Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots, October 6th Edition

By Hartley Miller

Prince George has the dubious distinction of fielding Major Junior and Junior A hockey franchises. However, since the Cougars’ arrival in 1994, the relationship between the Cougars and the Spruce Kings has been strained. Its time these two organizations BURY THE HATCHET!

The Spruce Kings have had their "nose out of joint" prior to the Cougar’s arrival, when they failed to land a WHL team. As soon as Rick Brodsky and his Cougars appeared on the scene, it was clear he wasn't interested in a partnership with the Junior A team.

So, who has benefited from this estranged relationship? NO ONE!

The on ice product (with a few exceptions) for both teams has been dismal. In fact, the Cougars and Spruce Kings have yet to earn a WHL or BCHL banner. Perhaps, the strained affiliation between the two clubs, in a small way, contributes to this lack of success.

Local fans have shown their displeasure as evidenced by declining attendance. Since the late 1990’s the Cougars’ ticket revenue has dropped approximately a million dollars a season. Meanwhile, the Spruce Kings, who give away more tickets than the cops do for speeding, have reached an all time low this season with an average attendance of a paltry 720.

There are Cougar ex-employees now with the Spruce Kings who may not feel "warm and fuzzy" to the Cougars, and I'm sure there are those with the Cats that hope the Kings continue to flounder. Is carrying a grudge the answer? Of course not!

I'm not suggesting that the two teams get together, raise their arms in unison, and have a family barbecue. However, the two sides should make an effort to be civil toward each other and try to achieve a common goal. After all, we all make our home in the same community, one we should be proud of.

Rick Brodsky has made his intentions clear; the Cougars, under his ownership, are here to stay. Like him, or not, this is reality, despite any ridiculous offers that come forward. Spruce Kings President Rick Turgeon, for instance, should be concentrating on his own team and not acting like a WHL wanna-bee. There is room in this market for both teams to prosper, but it appears the two sides have been trying to play Survivor.

Hockey in PG will benefit if both these teams focus on a stronger relationship. A better rapport could mean players serving time with both teams, and a more positive public perception. Believe me, it's not a sin to announce a Spruce Kings score at a Cougars game, or vice versa.

So, who should make the first move? It doesn't matter. The Cougars appear to have a decent team (on paper) this season, especially with the acquistion of Devin Setoguchi, and the Spruce Kings, celebrating (?) 35 years of existence, will be hosting the prestigious Royal Bank Cup in May.

If both clubs were able to mend old wounds the positive ramifications could be enormous.

The past cannot be undone; however, both teams can change their way of thinking in the future. Hockey fans in this city deserve better treatment. If the Cougars and Spruce Kings establish a "friendship", Prince George hockey fans will benefit, and isn't this what it's all about?

I do know one thing; bitterness and "Cat" fighting are not the answers!

From the quote rack:

NBC's Jay Leno, after nine weightlifters from Iran tested positive for steroids.

---

Mark Subryan of Richmond Hill, Ontario, on the New York Yankees acquiring a new Class AAA farm team.

---

Bernie Lincicome of The Rocky Mountain News, on police saying they suspect San Diego linebacker Steve Foley was on steroids when they shot him.

---

Syndicated columnist Tom Fitzgerald 

---

Comedian Frenchie McFarlane  (www.frenchiemcfarlane.bravehost.com),

---

"An enraged Italian musician, upset that he was bumped from a flight, almost bit off the ear of an airport worker. The musician was, thus, unable attend a news conference to promote a new tour---that would be the Mike Tyson World Tour"
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California 

--- 

And in case you missed it:

What a bargain! Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard led the Majors this season with 58 homers. His salary in 2006 was just $355,000.

And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm.  Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com

Email | Print | Facebook | Twitter | Digg | Del.icio.us