The WHA Draft

Media Release provided by the WHA Official Website:
http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/media_releases/media_071404.htm

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.

Sixteen year old players who will be 17 prior to the start of the WHA season will also be eligible.


:lol

so crosby will probably quit the CHL just to play WHA, eh? :D

Heh,I may go to the draft,Casino Niagara's like 15 minutes away.

Heh,I may go to the draft,Casino Niagara's like 15 minutes away.
I highly doubt you'll see any players there.

Nobody wants to play in the WHA.

I highly doubt you'll see any players there.

Nobody wants to play in the WHA.

Alot of good players have stated that they'll keep a close eye on the WHA in case of a lockout : Mike Ribeiro, Brett Hull, Jeremy Roenick..

Send in your mock drafts now! :p:

Alot of good players have stated that they'll keep a close eye on the WHA in case of a lockout : Mike Ribeiro, Brett Hull, Jeremy Roenick..
I'm sure we'll be seeing guys like Dave Scatchard going in round 2.

I'm sure we'll be seeing guys like Dave Scatchard going in round 2.

The thing I wonder is : Will the teams go for homerun picks who are unlikely to play or for picks that will likely play for them?

I highly doubt you'll see any players there.

Nobody wants to play in the WHA.


You're forgetting they have Bobby Hull,and the fact that they'll have a Pacific Trading Card Booth set up there with WHA memoribilia and cards...

Quebec Nordiks will select with the first pick overall Simon Gagné :handclap: :handclap: :D

Could the WHA take over the AHL and become the NHL's farm league? Especially since there might be a salary cap, then players would get used to it in the minors.

it would be great if the wha in halifax was able to lure some big names in during a lockout

Could the WHA take over the AHL and become the NHL's farm league? Especially since there might be a salary cap, then players would get used to it in the minors.

This is quite the longshot. The WHA is operating under the same premise that it was in the 1970's- as competition against the NHL. Much like the USFL to the NFL, the NHL would like to see it fold before ever considering taking it in as one of their own. The AHL relationship is still pretty strong, so why look elsewhere?

Toronto with Thornton and Kovalchuk already...

First Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club

1.
Quιbec Simon Gagnι

LW
Philadelphia (NHL)

2.
Halifax Travis Green C Boston (NHL)

3.
Detroit Dany Heatley RW Atlanta (NHL)

4.
Hamilton Michael Ryder RW Montrιal (NHL)

5.
Toronto Joe Thornton C Boston (NHL)

6.
Founders' franchise Todd Bertuzzi RW Vancouver (NHL)

7.
Dallas Eric Lindros C N.Y. Rangers (NHL)

8.
Florida Brad Richards C Tampa Bay (NHL)


Second Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club

9.
Florida Steve Shields G Florida (NHL)

10.
Dallas Scott Gomez C New Jersey (NHL)

11.
Founders' franchise Corey Schwab G New Jersey (NHL)

12.
Toronto Ilya Kovalchuk LW Atlanta (NHL)

13.
Hamilton Felix Potvin G Boston (NHL)

14.
Detroit Drake Berehowsky D Toronto (NHL)

15.
Halifax Craig MacDonald C Boston (NHL)

16.
Quιbec Yannick Perreault C Montrιal (NHL)

I dont understand the deal with some of these picks like Travis Green 2nd overall while Kovalchuk and Thornton are still there...

I dont understand the deal with some of these picks like Travis Green 2nd overall while Kovalchuk and Thornton are still there...

They probably picked him because they already know he'll play for them.

Why are Florida picking and what is the Founders' Franchise?

Ya Halifax must have had a good idea that Green and Macdonald would play for them for sure, they went with safe choices, other teams went for superstars where it's a big risk. Macdonald I know will play, he's only a fourth liner in the NHL, in the WHA he could probly be a much better player and he's from Nova Scotia so he'd probly be happy to play for the Icebreakers.

Why are Florida picking and what is the Founders' Franchise?

Yeah, their previous press release only listed six teams taking part in the draft. What the hell?

First Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
1.
Québec Simon Gagné LW
Philadelphia (NHL)
2.
Halifax Travis Green C Boston (NHL)
3.
Detroit Dany Heatley RW Atlanta (NHL)
4.
Hamilton Michael Ryder RW Montréal (NHL)
5.
Toronto Joe Thornton C Boston (NHL)
6.
Founders' franchise Todd Bertuzzi RW Vancouver (NHL)
7.
Dallas Eric Lindros C N.Y. Rangers (NHL)
8.
Florida Brad Richards C Tampa Bay (NHL)


Second Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
9.
Florida Steve Shields G Florida (NHL)
10.
Dallas Scott Gomez C New Jersey (NHL)
11.
Founders' franchise Corey Schwab G New Jersey (NHL)
12.
Toronto Ilya Kovalchuk LW Atlanta (NHL)
13.
Hamilton Felix Potvin G Boston (NHL)
14.
Detroit Drake Berehowsky D Toronto (NHL)
15.
Halifax Craig MacDonald C Boston (NHL)
16.
Québec Yannick Perreault C Montréal (NHL)

Third Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
17.
Québec Maxime Ouellet G
Washington (NHL)
18.
Halifax Chris Tamer D Atlanta (NHL)
19.
Detroit Michael Zigomanis C Carolina (NHL)
20.
Hamilton Theoren Fleury RW Did Not Play
21.
Toronto Aaron Gavey C St. John's (AHL)
22.
Founders' franchise Lyle Odelein D Florida (NHL)
23.
Dallas Kip Miller C Washington (NHL)
24.
Florida Zac Bierk G Phoenix (NHL)


Fourth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
25.
Florida Jamie Rivers D Detroit (NHL)
26.
Dallas Steve Kelly LW Los Angeles (NHL)
27.
Founders' franchise Tommy Albelin D New Jersey (NHL)
28.
Toronto Josh Holden C Toronto (NHL)
29.
Hamilton Trent Hunter RW N.Y. Islanders (NHL)
30.
Detroit Chris Nielsen C Manitoba (AHL)
31.
Halifax Jeff Finley D Saint Louis (NHL)
32.
Québec Stéphane Veilleux LW Minnesota (NHL)

Fifth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
33.
Québec Eric Messier D
Florida (NHL)
34.
Halifax Steve Passmore G Chicago (NHL)
35.
Detroit Steve Kariya LW Albany (AHL)
36.
Hamilton Bryan Marchment D Toronto (NHL)
37.
Toronto Jonathan Cheechoo RW San Jose (NHL)
38.
Founders' franchise Shaun Van Allen C Ottawa (NHL)
39.
Dallas Blake Sloan RW Dallas (NHL)
40.
Florida Ben Clymer RW Tampa Bay (NHL)

Sixth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
41.
Florida Sean Avery C Los Angeles (NHL)
42.
Dallas Pavel Rosa RW Los Angeles (NHL)
43.
Founders' franchise Jiri Slegr D Boston (NHL)
44.
Toronto Brad May LW Vancouver (NHL)
45.
Hamilton Rob Zamuner LW Boston (NHL)
46.
Detroit Patrick Desrochers G Lowell (AHL)
47.
Halifax Glen Metropolit C Jokerit (Finland)
48.
Québec Joel Bouchard D N.Y. Rangers (NHL)

I don't see Thornton, Kovalchuk, Bertuzzi, Heatly, Gomez, Richards, Gomez, Gagne, playing for the WHA unless there is a lockout.

Looks like halifax went with another safe pick there with Tamer.
Anyone know how many rounds there are?

Yeah, their previous press release only listed six teams taking part in the draft. What the hell?
I'm confused now. There were 6 teams, but now 8? The WHA is screwed up.

I dont understand the deal with some of these picks like Travis Green 2nd overall while Kovalchuk and Thornton are still there...

Uh they have limited picks and realistically Green would play there,while Thornton obviously wouldn't.

The Florida team will be Miami I believe. http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/teams.htm

Looks like halifax went with another safe pick there with Tamer.
Anyone know how many rounds there are?

