By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Mar. 26) — So, now it all makes sense. In the end, it’s about the sheep.
“To be honest, our late-season push here has been very timely — moreso than in other years,” a member of the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment cadre told me. “In our tough economic times, we needed something to give our season-ticket holders a boost, and our play recently has served that purpose. The renewals are going to be just fine, even with the [3.5%] price hike. Our fans like what they are seeing on the ice.”
What a shock. Long before the eulogy is delivered on a fourth consecutive season with no playoffs, the denizens of Leafs Nation are stampeding to their mail-boxes, cheques in-hand. The late-season, no-pressure hot streak — a staple of the Blue & White since the lockout — has done the trick once again. In Detroit, the defending Stanley Cup champions are not a guaranteed sell-out this season. Here in T.O., with nothing to commemorate since Lester Pearson was prime minister of Canada, the sheep are flocking… unconditionally.
“Three-and-a-half percent? No big deal. Look at the way the boys are playing,” is the war cry from ticket buyers, as they triumphantly march to the post office with non-refundable deposits for 2009-10.
When asked if the intoxicating effect of the “garbage time” hot streak will compensate for the Leafs again finishing in the absolute worst place in the standings, my MLSE pal said, “We don’t worry about stuff like that. We have total confidence that Brian Burke will find a gem or two in the draft, wherever we select. More importantly, we are giving our fans a reason to believe in us once again with our play down the stretch.”
And, you wonder why Burke – perhaps best in the NHL at making high-risk, high-reward personnel moves – sounds as if he’s growing soft now and then. Why it was important for the Leafs to summon Martin Gerber at the trade deadline rather than risk the “consequences” of playing Curtis Joseph between the pipes. Why Burke put a ridiculously high price on Tomas Kaberle, and did not argue when Pavel Kubina insisted he would not waive his no-trade clause. In the end, it doesn’t take a whole lot to keep his bosses happy.
The bottom line is still the thickest line at MLSE, perhaps never moreso than in our current economy. Luring ticket buyers with another late-season push to nowhere easily takes precedence over strategic maneuvering in the standings. What’s one more year after the past 42, anyway?
Burke came to Toronto ostensibly for the challenge this hockey market is said to present.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s snickering under his breath right now.
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I have to agree with you 100% this time Howard. Bringing in Martin Gerber instead of playing Cujo, and hanging onto Kaberle and Kubina hasn’t done one single thing to make me believe in this team going forward. They’re play down the stretch, like last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, has simply accomplished exactly what the MLSE suits were hoping to accomplish. Find a way to fool the sheep into gobling up a 3.5% price hike while their busy stampeeding over themselves to the box office to sign up for another 9th place season.
- PaulBCompletely correct. MLSE is just the new version of Ballard. “what money can we make on this, and how long can we sucker these idiots into paying top dollar for the seats” Top franchise my butt. Toronto hasn’t been a top franchise in 40 years, and mostly because owners haven’t needed to win, they just needed to come close to give a little hope.
- Richard Evansanother stupid article. Get over the fact that you were wrong Howard.
- brianAre season ticket revenues the #1 source of income from the Leafs? I would say that all the licensing agreements for their logo’s, merchandise, etc, net more money than the season tickets do. Especially when you consider that probably only 1/3 of the Leaf fans even live in the GTA. The majority of fans that spend their money on Leaf’s merchandise, Leaf’s TV subscriptions, etc. live in other parts of the country (except for that “distinct” society between Ontario & Newfoundland).
- MurHowie! You’ve become one of those personalities i love to hate. I can’t get enough of your blog. You’ve struck a chord with this ‘lamb’. Either your completely moronic or a blogging genius!
Not sure how you’re still employed when all you do is knock everything Blue and White (management, coaches, players, and my favoirte - fans/sheep).
