- Ice Edge Holdings appears to be out of the picture when buying the Phoenix Coyotes.
- Famed hockey analyst Don Cherry has stated his desire to see professional hockey in Winnipeg.
- With no other options, True North Sports and Entertainment might be the only way to go.
Fourteen years after the NHL broke the hearts of every resident of Winnipeg, Manitoba news has broke that Winnipeg might, in fact, collect a second shot at the NHL.
On May 22, 2010 news broke that if the trouble Phoenix Coyotes could not find an owner by the end of the year that the team would be sold and relocated to Winnipeg-based True North Sports and Entertainment.
Lost Love
It was crushing in 1996 when the Winnipeg Jets played their final game in the storied Winnipeg Arena. A playoff loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the game was a sellout highlighted by Winnipeg’s signature “White Out” – every fan in the stands wearing white. It was a sight to see with an amazing amount of emotion.
The Winnipeg Jets landed in Glendale, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix, to become the Phoenix Coyotes. Many derided the move from Winnipeg — known for it’s long, snowy winters — to Phoenix, a city better known for it’s year-round warmth than high hasten ice sports.
The NHL selected Phoenix in order to complete Gary Bettman’s bold vision to expand the game of hockey into non-traditional markets. To that point similar locations of the Minneapolis-based Minnesota North Stars to Dallas, Texas and expansions to Anaheim, San Jose, Tampa and Sunrise had produced mixed results.
The Winnipeg Jets had boasted many superstar players during their early-90’s rebuilding period. Notably, superstar forwards Teemu Selanne, Keith Tkachuk and Alexei Zhamnov created a high speed playing style and a renewed contender. Unfortunately, most of the star players were forced to be traded due to the weak Canadian dollar before the move to Phoenix was even made.
Early Success
The initial move to Phoenix was met with surprising success. The team made the playoffs nearly every year thanks to a solid core of good players, while transplanted Canadians filled the arena to re-live their Northern routes.
It was not long, though, before the team began to struggle. Not surprisingly, once the novelty of hockey in the desert wore off spectators began to look elsewhere for entertainment. Likewise, financial woes began to destroy the team, leading to trades that saw stars players like Keith Tkachuk, Teppo Numminen and Nikolai Khabibulin leave the Phoenix Coyotes.
New Ownership
Eventually new ownership was found from an unexpected source: NHL legend Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky and his investment group purchased the team in the hope of a turnaround, even installing Gretzky as head coach.
For as good as he was as a player, Gretzky was just as bad as a coach. The team lost all coherence as a string of disappointing seasons followed. Attempts to sign star players to turn the team around failed, notably with former league MVP Brett Hull who retired after playing only five games with the Coyotes.
Bankruptcy
The Phoenix Coyotes had bled money for most of their existence in Glendale, losing up to $40 million a season at one point. In December of 2008 reports broke that the Coyotes were being supported financially by the NHL.
Six months later, Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes declared the team bankrupt with the intention of selling the Coyotes to Research In Motion CEO Jim Balsillie. Balsillie intended to purchase the team in order to relocate them to Hamilton, Ontario.
The move caught both fans and the NHL off guard, as by asking for assistance from the NHL Moyes was no longer capable of putting the Coyotes into bankruptcy. Having not gained approval to join the NHL as an owner, Balsillie was deemed underhanded by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
Legal Wrangling
The battle quickly moved to court, as the NHL controlled the team and believed it had the accurate to sell the Coyotes to an owner of their choosing. Jerry Moyes, on the other hand, supported Balsillie’s bid despite the fact that it was in direct violation of the NHL’s rules.
Several prospective owners came forward, but only those with the intention of keeping the Coyotes in Phoenix were taken seriously. The most high profile was Jerry Reinsdorf, whose Ice Edge Holdings company put forth an early bid, although they failed to form a proposal for the bankruptcy proceedings.
