As expected, I was swamped with questions about the Phoenix Coyotes and the efforts of Jim Balsillie to move them to Hamilton. That, and more talk about AC/DC. For those about to Rock, we give you this week's mail bag.
From: Justin
Comments:
I have a question, what is the possibility of Jim Balsillie winning the case to bring the Coyotes to Hamilton? Thanks Clubber. Love your articles.
Answer:
Hi Justin, the ultimate answer to that question will be answered Tuesday in a Phoenix court room. I cannot possibly fathom how any judge in his right mind would not accept Balsillie's bid to buy the Coyotes. Gary Bettman can spew all the vitriol he wants about Balsillie, but the genius billionaire behind BlackBerry is the NHL's only true hope to save the Coyotes franchise. In the end, I truly believe that common sense will prevail in bankruptcy court and Balsillie will get the team and move them to Hamilton. All I know is that there are two teams in Southern California, and there are three teams within 30 kilometres of Manhattan. It is high time to put a second team in the biggest NHL market on the planet. When it happens, the Hamilton versus Toronto rivalry will be as intense as any in the NHL.
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From: Mike in Newfoundland
Comments:
Jim, I have a very important mission for you. Being the hotshot you are with Sportsnet, I need you to arrange an interview with Jim "Blackberry" Balsillie and convince him to move the Coyotes to Waterloo. I'll be moving from Newfoundland to Waterloo in September for University and I would love a hometown team to root for! I'm counting on you buddy.
Answer:
Hi Mike. Waterloo isn't quite The Rock but you will love it all the same. Even though we've never met, Jim and I are pretty tight. I use his fine BlackBerry product every day and I am told that he is a huge fan of watching me and Evanka Osmak every weekend on Connected. While the Kitchener-Waterloo area would be a great place for an NHL team, I am pretty sure Balsillie wants to move the Coyotes to Copps Coliseum in Hamilton. Don't sweat it Mike. You and some of the lads from Waterloo can make the road trip from Waterloo and raise the roof in the Hammer.
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From: Jamie
Comments:
So you're an AC/DC fan eh? Well I am too. I'm going to see them in Moncton as well. I'm so stoked they are my all time fav band! I can't miss it!!!! So I was just wondering how much you knew about them? I know quite a bit. Lol
Answer:
Hi Jamie, I do love a challenge. I know quite a bit about AC/DC. I know that Angus Young was only 15 years old when the band started. Could you possibly imagine being 15 years old and travelling the back roads of Australia with that band of rogues? I know that Bon Scott started out as the band's driver before taking over as their singer. I know that Brian Johnson's first album with the band, "Back in Black," still ranks as one of the biggest selling albums of all time. One more thing, I know that there is a serious plan in the works to do a movie on the life and times of the legendary Ronald Belford "Bon" Scott. Australian filmmaker Eddie Martin is doing intense research in order to tell the "real" story of Scott, easily on one of the greatest front men in the history of rock.
I also know that my seven-year-old daughter won't get ready for school in the morning unless she's listening to the classic, "It's a Long Way to the Top" at full volume. Now that's what I call the joy of parenting.
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From: Rachel in New Brunswick
Comments:
"IF" there is supposed to be such a thing as a recession, then why is it not affecting the "million dollar" contracts for the "professional" ball players, hockey players, football players, golf, tennis, etc?
Answer:
Hi Rachel, the bottom line is that the recession ultimately affects people like you and I. The recession always has the biggest impact on the working class and the middle class. The recession rarely affects the rich. However, I vividly remember the stern words of Leafs GM Brian Burke on trade deadline day. Burke and top executives from across the NHL are living in fear that the salary cap in two years will plummet because of the effect the recession will have on league revenues. According to the CBA, the minimum salary in the NHL this year will be $500,000. Last time I checked most average Canadians don't make $500,000 a year. I hear what you're saying, but it is what it is. Despite all the money, I still love my sports. I always have, and I always will.
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From: MojoRisin' in B.C.
Comments:
Hey Clubber, you cover the Argos a lot. Have you EVER caught Pinball on a bad day? I've been waiting for this guy to snap for years now. I didn't like him and thought he was fake as heck but he hasn't let down his guard at all as far as the nice guy goes. Come on he really isn't that nice is he? BTW Boston in my opinion is one of the most underrated bands ever!!!
Answer:
Hey Mojo, what is up? I have known Michael "Pinball" Clemons for close to 15 years. In that time I have only seen him snap once. That was on the sidelines in a game in Hamilton when he finally had enough of Kerwin Bell. I am quite sure that Pinball wasn't the only coach in the CFL that lost his temper because of Kerwin Bell. Other than that, I have seen Michael upset, sad, frustrated, you name it; but I have rarely caught him on a bad day. Despite what you think, the man is legit and I don't think he is capable of being fake. Good call on Boston.
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From: Grant in Collingwood, Ontario
Comments:
I recall a Jamie Lang that I coached at Craigleith ski Club. Also
coached his older brother Charles. Any relation?
Answer:
Sorry Grant, it's not me. Maybe I might run into you at the annual Elvis Festival in Collingwood.
That's it for this week. In the immortal words of Vince Vaughn from Anchorman: "Dorothy Mantooth is a saint!"