Keep the insults comming. Makes it really enjoyable when the ’sheep’ let you have it and when the coach lets you have it. Lets hope your latest salvo here at Burke gets his ire up - that will make for some great fodder! Calling him ’soft’ is ballzy! Real ballzy!
- s0badHoward, serious question: Why exactly did you feel the need to grant your source anonymity for this article?
He’s not revealing anything especially controversial. He’s not blowing the whistle. He’s not even saying anything all that interesting. Yet you give him complete anonymity, making it impossible for anyone to judge whether this person would know what they’re talking about (or even exists at all).
I imagine the Fan 590 must have some sort of policy on anonymous sources. Do you just give anonymity to anyone who asks? Or was it worth ignoring the policy for the chance to work in yet another cliched dig at Leaf fans?
- Down Goes BrownWhat is with this guy saying Leaf Nation is flocking to buy tickets, that we’re all sheep? Is 3.5% the increase or the percentage of fans that actually buy season tickets. I guess the other 96.5% of us are sheep too because we want to watch hockey or something. What a complete load of BS this guy writes.
- JoeGo Ron Wilson!
howard,
- darrell bishopthat last poke is no doubt a little offside i’m afraid.
let’s be realistic about it. he’s working thru the normal grace period right now that’s usually given in the infancy stage.
you know very well that if effective results don’t start formulating during his tenure in the next 2-3 yrs minimum, there won’t be much snickering going on, certainly not from the gruff irishman no doubt there…
Burke was an overhyped redfaced, blowhard before he came, now he is just a blowhard about being a corporate pig and a softie to the bottom line, his work on the Kubina issue was especially brutal, just rolled over, no integrity. Then defends it with his usual tough talk that is really totally vacuous.
- ChrisHoward,
You shouldn’t talk to these guys anymore; you just legitimize them and get yourself worked up. I find comments like those irritating too. (Unlike others I view articles/ posts like this as an indication that you are a dissatisfied Leaf fan, as opposed to an anti-leaf fan).
We ALL know that the ownership of this team loves on ice mediocrity, especially if they’re several million below the salary cap. I’d bet that it more than makes up for the loss of playoff revenue and it opens up those dates for concerts etc.
I, like you see it as incredibly frustrating that the over-riding motivation for them all (including the anointed savoir BB) is the general satisfaction of the season ticket holders. Yes, those ticket holders who are rarely in their seats when the periods start, sit tapping mindlessly on their blackberries, and filter out a bit early regardless of the score.
They all prattle on about the need to put something on the ice for their fans. All they have put on the ice for 4 years now is a big pile of blue and white manure.
They don’t realize that the gravy train is leaving the station. The people I casually talk with about hockey often now say, “I haven’t watched much lately.” Former rabid leaf fans have turned to other entertainment options, whether it’s soccer, ultimate fighting or just other TV shows. Whether it’s the game that isn’t as good as it was or the crappy star-free team I’m not sure.
As a fan I want to see a premium player in a leaf uniform. I’m sick of the second/ third-rate pluggers and minor leaguers that have been passed off as some sort of under appreciated heroes.
Imagine what it would be like to cheer for Alex Ovechkin in a leaf jersey, drafted instead of traded for, as it seems to give the fan more of a sense of connection to the player.
Sadly all we can do is imagine, as mediocrity is the order of business down there.
- joelJanitorial and maintenance staff doesn’t count as “members of the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment cadre”
- MJEIs this Howard Berger or “Howard Berger”? It sure seems like it’s a parody of a bitter beat reporter.
- Pension Plan Puppets“We don’t worry about stuff like that. We have total confidence that Brian Burke will find a gem or two in the draft, wherever we select. More importantly, we are giving our fans a reason to believe in us once again with our play down the stretch.”
This quote makes me sick. This hot streak has done nothing for me. I have no more confidence in the team than if they had finished in last place. In fact if they finished last I would have more confidence because at least we would have a good pick. This way we get no playoffs and a pick that is a complete crap shoot.
