The Bash brothers are back…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Enforcers Justin Sawyer and Robin Gomez were never actually called the “bash brothers” by anyone, but I’ve always liked the name going back to Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco for the Oakland A’s.
After a year together in Oklahoma City, the duo will play together in Bloomington as the PrairieThunder signed Gomez earlier this week.
From the official release:
Gomez, a 6-2, 210-pound native of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, has racked up 1,418 penalty minutes in 388 games during his seven-year pro career. He began with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL in 2002 before going to Manchester of the EIHL in 2006.
Gomez also has played 12 games in the AHL. He has 66 goals and 80 assists overall while being a member five playoff teams.
“(Gomez) was one of the toughest players in the CHL last season,” Skalde said. “You know when you go into a building and Robin Gomez is on a team, everyone is aware of it. The great thing about Robin is he can play and put up some numbers.
“He’s a guy you can throw on your power play in front of the net. He’s a regular-shift guy, but he’ll also be one of the toughest players in our league. He just commands that respect from other players.”
Franck to Rio Grande Valley…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Been a busy few days in Tulsa, but I do appreciate several readers pointing out that former Blazers goaltender (and his unbelievable mask) Andy Franck has signed with Rio Grande Valley.
Franck was one of the few sure-bets had the Blazers played this season as he was signed for a two-year deal that began with last season.
A groin injury hurt him some and never quite got back into that early-season groove. But sure we can agree that whether it was Franck or Doug Groenestege, the Blazers were in every game because of the goaltending.
And if you’re wondering what’s up with Bob Funk Jr., well, tonight starts the X Games, so that’s where he is at.
Here is the official release from the CHL on Franck:
HIDALGO, TEXAS — The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) today announced that the team has signed goalie Andy Franck for the 2009-10 season.
The two-time CHL All Star joins the Killer Bees after playing last season with the Oklahoma City Blazers (CHL). He became a free agent when the Blazers ceased operations earlier this summer. In 32 games there, he finished with a 15-12-3 record along with a 2.68 goals against average (GAA) and a .894 save percentage. His GAA was good for fifth overall in the CHL.
He began last season with a 9-1-2 record before suffering an injury on Nov. 22 and missing seven straight games. That impressive start earned him Northern Conference starting goaltender honors at the 2009 CHL All Star game, marking the second straight season he garnered that right. Franck was also the Northern Conference starter at the 2008 CHL All Star game as a member of the Youngstown Steelhounds.
“I’m excited about coming down to the Valley,” Franck said. “Everyone I have spoken to has had nothing but good things to say about the city, the fans and the organization as a whole. It was unfortunate what happened in Oklahoma City but I’m definitely looking forward to the season and getting a fresh start in Rio Grande. I’ve played a few games over the past two seasons at the Dodge Arena and was always impressed with the attendance and fan support at the games. I’m thrilled to be a part of the organization and expect big things from us this year.”
The 28-year-old Lakewood, Ohio, native appeared in 41 games with the Youngstown during the 2007-08 season, posting a 26-10-4 mark, a 2.85 GAA and .906 save percentage. He earned a call-up to the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League and appeared in nine games, going 7-1-0 with a 2.71 GAA and .895 save percentage. After returning to Youngstown, Franck earned the Sherwood CHL Goaltender of the Month award in March 2008 after compiling a record of 8-0-1 with a 2.26 GAA and .929 save percentage.
“Andy is a key piece of our roster for the coming season,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “He has great experience and has been consistent everywhere he has played. I expect he’ll play a lot of minutes for us and be a leader on and off the ice.”
Before joining Youngstown, Franck played two seasons with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. In those two seasons, he compiled a 50-41-9 mark, 2.78 GAA and a .910 save percentage to go along with eight shutouts. He also played three seasons of college hockey at Mercyhurst College (Erie, Penn.). With the Lakers he played in 81
Games and posted a 43-26-5 record, 3.12 goals GAA, .905 save percentage and four shutouts.
Catching up with Sundbye…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
When you’re living in Tulsa for the week and knee-deep in high school activities, you don’t expect to run into a hockey presence at the coaches clinic.
