u are correct prices are too high,good team or not
windsor should not be the highest price ticket in the league
By the way I like your posting and have nothing against you in our disagreements. I am just of the opinion a lot of fans think this organization can do no wrong and in 3 years the Spits will be celebrating back to back Memorial Cups.
By the way I like your posting and have nothing against you in our disagreements. I am just of the opinion a lot of fans think this organization can do no wrong and in 3 years the Spits will be celebrating back to back Memorial Cups.
I think you're reaching for straws there a bit. I don't think anyone has expressed that opinion.
I think you're reaching for straws there a bit. I don't think anyone has expressed that opinion.
I agree with that but I don't think fans will be happy if they don't get back to that level. You don't go through rebuilding periods just to be a decent team.
By the way I like your posting and have nothing against you in our disagreements. I am just of the opinion a lot of fans think this organization can do no wrong and in 3 years the Spits will be celebrating back to back Memorial Cups.
i sure hope that some fans dont think windsor will win back to back mem cups
in 3 years
thats delusional thinking,winning one is tough enough especially nowadays
nhl teams taking players younger
btw i enjoy our disagreements,your posts are usually thought provoking
I don't think its disappointing for a 4th round pick (Duininck) to get passed over in his draft year. I don't know the statistics, but I'd be surprised if more than a couple 4th rounders each year get selected. Trojanovic was picked ahead of him in the 3rd round, and I don't think he was taken in the NHL draft. I think you are being a bit cynical Rayzor, but you endured the Riolo era so you're entitled.
While I don't think the current organization is beyond criticism, I do think they've done enough to earn our trust when things look less than perfect. Its silly to criticize our player development the last 2 years and compare it to the first couple seasons. Obviously there are fewer picks available to add top talent, and the picks we did have were much later in the round. Even if you don't like the way Webermin and Vale were handled last year, the Spitfires still did a reasonable job developing guys. Locke is the best example, but Khochlachev, Khunhackl, Ebert, Rychel, Posa, and even Campbell showed development as the season progressed. If Webermin and Vale end up being duds, their botched rookie season can be used an excuse and perhaps the criticism will be deserved, but even then it hardly makes their player development a failure. Dont forget, we've gone from getting approximately 1 useful OHL player per draft prior to Rychel, (usually but not always the 1st rounder) to having a handful of guys even in a supposedly "poor" year of drafting/recruiting.
Re Duininck - This is a massive year for him. While I agree he's slowed a bit in his progress and development, I still believe he's one of our better d-men. He has all the tools, but just needs to put them together. Just because he wasn't drafted, though, doesn't mean the talent isn't there.
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I am fine with the direction of the team just don't like hearing how this will be an exciting team and how it's like the rookie year of Hall and Ellis. That's not even close to being true and it's ridiculous to make statements like that.
Here's the thing...you don't know that it won't be an exciting team and you don't know it won't be like the first regime was. Yes, that team was very, very rare, but this coaching staff has proven a lot to us in a very short time. If anyone can repeat that performance, it's this club.
At the time, did ANY of us think that team was going to turn out like it did? Hell no. We were just happy to watch them develop and see what happens. Why can't it be like that now? Why are we assuming they're not going to be the same or that they'll be boring? Give the team a chance before you write them off, which is what's going on.
Am I saying the team can do no wrong? No. Ticket prices are far too high, food/drink is far too much, and there seems to be a slight disconnect from the fans. On the ice, though, they seem to know what they're doing, so I'm going to trust them. I don't necessarily agree with how Webermin and Vail were handled last year, but now is the time to show everyone what they can do.
Re Duininck - This is a massive year for him. While I agree he's slowed a bit in his progress and development, I still believe he's one of our better d-men. He has all the tools, but just needs to put them together. Just because he wasn't drafted, though, doesn't mean the talent isn't there.
Here's the thing...you don't know that it won't be an exciting team and you don't know it won't be like the first regime was. Yes, that team was very, very rare, but this coaching staff has proven a lot to us in a very short time. If anyone can repeat that performance, it's this club.
At the time, did ANY of us think that team was going to turn out like it did? Hell no. We were just happy to watch them develop and see what happens. Why can't it be like that now? Why are we assuming they're not going to be the same or that they'll be boring? Give the team a chance before you write them off, which is what's going on.
Am I saying the team can do no wrong? No. Ticket prices are far too high, food/drink is far too much, and there seems to be a slight disconnect from the fans. On the ice, though, they seem to know what they're doing, so I'm going to trust them. I don't necessarily agree with how Webermin and Vail were handled last year, but now is the time to show everyone what they can do.
We shall see but it's not the same regime either. There's a big piece missing and that's as head coach. Boughner was coach of the year in the CHL, he's still with the organization but it is yet to be seen the role he has. I don't have the same confidence in Bob Jones. Futhermore there isn't a Hall or Ellis on the team this year so I don't think I am writing them off if I don't think they will be as good as that year.
I wasn't sure of how much Windsor charged for tickets so I looked it up and a few other teams in the area. It is expected that teams will raise their prices when they are sold out over a period:
Sarnia - $438 early bird, $499
London - $538 early bird, $576
Windsor - $580 early bird, $814
Guelph - $444 early bird, $493
Couldn't find Kitchener's prices
One intersting thing I found was Guelph has a package that you can pay monthly.
Seeing the above, I understand the frustration for some people in Windsor.
They have absolutely no right to continue to charge the price they have been (which were too high to begin with), especially with the team not about to be the quality of the last 3 years. You have to throw the fans a bone when you have down years.
The prices for beer make nobody guess why everyone sneaks in beers and flasks, and the fact that you can pay over a grand for two seats and still have to pay for parking... well, don't get me started there. Paying for parking when you buy season tickets is ridiculous, especially when you get to the rink and there's like.... 400 parking spaces vacant in the suite holder/VIP area. Absolutely ignorant. I told a guy working at the entrance to that area that I was parking in there, and if he had a problem, go get his supervisor, cuz I wasn't paying to park a mile away. I'm sorry, but I pay through the nose to watch my team, more than any other fan in the OHL, and I'm NOT paying to park so they can make more money.
You also have the right to not go to the games if you feel prices are too high. You have no right to complain while you continue to spend your money.... because if it was too expensive for you, you wouldn't renew your tickets.
I wasn't sure of how much Windsor charged for tickets so I looked it up and a few other teams in the area. It is expected that teams will raise their prices when they are sold out over a period:
Sarnia - $438 early bird, $499
London - $538 early bird, $576
Windsor - $580 early bird, $814
Guelph - $444 early bird, $493
Couldn't find Kitchener's prices
One intersting thing I found was Guelph has a package that you can pay monthly.
Seeing the above, I understand the frustration for some people in Windsor.
Kit is about 580-600 I believe for adult-unsure if this is early bird or not
Well looking at the #s, if current tics renew(early bird) its not too far ahead of London (both well run competitive teams of late) so I guess the existing STH dont get slammed too much if they pay early. are non STH eligible for early bird pricing? If not, Is this the price to buy in for the priviledge of being a reg Spits fan? Its gotta be 5 or 6 bucks more per game per seat.
Is Any of the $ used to pay for debt on arena? Ive also heard rumblings the last couple years of $ issues with some of the ownership. Is that still an issue?
Sadly, every year its more of big business feel to the O and its losing some of its competitive entertainment value. Thats what helped build it up. Hopefully it doesnt sway to far or itll be priced outta most budgets
They have absolutely no right to continue to charge the price they have been (which were too high to begin with), especially with the team not about to be the quality of the last 3 years. You have to throw the fans a bone when you have down years.
The prices for beer make nobody guess why everyone sneaks in beers and flasks, and the fact that you can pay over a grand for two seats and still have to pay for parking... well, don't get me started there. Paying for parking when you buy season tickets is ridiculous, especially when you get to the rink and there's like.... 400 parking spaces vacant in the suite holder/VIP area. Absolutely ignorant. I told a guy working at the entrance to that area that I was parking in there, and if he had a problem, go get his supervisor, cuz I wasn't paying to park a mile away. I'm sorry, but I pay through the nose to watch my team, more than any other fan in the OHL, and I'm NOT paying to park so they can make more money.
F-that.
The situation is the same in Sarnia with regards to the parking - in fact, I had a parking pass last year and got to the game about half way into the first. It was raining, many empty parking spots. When I parked I was asked for my parking pass which I produced, the guy that came in next to me (with his two kids) didn't have a pass, they told him to move, he told them off and left without going to the game. When I got in, well over half of the seats empty. Don't expect common sense.