- SteveHolding on to Kaberle who can be turned into trade bait as he is tradable if/when the Leafs don’t make the playoffs this year. Burke can trade him to anyone now instead of Kabie’s top 10. Burkes been known to make a splash at the trade by trading players/picks etc for bigger prizes. Judge him after the trade and UFA period.
- s0badDisagree with you on this one. What Fletcher, Wilson and Burke have been consistent on is to build a winning culture. What does it say to Schenn, Mitchell and the other youngsters if as Mangers you do not do your best to provide the best lin-up possible to win and develop a winning culture. I have been a ticketholder for over 20 years and had reservations about Gerber but after seeing their competitiveness and energy the future does in fact bode well. As for Kaberle, think he gets moved at draft to move up and grab either Hedman or Schenn. Go Leafs Go!
- david oelkeWaaaaaaa Waaaaaaa Howie you’re a tool. You have no insight in the game, and for some reason you think you have a personality. Get over yourself already and do everyone a favour and cover something else.
That, or I hope Ron Wilson carves another one into.
What a loser you are!!!
- BobbyMur,
The Leafs themselves estimate that by 2011, ticket sales will account for barely one-third of revenue. The overwhelming majority of Leafs revenue comes from sources other than ticket sales.
This has been widely reported (in the Toronto Star, among other places). Certain media folks just choose to ignore it, since it makes it easier to write the same tired “blame the fans” article over and over again.
- Down Goes BrownAccording to my anonymous source, Howard Berger is a terrible hack.
Sorry I’d reveal who said that but with the controversial nature of the accusations I can’t very well give him her or it up.
- ChemmyToronto has become a hockey market based on hate. I don’t even think you people like hockey, you just hate on the Leafs to fill some void in your lives. It’s sad. The game is amazing right now and Bettman is rarely on TV, we should be celebrating.
- Bobyou’re still a **** Howard. Go back to school, re-read your Marshall McCluhan. The Medium is the message. You refer to the fans as sheep. Well, without the media (you and others) screaming “BAA”, then how would the wolves know where the sheep are? I’m not a fan of Burke, I thought JFJ got a bum steer, and truly believe that without you folk yapping constantly about the leafs, keeping them front and centre, the attention would falter and then and only then, would the brass be in a position to do something about the team. Why spend money when they get all this attention for free? Get over yourself. And you’re still a ****. Right up there with “Lying” Steve Simmons of the sun.
- okaleafHoward I enjoy your Leaf reports. I hav been a Leaf fan since Tedder Kennedy days. I am courious about this new set of wheels you have what is it?
- Mike OliverHoward Howard Howard…you’re saying that the Leafs are choosing to win at will - you’re actually taking the position that adding Martin Gerber has turned us into a powerhouse and thereby enabled the greedy bankers at MLSE to rape the poor greedy bankers who already buy season tickets.
So be it, but come on…they’ve won games against Calgary, Montreal and Washington with a depleted roster and some real grit. Give the kids the credit they deserve. They’ve played pretty well.
By the way, can you tell us who’s going to go 8th overall vs. who’s going to go 5th overall?
I can’t. And I bet that right now the Leafs brass can’t either. Think about the good part of what your ’source’ told you. They’re confident that Burke can get a gem or two no matter where he drafts.
Even if he’s dumb enough to make the mistake of letting these thoroughbreds play all out and actually win games, instead of continuing on the Berger-led Tank Nation agenda.
As someone said above, let’s face it Howard, despite your full time commitment to running them down, this is not the 30th worst team in the league, not even close.
- DavidAaaaaaand trading Kaberle and/or Kubina at the trade deadline was imperative how? He can trade them draft weekend through mid August with no concerns for any no-trade clause. Bringing in prospects or draft picks makes zero difference for this season. A little patience is a wonderful thing when in a rebuilding situation. Burke is doing just what is required.
- mapleaforeverBurke & Wilson making close to $5M per season are laughing all the way to the bank.