But I did Monday as former Blazers trainer Wade Sundbye is representing McBride Orthopedics at one of the numerous booths at the all-state convention.
Anybody hoping Sundbye will move on up the road to help out Tulsa should let that go. Sundbye said he is very content with his current position with McBride and will continue to do what he normally does during the hockey off-season when the hockey season comes around again.
He said in the past he had handed off that part of his job to someone else, but that won’t be necessary this time around.
Sundbye was in good spirits and will be around today as well before heading back home to Oklahoma City either late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Two days down, four more to go here in Tulsa.
Groenestege joining Fleck…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Hey hey, Boneman is back. Did you miss me? Maybe a little? Well, not much to report in regards to the AHL situation, but another former Blazer has found a home.
Goaltender Doug “Goose” Groenestege has been signed by the Missouri Mavericks, it was confirmed Monday. Missouri also signed G Mike Gorman.
From the official release:
“Mike Gorman and Doug Groenestege are two goalies with very different styles,” said Hillman. “What they share is competitiveness and a commitment that they are coming here to support each other and our team’s goals for our inaugural season. Every team relies on their goalies on certain nights when things just aren’t going well, and both men have the ability to win hockey games on their own. Doug and Mike help us tremendously as we attempt to lay a solid foundation for this franchise.”
Groenestege (grun-eh-stedjh), 25 (1/11/84), is entering his fifth professional season and third in the CHL. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound netminder led the CHL last season with a 2.10 GAA and was third overall with a .922 save pct. He is 29-19-2 over the last two seasons in the CHL with a 2.34 GAA and .920 save pct. The Stratford, Ontario native has 55 wins and four shutouts in 118 games played as a pro.
***
It might be slow here on the blog in the next couple of weeks. Bob Funk Jr. is busy with the X Games and won’t be able to be reached.
But I will be attempting for a Q&A with Edmonton Oilers president Patrick LaForge in the near future. And if any other Blazers sign or any other good stuff, you know I’ll be around.
Fleck to Missouri…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Got a call from the legendary John Brooks last night to let me know that the heart and soul of the Blazers, defenseman Tyler Fleck, has signed with the Missouri Mavericks.
It’s not breaking news concerning the AHL, but Fleck definitely deserves a post. This makes sense on many levels. 1. It’s a pretty good location in regards to Oklahoma City. 2. It happened like Fleck wanted it to. He told me last week he wanted to be done with this in the next couple of weeks, and he is. 3. He’s the only one from last year’s team that has a real history with team president Brad Lund. And it made sense Lund would want to snatch Fleck up.
Anyway, here is the release from the CHL yesterday as Missouri also signed defenseman Shaun Arvai and forward Travis Kauffeldt:
Fleck, 30 (1/20/79), is entering his 11th professional season and first outside of the Oklahoma City Blazers organization. The 5-foot-10, 210-pound defenseman has played in 545 professional games and tallied 172 points (34-138=172) while amassing 1,209 penalty minutes all with the Blazers. Fleck is a two-time CHL All-Star (2004, 2009) and was co-captain of the 2009 CHL All-Star team. The Carlyle, Saskatchewan native was a member of the 2000-01 Blazers championship squad. Fleck was named Best Defensive Defenseman in the CHL’s 2008-09 Best of the Best Poll, he was also voted Best Leader and finished third in the voting for Best Bodychecker. Off the ice, Fleck created a website for a former teammate of his, Les Borsheim. The website – TeamBorsheim.com – is dedicated to his teammate who was involved in a motorcycle accident in June of 2007 that left him nearly paralyzed and in critical condition.
“Tyler Fleck is recognized throughout the CHL as a leader, someone who is always willing to sacrifice for his team both on and off the ice,” said Mavericks’ coach Scott Hillman. “He brings a big physical presence to our blue line and is a great shot blocker. Tyler was one of the most sought after free-agent defensemen in the league and we are very fortunate to have him with us here in Independence.”
***
Now back to vacation.
Vacation time…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Here at the Cox Convention Center for the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz and Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings af2 game. Just want to drop a couple of notes to everyone.