Eventually, a Phoenix court ruled that Jerry Moyes and Jim Balsillie could not manufacture a deal that violated the rules of the NHL, while the NHL’s own bid for the team was also rejected for not covering debtors. The NHL eventually build together a proposal that was favorite, thereby gaining ownership of the Phoenix Coyotes.
Finding an Owner
As time had run out, the NHL was forced to control the Coyotes over the course of the 2009-10 NHL season. Ice Edge Holdings was once again lined up as a potential owner, this time dealing directly with the NHL.
By May 2010 the deal had fallen through, however. Ice Edge expected Glendale to cover losses by the team, at least temporarily, with tax payer money. At this point, rumors began to circulate that the NHL had a contingency concept in place with True North Sports and Entertainment.
Hope Renewed
The NHL refused to confirm any of the rumors, although safe sources stated that a deal was in place in principle to return the Coyotes franchise back to Winnipeg if an ownership group in Arizona could not be found. The city of Glendale eventually voted in favor of covering the Coyotes losses, up to $25 million, over the 2010-11 NHL season to give the NHL more time to find a local owner.
With Ice Edge Holdings seemingly out of the picture, few groups have approach forward with intentions in keeping the NHL in Arizona. Not helping matters is a rabid hockey market in Winnipeg begging for the return of what is rightfully theirs.
The NHL is finally beginning to run out of time on their hockey-in-the-desert experiment. A deadline was station on May 22, 2010 that if no willing buyer was found to keep the Phoenix Coyotes in Arizona by the end of 2010, than the Just North deal would be sealed and the Coyotes would return to Winnipeg, Manitoba.
True North Strong and Free
It has been a long fourteen years for citizens of Winnipeg. The minor league Manitoba Moose have served as the primary source of hockey for one of the most natural hockey markets on the face of the planet. The financial troubles that plagued the Jets during the early-90’s should not pose a predicament this time around as the Canadian dollar has remained fairly accurate with the American greenback for quite some time and the NHL’s salary cap has provided parity for smaller market teams.
Supporters have also emerged from reputable sources. Former NHL coach and well-known hockey analyst Don Cherry has stated that he would like to become an investor should a team return to Winnipeg, while Jim Balsillie has gone on recount saying that he would be the first person in line to buy tickets should Canada be granted a seventh NHL franchise.
The NHL southern experiment has fairly miserably, with only teams in Anaheim, Dallas, Tampa and Raleigh meeting any kind of success. Improved parity between NHL franchises over the last decade and a half has seen tremendous results, especially for smaller market Canadian teams.
The Manitoba Moose, a minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, has played to great success in Winnipeg’s MTS Centre, selling out the 15,200 seat arena despite it’s minor league place.
Winnipeg is the kind of city designed for a hockey team. Nearly every kid grows up playing shinny with their friends, and the level of devotion shows in the level of talent coming out of the city in the likes of Jonathan Toews, Travis Zajac and Cam Barker, among others. Should an NHL team return to Winnipeg, Manitoba it might just be the smartest move the NHL has made in quite some time.
Sources
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/True-North-a-bona-fide-owner-waiting-for-Coyotes-94666154.html
http://www.tsn.ca
http://www.azcentral.com/articles/2009/06/15/20090615coyotesnosale.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jLF92I7lewixUWAgsf3YsPo9V5NgD9FL3RH81
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Filed under Partnership Bankruptcy by on Sep 13th, 2010. Comment. 
- Milwaukee is ideally positioned for travel throughout the Midwest
- Chicago, the Titanic Lakes, and the Mississippi River are romantic sites of interest
- The romantic getaway will strengthen the relationship.
The geography and harsh climate of homogenous Middle America limits the availability of diverse, romantic setting escapades throughout the region. Also, the industrial heartland and its cities have been absolutely decimated by job losses, crime, foreclosure, and the decay of manufacturing. Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and St. Louis are not exactly thriving metropolitan areas identified with romance.
Perhaps the misery is what shall make this guide all the more important. Ironically, productive escapism is often critical to preserve one’s sanity and ultimately, his or her relationship.
