STEVE MacINTYRE ON THE BOB MATTHEWS’ SHOW THURSDAY

[amyryb]

STEVE MacINTYRE ON THE BOB MATTHEWS’ SHOW THURSDAY

(Rochester, NY)... Florida Panthers left wing Steve MacIntyre will be a guest on SportsTalk with Bob Matthews on Thursday, July 24th at 7:15 p.m. on WHAM 1180-AM and wham1180.com.
MacIntyre signed with the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers on July 3rd. In his pro career, the 27 year old has 34 points (14+20) and 1,680 PIM in 387 games. In his American Hockey League career, he has played in 92 games with teams in Hartford and Providence.

Last season, he played 62 games for the Providence Bruins, where he tallied American Hockey League career highs with five points (2+3) and 213 PIM.

Prior to returning to the AHL level, the 6-foot-7, 265-pound hard-nosed forward played the 2006-07 season with the Quad City Mallards of the then UHL, picking up three points (2+1) and earning 168 penalty minutes.

The Brock, Sask., native played his junior hockey in the Western Hockey League with clubs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Red Deer and Prince Albert.

The Amerks will open their 53rd AHL season on Friday, October 10th at 7:35 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial. The opponent will be announced at a later date.

Rochester enters the season as the sole affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers. The Amerks announced a three-year deal with the Panthers on June 19, 2008.

[Dorky Dave]

This type of player interaction is long overdue !!

I used to listen to Scott Metcalf every Friday am on the Wease show and I felt that in the past few seasons not having players on the air really hurt the team in more ways than people think. Lets hope this type of interview is a weekly event.

[insagt1]

players weren't too visible or audible last year becuz we didn't like them and they didn't like us.

[gkspartan]

Originally Posted by insagt1

players weren't too visible or audible last year becuz we didn't like them and they didn't like us.

Maybe they just didn't want to be visible being part of the worst hockey team in the league. Which may be the case this year too...

[shedthemitts]

Did anyone catch this? I missed it, got way too busy at work.

[hockey13]

I listened, sounds like a nice guy. He is from a small town in Brock Sask of about 200 people so seems down to earth. He also said the Panthers contacted him right away. He stated he can't wait to get here. He did say the first person he ever fought in the AHL was Denis Bonvie. He lives in Charlotte N.C. right now. He played there for the Checkers for a couple of seasons

[insagt1]

I enjoyed the interview...it speaks volumes tho, that perhaps one of the lesser hokcey knowledgable sports guys in town is the one to finally get us something we want in the offseason. Props to Bob for taking the ball and running with it. I have no doubts that right now, Big Mac will be the most popular Amerk of them all on opening night...and hopefully beyond. The fact that he wants to play here is also good.
He said he doesn't consider himself a 'goon' or an 'enforcer' but rather he just likes standing up for his teammates. Bob said no one on opening night would be mad at him if he decided to drop the gloves!!!

Next big news will be the new coach...how long will we be waiting before the Amerk marketing juggernaut provides us with anything else...except ticket price increases!!!

[LetsAddMoreBanners]

I very much enjoyed the interview, he seems very personable. He said he's trying to "Slim" down to 250, he played at 265 last year. I'm getting a new sweater this year and he may be the clubhouse leader for who I may choose to put on the back.

[Ripper]

insagt1,
Just to let you know the Amerks' PR department booked Steve MacIntyre on the show. We will also have an MP3 available on our website next week for those who missed the interview. Bob Matthews is always great to work with and a great supporter of local sports.

Bob will also have Troy Bonterre on Thursday, July 31st at 7:15 p.m.

Thanks.
Craig Rybczynski

[Dorky Dave]

Originally Posted by Ripper

insagt1,
Just to let you know the Amerks' PR department booked Steve MacIntyre on the show. We will also have an MP3 available on our website next week for those who missed the interview. Bob Matthews is always great to work with and a great supporter of local sports.

Bob will also have Troy Bonterre on Thursday, July 31st at 7:15 p.m.

Thanks.
Craig Rybczynski

Nice job getting the players on the air, I just hope that when Wease comes back on the airways any Amerk is a regular sit in guest

[insagt1]

Craig--thanks for the info. I know it sounds like we are being real tough on the Amerks PR staff...but you must know that for many of us who have been buying tickets for over 40-50 years, things just don't sound all that great in Amerkland so far. I think most of us expected a whole lot more from new ownership than a couple of absentee statements and then the biggest ticket increase in memory---following the absolute worst season in Amerks history.

