First, I want to say THANK YOU to all of the fans who showed up today for the CBJ Fan Protest. This does not work without all of you there. All of the energy... The passion.... The want for this team to succeed. It's something I'll never ever forget.
Second, thanks to all of my fellow organizers and speakers. Cornelius, Pat, Carl, Matt and Robert... It was a pleasure.
I'll have much more on this tomorrow.
What a day.
-LTL
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I drank the kool-aid this summer. Carter, Wiz, Prospal, Martinek.... Ownership spent some money and I thought, we've have finally started to address the real holes in this roster.
LOFT, or Lack Of F-----g Talent, had become Lots Of F------g. I thought, playoffs here we come.
If there is one thing this season has taught me is that I was WRONG. WRONG. WRONG. These days, I think to myself, if only it was just a talent problem.
This may sound over the top, but I seriously wonder if an in-his-prime Wayne Gretzky, the game's greatest player, would find success on this team. And we are talking about a player who racked up 894 goals 1943 assists for an NHL record 2,857 points.
That is just how bad I think the culture of losing has embedded itself into this organization. And the only chance that I think we've got to rid ourselves of that culture of losing is a fundamental house cleaning that starts at the top.
And that is what today's protest is about. It's not about changing players, changing coaches, putting in systems or selling tickets. It's about finally accepting the reality of this situation and taking the necessary steps required to address it. Let's not continue to erode this fan base. Let's fix the problem, save what fan base is left, and start the rebuild.
Will changing the President and GM fix this? There are no absolutes in this world. But, I certainly believe sticking with the 'status quo' and continuing to ride the coaching/player merry-go-round is going to produce the same old results. And that is just not good enough.
This franchise deserves better.
This city deserves better.
We, the fans, deserve better.
For those wondering what in the h-e-doublehockeysticks is gonna go on for 3 hours at this deal - here's the plan.
There will be a PA system. There will be a podium. A riser. There will be music that only Jackets fans will know and love. There will be signs and some other surprises. We have a number of some of the most passionate Jackets fans lined up to speak and deliver our message.
So if you believe in this message, come on down and mingle will the most passionate Jackets and hockey fans on the planet. Given that it's a Saturday in January, the weather looks like it will cooperate. So bundle up and hey, think of this as a dry run for the Winter Classic some day!
After, be sure to warm up in your favorite Arena District establishment.
If you're making the trip, you will want to plan to arrive around 2:00. The meat of this thing will be from 2:15 to 3:00.
I also want to make one thing clear as I just read a post that said Light the Lamp started all of this. I did not start this. I just got on board and helped spread the word. This all orginated from THIS POST on 01.23.12 @ 11:04 PM by CapnCornelius on HFBoards.com. That is just over 5 days ago and look where we are now. I know he probably could care less about getting the credit, but he is the spark and I thank him. He will be speaking today and trust me, you won't want to miss it!
This is our team!
-LTL
no commentsI saw this post from a Predators' fan over on HFBoards.com regarding the CBJ Fan Protest scheduled for today at 2 PM and I wanted to make sure I shared it here.
As an outsider I first want to to say if my posting in this thread is felt to be inappropriate, please accept my apology and delete this, with no hard feelings, but I would like to share a couple of thoughts plus some experience from a smaller scale but similar experience we had in Nashville a few years ago.
First, I find it truly amazing that even before the protest has happened, it appears the the CBJ org has responded. Regardless of how some in your group are reacting to that response, don't lose sight of the fact that you obviously have their attention. In reality, anything more than delivering the message of "we are really pissed and you'd better not ignore us" is not likely to happen. Certainly the team isnt going to negotiate the specifics of a remedy to the situation with a group of fans, even the most rational and knowledgeable among you. But you have already achieved the main objective of your protest.
At this point the most important thing is that you all follow up with the rally. Whether you burn Howson in effigy or just stand quietly, its being there that matters. By still showing up in large numbers tomorrow, the org who sent the letter hoping it would placate you will be hearing form you, loudly and clearly, that while the promise of change is appreciated, platitudes won't suffice, and if they don't deliver, they will have you to answer to...