Teams pick 30 players

Looks like halifax went with another safe pick there with Tamer.
Anyone know how many rounds there are?

30 rounds today
and 30 rounds tomorrow of entry level players per the WHA press release

I don't see Thornton, Kovalchuk, Bertuzzi, Heatly, Gomez, Richards, Gomez, Gagne, playing for the WHA unless there is a lockout.

I don't see Kovalchuk or Thornton playing for the WHA period. Thornton already signed with a team in the Swiss league, didn't he? I don't know if he'll go to the WHA either way. But there is a good possibility of a lockout, so I could see maybe Gagne, Gomez and maybe Richards there. Maybe Bertuzzi will play there if his suspension in the NHL goes into next year.

Looks like halifax went with another safe pick there with Tamer.
Anyone know how many rounds there are?

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.

(quote from http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/media_releases/media_071404.htm )

So I guess 30+30=60 rounds(?!) Correct me if I'm wrong...

I don't see Kovalchuk or Thornton playing for the WHA period. Thornton already signed with a team in the Swiss league, didn't he? I don't know if he'll go to the WHA either way. But there is a good possibility of a lockout, so I could see maybe Gagne, Gomez and maybe Richards there. Maybe Bertuzzi will play there if his suspension in the NHL goes into next year.
Thats why I said unless there is a lockout ;)

Thats why I said unless there is a lockout ;)

lol sorry, I guess I didn't read the whole thing :P

Wow, could I ever see myself not caring about this league at all.

ROUND 4

25 Florida Jamie Rivers D
26 Dallas Steve Kelly LW
27 Founders' franchise Tommy Albelin D
28 Toronto Josh Holden C
29 Hamilton Trent Hunter RW
30 Detroit Chris Nielsen C
31 Halifax Jeff Finley D
32 Québec Stéphane Veilleux LW

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.

(quote from http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/media_releases/media_071404.htm )

So I guess 30+30=60 rounds(?!) Correct me if I'm wrong...

Ok thanks!

27 Founders' franchise Tommy Albelin D


:toothless

Ok thanks!
each team drafts 60 players in total? :dunno:

Fifth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
33. Québec Eric Messier D Florida (NHL)
34. Halifax Steve Passmore G Chicago (NHL)
35. Detroit Steve Kariya LW Albany (AHL)
36. Hamilton Bryan Marchment D Toronto (NHL)
37. Toronto Jonathan Cheechoo RW San Jose (NHL)
38. Founders' franchise Shaun Van Allen C Ottawa (NHL)
39. Dallas Blake Sloan RW Dallas (NHL)
40. Florida Ben Clymer RW Tampa Bay (NHL

Fifth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
33. Québec Eric Messier D Florida (NHL)
34. Halifax Steve Passmore G Chicago (NHL)
35. Detroit Steve Kariya LW Albany (AHL)
36. Hamilton Bryan Marchment D Toronto (NHL)
37. Toronto Jonathan Cheechoo RW San Jose (NHL)
38. Founders' franchise Shaun Van Allen C Ottawa (NHL)
39. Dallas Blake Sloan RW Dallas (NHL)
40. Florida Ben Clymer RW Tampa Bay (NHL
Toronto could have possibly three wasted picks in Thornton, Kovalchuk, and Cheechoo.

I'm almost positive that Steve Kariya plays for Bridgeport, not Albany. He's Paul's younger brother.

Now why the hell did anyone pick Tommy Albelin AND Lyle Odelein? They are both like thousands of years old.

Toronto could have possibly three wasted picks in Thornton, Kovalchuk, and Cheechoo.

Well it wouldn't be Toronto if they didn't waste their picks. ;)

Now why the hell did anyone pick Tommy Albelin AND Lyle Odelein? They are both like thousands of years old.

Because that way there's a good chance that they won't be in the NHL and will play in the WHA.

