After following the Prince George Spruce Kings Coaching controversy for the past few weeks I have decided to write an open letter to the team's Executive:

Dear Executive,

 

I will preface my comments by stating that I am not judging or rehashing Dempsey’s coaching tactics which have recently been a topic of conversation. I will not pretend to have all the answers, nor will I mislead the public by stating that I have “inside” knowledge.

If you, as an executive, believe you have reason, or evidence, to suggest that Dempsey has not acted in the best interest of the organization since his arrival to the team in 2005, then it is time now to make a change. Don’t wait another year when his guaranteed contract expires. You can promote Assistant Coach, Stewart Malgunas, who is waiting in the wings, or hire a fresh face as a replacement.

If, on the other hand, you have reason, or evidence to believe that Dempsey has represented the team in a professional manner and represents the values of this hockey club, then now is the time to make a strong statement by adding at least another year to his existing deal.

Oh, by the way, the 3^rd option of having Dempsey carry just one of the two titles isn't necessary, unless Ed himself would rather just concentrate on one area of the hockey club.

The last thing the Spruce Kings need is to remain static. By not offering Dempsey an extension, the Kings will be left with a dark cloud lingering through the 2008/09 BCHL season. I am sure you will agree that this is another distraction the team doesn’t need.

Just last week, the Vancouver Canucks ended speculation regarding their Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, when new General Manager Mike Gillis gave him a contract extension through the 2009/2010 NHL season. Keep in mind, Vigneault was being evaluated on philosophy and record. In Dempsey's case, it may be a bit more complicated.

I know (by the way the group has dragged its feet) this is an issue you would rather not address in the off season, however, it's time to show some fortitude and take a stand. If Dempsey has "crossed the line", then make the decision, replace him immediately, pay him accordingly, and move on. 

Oh, one last thing, once a decision is made-please remain united! If this means, a change on the board is necessary, then so be it. 

 

 

“O.J. says it wasn't him, and he vows to spend the rest of his life searching for the real freeloaders.” 

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, on allegations that former USC basketball standout
O.J. Mayo was given cash and merchandise under the table.

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“Cincinnati Reds star Ken Griffey Jr. paid back the $1,500 he owed teammate Josh Fogg from a golf bet by leaving 150,000 pennies in his locker.
This is not unheard of in baseball: that's how the notoriously cheap late Minnesota Twins owner Calvin Griffith used to pay his team payroll.” Vancouver comic Torben Rolfsen

 

“The Indianapolis 500 was won by Scott Dixon. He took home the first place check of $2.5 Million, which after paying for gas for a 500 mile trip left him with $37.50.”Comedian Jim Barach  

 

“The Indianapolis 500 has a Bump Day which is the last chance to qualify for the event not to be confused with when Travis Henry’s newest girlfriend begins to show.”Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

 

“As the gossip mags have it, Lance Armstrong has gone from divorcing his wife to dating singer Sheryl Crow to dating ex-kid actress Ashley Olsen to dating fashion designer Tory Burch and, now, to dating Kate Hudson.
Or, as the former Tour de France champ prefers to call it, recycling.”

Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times

“Former 100-metre world record holder Tim Montgomery will spend the next four years in prison for dealing bad cheques. It took a New York judge 9.76 seconds to sentence him.” Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix.