The Thursday Memo

News and Notes from around the Business World of Hockey.

- The NBC Stanley Cup Finals broadcast schedule, and the problems with it (Puck The Media).

- Jack Carnefix, the senior vice pres. of communications/new media for the ECHL, clarified to Mirtle yesterday about the reason as to why ECHL teams are dropping fast (From The Rink):

"Travel costs are not really an issue as teams from the East and West are not required to play each other during the regular season," Carnefix said. "Even for teams in the West who fly more frequently, travel costs are approximately 8.5 per cent of their budget.

"The overall reasons for most minor league teams ceasing and suspending operations are financial, however, it has more to do with attendance than travel costs. It is a very tough time for minor-league sports."

- St. Louis Blues President John Davidson will join Commissioner Gary Bettman on his weekly show, 'NHL Hour' (NHL.com). The show should be available for podcast on Friday. From my experience watching Ranger games, Davidson is a class-guy who has definitely revived the Blues and their fans the past couple of seasons, and I would not be surprised to find the show littered with business talk.

- The International Olympic Committee has approved Hockey Canada's new logo (CTV). It has not been revealed yet, but the new brand look will most certainly sell well in 2010.

- Finally, play some office hockey today:



This will be my only post today, unless there are updates floating around to be added. I will not be around until Sunday, as a minor road trip is planned for Friday night. The joys of college.

The Tuesday Memo

News and Notes from around the Business World of Hockey.

- The economy has struck down on the ECHL, causing the Dayton Bombers and the Mississippi Sea Wolves to suspend operations for next season, along with the Phoenix RoadRunners decision to cease operations altogether (ECHL.com). The Dayton and Mississippi clubs will have to report by June whether they plan to return to the league in 2010 or further suspend or cease operations.

In good news, the ECHL will return to Toldeo, Ohio next season.

- Charles Wang speaks again, saying that if the plans to renovate the Nassau Coliseum aren't approved by October, he will most likely look to move the team to another part of Long Island. Queens is making a big push (NY Daily News).

- We all know the St. Louis Blues and Detroit Red Wings will head to Stockholm, Sweden to kick off the '09-'10 NHL season on October 2nd and 3rd, but before that each team will play an exhibition game against Swedish Elite teams (NHL.com).

Also, both games in Stockholm have sold out at 26,000 for the Globe Arena in Stockholm.

- Darren Everson of the Wall Street Journal explains why you should have watched the NCAA Mens Ice Hockey Tournament over the weekend if you wanted real upsets (WSJ Sports).

- Also, on a non-business note but a personal opinion I agree with; Nate says the NHL is more physical than the NFL (SFSI).

- Finally, Ovechkin shocks the Caps physical trainer:



Check back later.