Goon Show Punches Prince George Where It Hurts

Saturday, June 18, 2005 04:00 AM

Just who was calling the shots when the Recreation Department of the City decided a night of hockey fights (without the hockey) would be a good idea for CN Center?

CN Center Manager Phil Beaulieu says he has been negotiating with his old acquaintance Darryl Wolski from Brandon Manitoba where they both had worked for about six months. During that time, why wasn't someone from City Hall asked how they felt about the idea, given the fact Winnipeg and Minneapolis Minnesota had both turned down the event?
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Why was the announcement of the fights made in Toronto?

Do we in fact want to be the city that takes this sort of event, given the fact we haven’t been painted as exactly less than Red Necks living in the bush?

Mayor Colin Kinsley has alluded to the fact the event will bring a lot of attention to our city. Yes it will indeed bring attention to this city, as akin to some hillbilly act that even true red-necks would likely reject.

The Mayor is quoted as saying he had no problem with the August 27th hockey fight night and the people attending are consenting adults going to a competition. The comments are no surprise. You may remember the Mayor was also the man who supported the sale of BC Rail in spite of what his Council said.

As for the city's reputation, he is quoted as saying "I doubt it will have any effect." Well judging from the letters and calls from across the country, he definitely read that one wrong.

Finally why wasn’t the Athletic Commission consulted, oh say five months ago, when the matter first came up? Instead, the venue was announced in Toronto one day and the Commission had to make a partial decision the next.

The Mayor took it upon himself to slam Hedy Fry when she suggested people were burning crosses in Prince George, an obvious reference as to what she thought the people here were all about.
Goon hockey will go a long way to supporting that perception.

That, is one man's opinion.
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Posted on Saturday, June 18, 2005 04:00 AM in Views by Ben Meisner

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Comments

Posted by: Tiger on June 19 2005 12:34 PM

Im not to convinced that it is a good idea but after a year of hockey withdrawl maby some sort of entertainment cant hurt. It cant be any worse than the Tyson fight a week ago. Maby if some of the monie is going to amature sport or even local charities in prince George ,bring it on . No matter what some might say about fighting in hockey as a player or a fan the only thing that makes the building ROCK other than a home town winning goal is a good clean scrap and i dont think something this small will hurt the reputation of the jewel of the north There is a lot more to prince george than a stupid promotional event . I say sit back Relax and enjoy.

Posted by: The_Duke on June 20 2005 7:21 AM

Anyone that thinks this is a BAD idea for PG needs to give their head a shake. The hockey enforcers event will bring thousands of $$$ to PG. Tens of thousands actually. If you're so concerned with the message it's sending to kids, then don't let your kids go. Simple.

If a country music concert comes to town, I don't try & stop it just because I don't like country...so why are so many blow-hards trying to stop this just because THEY don't like it? My guess is lack of anything exciting in their lives.

Finally, don't think of it as PG cementing its image as a redneck city, think of it as PG being a PROGRESIVE city that doesn't say no to something just because it's slightly controversial.

Minneapolis', and Winnipegs loss is PG's gain.

If you don't like the event, don't go and don't order it. Simple.

Done and done.

Posted by: rock on June 20 2005 10:58 AM

I agree boys bring it on,as far as these people that don't want it are concerned...who cares, they don't have to go.We all had to put up with them wanting their art gallery that the city can't afford.Lil Collin starting to show some backbone,I'm kinda liking it,now if he can get some potholes filled I might even think of voting for him.......NOT
ROCK keepin it real 24/7
ps nice to see some new posters,I was starting to think it was just spanky ,Milton and Chaddermandoo on this site

Posted by: The_Duke on June 21 2005 6:38 AM

Whatta ya know?! Counsellor Brian Skakun is officially challenging the hockey enforcers event now. Wow.

Brian, it's painfully obvious that you're trying to look like a hero to the insanley over-righteous group of morons looking to halt this event because it's going to 'warp their children'. If you SERIOUSLY think that the "vast majority" of people in PG are against this (as you stated on the radio this morning), and you're not just playing the devils' advocate merely for the hell of it... then you are the epitome of clueless. Go fill the pot-holes or kill some pine beetles...or hell, stare at a shiny object for an hour or 2.