As another poster said, they only way it gets changed is when enough people don't go.
Are the prices too damn high? Yeah, for junior hockey I think it is, but keep in mind...
-the team spends quite a bit to gain a competitive advantage. This includes Rychel & Co.'s scouting trips that has landed quite a decent crop of Americans/Imports
-the team also spends a lot more than other teams on travel, up to and including leaving for Ottawa on a Thursday to play there on a Friday to avoid bus legs, or staying at a hotel in Plymouth during the playoffs to avoid distractions and stay focused
-as an armchair hockey fan, I can never get over how much friggin sticks cost
And for all the regular season ticket holders who have their box office horror stories, lemme relay one from our friends in Platinum Pete's Club.
During the playoffs, us normies have the option to buy our playoff tickets game by game, series by series (excluding the asterik games, stupidly), or all at once. Over in Platinumland, you HAVE to buy your tickets series by series, and for four games. My friend then told me he had to buy tickets for four games in the series against Barrie, Saginaw and Owen Sound. When I asked why he had to pay for four games in a series where the Spits didn't have home ice advantage and couldn't possibly play four games, he said that's just how they do it. Any games that aren't played, they hold the money ransom to use towards renewing for a following season (which turned out to be 12-13, since he had already renewed his season tickets). Zero chance of getting your money back.
The majority of the frustration, and rightly so, are with the long time loyal fans that supported the teams through the lean years.
There is no doubt that it takes money to run a team - and it is a business so supply and demand comes into effect. What I read between the lines in some of the posts are this;
- yes we paid the highest prices in the league when we went to the Mem Cup and the league finals. We did this in many cases in hard economic times.
- We would still like to support our team - to be fair, reduce the prices during this rebuilding stretch so we can still afford to go.
- We were there for you during the lean years, respect goes both ways.
The thing about parking passes is you can't blame the attendants for doing their job. If upper management says "nobody parks there without a pass", blame upper management (whether it be the Spitfires, Global Spectrum, or the City of Windsor) for making up those rules. You can't blame the attendants for enforcing them.
Besides, from personal experience, I'd 100% rather park near the exits, which are well away from the VIP parking areas. A buddy and I got a parking pass against Sarnia last year during the exhibition season, so parked in one of the VIP lots. It took us a good half hour to get out due to just one exit. Never did it again and, if I ever won another parking pass, I'd give it to someone else.
The majority of the frustration, and rightly so, are with the long time loyal fans that supported the teams through the lean years.
There is no doubt that it takes money to run a team - and it is a business so supply and demand comes into effect. What I read between the lines in some of the posts are this;
- yes we paid the highest prices in the league when we went to the Mem Cup and the league finals. We did this in many cases in hard economic times.
- We would still like to support our team - to be fair, reduce the prices during this rebuilding stretch so we can still afford to go.
- We were there for you during the lean years, respect goes both ways.
these guys will milk what they can outta this club ......i bet they could get 8 million now ...boughner is the majority owner ,,,,the rest likly own a fraction a get some form of profit sharing.last three years where a gravy train ...now it 'll be tough with lots of freebies being thrown around town.
but its no place to drink beer anyways but lets face it ......its junior hockey .the spits have reached the limit on pricing ..any higher and they play to half filled building
If you pay for parking at the WFCU you're nuts. The options for free parking are a-plenty: 1) show up just about an hour and 15 minutes before puck drop, park for free in the available spots and enjoy a Tim Horton's coffee and some rink talk until the game starts. 2) Show up any time, and then troll the lanes near the community rinks. With a bit of luck and patience I can usually grab a spot from people leaving the community rinks after watching their brats figure skate. You need to be on the ball however, its cut-throat when those spots open up. 3) This takes a bit of sack and aggressive driving, but sometimes you can come up that back lane by the community rinks towards the VIP lot and catch the guy napping. He's looking the other way, you sneak in. Even if he sees you drive by, just wave and nod like you belong. He's not going to get off his minimum wage ass to do anything about it, especially since that lot is never full anyway. 4) Borrow grandma's handicap permit and park in the VIP lot dedicated to handicap overflow. If the guy asks, you dropped grandma at the door to park. You aren't stealing a handicapped spot technically, you're stealing one from VIP wads who probably won't be there for a Sarnia game anyway. 5) If all else fails, park back behind where the community rink parking attendant stands, and tell him you're picking up your niece from figure skating. She has the grace of a swan don't you know! You can't over do this one however or the guy will catch on.