For Sunday, expect a big profile feature on Bob Funk Jr. Maybe it’ll open some eyes about him, maybe it will anger people even more. Either way, hopefully, you’ll get a better understanding of who he is and what he is all about.
And for Monday, got a big AHL Main Event planned. Basically, small snippets of what fans can expect, and will it all be worth it in the end?
As for me, this time tomorrow, I hope to be halfway home to Ohio as I’m going home for a week. Time to recharge the batteries to get ready for another high school football season and all the latest with the AHL situation.
If any breaking news does occur, that vacation will be short-lived. Appreciate all the comments and keep ‘em coming as I’ll still be checking my e-mail and see you soon.
Sauter a week later…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Got some pretty big stories in store for you guys this weekend. But until then, had a chance to talk with Blazers head coach Doug Sauter once again.
Sauter was the first person I talked to last week after finding out the news about the team closing up shop.
Sauter is adamant that it was a business decision. He still has mixed emotions about it, but he doesn’t blame anybody for what happened.
He’s been extremely busy with the Calgary Stampede the last week. I think that helps during times like this. Tyler Fleck was at a wedding last week around the same time, too. Good to be busy.
It seems everyone is doing well, Sauter said. Associate coach Chris Dashney has been working on getting opportunities for the guys to find homes with new teams.
Sauter said he is willing to wait it out. “I’m in no hurry to make a rash decision.” He said there are some positives and some negatives with the Blazers franchise.
It’s very easy to criticize, he said. But he knows the die-hard fans enjoyed it throughout the years. He felt the entertainment value was still up to par, but the business model just wasn’t working.
As for the Stampede, Sauter and the six-horse Express Clydesdales won the Stampede’s Six Horse Hitch Competition World Championship. It is the first time the Clydesdales have earned the honor and they won $10,000 Canadian money.
But even at the Stampede, people were asking him about the Blazers and the Oklahoma City hockey scene. He said more than 50 people from Oklahoma made the trip.
Q&A with Matt Donovan…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
To go with speaking to Tyler Fleck, Marty Standish and Sebastien Centomo, also had a chance to talk with Edmond native Matt Donovan.
Donovan, of course, was drafted by the New York Islanders last year and his life has been quite the blur since then.
Donovan had 51 points in 57 games for Cedar Rapids of the United States Hockey League.
Q: It was right around this time last year that you were drafted. What’s this last year been like for you?
A: It’s been good and really busy. Been working out as much as possible and going from camp to camp.
Q: You did a lot in this last year, does anything stand out?
A: Playing for Team USA at the World Junior A Championships was a lot of fun. Winning the gold medal was an unbelievable feeling. It’s the first real gold medal I’ve won, so it will always be special.
Q: What did it mean to you to be selected for that team? Did it let you know that you belong on that stage?
A: Making the team was a big accomplishment. And just being able to work out with those guys, you learn a lot. It definitely helps you out mentally. It was a big confidence booster.
Q: How are things going with the Islanders?
A: Things are going fine. I’m leaving Thursday to go to a team camp for them. We’re going to a Mets game, so I’m excited about that. It’s been a nice fit so far.
Q: What’s the biggest difference from your game this year compared to your game at this point last year?
A: I’m just getting stronger and faster. I know I have a lot of work I have to do.
Q: Here at the camp, you’re like an authority figure, how does that feel?
A: This is the second year I’ve helped out Tyler (Fleck), and I love it. It’s fun to be around all these kids and help them learn more about the game and do whatever you can to teach them and have fun.
Special thanks to Donovan for taking the time out to talk with me. Interesting how fast the BIC has been transformed. Almost all signs/banners of Blazers stuff has been removed. Where it said “Blazer Hockey” in paint behind the benches, now just says Hockey.
Even the logo is gone from the team locker room. Yes, the same logo that the Boneman had to pay $5 for stepping on one time.
***
In other news, Springfield president and general manager Bruce Landon lashed out at reports that Oklahoma City will be the home to an AHL franchise for the 2010-11 season.
