Use the second chance to do hockey right at Chevy Centre

Use the second chance to do hockey right at Chevy Centre

EDITOR:

The Central Hockey League’s sudden termination of Youngstown’s franchise is not a reason for panic but a splendid opportunity.

Youngstown’s relationship with the CHL was doomed from the start. Global Entertainment shackled the Steelhounds to a league that offered no chance at maximizing interest in the sport or team. No one here can be blamed for being unable to ratchet up a healthy competitive dislike for teams in distant deserts, prairies or mountains.

Now is the time for the city, current ownership, and/or potential investors to review all options and not, like an unwanted orphan, latch onto the first home it gets.

The ECHL and IHL have been offered as plausible options. The former is an exciting development league with rivalry-building teams in the tri-state region; the latter, characterized as a “clutch and grab” league, should be avoided. Hockey fans would rather be sold insurance three nights a week than be tortured this way.

A third option should not be overlooked: the relocation of an existing franchise from hockey’s “Triple A” league, the AHL. Youngstown offers a sufficiently-sized market and an outstanding facility for any team struggling in another town. Our city fathers could build an attractive package to the right team, one thinks.

When a team hits the ice again at the Chevy Centre, success will flow from the commitment of four groups: ownership, media, the City, and the public. The ‘Hounds failed to capitalize on momentum created in the first season. Media coverage, especially local television, was often weak and inconsistent regardless of time zones. One also suspects a lot of sold tickets that boosted attendance numbers were not actually used, producing the adverse downstream effect of lost concession sales and the perception of weak fan support. A little work and the right attitude will solve these issues.

Some people are quick to dismiss Youngstown as “not a hockey town” but neither was Pittsburgh nor other hockey Meccas at one time. Even though the transient, player-development nature of minor league sports does not lend itself to image-building through marquee players, ways can still be found to create a ground swell of support that lasts for more than a season or two.

One suggestion: Dispose of the current colors. While unique, rust does not speak well of the image Youngstown’s trying to change. It’s a red town. Look at all the “red” schools. Select something most of us will find in our closets and wear to the games.

It’s a new opportunity for minor league hockey success in Youngstown. Let’s make the most of it.

CHRIS TRAVERS

Youngstown

Washington deserves credit for backing hockey in area

EDITOR:

Herb Washington is a man who deserves the respect and the gratitude of the people of Youngstown.

While we do not always agree with Mr. Washington on all issues, there is no question that he unhesitatingly invested his money and made a substantial contribution to the inaugural years of the Chevrolet Centre when nobody else would. Our community is better because of Herb Washington’s generous support of hockey.

Our company is well familiar with the idea of losing money in the support of hockey. We are willing to do so, because we believe the operation of our hockey team provides wholesome family entertainment and contributes to the quality of life in the community.

The parallel between Bruce Zoldan’s Phantoms and Herb Washington’s Steelhounds is clear. Neither make money, but both have made a difference to the Mahoning Valley. Both men have businesses that have benefited from local support, and both men have repeatedly demonstrated their unwavering desire to give back generously.

We salute Herb Washington’s commitment and dedication to our community.

WILLIAM A. WEIMER, vice president

B.J. Alan Company

Youngstown