Orlando Seals

[preeths]

The WHA just announced that it will not place a team in Orlando. That comes just days after Waronker had announced he'd reached a deal to sell the Seals to the WHA. Anyone have the scoop on if the Seals will play this year in the SPHL after all?

[BCRantzilla]

Paul, the way things are being run I could be rumoured to be the next commissioner in a few weeks...

If that is a good thing or not, discuss amongst yourselves..

[Geoff]

BCR, YOU'RE NOT TAKING MY JOB! I AM THE NEXT COMMISH!!!!!!!

[ssgtdad]

i dont care who the commish is...but...i have a few suggestions when you finally get it figured out...what the $%^& is waronker thinking...first he sells then he doesnt then he does...if the wha doesnt want the seals...WHERE THE HELL THEY GONNA GO?...maybe the sehl?

[preeths]

As long as Waronker's alive, the one place we know the Seals will not end up is the SEHL. My guess is we'll see an announcement that they'll join the SPHL soon.

[ssgtdad]

preeths...I know u r right...but can anyone see the seals making it in the WHA?...i cant see the WHA making it!!!...

[preeths]

Apparently no one from the WHA contacted Waronker directly, but he just issued a statement saying that if the Seals aren't in the WHA, they'll be in the SPHL this year. We have the release up now.

[Geoff]

Here's the release:

July 14, 2004

Free agent draft order announced

The World Hockey Association today announced the draft order for the first day of its two day draft weekend.

Teams will select NHL and AHL Free Agents on Saturday, July 17 at the new Fallsview Casino Niagara.

The following is the order of the draft.

Quebec

Halifax

Detroit

Hamilton

Toronto

Dallas

Teams will draft 30 players on Saturday. Each franchise has already identified a player with exempt status in the draft.

On Sunday, July 18, teams will draft 30 Entry Level Players. Players undrafted in the past 3 years or drafted but unsigned will be eligible. Sixteen year old players who will be 17 prior to the start of the WHA season will also be eligible.

The draft order for the Entry Level Draft will be announced on Saturday, July 17.

The draft begins at 10 a.m. each day and is open to the public.

The WHA Founders also announced they have ceased negotiations to purchase or establish a franchise in Orlando, Florida.

[BCRantzilla]

My big question with the WHA is what happened to the team that was supposed to play in the Target Center in Minneapolis?

[ssgtdad]

WELCOME TO SPHL SEALS...like anybody thought they would be anywhere else?...i hate to bash Waronker because after all he did keep hockey in macon but damn!!!...join the SPHL and STAY!!!...whatever happened to the birmingham team?

[redleg1966]

I've been told the SPHL will have a limit on the number of veteran's a team can put on the ice. Essentially each team can only have two players on the roster with 230 or more pro games. I think that number should have been at least 3 if not 4. Veterans become fan favorites and put fans in the stands. Plus 4 vets would give a good mix to the young players and may allow for a little higher caliber hockey to be played. Anyone know why the league decided to limit the teams to 2 veterans?
R

[ssgtdad]

I hadnt heard the veteran rule but I would imagine it has something to with money although its not like these guys are filthy rich...i could name a few veterans that sure would be missed in Macon!

[redleg1966]

I actually heard it from a former player and someone you might remember from his playing days in Columbus and Macon -- Doug Mann. He was considering a comeback with Columbus, but with over 300 pro games and only two slots available he thinks the Snakes will get a couple of youner guys. I got to Ft. Benning a couple of years ago and never have seen Doug play, but he is a fan favorite in this area for sure. I guess having more than 200 penalty minutes in a season and leading the team in fights will do that!!!!!!

Oh well, here's to a good rivarly with the Trax. Hope to come see some games in your "station" this year as well.

[ssgtdad]

the hell is going on with the seals NOW?