My similar experience as a Preds fan was several years ago many of us on the np.com boards were complaining that fan relations and marketing were not very good. As it turned out, through the efforts of one of our posters, the VP Marketing actually responded and invited a group of us to meet with him... but it never happened because we all kept arguing over what the message should be and who should deliver it, when in fact, the best thing to have done would have been to have simply said, "we can't give you specifics, we aren't professionals, that's your job, we just want you to know that we think the job you are doing right now stinks and you need to improve it or else risk losing us as fans"
So anyway, good luck and best wishes for your rally later today. You may or may not realize it, but to this outsider, it looks like you have already accomplished your main goal, getting their attention. And even though you are our division rival, I hope they deliver for you, because all fan bases deserve a team they can enjoy and be proud of.
I'd like to take this moment to sincerely say thank you, not only to this fan, but to all the fans around the NHL for your support!
To be completely honest, we'd really rather not have to do this, but sometimes you just have to take a stand.
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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I received a great email yesterday from a CBJ fan named Brent. I thought it was very appropriate given the CBJ Fan Protest scheduled for tomorrow:
Hey LTL,
I told you I was reading JHM's book. Here are a few interesting quotes. A couple stood out:
"Recognition is the most important thing a CEO can do to build a company of strong, loyal employees."
"No matter how good your personal philosophy may be, it won't ever become ingrained in the company unless you stand shoulder to shoulder with the men and women who make you successful."
He saw renegades as employees who are "dangerous to an organization that has plans for longevity and success."
"important responsibility for great leaders: follow up."
"If there is any area where people have found fault with me, it's the fact that I have a hard time letting people go when they need to go. When people show loyalty to the company, I like to give them perhaps too many chances to perform."
"Nothing is quite so obvious to employees as a manager who is only going through the motions. Once I see a supervisor who lacks passion, I know he can no longer deliver the level of work we expect."
"I have seen many companies suffer from an overbearing finance and accounting office instead of allowing decisions to be made at a more appropriate level. Don't let this happen to you."
"It's a disaster when a major decision is questioned."
"CEOs and managers who make poor decisions repeatedly will become less effective and will not reach the level of being considered a true 'leader.' "
An interesting quote from John P. McConnell:
"I think it's important to create an environment where you can get honest input and fresh viewpoints."
This book was interesting and a good read. It explained how he was able to have success at Worthington Industries. It might also explain some of the problems with the Blue Jackets. He was very loyal and trusting. He believed in teamwork and character. Supportive of his employees. This part kind of explained how someone like Priest is in the position he is in. Very critical of lax management.
That is a quick synopsis. Our Golden Rule is the name of the book. It is at the Columbus and UA Libraries.
A lot to chew on there. Appreciate the email Brent!
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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By now, most of you have read Michael Arace's article titled "Jackets' failures push long term fans to the brink". That article had a couple of fantastic quotes from Carl Bennett -- an original day 1 PSL holder.
Here is his original letter from Carl to Arace that inspired that article:
Michael,
I refer you to your commentary January 6th, 2012. “Arniel Not Getting Job Done With Jackets”
Now, it is time for you to do some editing, and replace “Arniel” with “Priest and Howson.”
I am an inaugural season PSL/Season Ticket Holder and I have been more than patient with this organization.
No one expects the team to win every game, but we do have the right to expect them to ice a competitive team.
This has occurred far too infrequently, given the tenure of the team and at this point, over the tenure of Priest and Howson.
Mr. John P. McConnell should consider his father’s vision for this team. Was it simply to exist and participate? Or was it to establish itself as something more: to represent the city and the proud heritage of Ohio’s civil war history, something that the citizens and fans could be proud of. I can still recall the video of Mr. Mac, wheelchair bound, but beaming proudly at Ken Hitchcock as the team headed for the ice his first game as coach, and stating, “we hope Ken is the man to save us.” Indeed, Mr. Mac wanted to compete, and win. And Hitchcock delivered. Unfortunately, we know that he was never given a player roster allowing him to continue his modest success.
Moves can be made. Moves should be made. Yesterday’s article by Aaron Portzline citing Priest and Howson’s likely continued tenure was shocking … stunning.
I can tell you, that I will NOT renew my season tickets next year, if these two remain in control of this franchise’s operations. Quite a statement from someone who has been beaten down mightily by this economy over the last few years. I’ve given up nearly everything extra EXCEPT my PSL’s, Season Tickets.
I’m appreciative of all the organization has achieved since its inception; our fine arena, the charitable activity, etc. but now it’s time to play hockey for real. I can honestly say that this organization’s incompetency in hockey operations has nearly taken away my enjoyment of the game that I have loved for 50 years. I regularly watch other games and wonder: “why can’t my team compete this way?”