Are you planning on a huge damage control program? Is there any hope for getting a scorer or two--or are we stuck with the non-producers from Florida from last season. How is the team justifying the huge ticket price hikes---with virtually nothing to show for it, yet.

Craig--you basically have an angry/ambivilent fan base right now. Many SAbres followers are ticked that Buffalo is gone. And many who have been willing to give Florida (hardly a hockey model franchise) the benefit of the doubt are so far very disappointed in what they have provided. having an enforcer is great...but the 'veteran' goalie they signed is not exactly what anyone had in mind. Sprukts is hardly the veteran scorer we were hoping for. And ownership has been malignantly quiet and hidden. It all feeds the mentality that the lacrosse team is more important...true or not true.

Perhaps the naming of a coach will get things rolling. Hopefully it will be a completely different personality than Cunneyworth. We all want to be excited about the new season---but its been difficult. That ticket price announcement really set things back. Does the club honestly think that will enhance attendance? Anyway please keep us posted...give us some hope that things will be better. So far, I don't think you have very many of us on board.

[Charlie]

What a frustrating mess things still are, I hope things improve soon.

[bdaly]

Originally Posted by insagt1

I think most of us expected a whole lot more from new ownership than a couple of absentee statements and then the biggest ticket increase in memory---following the absolute worst season in Amerks history.

Honestly, I don't get why the price hike is a surprise. City Hall's audit revealed that the team needed to increase its prices to put them closer to the league average months ago. Yes, that initially came from city hall--not the Amerks--as a vital step in stabilizing their financial situation. And, versus the rest of the league, they had a point. This was really a given, IMO, like it or not. The timing could be better, but that's life. A ticket price hike isn't about enhancing attendance, it's about enhancing revenue. A $500 season ticket means more than three $100 season tickets (following the old model). Now they at least get a cut of concessions, but that cut likely isn't enough to justify bargain basement prices.

I agree that this team clearly needs a solid veteran forward. But, otherwise, as we sit here in late July, I don't see the situation as a terrible one. And, frankly, 90% of the fan base isn't paying an ounce of attention right now. The most loyal ones are, which is great, but it's really in Florida's hands right now. So, let's wait and see how things unfold. As an aside, things are just as quiet with the lacrosse team, because, it's the off season. I don't see many other organizations tossing tons of statements out there in July.

[pacquetsniffer]

Originally Posted by bdaly

Honestly, I don't get why the price hike is a surprise. City Hall's audit revealed that the team needed to increase its prices to put them closer to the league average months ago. Yes, that initially came from city hall--not the Amerks--as a vital step in stabilizing their financial situation. And, versus the rest of the league, they had a point. This was really a given, IMO, like it or not. The timing could be better, but that's life. A ticket price hike isn't about enhancing attendance, it's about enhancing revenue. A $500 season ticket means more than three $100 season tickets (following the old model). Now they at least get a cut of concessions, but that cut likely isn't enough to justify bargain basement prices.

I agree that this team clearly needs a solid veteran forward. But, otherwise, as we sit here in late July, I don't see the situation as a terrible one. And, frankly, 90% of the fan base isn't paying an ounce of attention right now. The most loyal ones are, which is great, but it's really in Florida's hands right now. So, let's wait and see how things unfold. As an aside, things are just as quiet with the lacrosse team, because, it's the off season. I don't see many other organizations tossing tons of statements out there in July.

I agree with the bdaly post. My season tix remained the same as last year. I was surprised. Nice perk. The City Attorney told the team, before the new owners took over that it was necessary to raise tix prices. Ticket prices and increases are not directly proportional to the team's performance on ice. I am hungry for info, too, but am trying to be patient.

[insagt1]

Respect the points of view as always. My concern is that not everyone can afford, or wants season tickets. So while its a nice perk for them, 11,300 seats need to be filled and STH only account for a few thousand of those. In the meantime, the family's that decide to go to games on a pick and choose basis, now have to pay a ton more for the privilege. The increase was not a small one...one has to be able to put oneself in the shoes of others. Your shoe may not hurt you, but my shoe may really hurt me. And the solution isn't, well if you can't afford it don't go. Many enjoy hockey--but may not be able to afford it now. And coupled with the teams horrible showing last year, they just may not be able to raise more revenue if folks stay away.
While the increases may be necessary, I believe they were excessive. time will tell what impact it will have. (BTW--my comment about ticket price increases enhancing attendance was total sarcasm...hope you guys figured that out!!!)

Anyway, my lame opinion is that this increase will hurt more than it will help---UNLESS the organization gives the fans a good reason to spend the money.