The AAHA Is Born

[JoeyJosephs]

I received an e-mail Tuesday from Chip Rossetti, General Manager of the Evansville IceMen announcing the formation this season of the All American Hockey Association.

The following is their press release, printed verbatim:

New Association Brings Together Strong Franchises

In a surprising turn of events, four franchises in the Midwest Hockey League and the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League announced that they had left their leagues and formed a new agreement between themselves. The Battle Creek Revolution, the Evansville IceMen, the South Shore Shooters and the Motor City Gamblers have come together to form the All American Hockey Association for the 2008-09 season.

The new All American Hockey Association was formed when the owners of these four strong, new franchises began to have concerns about their involvement with their leagues. After having several conversations, they all agreed that it was in the best interest of all of their teams, as well as the communities they represent, that they come together to form an Association that gave them the best chance for success this season and in the future.

Evansville IceMen General Manager Chip Rosetti was involved in these discussions. "We started talking, initially, about playing some crossover games between the leagues. The more we talked, however, the more we realized that there needed to be some cooperation between all of us. We are all trying to accomplish the same things, so there is no reason that we shouldn't work together."

When the managements from both leagues were approached about possible cooperation, there was little interest shown from either side. Rosetti continued, "So a few ofus kept the conversation open and the more we talked, the more this made sense."

The South Shore Shooters General Manager Rich Greene was available for comment. "The Shooters organization, from owners to coach, is delighted to be part of something with such a bright future. We like the ideas for this coming season and the long term direction of the AAHA."

Battle Creek Revolution owner Andrew Miller was also excited about getting involved with the AAHA. "This is a great partnership between all of these teams. We can't wait to get on the ice and put on a great show in all of these communities."

Motor City Gamblers GM and owner Matt Mitchell talks about the Association. "The AAHA will be a great option for players looking to play minor pro hockey. With the strong ownership groups and talent level of our players we expect to put a great product on the ice."

All of the teams in the AAHA are individually owned and operated, meaning that the Association will not run any of the teams. There is also the possibility of other teams joining the Association in the next few days.

The inaugural AAHA schedule will be released in the next two weeks. The AAHA will play a 40 game regular season, followed by the playoffs.

The AAHA will be able to be contacted through the Association's new website at www.theaaha.com.

In a related matter, the website is truly operational, as the release stated.

Rossetti, Miller and Mitchell are all listed as members of the league's Board of Directors, as is Darren Seid of the Shooters.

The league's offices will be based out of Evansville, IN and the league's e-mail address is theaaha@yahoo.com.

[preeths]

The official song of the AAHA should be "Take on Me."

I noticed the MWHL's Indianapolis team is missing from this league.

[Minor League Man]

How long before Andrew Haines goes on and on about how "evil, meanspirited, unethical, immoral, shameful, etc..." the Shooters & Revolution are?

[phydeaux72]

Do the Battle Creek Revolution and New Jersey Revolution (CIFL) have common ownership? Both teams sport the same colors, the logos are somewhat similar, and the font is almost identical.

[nksports]

How long before Andrew Haines goes on and on about how "evil, meanspirited, unethical, immoral, shameful, etc..." the Shooters & Revolution are?

No, no, no. That's Joe Newman. AH will disappear for a few months and show up; let's see, he's been in indoor football, hockey, that leaves minor league basketball. Maybe he and Joe will come together.

[JoeyJosephs]

Sorry, NK. Too late on AH going into minor league basketball. He had a team called the Maryland Nighthawks that he let go down the tubes, too.

[JoeyJosephs]

Do the Battle Creek Revolution and New Jersey Revolution (CIFL) have common ownership? Both teams sport the same colors, the logos are somewhat similar, and the font is almost identical.

No, Phydeaux. The CIFL's Revolution and the AAHA's Revolution are, as the saying goes, twin sons of different mothers (In English, no, they are owned by the same people).

[Minor League Man]

Sorry, NK. Too late on AH going into minor league basketball. He had a team called the Maryland Nighthawks that he let go down the tubes, too.
Forgot about that...All I can say is "Thank God for Tom Doyle!"

[BCRantzilla]

I received an e-mail Tuesday from Chip Rossetti, General Manager of the Evansville IceMen announcing the formation this season of the All American Hockey Association.

The following is their press release, printed verbatim:

New Association Brings Together Strong Franchises

In a surprising turn of events, four franchises in the Midwest Hockey League and the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League announced that they had left their leagues and formed a new agreement between themselves. The Battle Creek Revolution, the Evansville IceMen, the South Shore Shooters and the Motor City Gamblers have come together to form the All American Hockey Association for the 2008-09 season.