If you mix and match these methods effectively you'll never pay for parking. Just some helpful advice, I've tried em all successfully.
You also have the right to not go to the games if you feel prices are too high. You have no right to complain while you continue to spend your money.... because if it was too expensive for you, you wouldn't renew your tickets.
You talk like a clown.
Myself, and a GREAT number of FORMER season ticket holders decided against renewing after the raising of prices on everything from tickets, merch, concessions, beer, etc. They say they want a break from paying taxes on the arena because they're not making enough money..... Boo *** hoo! I don't make much, and neither do the vast majority of hockey fans in this city, but we aren't getting breaks on our taxes or payments, and Dobrich and Co. Have the nuts to complain? That's a joke. Unemployment in this city is crazy, and most people aren't making good money.
I've had tickets all my life, That's why I have the right to complain. I supported this team when they didn't compete, and when they were all but a lost cause. Don't be such an ignorant *****.
Myself, and a GREAT number of FORMER season ticket holders decided against renewing after the raising of prices on everything from tickets, merch, concessions, beer, etc. They say they want a break from paying taxes on the arena because they're not making enough money..... Boo *** hoo! I don't make much, and neither do the vast majority of hockey fans in this city, but we aren't getting breaks on our taxes or payments, and Dobrich and Co. Have the nuts to complain? That's a joke. Unemployment in this city is crazy, and most people aren't making good money.
I've had tickets all my life, That's why I have the right to complain. I supported this team when they didn't compete, and when they were all but a lost cause. Don't be such an ignorant *****.
The post by Libbs does reek of arrogance or entitlement. Fact is in Windsor it's the only game in town and for fans that like hockey there are very few alternatives. Spare me the talk of Jr B hockey I have seen some Jr B games and the quality overall is quite poor. I can get Plymouth Whalers season tickets for $295 and with the dollar as it is pretty close to par, a larger selection of Fri, Sat, Sun home games as well. If an individual wants to spend less and go to games where it can mesh better with a busy schedule getting Plymouth tickets isn't a bad option.
Unfortunately due to the fact the Spits are the only game in town this gives ownership the idea they can continually raise prices but there's also a price point where you turn fans off.
The post by Libbs does reek of arrogance or entitlement.
You'll have to explain that remark. I don't see how it's either.
My point is, if you feel that prices are too high and you continue to pay them...you're telling ownership it's OK to raise the prices since you're still willing to pay it. Don't complain about it if you're not willing to do anything about it. Until fans make it known that the prices are too high, nothing's going to change.
As for that other guy... stop being an over dramatic whiner. If you're not happy with the experience.....STOP GOING! You're not owed anything. If anyone has come across as entitled, it's this guy.
1) Parking ==> As jug said, there's plenty of alternatives.
2) Concessions ==> Eat before you go to the game.
3) Beer ==> Why is it soooooo important to have to drink beer at a junior hockey game?
You'll have to explain that remark. I don't see how it's either.
My point is, if you feel that prices are too high and you continue to pay them...you're telling ownership it's OK to raise the prices since you're still willing to pay it. Don't complain about it if you're not willing to do anything about it. Until fans make it known that the prices are too high, nothing's going to change.
As for that other guy... stop being an over dramatic whiner. If you're not happy with the experience.....STOP GOING! You're not owed anything. If anyone has come across as entitled, it's this guy.
1) Parking ==> As jug said, there's plenty of alternatives.
2) Concessions ==> Eat before you go to the game.
3) Beer ==> Why is it soooooo important to have to drink beer at a junior hockey game?
If it weren't for dedicated fans like many of us, this city would've lost the team before the current ownership came to save the day.
Let me put it simply. I can't afford to get tickets to watch games with my dad like he did with his, which is disappointing. We did for a few years, but they've priced the average junior hockey fan in the city out of being able to enjoy it live, which is also disappointing, because what other show do we have in town??? Nothing.
And to answer your beer question, i work for a living, and take care of my family. I work in the range of 60 hours a week. If I feel like having a beer with my father or Brother, or friends, etc. On a sunday afternoon at a hockey game, i'll bloody have one. I don't get wasted for obvious reasons, but I'm an adult.
Either way. Bottom line is, it's robbery to do that to a loyal fanbase that never quit on the franchise.