Certainly, Midwest disappear activity centers upon the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
Milwaukee residents and Wisconsin natives travel well and appreciate the Mountainous Outdoors. Southeast Wisconsin is a major transportation hub to the Upper Midwest providing favorable access to Middle America via road, rail, and waterway.
Milwaukee revelers also benefit from their 90-mile proximity to the City of Chicago. Essentially, Mil Town residents may easily achieve access to the region’s World Class political and social capitol without being gouged by World Class cost-of-living prices.
Indeed, we must argue that strong tourism is to be discovered within a two hundred and fifty mile radius of Milwaukee County.
The 250 mile distance mandate is quite appealing in terms of creating the picture perfect getaway fantasy – yet allows for a relatively snappy return home if those romantic dreams degenerate towards the ultimate nightmare.
Wisconsin’s positioning between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River will prove to be ideal as we show our top-five Romantic Getaways from Milwaukee:
#5 Romantic Getaway from Milwaukee: Southwest Michigan
Things to Do: Sunsets, Lake Michigan Beaches, Wineries, Skiing, Bed and Breakfasts, Antiques. Chicago, Indiana Dunes State Park and Outlet Mall Shopping are nearby and en route.
Things Not to Do: Chicago Bottlenecks. Arguments with Significant Other. Letting the Secret Out
Getting There: I-94 East to Chicago for 90 miles. I-90 Chicago Skyway to Indiana Toll Road; Reconnect with I-94 East at Lake Station to Southwest Michigan. Travelers may continue onto I-196, U.S. 31, or the Blue-Star Highway that follows the shores of Lake Michigan. The scamper is approximately 200 miles from Milwaukee. The Lake Express Ferry from Milwaukee to Muskegon, MI is available from May 1 to November 1. Travel time is 2 ½ hours.
Interestingly, Southwest Michigan and the Wolverine State publicity do not rival the exquisite merit of these travel locations. The Great Lakes State is largely perceived as a decrepit municipality that has been absolutely devastated by the reeling automobile industry. Certainly, Joe America does not associate Michigan with gorgeous beaches, intimate bed and breakfasts, lush foliage, cherries, romantic villas, and wineries.
Southwest Michigan is arguably the greatest travel secret in America.
The mystery undergirds a quaint atmosphere – where couples may easily relax above the fray of crushing crowds. New Buffalo, St. Joseph, South Haven, and Saugatuck are all perfect getaways lining the opposite shores of Lake Michigan from Milwaukee and Chicago.
The area’s climate is moderated by the Great Lakes, while the fertile soil and wintertime snow pack are ideal for growing and preserving grapes. Southwest Michigan is home to a plethora of wineries and trails offering romantic tasting and tour packages.
Adventurous partners may also continue along U.S. Highway 31 to Traverse City – the cherry capitol of the world, and/or Mackinac Island State Park which has been honored by National Geographic as a top-ten location.
Mackinac Island may only be reached by ferry from the I-75 Mackinac Bridge area. Transportation at this locale is limited to bicycling, foot traffic, and horse carriages.
Southwest Michigan is 200 miles from Milwaukee and requires travelers to battle Chicago bottlenecks during the winter months while ferry service is shut down. The distance and urban mayhem that must be combated along the route will challenge any stale relationship. Visitors must ensure that both partners are ready to obtain the invitation.
The minor tiff that explodes into a raging tempest would be disastrous at a region that is hours away from home – while the crushing scenario is being exacerbated by ridiculous, peak-hour Chicago traffic.
#4 Romantic Getaway From Milwaukee: Door County, Wisconsin
Things to Do: Bed and Breakfasts, Natural and Peaceful Solitude, Lambeau Field
Things Not to Do: Yuppie Behavior
Getting There: I-43 North 84 miles to Manitowoc. Exit at Wisconsin route 42, and proceed 76 miles to Door County. The trip is 150 miles.
