Hartley Miller's Slap-Shots : October 5th Edition

By 250 News

History has proven that when the NHL makes a change, the WHL usually follows.

The NHL is expected to announce details next month of a schedule change for the 2008-09 season.  Although the specific modifications haven't been made public, after a long outcry, the league will implement a schedule that will see every team play each of the other teams, at least once.

Currently, that is not the case. For example, in 07-08, the Vancouver Canucks don't face off against Montreal, Toronto or Ottawa.

The WHL needs to also look at a change to give fans more of some teams and less of others.  Let's examine the current PG Cougars 72 game menu. Do fans realize that exactly half of their regular season games are within their division?  Yes, that's right, 10 each (5 home, 5 away) vs Kamloops and Chilliwack; and 8 each (4 home, 4 away) against Vancouver and Kelowna for a total of 36.

The Cats also have 20 games vs the U.S. Division: four each (2 home, 2 away) vs Tri-Cities, Portland, Spokane, Everett and Seattle for a grand total of 56 games against Western Conference opposition.

Their remaining 16 are against the Eastern Conference, breaking down this way: 2 each (1 home, 1 away) vs Swift Current and  Prince Albert from the East Division and 2 apiece (1 home, 1 away) against Calgary and Red Deer in the Central Division. The remaining 8 match-ups are singles as they visit Brandon, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Regina in the East Division and host Lethbridge, Kootenay, Edmonton and Medicine Hat from the Central Division.

Teams should play more games against rivals, but these numbers are too high. Lets face it, fans are looking for variety.

A wholesale change isn't necessary, but tweaking of the schedule is in order. My suggestion is to keep the 20 games against the U.S. Division, but reduce the amount of games inside the BC Division from 36 to 28, and increase the amount of games against the Eastern Conference from 16 to 24.  Then, the Cougars could  play each team in their division 7 times,  or 8 each vs Kamloops and Kelowna and 6 apiece vs Vancouver and Chilliwack.

Playing two dozen games against the Eastern Conference will allow the Cougars to play a home and away series with every team in both the East and Central Divisions.

By taking this route, it may not make a difference between large and low attendance, however, every team will play at least once at the CN Centre which currently does not happen.
I have completed schedules for many Prince George sporting groups over the years and realize one can't please everyone, all the time and there is no magic answer. Nevertheless, my proposed formula means extra travel, but in the greater picture these costs are minimal.

I'm not sure how many superstars will be on Brandon, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and Regina this season but I do know there is no opportunity to see their big guns in Prince George.

There is an old wive's tale that "variety is the spice of life".  Maybe its time for the WHL  to take note.

From the quote rack:

“Bonds will clean out his locker on Monday and clean out his medicine cabinet on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.”NBC's Jay Leno, after the San Francisco Giants announced that Barry Bonds won't be returning to the team next year.

“Great times in Philadelphia. For the first time since 1993 Phillies fans will be able to boo their team in the playoffs.”Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California

“It's been a good news/bad news week. Good news is Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills will likely walk again. Bad news is O.J. will likely walk again.”Calgary comedian Jeff Funnekotter in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix

“The University of Colorado has banned beer sales at Coors Events Center. Isn't banning beer at an arena sponsored by Coors like banning children from Travis Henry's home?”Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix

“Beer sales will no longer be available to the general public at the Coors Events Center for CU basketball games. Next thing you know, you won't be able to make a phone call at AT&T Park at Giants games.”Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“As a tribute, fans at the United Center will observe three periods of silence.” Vancouver comic Torben Rolfsen, on the death of Chicago Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz.

“A poll out of London, England site of an NHL game showed only 7% of people watch hockey. This had NHL President Gary Bettman salivating as it is 5% points higher than in the US.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

And in case you missed it:

Nike has given Seattle SuperSonics teenager Kevin Durant (the #2 pick in this year's NBA draft) a seven-year endorsement deal valued at $60 million.

And how was your week?

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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