The new All American Hockey Association was formed when the owners of these four strong, new franchises began to have concerns about their involvement with their leagues. After having several conversations, they all agreed that it was in the best interest of all of their teams, as well as the communities they represent, that they come together to form an Association that gave them the best chance for success this season and in the future.

Evansville IceMen General Manager Chip Rosetti was involved in these discussions. "We started talking, initially, about playing some crossover games between the leagues. The more we talked, however, the more we realized that there needed to be some cooperation between all of us. We are all trying to accomplish the same things, so there is no reason that we shouldn't work together."

When the managements from both leagues were approached about possible cooperation, there was little interest shown from either side. Rosetti continued, "So a few ofus kept the conversation open and the more we talked, the more this made sense."

The South Shore Shooters General Manager Rich Greene was available for comment. "The Shooters organization, from owners to coach, is delighted to be part of something with such a bright future. We like the ideas for this coming season and the long term direction of the AAHA."

Battle Creek Revolution owner Andrew Miller was also excited about getting involved with the AAHA. "This is a great partnership between all of these teams. We can't wait to get on the ice and put on a great show in all of these communities."

Motor City Gamblers GM and owner Matt Mitchell talks about the Association. "The AAHA will be a great option for players looking to play minor pro hockey. With the strong ownership groups and talent level of our players we expect to put a great product on the ice."

All of the teams in the AAHA are individually owned and operated, meaning that the Association will not run any of the teams. There is also the possibility of other teams joining the Association in the next few days.

The inaugural AAHA schedule will be released in the next two weeks. The AAHA will play a 40 game regular season, followed by the playoffs.

The AAHA will be able to be contacted through the Association's new website at www.theaaha.com.

In a related matter, the website is truly operational, as the release stated.

Rossetti, Miller and Mitchell are all listed as members of the league's Board of Directors, as is Darren Seid of the Shooters.

The league's offices will be based out of Evansville, IN and the league's e-mail address is theaaha@yahoo.com.

Based on the LONG and rambling press releases and poor quality of the website I wouldn't be surprised if this was another mike killbreath venture. That and it's based in Michigan. (Minor pro hockey in Michigan is dead to me until that man is in jail.)

[patmc16]

Based on the LONG and rambling press releases and poor quality of the website I wouldn't be surprised if this was another mike killbreath venture. That and it's based in Michigan. (Minor pro hockey in Michigan is dead to me until that man is in jail.)

It is about time for him to pop up again isn't it? I do see that Joe Kolodziej's "Hockey Talent Management" is a sponsor of the association on their website (first one at the top of the list actually).

As a minor pro hockey fan in Michigan, I can't let it die. I just wish the shady characters and the fly by night operations would find somewhere else to go. So far this year there have been 4 teams announced or speculated to be here only to go away without dropping a puck: the Trenton Warriors, Chelsea Tornadoes, Detroit Dragons & Michigan Stars. Then there's the Jesus of Michigan minor hockey, the Motor City Gamblers who have died once only to be resurrected in the AAHA. I'll believe they are for real when they actually drop a puck. If they do, I'll be there.

[JoeyJosephs]

BCRantzilla and Patmc16: You are both so[I] right!

I operate a PR firm out of my home in Battle Creek and [I]I wouldn't have released something this badly written (Remember, I posted it as is from their website).

I've already been in touch with the AAHA about handling media/publc relations and I have yet to get a response back.

Unfortunately, I don't work on the cheap, which the AAHA probably will be, so they'll probably melt away like warm ice.

The local paper here, the Enquirer, never covered the fact of the Revolution leaving the MAHL or when Andrew Miller tried to take over the league or has announced that the team is in a new hockey league now, so what sort of coverage does the team think they'll get this season, especially with the city's pro basketball team moving into a new league and playing in competition with them for home dates?

They had one of their reporters (who actually played some hockey in college) try out for the team a long time back and they told him if he lost 20-25 pounds, come back again and they'd talk.

Wish them well, I say...FAREwell.

[BCRantzilla]

BCRantzilla and Patmc16: You are both so[I] right!

I operate a PR firm out of my home in Battle Creek and [I]I wouldn't have released something this badly written (Remember, I posted it as is from their website).

I've already been in touch with the AAHA about handling media/publc relations and I have yet to get a response back.

Unfortunately, I don't work on the cheap, which the AAHA probably will be, so they'll probably melt away like warm ice.