You can read his statement on Springfield’s site right here.
And you can read up more on Landon with this piece from The Republican right here.
AHL Hockey Club, LLC manager and Express Sports president Bob Funk Jr. declined to comment on Landon’s remarks as well as if there are any negotiations going on with the Iowa AHL franchise.
Fleck video…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
I was hoping to get a chance to go to Tyler Fleck’s camp today, and I did get that chance. I thought about doing a Q&A with him, but you know what? It means a lot more to hear it from him than to read it written by me.
Had fun at the camp, good to see Marty Standish and Sebastien Centomo again. I wasn’t there long enough to see Andy Franck, but I will have a Q&A with Matt Donovan up sometime Thursday.
Enough talking, enjoy the video. Special thanks to Fleck for taking the time out to do it as well.
Q&A with Bob Funk Jr…
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Well, we’ve heard from just about everyone about the end of the Blazers and the prospects of an AHL franchise coming to Oklahoma City for the 2010-11 season. One major person who has been pretty quiet has been AHL Hockey Club, LLC manager and Express Sports president Bob Funk Jr. Funk took the opportunity to sit down with me Tuesday afternoon to address some of the issues and where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re heading.
Q: The city council approved everything today. It’s finally official. How are you feeling?
A: I feel really good right now. We’re glad to be moving down a different path. Hopefully, we’ll be able to do things with the AHL in Oklahoma City. We feel it’s going to be good for everybody involved. For us, for the city and for the fans of hockey in Oklahoma City.
Q: Why now when it comes to closing the door on the Blazers and opening the door to the AHL?
A: It’s unfortunate that we had to close our doors, but it just wasn’t financially viable. We’ve lost upwards to $6 million over the last nine years. We’ve lost a lot of money on it. There was really no other choice at this point. We made our management changes to do what we could to try to salvage it (in November). We simply gave away too many free tickets through the years. It’s great to be No. 1 in attendance but to do it at the expense of the ticket value is not good. It’s hard to recover from something like that. And it’s not fair to the season ticket holders.
Q: A lot of fans are wondering if a team couldn’t survive in the CHL, how in the world could a team survive in the AHL?
A: First of all, the deals are different. It’s a different business model. Moving across the street will give us a better opportunity to do what we want to do. Overall, honestly, we’re not going to get rich off of this thing. It’s not going to be a big money-making venture. But I believe in what the fans have given us over the last 17 years. Oklahoma City hockey fans deserve to have a team at the next level. We have such passionate and dedicated fans. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible. The models (CHL, AHL) I don’t know if they really compare.
Q: Are you afraid of losing fans because of the way everything went down in the last couple of months?
A: Yeah, it’s definitely a concern. We were taking such massive losses. It’s better to try to start another organization anew. Start something fresh and do it right.
Q: AHL Hockey Club, LLC has been in existence since May, 2008. That’s almost 14 months now. How long have you been thinking about doing this?
A: The thought itself has been on my radar for quite a while. Did I think it would be a reality? Honestly, I’m taking a shot in the dark. I think we have a good opportunity in front of us. I’ve been thinking about this ever since the sports environment changed in Oklahoma City. It has matured as a market since we bought the team nine years ago. It’s a much more cosmopolitan city. The fact the Thunder is here proves that. People are more sophisticated about sports. So I felt we were ready for the next step. In my mind, that meant the AHL.
Q: The terms of the new lease is at the Cox Convention Center, was the Cox Center always the first choice?
A: We looked at both (Ford Center and Cox) and had to do what is best for everybody to try to give the Blazers a home or whatever we decide to call it.
Q: The name of the team is up to you guys. Will the Blazers name stay?
A: I’m of the mindset that we want to keep it. But I’m open to any options at this point. I’m trying to start and revamp an entire brand and what our hockey is. There is good and bad to both. We have such a long-standing tradition, but there’s a lot of baggage as well. I’m not sure if we want to carry that to the new team.
Q: The ice situation at the Cox Center has been a concern for some fans. Is that complete now, or does that still need to be done?
A: As far as I know, it is still in the process of being done. I don’t know the details, per se.
