 points, and earning a playoff spot sound realistic?
For some BCHL teams, particularly those in the Okanagan, 54 points would be an under achievement.
However, in Prince George, that rock bottom nickel share price will rise to a quarter with that type of performance. Yes, it is all about expectations and perspective. “Two bits” may not sound like much, but for the Spruce Kings franchise future viability, it is essential that the team achieve these minimum standards.
However, in Prince George, that rock bottom nickel share price will rise to a quarter with that type of performance. Yes, it is all about expectations and perspective. “Two bits” may not sound like much, but for the Spruce Kings franchise future viability, it is essential that the team achieve these minimum standards.
From the Quote Rack:
There was a great call by the announcer at a racetrack in New Jersey when horses named My Wife Knows Everything and The Wife Doesn't Know battled down the stretch. I think you can guess which horse won.
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix Hartz has launched a massive recall of over 75,000 bags of dog treats. But, luckily, the Oakland Coliseum found an alternative supplier for concessions at the next A's game.
There's a report that the Miami homeless don't want the old LeBron James Cavalier jerseys that were donated. Guess there were too many complaints about burn marks and the smell of gasoline.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman hit 103 mph on the radar gun in his second appearance for the team. Actually, it’s not unusual for young major leaguers to be clocked at over 100 mph. But usually they are driving a car at the time.
During practice, Kendall Langford of the Miami Dolphins apparently lost a 2.5 carat diamond earring valued at $50,000 on the field. It was the most ridiculous waste of money during the preseason since JaMarcus Russell was still doing drills with the Raiders. Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)
During practice, Kendall Langford of the Miami Dolphins apparently lost a 2.5 carat diamond earring valued at $50,000 on the field. It was the most ridiculous waste of money during the preseason since JaMarcus Russell was still doing drills with the Raiders. Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)
Plaxico Burress' bid for early release from his two-year sentence in a gun case was denied, meaning the ex-Giants receiver will stay in prison until at least next spring.
Haven't heard his reaction to the decision yet, but here's guessing it wasn't, "Hey, it was worth a shot."
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sidelinechatter/
Haven't heard his reaction to the decision yet, but here's guessing it wasn't, "Hey, it was worth a shot."
Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sidelinechatter/
Head & Shoulders shampoo has insured Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu's three-foot long black wavy hair for one million dollars. In a related story, Just for Men has offered to color Brett Favre's grey beard for $7.99.
Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg http://thordoggie.blogspot.com/
Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg http://thordoggie.blogspot.com/
Bill “Spaceman” Lee became the oldest player to pitch a professional baseball game last week at 62. Bill was tickled when he received congratulations from kids like Chris Chelios, Jamie Moyer and Brett Favre.
The Quebec Provincial Government say they will pay 45% of the cost for a new arena in Quebec City and expect the balance of the funds will come from a traditional Quebec revenue source... taxpayers of Alberta.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)
The Quebec Provincial Government say they will pay 45% of the cost for a new arena in Quebec City and expect the balance of the funds will come from a traditional Quebec revenue source... taxpayers of Alberta.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)
Japanese researchers claim they've created the world's first 3D television that allows users to touch images floating in front of them. In a related story, MTV2 says ratings were way higher than expected for their first Lingerie Football telecast.
Tiger Woods has been named to the US Ryder Cup team. That way the other guys don’t have to spend the evening looking for dates; Tiger has plenty for everyone.
Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/
Tiger Woods has finalized his divorce. The settlement was brutal, but every other week, he gets to go visit his money.
David Letterman of CBS
Sammy Sosa has accused the Cubs of disrespecting him by assigning his #21 to a current player. Well someone has a swelled head.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York
A fight broke out at the U.S. Open during a tennis match when a fan started using foul language. The question was, why wasn't John McEnroe in the broadcast booth where he belongs?
Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)
Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)
And in case you missed it:
The Edmonton Eskimos have been outscored 108-20 in their two games this year at Calgary. Or, as Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke would call it---"Competitive".
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.
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