ROUND 6
41 Florida Sean Avery C/LW
42 Dallas Pavel Rosa RW
43 Founders' franchise Jiri Slegr D
44 Toronto Brad May LW
45 Hamilton Rod Zaunner C/LW
46 Detroit Patrick DesRochers G
47 Halifax Glen Metropolit RW
48 Québec Joel Bouchard D

The Florida team will be Miami I believe. http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/teams.htmI don't understand how it could be located in Miami. The 2 arenas in Miami are Miami Arena and American Airlines Arena. Now the American Airlines Arena is designed for basketball and will probably not convert that for hockey at all. The other arena was scheduled to be sold and demolished so that the Florida Marlins could get a baseball stadium built (money used from the sale and whatever was being put towards financing the stadium). Miami had a WHA2 team and there wasn't much support for it. With Shaq now in Miami, hockey is south FL is now going to struggle to compete for fans against championship contenders in the other 3 sports (defending champion Marlins, perennial Super Bowl favorites Dolphins, & now the Heat with Shaq).

I know they said they were trying to get a team in Orlando then broke off negotiations then started again then said they've given up on Orlando. Jacksonville was also the other possible location that the WHA was considering at one time. It could be either of those cities too.

45 Hamilton Rod Zaunner C/LW

Who is Rod Zaunner? There's absolutely nothing on this guy ANYWHERE...do they mean Rob Zamuner, maybe?

Who is Rod Zaunner? There's absolutely nothing on this guy ANYWHERE...do they mean Rob Zamuner, maybe?

They have actually Zamuner written, 15+17=Cup made the mistake.

Actually, they have it written "Zaunner" on the detroit gladiators site, and I didn't pick it up until after I posted that. But it is Rob Zamuner.

Actually, they have it written "Zaunner" on the detroit gladiators site, and I didn't pick it up until after I posted that. But it is Rob Zamuner.

Sorry for what I said, on the WHA website they have it as Rob Zamuner

Round 7

49 Québec Simon Gamache C
50 Halifax Jeff Hamilton C
51 Detroit Alexandre Perezhogin RW
52 Hamilton Tom Fitzgerald C
53 Toronto Peter Schaefer LW
54 Founders' franchise Jarrod Skalde C
55 Dallas Brian Muir D
56 Florida Nikos Dimitrakos RW

I say good one for Detroit, if the WHA doesn't care about the AHL's suspensions then he could be playing there.

Round 8

57 Florida J.S. Aubin G
58 Dallas Tim Thomas G
59 Founders' franchise Doug Gilmour C
60 Toronto Brad Leeb RW
61 Hamilton Byron Dafoe G
62 Detroit Michael Henrich RW
63 Halifax Jason Krog C
64 Québec P.J. Stock C/LW

than Green. Most likely, it is known by those teams that Thornton and Heatley won't play in WHA. Obviously Thornton won't, he signed with Davos!

This l;eague is never gonna take off anyways. Theree will be a season next year for the NHL, so yeah, this is pointless.
BTW, lol at quebec choosing pretty much anyone from quebec. This is why they used to always bother me. Try to make your team the best it can be, don't just go for the locals who know how to talk to your reporters. Who's the GM/owner..what a "silly man".

This l;eague is never gonna take off anyways. Theree will be a season next year for the NHL, so yeah, this is pointless.
BTW, lol at quebec choosing pretty much anyone from quebec. This is why they used to always bother me. Try to make your team the best it can be, don't just go for the locals who know how to talk to your reporters. Who's the GM/owner..what a dumbass.

Well actually, Quebec could be a good team because of that. They are taking mostly "safe" picks because most of their picks aren't going to do that good in the NHL anyway. This way they could have most of their players actually play, whereas teams like Toronto taking all the stars will likely have wasted their picks.

Well actually, Quebec could be a good team because of that. They are taking mostly "safe" picks because most of their picks aren't going to do that good in the NHL anyway. This way they could have most of their players actually play, whereas teams like Toronto taking all the stars will likely have wasted their picks.


Good point. But I fear that if they were all assured of playing you'd still get many of the same choices. For some reason they think like that up there.

But I doubt this is going through anyways. I hope not, as I would just much rather watch some NHL action starting October.