Q: There has been a lot of speculation that the negotiations will be with the Edmonton Oilers. Oilers president and CEO Patrick LaForge has already confirmed the team is interested in Oklahoma City as a market. Is Edmonton the team you’re negotiating with?
A: No comment.
Q: What’s going to happen with all the Blazers stuff (banners, merchandise, etc)?
A: The banners we are going to keep. We’ll liquidate what we can with the merchandise. It’ll happen Aug 7-9 at the Blazers Ice Centre. As far as I know, it’s just merchandise at this point. There are certain items that I’m going to purchase from the team itself for the new team. But the rest of the stuff will go on.
Q: What role will Blazers head coach Doug Sauter play in this? Is it up to him basically?
A: He’ll always be a part of our organizations. Whether it’s helping with the hockey team or doing other stuff, he’ll always be a part. As for the coaching, I’m not in a spot to comment on that.
Q: Since you’re the manager of the AHL Hockey Club, LLC and president of Express Sports, is it safe to assume this will be an Express Sports venture?
A: Not at this time, no. Probably not. It will be loosely affiliated. We will probably utilize the assets and resources as well as our other sport entities with Express Sports. There may be a loose affiliation with the RedHawks in terms of promotions and stuff like. But no, Express Sports is not a part of the official business structure.
Q: If it’s not Express Sports, how will the ownership work out?
A: It’ll be owned and mainly operated by me.
Q: I’ve reviewed the terms of the new lease, and it appears you got a lot of things you were looking for. Was there one thing in it that you really sought after and clinched the deal?
A: No, not really. Overall, thought it was a fair deal for us, for SMG, for the city. Everybody (Tom Anderson, Gary Desjardins, and Jim Couch) were all good to deal with. They’ve all been great through this process. Can’t say it’s been one thing. Getting something that made financial sense, not just for us, but that didn’t take away from the city or the building was important. It was a working cooperation to make our team as good as it can be.
Q: It’s not exactly defined in the lease, who will be paying for all the renovations to the Cox Center?
A: No comment.
Q: How will the expenses work? Will the parent team pay for everything? Has it been decided yet?
A: No comment.
Q: How does your dad (Bob Funk Sr.) feel about everything?
A: You know what, I can’t say. You’ll have to ask him. I just know he wants what is best for Oklahoma City and the fans. He always has.
Q: You’re involved in so many other things. Are you still going to be running all over the place?
A: No, I’m still going to have my hand actively out there in other areas. Honestly, working in conjunction with Express Sports, there is no better team to be operating with or working through the process with.
Q: Will you be centrally located here now, though (he’s been living in Nevada)?
A: I’ll be moving here in September. Hopefully, in September. As soon as I get a house. September is the goal.
Q: How crazy and/or stressful has this last week been?
A: Not really, actually. We planned appropriately so it hasn’t been very stressful. We’ve been very cautious more than anything. For us, it was more an inevitably to shut the Blazers down. It was a business decision. Not what we wanted to do but what we had to. Not really stressful, really just a sad thing. A very unfortunate, sad thing.
Q: Will Express Sports still operate as normal?
A: Yes. We still have the PBR events and the agency. And then if there are any new things that pop up and make business sense, we’ll do it.
Q: Any chance of selling the Blazers?
A: I don’t know. I haven’t talked to the league honestly. Nor have I had any time to gauge any interest. Hopefully something can be worked out.
Q: Since you’re taking such a big role, are you at all nervous about laying it all out there?
A: It’s like any other business. You have a product, market it and sell it. Have to control expenses and revenues and try to max profit. There’s a risk in everything you do when it comes to business.
Q: From talking to you in the past, it feels like you would have liked to have had this done a lot sooner. Has this put you behind in terms of the schedule of getting things done?
A: No, it hasn’t. It did take a little longer, but I knew it would be a hard and long process. Now I’m ready to move forward.
***
Be back tomorrow with any further developments. Also, hoping to get a chance to visit Tyler Fleck and some of the boys at Fleck’s camp at the Blazers Ice Centre.