The local paper here, the Enquirer, never covered the fact of the Revolution leaving the MAHL or when Andrew Miller tried to take over the league or has announced that the team is in a new hockey league now, so what sort of coverage does the team think they'll get this season, especially with the city's pro basketball team moving into a new league and playing in competition with them for home dates?

They had one of their reporters (who actually played some hockey in college) try out for the team a long time back and they told him if he lost 20-25 pounds, come back again and they'd talk.

Wish them well, I say...FAREwell.

Funny how Joe's name gets mentioned and someone with a suspicious username pops up!

[JoeyJosephs]

Funny how Joe's name gets mentioned and someone with a suspicious username pops up!

Suspicious username, BCRantzilla?

It happens to BE my name and I'm rather insulted by the remark. I don't use screen names online. I put my OWN NAME behind them. I'm a third-generation Josephs, so you know...if you care to believe it.

[BCRantzilla]

With that grammar how can it NOT be Joe Kolodziej?

How was the food in the slammer?

[JoeyJosephs]

With that grammar how can it NOT be Joe Kolodziej?

How was the food in the slammer?

BC, I don't know who wrote the press release I received and posted verbatim in this thread. Since I received it in an e-mail from Chip Rossetti of the Ice Men and he is the driving force behind the website and their message board, try starting with him.

I do not know nor have ever met Joe Kolodziej in my life.

[BCRantzilla]

He doth protest too much. Sorry dude, not buying it.

[Dan K]

Is this the same Joey Josephs that handled PR for some other leagues? I am thinking the proposed National Soccer League (indoor) was one of those leagues.

[preeths]

Joey Josephs is exactly who he says he is. He is not Mr. Kolodziej.

[JoeyJosephs]

Thanks, Dan K and Preeths.

At least some people know of my background in this business.

Yes, Dan, I was involved with the National Soccer League, as well as the North American Football League, the former American Indoor Football League (now the American Indoor Football Association) and the Minor League Football Association.

I now operate my own PR firm out of my home in Battle Creek, MI and am always interesting in handling minor sports leagues or individual teams.

If some people wish not to believe who am I, that's fine. Let BCRantzilla believe what he wants, since he seems to know me better than I know myself.

[BCRantzilla]

Joey Josephs is exactly who he says he is. He is not Mr. Kolodziej.

I'm not usually that far off when it comes to shady people using an alias. I was mistaken and I'm sorry about that.

[JoeyJosephs]

I'm not usually that far off when it comes to shady people using an alias. I was mistaken and I'm sorry about that.

I accept your apology and I'm willing to forget this entire matter took place.

[tops804]

...may be a good slogan.

The Crusaders have changed the date of their press conference....again.

An official announcement has been planned for Tuesday afternoon, October 14th, by the ownership
group known as Crusaders Hockey.

Those taking notes....

It was Thursday...10/9
then
Monday...10/13
now
Tuesday...10/14

[iceman]

just hipe everything up. it shows you what this "association" will do just to get a teams to play against each other.

[BCRantzilla]

It doesn't help that there are rumours all over the place that both Mike Killbreath AND Joe Kolodziej are involved with this thing. (LOTS of stories circulating.)

Stay tuned...

[tops804]

Part of today's news from the league website.

"The Crusaders were to announce their team and arena on a
number of occasions in the last 10 days. They were slated to be the
Genesee County Crusaders playing in a suburb of Flint Michigan.
Over the course of those ten days, the arena, which also houses a
junior team, decided to change the predetermined rental terms, and
those changes were, in the team's opinion, limiting its ability to
generate revenue, in order to allow more revenues for the junior
team. This rental term change caused the business model to change
to a point where it was no longer workable and therefore the
Crusaders can not play this season. Members of the Association
worked with the ownership of the Crusaders to try to talk to the
facility and maintain the original agreement. The arena felt that it
was in their best interest to make the changes. The team has been
told by the Association that they are welcome to reapply for
membership next season if a new lease is obtained in a suitable
market or terms can be agreed on with the original facility."

In light of the unfortunate news about the Crusaders, the AAHA is
moving forward with a lot of positive steps. There have been several
inquiries from potential ownership groups for teams in 2009. Some of
them will be discussed at the AAHA meetings this week. The
ownership group of the previously announced and approved
expansion Thunder will be meeting with city and arena officials in
their market next week to schedule their team's announcement. The
Thunder's announcement is slated to take place shortly after the first
of the year.