Well actually, Quebec could be a good team because of that. They are taking mostly "safe" picks because most of their picks aren't going to do that good in the NHL anyway. This way they could have most of their players actually play, whereas teams like Toronto taking all the stars will likely have wasted their picks.

Oh God. How do you actually think this league is legitimate? They are currently having a 30 player 8 team draft with a league with 7 teams and NO MANAGEMENT. NONE of these teams even have GM's but they're having a draft. No player is signing anything with this group of clowns without an out clause.

It's hilarious that people think this league actually has a chance to do good.

Good point. But I fear that if they were all assured of playing you'd still get many of the same choices. For some reason they think like that up there.

But I doubt this is going through anyways. I hope not, as I would just much rather watch some NHL action starting October.

Yeah, I agree with you. They are just lucky that the players aren't assured of playing or they wouldn't be a very good team, to put it mildly.

If the two sides sign the CBA soon though, the WHA likely won't get off the ground. If there is a lockout, it might last until the end of the lockout, or else it will just be a spot for the old, washed up guys to play.

42 Dallas Pavel Rosa RW


Rosa is going to be a friggin' beast if this league ever starts up. Rosa-Gomez-Hull would be fun to watch! :D

What's the matter with these guys, are they out for lunch or something? They haven't finished a round in like, an hour, after finishing the first eight in about fifteen minutes a round

I dont understand the deal with some of these picks like Travis Green 2nd overall while Kovalchuk and Thornton are still there...

It looks like some teams are targeting guys they think they can get to leave the NHL. They may think they can lure away a guy like Travis Green so they are drafting him earlier.

This seems like an exercise in futility. Kinda like me doing a Fantasy draft in NHL2004.

I see no coverage of this draft in any of the big media stations, and the fans are generally feeling wary of this league. I wonder what these owners are expecting.

This l;eague is never gonna take off anyways. Theree will be a season next year for the NHL, so yeah, this is pointless.
BTW, lol at quebec choosing pretty much anyone from quebec. This is why they used to always bother me. Try to make your team the best it can be, don't just go for the locals who know how to talk to your reporters. Who's the GM/owner..what a "silly man".
Wow you are so smart!!!
They actually take people from Québec to sell the team to the fan.
If the team is made of Quebecers the fan will go see the games even if they lose.
Who is the "silly man" now?

Interesting. Detroit takes Zigomanis and DesRochers early. Are there any Karmanos or Compuware ties to this Detroit team? It's hard to believe that Karmanos wouldn't have his hand in any Detroit franchise, especially since they picked two Carolina prospects early.

Not to bring anything up again, but Detroit picked Dany Heatley and Alexander Perezhogin?

I'm wondering if this is a smart move or not....Perezhogin maybe will be a smart move because there may not be an NHL and there is no AHL for him...

Not to bring anything up again, but Detroit picked Dany Heatley and Alexander Perezhogin?

I'm wondering if this is a smart move or not....Perezhogin maybe will be a smart move because there may not be an NHL and there is no AHL for him...

I think Perezhogin will be smart, but Heatley, as much as I like the guy, and he won't play in the WHA anyway, Heatley I don't think will be playing anywhere for a while....I sure hope I'm wrong though.

Wow you are so smart!!!
They actually take people from Québec to sell the team to the fan.
If the team is made of Quebecers the fan will go see the games even if they lose.
Who is the "silly man" now?

You actually think all those players are going to sign with the team? If they do it'll only be 1 or 2 of them(for a couple million each btw) with an out clause so they'll be gone as soon as the NHL starts. Then who will pay $60 to watch that team?

The whole league is hilarious, i'm getting quite the entertainment out of this debacle today.

