I've got things to say about stuff

And when I have things to say, I think them then when I go to write, they get all jumbled up in a rambling mess.  So now you're prepared for what's ahead.

The Spokane Chiefs are having some big press conference today at the local baseball arena, wonder what that could mean?  Worst kept secret, they're gonna have an outdoor game, on January 15th against the Kootenay Ice.

I can't lie, I'm rather indifferent to the whole outdoor game thing.  It seems to make more sense for the Canadian NHL teams, the whole Heritage Classic thing--to get back to the roots of the game.  But sure enough, the NHL has twisted that into their own thing with the annual Winter Classic.  Since it's under Bettman you can be damn sure it's some effort to get more US fans or some horseshit.  But having watched the Winter Classics I can tell you, if you want to attract NEW fans, I don't think that's the way to do it.  The Pittsburgh-Buffalo game was a pain in the ass because of all the snow, they kept having to stop the game to deal with the ice.  How is that supposed to keep the attention of someone new to the game?  It won't.  It didn't keep my attention and I love hockey.

This years' Winter Classic between the Bruins and the Flyers was ok, but just not an exciting game.  NBC tried to make it interesting, while at the same time talking down/dumbing it down, you know, because NEW fans can't possibly understand the game being called or announced like a regular game.  Pierre McGuire and Eddie Olczyk both make me want to punch babies.  If the NHL wants to attract new fans, keep those blabbermouths out of it.  But that's just me, and I'm wandering (hey, I warned you)

As for this Spokane thing, whatever.  Their claim that it's the "first ever" WHL outdoor game chaps me, even though it's technically true.  The Calgary Hitmen announced weeks ago they'd be having their outdoor game, using the setup that the NHL will have for the Heritage Classic.  So this Spokane gimmick steals that thunder.  I'm just silly enough to wonder if they chose the date on purpose, before the Calgary game, to be able to be "first ever".  

On the other hand, Spokane will be doing it all themselves, not using the NHL's already-in-place rink and stuff.  That, in and of itself, should be interesting.  I can't imagine it's very cost effective for a WHL club to do the outdoor thing on their own dime on a regular basis.

Would I feel differently if it was the Americans making this announcement instead of the Chiefs?  Probably not.  Sure, the atmosphere could be kind of exciting, but not enough to make me want to be outside on a cold winter day to watch hockey.  Or pay a gazillion dollars markup for merchandise.

As an Americans fan whose job it is to despise the Chiefs, I hope they lose.  Go Kootenay!  I don't necessarily wish for the whole thing to be a failure for them, that's just harsh.  Besides, as a junior hockey fan it's nice to see something different.  I guess.  Like I said, I'm kindof indifferent to the whole thing, I dunno.

It should be noted that Don Nachbaur continues to make history--he'll be coaching in first ever WHL outdoor game and last year he coached in the first ever AHL outdoor game.  Huzzah!

Puck Daddy's Sean Leahy tweeted some pics from the presser.  First, the logo:

and artist rendering of the setup:

so there you have it.

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Scotty's got his latest installment of the Hockey Team Identity Project, this time the Florida Everblades, home of our beloved Mitch McColm:

While most in this project have been "Name the Team" contests, sometimes they seem to link into the location one way or another. This team is one of them, as the location of the ECHL's Florida Everblades is close enough to the Florida Everglades where the pun is solid and fitting.

You can read about the actual naming of the team by clicking on this fabulous link right here.