[tops804]

Members of the All American Hockey Association will be meeting in
Battle Creek Michigan on Thursday October 16 for their first ever
Association meetings. Among the topics slated to be discussed are
Association rules for the 2008-2009 season, a possible television deal,
future expansion team applications and many other issues that will
help make the AAHA the premier "Single A" professional hockey
association in the country.

The Country!!!! :eek:

I would be happy if Single-A hockey would work in just one, small, three state region.

Guys -- Look at Single-A baseball, every "A-league" in it stays within its own region...

[nksports]

They were slated to be the
Genesee County Crusaders playing in a suburb of Flint Michigan.
Over the course of those ten days, the arena, which also houses a
junior team, decided to change the predetermined rental terms, and
those changes were, in the team's opinion, limiting its ability to
generate revenue, in order to allow more revenues for the junior
team.

That sounds like cryptic, minor-league-eze for "We want the rent up front." An arena is going to favor whoever pays the rent and brings in the most butts for the seats. (Can this place sell beer?).

[nksports]

The econimics of this league is not making sense. The largest rink used to which I can find details is the Motor City team at 3,000. Evansville and South Shore both play in rinks that seat 1,500. I couldn't find what the Rink in Battle Creek seats, but it didn't look like much (it was a parks and recreation dept. rink).

If I pay $2,000 a night in rent (and that would be cheap these days), that's $40,000 a season (for a 20-game home season). If I pay players $100 a game, that's $72,000 in player salary (for 18 players). I'm not going to even guess coaches' pay, insurances (of all types needed), training staff, team staff, travel costs (fortunately I don't think there are any overnight trips involved), office space, utilities, office supplies, etc.

If I sell out a 1,500-seat arena at $6 a ticket (what was on the Evansville site), I will get $180,000. Since adverstisers are only going to get 1,500 eyeball views a night, I'm not going to be able to charge a lot for advertising.
This doesn't look very promising.

[Geoff]

The Country!!!! :eek:

I would be happy if Single-A hockey would work in just one, small, three state region.

Guys -- Look at Single-A baseball, every "A-league" in it stays within its own region...
Their calling them selves the "premier 'Single A' professional hockey
association in the country" ... truth be told, they are the only Single A association.

[BCRantzilla]

Word is Mike Killbreath is the man behind the Crusaders, (Flint, Michigan is your first red flag,) and the arena wanted the money up front, Fatbreath balked and the result is no team. Not that there was a real team coming in the first place.

[BCRantzilla]

The econimics of this league is not making sense. The largest rink used to which I can find details is the Motor City team at 3,000. Evansville and South Shore both play in rinks that seat 1,500. I couldn't find what the Rink in Battle Creek seats, but it didn't look like much (it was a parks and recreation dept. rink).

If I pay $2,000 a night in rent (and that would be cheap these days), that's $40,000 a season (for a 20-game home season). If I pay players $100 a game, that's $72,000 in player salary (for 18 players). I'm not going to even guess coaches' pay, insurances (of all types needed), training staff, team staff, travel costs (fortunately I don't think there are any overnight trips involved), office space, utilities, office supplies, etc.

If I sell out a 1,500-seat arena at $6 a ticket (what was on the Evansville site), I will get $180,000. Since adverstisers are only going to get 1,500 eyeball views a night, I'm not going to be able to charge a lot for advertising.
This doesn't look very promising.

A-Puck can work as the SPHL has sort of proven in the last few years. You do need a larger arena than a 1500 seater if the rent is that high. You also need a hockey community that isn't already saturated, (which is why Danbury has always been a solid site.)

You also need to charge more than 6 bucks for all tickets. (You need to have prime seats at around 12 bucks a piece and 8 being the bare minimum.)

Advertising also depends on your online presence and what kind of radio deal you can land. If you can get creative and have a good salesperson you can potentially make out rather well but you need to be in a community that doesn't already have a bunch of junior, pro or college teams within close driving distance.

[MikeH]

No, no, no. That's Joe Newman. AH will disappear for a few months and show up; let's see, he's been in indoor football, hockey, that leaves minor league basketball. Maybe he and Joe will come together.

I know this is a late post on this matter, but I just found this post today.

You have convered that Andrew Haines has had minor league basketball, hockey, and indoor football, however, I saw no mention of minor league baseball.

I wanted to inform everyone that Andrew Haines was trying to get into minor league baseball. He had emailed me about owning a franchise in my Atlantic Coast League. I see the man is trying to get around the sports world and screw them over.

[BCRantzilla]

Well it is looking like the AAHA will play this year but Killbreath's Crusaders won't be part of the league. It's hard to play when nobody will give you a lease because you are a criminal.