For comparison's sake, here's the original WHA draft in 1972:

Calgary Broncos - Barry Gibbs, Jim Harrison, Dale Hoganson, Jack Norris

Chicago Cougars - Stan Mikita, Jerry Korab, Jim McKenny, Gary Smith

Dayton Aeros - Guy Trottier, Andre Hinse, Larry Lund, Wayne Rutledge

Edmonton Oil Kings - Norm Ullman, Bobby Clarke, Bruce MacGregor, Phil Myre

Los Angeles Sharks - Ken Dryden, Gilbert Perreault, Matt Ravlich, Steve Sutherland

Miami Screaming Eagles - Bernie Parent, Jude Drouin, Derek Sanderson, Bill White

Minnesota Fighting Saints - Pete Mahovlich, Mike Curran, Bill Goldsworthy, Dale Tallon

New England Whalers - Bobby Sheehan, Eddie Johnston, Rick Ley, Larry Pleau

New York Raiders - Gerry Desjardins, Dave Gardner, Steve Shutt, Bill Harris

Ontario - Doug Favell, Dave Keon, Brad Park, Eddie Shack

Quebec City - Gilles Villemure, Guy Lapointe, Jacques Lemaire, John McKenzie

Winnipeg Jets - Bobby Hull, Ted Green, Ted Irvine, Ernie Wakely


Not too different from what the new WHA picks looks like - a mixture of fantasy picks and guys that might actually be signable.

You actually think all those players are going to sign with the team? If they do it'll only be 1 or 2 of them(for a couple million each btw) with an out clause so they'll be gone as soon as the NHL starts. Then who will pay $60 to watch that team?

The whole league is hilarious, i'm getting quite the entertainment out of this debacle today.
I'm going to see that team thats for sure! At least i will give it a try unlike some here. The first year will be bad thats for sure, but the Oilers wasnt good the first year they went in the WHA. Come on people ! More hockey = More fun!

I'm almost positive that Steve Kariya plays for Bridgeport, not Albany. He's Paul's younger brother.
Actually, Steve plays for the Rats and Martin plays for Bridgeport. :)

Not to bring anything up again, but Detroit picked Dany Heatley and Alexander Perezhogin?

I'm wondering if this is a smart move or not....Perezhogin maybe will be a smart move because there may not be an NHL and there is no AHL for him...


I think it was a smart move for Detroit. If Heatley wants to play hockey and be able to deal with his off the ice problems a flight from Detroit to Atlanta is only a couple of hours. I doubt he wants oversea if this thing goes to court.

As for Perezhogin, hey it might be the only place in North America he can play.

I'm going to see that team thats for sure! At least i will give it a try unlike some here. The first year will be bad thats for sure, but the Oilers wasnt good the first year they went in the WHA. Come on people ! More hockey = More fun!

This thing won't see the end of a season. Why would people in Quebec pay $60 to watch 1 MAYBE 2 good players and a bunch of AHL stars/NHL 4th liners when you can pay $10 and watch Hennessy and Radulov with the Remparts. The WHA is a sad sad joke right now, it'll never see a game at the rate they're going.

Actually, Steve plays for the Rats and Martin plays for Bridgeport. :)


That's right.

Awesome to see Steve Kariya get picked.

I hope this league gets started and Kariya plays for them. Can't wait to see him in action!

This thing won't see the end of a season. Why would people in Quebec pay $60 to watch 1 MAYBE 2 good players and a bunch of AHL stars/NHL 4th liners when you can pay $10 and watch Hennessy and Radulov with the Remparts. The WHA is a sad sad joke right now, it'll never see a game at the rate they're going.
Simple : Simon Gagné :bow: :banana: :D

Well, from my understanding, if a player signs with a WHA team, they wont be able to go to the NHL if say there is only half a season. The WHA wont want "out" clauses incase the lock out ends.

This thing won't see the end of a season. Why would people in Quebec pay $60 to watch 1 MAYBE 2 good players and a bunch of AHL stars/NHL 4th liners when you can pay $10 and watch Hennessy and Radulov with the Remparts. The WHA is a sad sad joke right now, it'll never see a game at the rate they're going.

Hey this isn't Florida, It's Québec!! Where hockey lives and will lives forever! People will pay $60 to see the Nordiks if the Habs ain't playing, just as simple as that. A lot of people here in Québec like hockey in general but doesn't follow the Canadiens because they live in Québec and they are loyal Nordiques fans, this is the oppurtunity for them to get to the arena and cheer for a pro hockey team. There's not a lot of people who cares about the Q damnnit, It's a junior league!