Something constructive PLEASE!!

Posted by: rock on June 21 2005 8:03 AM

Good ol Skakun trying to generate a few votes for himself,well guess what Brian,this ones going to backfire on you.IMO there is nothing worse than a do-gooder and IMO your acting like one.Just remember folks this is the same guy who wanted to spend our tax dollars on a shooting gallery for the crack heads.I agree with "The Duke"go fill some potholes....oh sorry that may take some effort not just lip service
ROCK

Posted by: Janked on June 21 2005 9:15 AM

The duke and the rock....good call boys, you said it exactly like it is...Skakun is bookin for votes. This event will be sold out..garaunteed. Don't bring your kids, don't bring your save the world, holyier than thou attitudes, and serve up the beer. Take it for what it is and give us a break. This will make money for the city, cause a stir, get PG noticed for a brief two minutes and then it will be over. Go save some forests if you need someting to save.

Posted by: wolf on June 21 2005 1:32 PM

I think its too late to say no now anyways. They have already sold tickets, and probably payperview rights. Brian should just get his head out of his --- and get on with more important things. ohhhh like fixing the pot holes!

Posted by: gypsy on June 21 2005 2:35 PM

Jeez, we ain't no bush bunnies here in good old Prince George, we all are bush tigers just spoilin' for a good fight!!!! We'll show 'em all the colors of our stripes, and those cowardly cities that turned down that "goofy goon" show can all turn green, (not black and blue), with envy when they hear about the bucks we are the recipients of!!!! Gives me a pretty good idea who is raising the bullies and rude obnoxious kids in this city--the guys promoting violence. Hope they aren't beating up the little wife for their own personal entertainment!! Now I think those big talkers promoting this event should sign up, if possible, and hit the ice themselves just to keep some of those prize bucks in the city. What say, guys, feelin' up to it????
Our reputation is so crapped out, what does this really matter. Just discount the message it sends to kids, and let the blood flow-and step up to the plate boys, and let some of it be yours. Maybe you supporters are all "punch drunk" already, but seein' as how I am the "live and let live" type, just fly at it and call it entertainment when people hurt one another. Goon city-the "heart" land-out for blood!!! Prince George Mayor better send a personal welcome to those promoters.After all, should be enough money for a decent holiday!!!
All the feeble minded supporters can talk about is fixing "potholes." Come up with something else. You are boring!!Cheers.

Posted by: wolf on June 22 2005 12:14 PM

Well Gypsy, I guess we better call the Spruce city boxing ass. and all the kung fu clubs, and tell the to close there doors, because we don't want violence in the city. What else should we cancel, oh yeah I guess there should be no more hit to pass, because it teachs kids to run into other people while driving. Tell the drag strip to close it doors because it gives kids the idea to drag race. close all the theaters so kids can't whatch violence in the movies. Tell shaw to stop broadcasting so we don't get violence on TV no more. Hmmmmm this all sounds like one thing. CENSORSHIP. I guess that is what we want to be remembered as a censorship town, where no events will want to come. Also Gypsy, you must walk everywhere if you don't realize how bad the potholes are in this town.

JMHO

Posted by: rock on June 22 2005 1:27 PM

Well said Wolf,with a handle like "GYPSY"we know what type we are dealing with.
ROCK

Posted by: gypsy on June 22 2005 4:15 PM

Jeez, wolf and rock, you guys, or she's, are getting downright scarey. Hope you are not feeling a tad brain challenged!!!!!Just a thought.
I keep saying, I am the "live and let live" kind of person. What do I care if the "goons" get black, blue, and bloodied??? And I will be damned if I let "potholes" take top priority in my everyday world. Man, I would hate to be so limited. I have brains enough to dodge the potholes, whenever possible. I do think increases in taxes, gas and utilities should not bring any objections from your corners. They can call it the "pothole filler fund." There are many other expenditures in this city, not just your boring pothole pitch. Hey, no offence!! Cheers!!!