Door County is the small Wisconsin peninsula that protrudes into Lake Michigan from Green Bay. The landscape is dotted with lighthouses, beaches, and museums. The area provides excellent, rustic change-of-season fall color, wintertime cross country skiing, and year round outdoorsmanship. This is beautiful country.
Cheese Heads that bleed Packer Green may also set off the trip with the required pilgrimage to Lambeau Field at Green Bay. Although the hallowed grounds are not typically equated with romance – Packer Football is Religion in Wisconsin. We must speculate that at least one member of the relationship will revel on the grounds of this historical testament to Football Lore, regardless of season.
Couples may access Door County from the City of Green Bay via Wisconsin State Route 57 off of Interstate 43.
Door County is 150 miles from Milwaukee and the sparsely populated area spans approximately 50 miles from north-to-south. The uppermost Washington and Rock Islands may only be reached via ferry. The distance, solitude, and lack of action packed, urban environs will enable romantic couples to focus primarily upon the relationship – hopefully generating another fresh set of memories.
#3 Romantic Getaway from Milwaukee: Galena, Illinois
Things to Do: Bed and Breakfasts, Antique Shopping, Quaint Atmosphere, Mississippi River
Getting There: I-43 South 75 Miles to Beloit; Exit at I-90/39 East/South and follow I-39 to U.S. 20 West at Rockford; Take U.S. 20 – Grant Highway West 80 Miles to Galena. The total trip is 165 miles.
Galena is the only Midwest enclave to consistently appear near the top of every single “beautiful place” list in the United States of America.
Digest the aforementioned piece of information and note the purposeful omission of our “Things NOT to do” header. Visitors that cannot devour Galena may not carry the benefits of actually maintaining any semblance of a pulse.
Ice Age glaciers that steamrolled Middle America into flat land prairie bypassed Jo Daviess County and the Upper Mississippi River region. Prominent rolling hills, valleys, and bluffs have remained in tact for centuries. Of course, Galena History is maintained – in step with the preservation of Northwest Illinois topography.
85% of the buildings are located within a National Register Historic District.
The town that “time has forgotten” served as a prominent hub for all nineteenth-century Illinois political activity.Ulysses S. Grant arrived at Galena as a penniless soldier to work for his father in 1860. The humble gentleman was to leave town and return as the revered Civil War General U.S. Grant. Ulysses S. Grant and accepted the 18th Presidency shortly thereafter – without the awkward spectacle of campaigning for the post.
Strikingly, Galena remains unchanged ever since.
#2 Romantic Getaway From Milwaukee: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Things to Do: Skiing, Mansion Tours, Embrace the Tourist Mindset
Things Not to Do: Saturate Travel Itinerary with Lake Geneva Visits. Wage war versus arrogant Chicagoans.
Getting There: I-43 South for 35 miles to Elkhorn. Exit onto U.S. 12 to Wisconsin 50 West at Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva is 55 miles from Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin outdoors are often invaded and overrun by legions of caustically conspicuous, highbrow Chicagoans. Lake Geneva is the ultimate example.
Lake Geneva is Chicago’s Playground.
In fact, the earliest recordings of white settlers are synonymous with names that are easily identifiable to the Chicago Native. The position was “discovered” by the Kinzie family traveling between Fort Dearborn and Wisconsin’s Fort Winnebago.
Rugged, Northern Illinois pioneers settled the terrain – before giving way to wealthy Chicago Captains of Industry. The stately, Victorian mansions lording over the picturesque hills and foliage surrounding Geneva Lake serve as the second homes of Chicago’s elite. Indirectly, the city rose to prominence as a consequence of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Upper class Chicagoans fled to Lake Geneva in order to bide time amidst the aftermath-rebuild of this disaster.
Lake Geneva is hailed as the “Newport, RI of the ‘West’.”
The enclave is a hotbed for skiing, shopping, and outdoor revelry. Although accommodations range from the intimate bed and breakfast towards the exclusive franchise hotel – lodging is always in short supply throughout the summer months and key winter holidays.
