NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

[DC78-82]

Congrats Coach Hamlen!

Congrats Coach Hamlen!

ERIN HAMLEN NAMED FIRST COACH OF BOSTON’S NEW WOMEN’S PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY TEAM

Boston, Mass. (September 17, 2010) – Boston’s new elite women’s hockey team, playing in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) today announced the appointment of Erin Hamlen as the team’s first head coach.

“Erin is the perfect person to lead Boston’s newest professional sports team,” said G. Paul Hendrickson, the team’s general manager. “With her experience as both a player and coach, she understands the game and knows what it takes to motivate the players to victory.”

Erin Hamlen has been a member of the coaching staff at the University of New Hampshire for ten years, most recently serving as Associate Head Coach. She has also been a member of the coaching staff for the USA Select Team at the Four Nations Cup in 2006, and was an assistant coach on USA Hockey’s inaugural U.S. Women’s Under-18 Select Team during the 2007-08 season.

“Women’s hockey had exploded in popularity in recent years and I’m thrilled to be part of Boston’s first-ever women’s professional hockey team, said Hamlen. “I know we have our work cut out for us being the new kid on the block, but I’m up for the challenge.”

Hamlen was a goalie at the University of New Hampshire as well as a member of the U.S. National team from 1992-1997 and 1999-2001. She played professional hockey for the Toledo Storm (East Coast Hockey League) and became the first woman to record a victory in a professional hockey game.

For the 2010/2011 season, the CWHL will include five teams – Montreal, Burlington, Toronto, Brampton, and the newly formed Boston team. Become a fan of the team’s Facebook page: Boston CWHL Women’s Hockey or follow them on Twitter: @BostonCWHL.

 

[hipczech13]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

I don't really have anything new to add here, just wanted to bump this and see if anyone in the GTA has heard anything lately about schedules or where the games will be played.

Got a schedule that includes games in the GTA, it shows dates and which teams play, but true to form, times and arenas are still undetermined. Guess they"ll wait till the last second to surprize everybody, including the teams!

 

[DC78-82]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

UNH will play the Boston team next Sunday at UNH at 3pm. No charge.

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Got a schedule that includes games in the GTA, it shows dates and which teams play, but true to form, times and arenas are still undetermined. Guess they"ll wait till the last second to surprize everybody, including the teams!

Hipczech13, thanks for that information. It sounds like things are starting to move forward. Hopefully they can secure a sheet of ice somewhere and finalize those times and locations. I may have said this before, but I am starting to understand why some posters here feel that this is not a very well run organization.

 

[Trillium]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Hipczech13, thanks for that information. It sounds like things are starting to move forward. Hopefully they can secure a sheet of ice somewhere and finalize those times and locations. I may have said this before, but I am starting to understand why some posters here feel that this is not a very well run organization.

In the Toronto area, all ice contracts for the season are finalized by July latest....if you don't already have one, you have no ice. Period. You can't go out and buy ice now, it just doesn't exist. That means you don't play in prime time (ie, weekdays 5-11 or anytime Sat/Sun). Then you are forced to try to instead pick up last minute remnant ice here and there, that those with the contracts can't use because they are away in tournaments.

So, the situation for the CWHL is one of two things
(1) they are completely screwed for this year because they have no ice to play, because no one thought on a timely basis to buy any
(2) they actually do have the ice contracts locked up, but are simply too lazy/incompetent to communicate to anyone where and when it actually is, to anyone outside of their office.

The people who have been running this league (the OWHA and Sami Jo) have always proven to be clueless when it comes to timely communication. Don't see any reason why that might suddenly change without new leadership involved.

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

In the Toronto area, all ice contracts for the season are finalized by July latest....if you don't already have one, you have no ice. Period. You can't go out and buy ice now, it just doesn't exist. That means you don't play in prime time (ie, weekdays 5-11 or anytime Sat/Sun). Then you are forced to try to instead pick up last minute remnant ice here and there, that those with the contracts can't use because they are away in tournaments.

So, the situation for the CWHL is one of two things
(1) they are completely screwed for this year because they have no ice to play, because no one thought on a timely basis to buy any
(2) they actually do have the ice contracts locked up, but are simply too lazy/incompetent to communicate to anyone where and when it actually is, to anyone outside of their office.

The people who have been running this league (the OWHA and Sami Jo) have always proven to be clueless when it comes to timely communication. Don't see any reason why that might suddenly change without new leadership involved.

Trillium, thanks for the reply on this topic. Hey, I forgot to tell you this, but my email address switched to osualum86@frontier.com. These doggone network nazis, we haven't actually received any emails since the switch, either, but Mrs 86 is going to call their support line this week and get that straightened out. You had offered to email me Toronto's schedule a while back. I sure hope this is a case of the latter (#2) where they have the ice locked up and have just not communicated it to anyone. It sure would suck to have had a draft in August, then have to tell all these players, "Sorry, ladies, but this season will have to be canceled because we didn't secure an ice contract."