Please, take a stand publicly, in the manner you did with your article on Arniel. I don’t want this embarrassment to continue, and I want desperately for the city and state to receive the intended product from this organization. Let’s remember Mr. Mac’s vision. This is not it.
Respectfully,
Carl Bennett
That is a very powerful letter.
Carl is one of many die hard fans that will be attending the CBJ Fan Protest on 1.28.12 @ 2 PM which is intended to deliver one message:
LOVE the team. HATE the direction.
The #1 goal of this protest is the replacement of Mike Priest and Scott Howson.
If this message is something you agree with, I would like to encourage you to join him, myself and many other CBJ fans for a short and peaceful gathering.
"Protest" is a strong word and I'm certain it gives many folks pause. I know my wife's first reaction was "what, protest? What are you getting into here? Then I explained the goal and the cause and she quickly "got it".
Let me be very clear, this will peaceful. This will be 'PG'. There will be some music, some folks will speak, apparently some "hot liquids" and everything inbetween. In fact, I'm bringing my two young daughters and I would never subject them to any environment that had any hint of volatility. It will be extremely family friendly. You don't have to bring signs, you don't have to give interviews, you don't have to speak, yell, dance or sing. While those things are fine, great and encouraged -- all you really need to do is just show up in your CBJ best for 60 minutes and support the message. Sheer numbers speak the loudest.
That's it. That's all there is to it.
So I hope you'll join us as it's finally our turn with the man advantage. Let's score one for the home team!
Thank you for sharing Carl.
Much more to come!
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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There is the permit that has been secured by Matt for the CBJ Fan Protest tomorrow.
Also want to say what a kick ass job Matt did on 610 WTVN to help get this message out this morning. If you missed it, you can give it a listen on WTVN's web site here!
Thanks again to Cody -- a die hard Jackets fan stationed in Buffalo for setting this up!
I'll have some thougths later today on John P McConnel's 'letter to the fans' and the story in the Dispatch today. My first reaction is, it's great that he is listening -- but he's still not hearing the message.
Which means we still have a lot of work to do!
Much more to come today!
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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Heads up Jackets fans as the CBJ Fan Protest just got a couple major media boosts.
RADIO
610 WTVN
6:50 AM EST
Matt Garrett (AKA Matt the Mask) will be on the air with Joel Riley to discuss the CBJ Fan Protest. So be sure to set your phone reminders and tune into 610 AM @ 6:50 AM first thing tomorrow morning!
TELEVISION
10TV WBNS
12:00 PM
Patrick Long is scheduled to air on Channel 10 tomorrow at noon discussing the CBJ Fan Protest. The interview should also air on the evening news.
UPDATE: Was just told that this interview will air sometime on Saturday. Either with post CBJ Fan Protest coverage or prior to it.
Special thanks to Cody (a Jacket fan currently in Buffalo!) and Mary for contacting both of these outlets that lead to both of these interviews! Proof that contacting these folks does work so keep putting the good word out!
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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John Boruk of CSN Philadelphia has compiled a pretty interesting list, ranking all 30 NHL general manager/coaching combos.
“The two most important off-ice positions of any NHL franchise are the general manager and the head coach,” Boruk writes. “GMs will be busy right up to the trade deadline and coaches will be feeling the pressure as the postseason draws closer.
“Which pair would you want leading your franchise?”
30. Columbus Blue Jackets (Scott Howson/Todd Richards) – Simply put, the Blue Jackets have the worst points percentage of any active NHL team over their first nine seasons in the league, and Howson has done little to change that. He acquired Carter in a blockbuster deal with the Flyers, but already Carter has expressed dissension playing in Columbus. The Jackets have made the playoffs only once in their 11-year history. They rewarded R.J. Umberger with a surprising five-year, $23 million extension and overpaid for defenseman James Wisniewski. Head coach Richards replaced Scott Arniel in early January.
The second is that the men who made that trade — team president Mike Priest and GM Scott Howson — are both likely to be retained even after this catastrophic season.
Can you believe that?
It's their team. It's their money. It's their call. But is there any logical, sane argument that could be made for keeping either or both men in control of the franchise if they turn around and trade Carter, affirming their initial deal for him as one of the worst in team history?
No wonder Blue Jackets fans are protesting.