For comparison's sake, here's the original WHA draft in 1972:

Calgary Broncos - Barry Gibbs, Jim Harrison, Dale Hoganson, Jack Norris

Chicago Cougars - Stan Mikita, Jerry Korab, Jim McKenny, Gary Smith

Dayton Aeros - Guy Trottier, Andre Hinse, Larry Lund, Wayne Rutledge

Edmonton Oil Kings - Norm Ullman, Bobby Clarke, Bruce MacGregor, Phil Myre

Los Angeles Sharks - Ken Dryden, Gilbert Perreault, Matt Ravlich, Steve Sutherland

Miami Screaming Eagles - Bernie Parent, Jude Drouin, Derek Sanderson, Bill White

Minnesota Fighting Saints - Pete Mahovlich, Mike Curran, Bill Goldsworthy, Dale Tallon

New England Whalers - Bobby Sheehan, Eddie Johnston, Rick Ley, Larry Pleau

New York Raiders - Gerry Desjardins, Dave Gardner, Steve Shutt, Bill Harris

Ontario - Doug Favell, Dave Keon, Brad Park, Eddie Shack

Quebec City - Gilles Villemure, Guy Lapointe, Jacques Lemaire, John McKenzie

Winnipeg Jets - Bobby Hull, Ted Green, Ted Irvine, Ernie Wakely


Not too different from what the new WHA picks looks like - a mixture of fantasy picks and guys that might actually be signable.


Lots of players on this last actually played in the original WHA, I doubt most of the players taken today will. The league as a whole went after Hull, and contributed to his contract. The best draft (aside from Wpg) was the Aeroes because they took guys they could actually sign. Larry Lund was a solid center going back to the old WHL, and Andre Hinse was a pure scorer but undersized.

One of the major factors in the WHA's success was the number of spectacular Euro's they brought over and I wonder if this new league will try the same thing.

...

To the dude who responded to me, face it: they dont just do this to sell their team to their fans. They seem to think they have to have the majority of quebecers only because they represent that city. I find that misguided. Imagine if a team in BC or Ontario..or better yet, a team like in Halifax only went with local boys.
It's not just about selling tickets, it's about puting the best possible team out on the ice. If you have a good team, with a local boy or two, that should be good enough. You should go see them for how they play, not because they're all exactly like the paying fans, and that is a french player. That's what I'm saying.
It's unfortunate that people in this province think this way though.

You know, it's funny. Some of the teams are obviously picking crazy names, while others are picking guys I think are trully signable. The way I see it, they are going to be calling 60 names each by the end of the weekend, and they only need to sign 1/3 of that to ice a team.

I hope this league takes off. It would be good for the guys who are too skilled for the AHL but not good enough for the NHL, it would be good for guys stuck on the 4th line in the NHL, it would be good for guys who are too small.

If they can change the game up a little, open up the offense, I think it will be exciting. At any rate, the new logos are looking good so far.

...

To the dude who responded to me, face it: they dont just do this to sell their team to their fans. They seem to think they have to have the majority of quebecers only because they represent that city. I find that misguided. Imagine if a team in BC or Ontario..or better yet, a team like in Halifax only went with local boys.
It's not just about selling tickets, it's about puting the best possible team out on the ice. If you have a good team, with a local boy or two, that should be good enough. You should go see them for how they play, not because they're all exactly like the paying fans, and that is a french player. That's what I'm saying.
It's unfortunate that people in this province think this way though.

The original WHA Oilers were loaded with former Edmonton Oil Kings, most of them from the 60s Memorial Cup team. Today's Oilers are still chock full of guys from around here, although maybe not the best ones. :D

Hey this isn't Florida, It's Québec!! Where hockey lives and will lives forever! People will pay $60 to see the Nordiks if the Habs ain't playing, just as simple as that. A lot of people here in Québec like hockey in general but doesn't follow the Canadiens because they live in Québec and they are loyal Nordiques fans, this is the oppurtunity for them to get to the arena and cheer for a pro hockey team. There's not a lot of people who cares about the Q damnnit, It's a junior league!