 

[Trillium]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Trillium, thanks for the reply on this topic. Hey, I forgot to tell you this, but my email address switched to osualum86@frontier.com. These doggone network nazis, we haven't actually received any emails since the switch, either, but Mrs 86 is going to call their support line this week and get that straightened out. You had offered to email me Toronto's schedule a while back. I sure hope this is a case of the latter (#2) where they have the ice locked up and have just not communicated it to anyone. It sure would suck to have had a draft in August, then have to tell all these players, "Sorry, ladies, but this season will have to be canceled because we didn't secure an ice contract."

Are you sure it was me? I don't recall ever saying I'd email you anything. I have no inside track on the CWHL schedule information....other than the same way as you, whatever they post on their website. Last year nothing was ever posted...so if you weren't affiliated in some way with the team, you had no idea when/where there was a game happening.

 

[5 4 Fighting]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Are you sure it was me? I don't recall ever saying I'd email you anything. I have no inside track on the CWHL schedule information....other than the same way as you, whatever they post on their website. Last year nothing was ever posted...so if you weren't affiliated in some way with the team, you had no idea when/where there was a game happening.

Trill..check your other email...trillium@benedictarnold.com.

Retire 22....?

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Are you sure it was me? I don't recall ever saying I'd email you anything. I have no inside track on the CWHL schedule information....other than the same way as you, whatever they post on their website. Last year nothing was ever posted...so if you weren't affiliated in some way with the team, you had no idea when/where there was a game happening.

Trillium, maybe it was someone else. Maybe it was Brokentwigg. I don't remember.

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

OSU...you would be better served to stay in Mississauga along the South Sheridan Way. From Burlington to the MC Centre is a 25 minute trip...so, you could catch a game either at the MC or in Burlington. As well, the rates are much better than the airport plus, you wont need to pay $20 a night for parking!!

Message me and send me your email and I will ensure you get a schedule. Just don't expect it too soon!!

Ok, the mystery is solved. LOL ... had to go back to the beginning of this thread and found this on page nine. Twigg, like I said, the new email address is osualum86@frontier.com. Sorry for the confusion there, Trillum!

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

I found out that opening weekend for the GTA teams is 10/23 and 10/24. I booked a nice room on priceline for $50 a night. Thanks much to all of you in the GTA for the helpful information on that. I am stoked. Cannot wait to get there and see some hockey! Toronto plays Brampton on Saturday at the Cassie Campbell Community Centre and on Sunday they are hosting Burlington at the Mastercard Centre.

 

[Trillium]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

I found out that opening weekend for the GTA teams is 10/23 and 10/24. I booked a nice room on priceline for $50 a night. Thanks much to all of you in the GTA for the helpful information on that.

Now THAT was me, lol. Glad we could all be of help. Hope you enjoy your weekend in Toronto.

As I think I've mentioned before, you might actually find the hockey at least as good if not better among top PWHL teams. If you want to see a game or two of that on the same weekend too, there will be several good ones nearby you could catch.

The Toronto Aeros Can-Am Invitational Tourney is that weekend at Chesswood arena (~15 min from airport). Lots of hockey all day Fri thru Sun. Or there is a PWHL league game that Sat 6:30 at Tomken Arena (10 min from airport) between Mississauga and Etobicoke. The Aeros and Mississauga have been the top two PWHL teams for the last few years, and both would give the CWHL teams a run for their money. If you like I can send you the link to the Can-Am schedule when it's out.

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Now THAT was me, lol. Glad we could all be of help. Hope you enjoy your weekend in Toronto.

As I think I've mentioned before, you might actually find the hockey at least as good if not better among top PWHL teams. If you want to see a game or two of that on the same weekend too, there will be several good ones nearby you could catch.

The Toronto Aeros Can-Am Invitational Tourney is that weekend at Chesswood arena (~15 min from airport). Lots of hockey all day Fri thru Sun. Or there is a PWHL league game that Sat 6:30 at Tomken Arena (10 min from airport) between Mississauga and Etobicoke. The Aeros and Mississauga have been the top two PWHL teams for the last few years, and both would give the CWHL teams a run for their money. If you like I can send you the link to the Can-Am schedule when it's out.

Trill, that would be really cool, thank you! We are actually staying at the Four Points Sheraton Meadowvale. Not sure how close that is to the other ice arenas (Chesswood & Tomken), but don't worry, I'm getting pretty good at googling for all these arenas and printing off directions from mapquest.com! I am sure Mrs 86 and I will have a great time up there. We cannot wait to get there! I just looked at my calendar yesterday and realized that it's only four weeks from this weekend.

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

For those interested, the schedules and venues are now on the CWHL website.

http://www.cwhl.ca/

 

[hockeynut83]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Well......I looked at this thread and it is nice to see that the people in the know.....know that if the OWHA is involved that this is a no go!

