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HomeSportsHartley Miller’s Hart Attack – May 16, 2014 Edition 471

Hartley Miller’s Hart Attack – May 16, 2014 Edition 471

The Prince George Cougars new ownership group made a favorable first impression to a crowd in excess of 1,000 when they held their “meet and greet” Tuesday at CN Centre. “A New Ice Age” theme is the slogan and fans appear eager to buy in.

The Cougars have retained their nickname, the head coach, much of their office staff and expect to have many returning players but “CHANGE” is the name of the game. With change there is hope and a welcome site for P.G. hockey enthusiasts.

Instead of one family controlling the operation, there are now six men in the ownership group, led by Team President Greg Pocock. Well known city resident Andy Beesley has been hired as VP of Business Operations and there are other new faces that are determined to help make this WHL team succeed.

On ice performance will always be paramount to success. Once the new GM is hired, that individual will lead the hockey operations department, one that has faltered in comparison to nearly every other team in the league. Then again, that is the past and this is the “new era”.

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Off ice perception cannot be understated. This is a key element to getting local and regional fans on board. Important aspects to winning the off ice venture appear obvious and include:

Strong relationship with the fans: This doesn’t mean ownership has to agree with every ticket holder. All it means is be courteous and respectful to those attending games. A simple explanation to an answer of a question helps and the manner in which it is delivered is vital.
Promotions: Going to the game should be a fun experience. Have creative contests that fans will want to be part of and not bored with.
Be visible: Every owner and management/staff member doesn’t have to stand at the entrance way and greet each customer coming through the turnstiles, but there are many ways to interact
with the public that leads to goodwill.
Staff on the same page: One vision, one theme, working together for joint goals in a relaxed
yet professional environment will translate into a strong rapport with clients.
Our Cougars: Most importantly, create an aura whereby fans feel it is “their” team, the city’s team, the community’s team, the one team everybody can and will feel proud of.

There is instant respect and credibility with the new owners. Dan Hamhuis and Eric Brewer have developed a positive reputation of being down to earth NHL’ers, who genuinely have a strong interest in the Cougars, much more than just a financial investment. Hamhuis was given a standing ovation just prior to addressing the crowd. “We’re really excited to have a local group of guys committed to making this franchise a success on and off the ice,” stated the Canucks defenceman and former Cougars captain.

Pocock and his other partners (John Pateman, Raymond Fortier, and Ernest Ouellet) are PG businessmen who have been long term residents of the city and now have the opportunity to embrace local ownership, leading by example. “We are Prince George guys. Our businesses are here; our families are here. We do not want to leave Prince George and we did not buy the Prince George Cougars to move it. This team is here to stay,” said Pocock, who admitted he is still trying to adjust
to the media spotlight.

With the season ticket drive in full swing, there is no reason why one of the owners/management cannot personally thank every season ticket holder for their support.

On ice, the Cougars should improve but will not turn their image around in one season. Off ice things should move rapidly in this entertainment oriented business.

A positive upbeat attitude is crucial to filling seats at CN Centre. More fans leads to more excitement which certainly will rub off on the players.

Yes, the new owners and their team get a thumbs up for their initial public gathering. However, this is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. The honeymoon period is alive and well. It is important to build on the momentum. It’s a huge task but doable.

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From 1999 to 2002 Prince George won the Best Fans’ category in the Best of the West poll that was conducted by the Tri-City Herald with votes from players, coaches, managers and broadcasters from all WHL Western Conference teams.

It will take plenty of time to get back to that stature, but the “goal” should be a lofty one and hopefully one day Prince George residents can feel like they have “scored” big time.

From the Quote Rack:

A.J. McCarron, who is now engaged to Katherine Webb, was chosen in the NFL draft by Cincinnati. And Brent Musberger has already inquired about broadcasting Bengals games.

The Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says the team has told Johnny Manziel to start acting “like a backup quarterback.” So will Manziel now seek to trademark “Johnny Clipboard”?

Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

Johnny Manziel has learned his first lesson in becoming an NFL quarterback. In the Draft’s first
round, he learned to drop back like Aaron Rodgers.

City officials say that New York City could survive a Godzilla attack. But, they added, it may not survive this year’s Mets bullpen.

Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

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Russell Wilson is now the #1 selling NFL jersey. Johnny Manziel is the leading NFL rookie jersey. The top selling jersey at Everything Under a Dollar store continues to be Canucks’ Luongo.

Seattle is planning to increase its minimum wage to $15 hour. This may be the beginning of the end of the CFL.

Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)

Alberta skip Kevin Martin announced his retirement. He leaves a curling career where he has owned 18 slam titles, four Brier crowns and Glenn Howard.

Orange News reports a Qatar man pulled up at a Burger King drive-thru on his camel. When he requested sugar for his coffee, the server said, “One hump or two?”

Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

And in case you missed it:

Roger Federer’s wife (Mirka) has given birth to twin boys — five years after they produced twin girls. Or as the feat is now known in pediatric circles: mixed doubles.

Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio station 94X. His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected].
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller

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