The popularity of the Geneva Lake resort location is its one true downfall.
All Wisconsin and Illinois couples must tread lightly. Perhaps your beau has already vacationed at Lake Geneva – with somebody else.
#1 Romantic Getaway from Milwaukee: Chicago, Illinois
Things to Do: Museums, Opera, Plays, Lake Michigan Beaches, Architectural Tours, Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue Shopping, Night clubs. Everything.
Things Not to Do: Act like you are from Wisconsin.
Getting There: I-94 East 90 Miles to Chicago.
Chicago is a World Class City.
The important factor for ‘Sconsin couples is to mitigate the aura of intimidation that will inevitably arrive while descending upon a 3,000,000 person metropolis that historically dominates the Mil Town’s machinations at population 600,000.
Chicago is indeed a city of definite neighborhoods – but this sprawling locale can never be fully explored with one trip. Plan accordingly by dividing the Windy City into its requisite sections that compliment your ideas of romance. Wisconsin tourists must approach with an airtight game plan to effectively manage and dismiss the “deer in headlights” look that identifies a notable target for criminal activity. Let us evaluate:
Chicago Loop: This is downtown Chicago within the perimeter of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) elevated tracks (El) that circle the center of the city. The Sears Tower, LaSalle Street finance, Chicago’s Theater District, and Marshall Fields (Macy’s) shopping are located here. The Loop is bustling during the daylight hours – but relatively collected after sun down.
North River – Michigan Avenue: North River is the area directly across the Chicago River from the Chicago Loop. Michigan Avenue and Oak Street offer the high-end retailing that rivals any location in the world. The area is electric with nightlife and is very accommodating to out-of-towners. Bustle, Ontario, and Ohio streets are lined with upscale nightclubs and restaurants – while the atmosphere at Division presents a bar scene that is more collegial.
North Side: Wrigleyville, Lakeview, Lincoln, Park, and Primitive Town are all eclectic neighborhoods bordered by the North River section, Sheffield Avenue-Halsted Street, and Irving Park Road. DePaul students and trendy, Chicago socialites frequent these North Side bars, clubs, and fashionable boutiques.
BoysTown, located at Belmont and Halsted is highlighted by rainbow themed light fixtures and is the center of LGBT activity in the Midwest. Straight couples must sight that all is not exactly what it seems at Belmont.
South Side – West Side: Hyde Park is the home of Barack Obama and The University of Chicago. The neighborhood is an epicenter for intellectual thought and Chicago’s Black, upwardly mobile community. Hyde Park is accessible via U.S. 41 – Lake Shore Drive. Lake Michigan, 47th-57th Streets, and Cottage Grove Avenue border the section.
The West Loop between downtown and The United Center is a gentrified area of lofts, art galleries, and tucked away lounges. The home of Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios still retains its gritty, industrial warehouse type of appeal.
Lakefront: U.S. 41 Lake Shore Drive provides the best access to the lakefront. The Field Museum, John G. Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium complex may be of interest at McFetridge Drive just south of downtown.
Oak Street and North Avenue are the most popular Lake Michigan beaches and the key stretch from Navy Pier to Fullerton Avenue (Best skyline views) is always congested during the summertime months. Private intimacy is best found at Chicago’s lakefront south of Interstate 55 and Soldier Field.
Romance is what you make it.
The Top – 5 Romantic Getaways from Milwaukee, Sources:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, http://www.visitmilwaukee.org/
The City of Chicago, http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/home.do
A Guide to Romantic Getaway in Wisconsin, http://www.excellent-romantic-vacations.com/romantic-getaway-in-wisconsin.html
The State of Wisconsin, http://www.wisconsin.gov/state/home/app? COMMAND=gov.wi.state.cpp.command.LoadPortalHome
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Filed under Franchise Bankruptcy by on Aug 28th, 2010. Comment.