Blue Jackets fans are planning a protest at Nationwide Arena on Saturday, asking for the ouster of Priest and Howson. It may not set attendance records, but it's another reminder that this isn't a lost market. It's a market that's been ready to embrace a winner with rabid fervor; but the current regime, sadly, seems incapable of giving them one. Read more.
To be clear, it is not the place of this blog – certainly this reporter – to call for anybody's head.
But it’s painfully obvious that something significant must be done to salvage what has become the biggest mess in the NHL. Minor moves won’t cut it. It can't be player in, player out. Can’t be just pending UFA for future draft pick. It's not about having enough speed, strength, skill or smarts ... it's about culture. The numbers don’t add up because the math is all wrong. Read more.
VancouverSun.com / TheStarPhoenix.com / EdmontonSun.com:
Blue Jackets fans see red
Scott Arniel was fired as coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier this season, but some fans want the housecleaning to continue.
They plan to make themselves heard on Saturday.
The Columbus Dispatch reported Wednesday that fans plan to protest outside Nationwide Arena and call for the dismissal of team president Mike Priest and general manager Scott Howson.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are off for a few days as the NHL reaches the All-Star break.
But fans won't be taking time away from Nationwide, as a group of fans is planning a protest for Saturday.
NBC4 reached out to the Blue Jackets organization for comment, but a spokesperson said they do not have one at this time.
Some fans who said they will participate in the protest said they want to message to be clear: they love the team, but want to see a winning product on the ice and a change in management.
The ‘Occupy’ Blue Jackets movement has garnered steam, both locally and nationally. Hockey publications both in Ohio and across America are picking up this story.
Will this protest resonate with ownership? Its history would suggest otherwise. But it could be the beginning of unyielding fan outrage which could result in ownership action until their demands of a competitive NHL product and long-overdue accountability with senior management and the players are met.
We’ve seen protests in Montreal against the hiring of Randy Cunneyworth but protesting a team for failing to get things right in a city desperate to root for a winner seems like a nobler effort. In Columbus where the team has made the playoffs once in team history and the team is perpetually losing money, wanting to see the people in charge ousted makes a world of sense.
The other side of this, however, is whether or not the fans can help make the message crystal clear that they demand better.
Here is what I find very interesting.
There may be some disagreement locally on how to get the message out that Priest and Howson have got to go -- that is expected as one size never fits all. What's interesting is I have yet to find any national media outlet or any fan of another team that has defended that both Mike Priest and Scott Howson should keep their jobs.
Not one. Just check out this thread to see what I mean.
From what I can tell, it's damn near universal outside of Columbus circles that they have got to go before this team has any hope of turning things around.
Anyhow -- let's keep getting the word out. Below is a list of contacts for some media outlets in Central Ohio. If each one of you who reads this blog post could pick just one below and make a phone call or send an email then you will be doing your part to help spread the word. Sure some may already know of it, but the more they hear from this grass roots movement the more attention it will receive.
My only request is that we all keep the message consistent. Here is a quote from the person who started this on HF (Capn) as well as one from a long time fan (LeeSmith) on their goals:
CapnCornelius:
Ideally, I'd like to see at least 5 Jackets fans speak about their love of the team and their desire to see JMac's dream fulfilled, the first step to accomplishing such goal being the replacement of the present inexperienced and failed management team with one befitting of the fans, players like Rick Nash who have committed themselves to this team and this city and the memory of John McConnell. And, Mr. Bettman, if he's watching, should get the message we also would like an All Star Game of our own someday.
LeeSmith:
(On just firing the GM)
It has to go higher than that. We need ownership to GET SERIOUS and stop thinking of this franchise as an expensive hobby (or tax shelter). We need a new team President, who will hire a new GM and new assistant GM. Then the changes roll down from there.
If you want to keep it real simple then my recommendation is:
LOVE the team, HATE the direction.
The #1 goal of this protest is the replacement of Mike Priest and Scott Howson.
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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We know the guys at the Dispatch are listening to the fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets. We know Scott Torgerson and the Common Man of 97.1 The Fan are listening. We now know the folks over at NBC4i are as well.
The pic above is from an interview given this afternoon regarding the CBJ Fan Protest scheduled for Saturday @ 2 PM by the East Entrance of Nationwide Arena.
The coverage is scheduled to air tonight on NBC4 at both 5:30 and 11:00 EST. It will also be posted online.