The draft was a joke as it contravenes the OWHA rules......but hey we can not expect the OWHA to follow their own rules now can we?

I have heard....now hold on to your seats......that Fran has almost have enough of the negative stuff and is considering hanging them up. I just have one question.....well make that two....Where is the party? and When will Pat do the same thing?

One observation of mine is why would a Professional League align its self with a Minor Hockey Organization if they truly wanted to be taken serious?

I am off now to see Gardner at the GTHL to see if he wants to support my new men professional League!

Why did the CWHL not seek out the support of Hockey Canada....they may then have had more support from the NHL......Hockey Canada has no time for the OWHA and the two dinos at the helm. The OWHA affiliation was the kiss of death.

 

[brokentwigg]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Well......I looked at this thread and it is nice to see that the people in the know.....know that if the OWHA is involved that this is a no go!

The draft was a joke as it contravenes the OWHA rules......but hey we can not expect the OWHA to follow their own rules now can we?

I have heard....now hold on to your seats......that Fran has almost have enough of the negative stuff and is considering hanging them up. I just have one question.....well make that two....Where is the party? and When will Pat do the same thing?

One observation of mine is why would a Professional League align its self with a Minor Hockey Organization if they truly wanted to be taken serious?

I am off now to see Gardner at the GTHL to see if he wants to support my new men professional League!

Why did the CWHL not seek out the support of Hockey Canada....they may then have had more support from the NHL......Hockey Canada has no time for the OWHA and the two dinos at the helm. The OWHA affiliation was the kiss of death.

Dice, In the beginning, the thought of a professional league was non-existent. The aligning with the organizations was squarely done for 1.) Icetime and B.) tapping into the target market. There were those who did not want to bring in the OWHA but some players felt they had to. Office space was offered but was respectfully declined.

Unfortunately, the CWHL was "hijacked" by a certain player who, believe me, is all about me, me, me and getting paid! She has had no interest in advancing the game to where it could honestly begin to entertain the "professional" status she so craves. She is a control freak!

Quite honestly, the draft was a good idea and the location selected was good. But that is where it ends. Having a draft of 20+ rounds..c'mon! Suggestions were made in Year 1 for a "Player Allocation System" and they were made to the very people now claiming that it is necessary for the game to move forward. Duh....REALLY??

SJS has gradually run this league into the ground and keeps making promises she cannot keep! Now she is telling people that "wait, hold on for a few years, the money will be there". There is NO major market for a women's league. 2,500 fans out to a game would be a god-send as far as I am concerned. But this league has lost sight of what is important and they clearly have no vision. She is just trying to hold on as long as she can.

For the record...SJS did NOT start this league, nor was she the driving force behind it. I truly wish people knew the facts and didn't believe what SJS allows to be printed! I will say this, she is responsible, solely responsible, for the downward spiral of this league!! But you will never here her admit to mistakes...ego gets in the way. Hmmmm...do those two characteristics not sound eeerily familiar?? Can anyone say OWHA?

 

[hipczech13]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

I'm still laughing at the fact that they are still calling this a "professional" league when players are not being paid. I have competed in other sports and the line was clearly drawn in black and white -- paid=pro, not paid=amateur. PERIOD. The whole lot of them, especially our favorite person, are bilking the public, media, and players, and deluding themselves. Oh well... can't wait till reality hits...

 

[Shipe Family]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Not sure the Boston Roster has been posted or not, here is the Facebook link:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/boston-cwhl-womens-hockey/2010-2011-official-roster/149932195048766

Here is a recent Bleacher Report article about the CWHL:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/487560-canadian-womens-hockey-league-interview-with-sami-jo-small

My only regret is that I do not live close enough to catch the games. Perhaps, Brian Schultz would consider covering them?

Best of luck to all the players and coaches this season!

 

[osualum86]

Re: NHL-CWHL affiliation on the horizon

Not sure the Boston Roster has been posted or not, here is the Facebook link:

http://www.facebook.com/notes/boston-cwhl-womens-hockey/2010-2011-official-roster/149932195048766

Here is a recent Bleacher Report article about the CWHL:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/487560-canadian-womens-hockey-league-interview-with-sami-jo-small

My only regret is that I do not live close enough to catch the games. Perhaps, Brian Schultz would consider covering them?

Best of luck to all the players and coaches this season!

Shipe Family, thanks for those links. Nice to know admission is only going to be $5.00, although I would be willing to pay a little more if it meant that the players would actually be paid. Funny you mention about not living close enough to catch the games. Mrs 86 and I are making a six-hour trek from Ohio to catch the opening weekend games in the GTA. Definitely wished we lived a little closer, but we don't mind road trips every once in a while.

 

[23Fan]

Rosters CWHL

Rosters CWHL

Rosters are now up on CWHL website