The real problem is that Leafs are a monopoly. It is absurd that when the league grew from 6 to 30 teams since 1967 that no additional team was added to the southern Ontario never mind in metro Toronto. The population and NHL hockey interest suggests that 3 teams in the GTA would succeed.
- Heatoni wonder what the wiinng percentage of all toronto teams owned by msle all time is…probably makes riccardi look like sam pollock
- player3BIG H ROCKS
VARVONE
- frangiHowie:
Time and time again you insult the very people you work for: Leaf Fans. We season ticket holders buy because we love hockey and the Leafs. A late season surge affects nothing.
I have news for you. This renwal year is very different. We are having trouble coming up with the $ because individuals and businesses are’nt buying tickets like before because of the ecomony and the poor team. MLSE is worried judging by the freebies and constant emails to get us to renew, and the interesting email offering us a Corporate box. The Leafs are having trouble selling boxes! Does that sound like a “triumphant march to the post office with non-refundable deposits?”.
Get a new source. Talk to someone with a clue next time like a season ticket holder who actually pays for the tickets.
- Glenn DerbyshireGive them credit for trying to win. You negative blowhards aren’t really Leaf fans. Teams lower in the standings than the Leafs need your support. The Islanders need you. Chris, you really don’t know what you are talking about. It shows in your choice of vocabulary. Go back to school. You sound like the kind of guy who really doesn’t have a team.
- JimThe truth hurts. MLS&E gave all sorts of excuses why prices will increase. Do these reasons not apply to the Raptor side as well? Last time I checked the raps were using that new scoreboard too…but hang on… their prices aren’t going up AND I can still get tickets for $12.50 !! Not only are Leaf fans being ripped-off, but we’re funding other MLS&E ventures. BAAAAAAA BAAAAAA
- sparky chewbarkyget a life booger! find a real job
- skywalkerVery Timely, and Our fans like what they are seeing on the ice… What a crock!! What is MLSE worried about? Toronto fans will never abandon the TML’s. This is the hockey team that fans pay to watch lose year after year and there’s nothing on the radar to indicate that there is any real change coming.
This would be the first year of many years it would take to rebuild the team, and a lot of leaf nation accepted that this year would be a wasted season.
This year was to be about acquiring draft picks and getting a top lottery pick in this years draft. Instead MLSE and the TML’s have blown any chance at a top lottery draft pick unless MLSE and the TML’s can TRADE UP at the draft. But isn’t trading away draft picks counter-productive and part of the TML’s troubles in past years?
MLSE could keep leaf nation fans happy for YEARS instead of days by locking up a decent lottery pick in this years draft and keep the draft picks they have. Six weeks during March and April do not a season make.
It will be a truly memorable rebuilding day for the TML’s at this years draft when New York Inlanders, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Colorado, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and possibility Ottawa and Dallas ALL MAKE THEIR 2009 DRAFT PICKS BEFORE THE TML’S FINALLY PICK. What a great way to rebuild a hockey team!
A wasted season that has just been a waste of time with no top lottery draft pick to show for it. Why should leaf nation be surprised!
Howard, “What’s one more year after the past 42, anyway?” The year before year 43, then year 44, then year 45, then year 46……..
- Always Next Yearburke/wilson have done absolutely nothing this year. wilson, a supposed defencive coach, has the worst g a in the entire league. toronto fans were suckered by these 2 con men, another wasted year, that makes 42 and counting. oh yeh, i am sick of watching pigman burke stuffing his fat face during each game, for god’s sake how can he project a positive image for the club while weighing in at 300 pounds?
- peteobviously we all care deeply about responding to howards blogs , so althou he is annoying at times. damn he gets the job done. come on people what would you rather listen to. bob mccowan yap? or kypreos and his trap? or worse cherry and his drama? come on howard is of the same breed . he is doing his job! and thats all that matters he is entitled to stir crap up!
- camaro99z