A special thanks to reporter/anchor Marcus Thorpe and camera man 'Buzz' at NBC4 for taking the time to listen to our message.
Much more to come as we work towards our goal of getting the owners of the Columbus Blue Jackets to listen!
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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I'm gonna pass on doing a recap from tonight's loss against Tampa. It's nothing we haven't already heard. Instead, let's focus our attention on something much more important - the long term future of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Are you sick and tired of the suits down at Nationwide tuning you out? Are you absolutely beside yourself over the thought of both Mike Priest and Scott Howson keeping their jobs after what is yet another lost season? Perhaps the worst in the 11 year on ice history of the franchise?
In a season where there hasn't been much to shout about, now is the time to scream and let your voice be heard. More specifically, this Saturday, January 28th at 2:00 PM EST @ Nationwide Arena is that time.
Some folks over on HF are organizing a CBJ fan protest started by a poster named CapnCornelius. Since then a Facebook page has started, a Twitter hashtag (#cbjfanprotest) and a whole lot of discussion and support.
The goal is simple. A complete house cleaning starting at the tippy top, where the cherry meets the whip cream, with Mike Priest and Scott Howson.
The fans have had enough and you bet your ass I'm one of them and will be participating.
Personally I'm not convinced, despite what Portzline wrote on Sunday, that Priest and Howson's jobs are safe. These owners may not know a blue line from a clothes line (tip of the hat to Al Michaels) but they do know the difference between cents and sense. These guys didn't get to where they are because they are complete idiots.
That said, when it comes to the Blue Jackets, we must leave NOTHING to chance. These people have got to know that this chronic losing cannot continue without significant consequences. We WANT to support this team. We WANT to buy tickets. We WANT to buy merchandise. Some of us even WANT to buy $9 beers. We LOVE the Jackets. We wouldn't resort to these measures if we didn't.
What we don't WANT. We we are SICK and TIRED of supporting... is the indefensible lack of accountability that this franchise continues to allow itself to operate under. Under NO circumstances should Priest and Howson be allowed to continue in their positions and set this franchise back even further.
NONE!
Enough of the excuses. Injuries. Suspensions. Travel. They had 5 years. FIVE YEARS! They had 62 million dollar payroll this year. 62 MILLION! What do we get? 1 playoff year, 0 playoff wins and currently a league worst 13-30-8 record. You don't get another year with that performance. It's time to give someone else a try.
Let me leave you with two things.
The first is a blog post from former NHLer Bobby Holik that was pointed out to me by @CPFro3:
Most people expected the Columbus Blue Jackets to make the coaching change much earlier this season. What they did not realize, is the suspension to James Wisniewski, injuries to Jeff Carter and others delayed the decision to realistically evaluate their club.
The problem in Columbus is there is a culture of losing strongly embedded. Anyone looking at the Jackets could see it, and the front office’s reaction was to continue to ignore the facts. This team wasn't going anywhere realistically, but no one did anything about it. I will not look for excuses for the players like captain Rick Nash, but if you “grow” as a professional in this kind of environment, you will not learn the winning ways.
It is why it’s so important to always bring along young players no matter how successful you are with veteran players (Red Wings, Devils at one time). The next step for Columbus is to completely revamp the front office. It will take a great hockey mind to right this franchise in reasonable time. Once you have better leadership at the top you can start assessing who you need to trade or keep. It’s always easier said than done.
Good luck. The NHL needs stronger, better Columbus Blue Jackets.
This second is part of an email I received from a Day 1 PSL holder. His name is Carl Bennett:
It is UTTERLY UNACCEPTABLE & UNBELIEVEABLE that Priest and Howson are even being considered to remain in place. No one champions mediocrity at the level these guys have, and yet they seem impervious to accountability. We should, as fans, organize somehow and DEMAND accountability from this ownership/management group.
If you should elect to propose such on your blog, you can count me in.
I’m prepared to boycott this team if necessary. Sad state of affairs for an inaugural PSL holder.
I certainly did not propose it, but like Carl, you can also count me in. I encourage you to join us and wear your CBJ gear so there is absolutely no confusion on the message being sent:
We LOVE our Jackets, HATE the direction.
Let's let all of our voices be heard!
HFBOARDS: Thread Discussion
FACEBOOK: Event Link
TWITTER: #CBJFANPROTEST
-LTL
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