Try feeding your crap to someone who does not know any better. Hockey in Quebec lives....for the Canadiens. The QMJHL is dieing in Quebec and without the 5 Maritime teams the league would be on life support. 5 of the 10 Quebec based teams averaged under 2000 fans last season(Victo, Drummondville, R-N, Val d'Or, Shawinigan) and 2 more barely averaged above 2000(Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi) and the IHL and AHL both died rather quickly in Quebec City. Hell the memorial Cup was an embarrassment in Quebec in 2003, TONS of empty seats for games, no sellouts.

But I mean other then all that, the game is doing great... :banghead:

Ninth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
65. Québec Denis Hamel LW Ottawa (NHL)
66. Halifax David Ling RW Syracuse (AHL)
67. Detroit Todd Elik C Davos (Switzerland)
68. Hamilton Anson Carter C Los Angeles (NHL)
69. Toronto Scott Hartnell C Nashville (NHL)
70. Founders' franchise David Morrisette
71. Dallas Matt Herr C Providence (AHL)
72. Florida Rick Berry D Washington (NHL)

Tenth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
73. Florida Bob Boughner D Colorado (NHL)
74. Dallas Ron Hainsey D Montréal (NHL)
75. Founders' franchise Chris Therien D Dallas (NHL)
76. Toronto Mathieu Garon G Montréal (NHL)
77. Hamilton Rob Ray RW Ottawa (NHL)
78. Detroit Dmitri Yushkevich D Yaroslavl (Russia)
79. Halifax Peter Ferraro RW Springfield (AHL)
80. Québec Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre D Washington (NHL)

104 Florida Carl Piler D

Heh. These people are terrible.

Ninth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
65. Québec Denis Hamel LW Ottawa (NHL)
66. Halifax David Ling RW Syracuse (AHL)
67. Detroit Todd Elik C Davos (Switzerland)
68. Hamilton Anson Carter C Los Angeles (NHL)
69. Toronto Scott Hartnell C Nashville (NHL)
70. Founders' franchise David Morrisette
71. Dallas Matt Herr C Providence (AHL)
72. Florida Rick Berry D Washington (NHL)

Tenth Round Selection Pos. 2003-04 Club
73. Florida Bob Boughner D Colorado (NHL)
74. Dallas Ron Hainsey D Montréal (NHL)
75. Founders' franchise Chris Therien D Dallas (NHL)
76. Toronto Mathieu Garon G Montréal (NHL)
77. Hamilton Rob Ray RW Ottawa (NHL)
78. Detroit Dmitri Yushkevich D Yaroslavl (Russia)
79. Halifax Peter Ferraro RW Springfield (AHL)
80. Québec Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre D Washington (NHL)
http://www.detroitgladiators.com/rounds11_15.php

This one seems up to date.

Try feeding your crap to someone who does not know any better. Hockey in Quebec lives....for the Canadiens. The QMJHL is dieing in Quebec and without the 5 Maritime teams the league would be on life support. 5 of the 10 Quebec based teams averaged under 2000 fans last season(Victo, Drummondville, R-N, Val d'Or, Shawinigan) and 2 more barely averaged above 2000(Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi) and the IHL and AHL both died rather quickly in Quebec City. Hell the memorial Cup was an embarrassment in Quebec in 2003, TONS of empty seats for games, no sellouts.

But I mean other then all that, the game is doing great... :banghead:
The Cataractes had averaged like 3000 people 2 year ago when they had a VERY GOOD TEAM for a VERY SMALL arena. Last year they had a boring team so its normal they had less spectators
The junior hockey goes really well here. God.. they even want to build A BIGGER ARENA! So please, go whine on another board.
And i went to the memorial cup and there was so many people in there this was incredible. The arena was full we were in the last seat to the top.

There was what, 10 spelling errors on there already...Karel Piler, Alexandra Perezhogin, honestly do they even know how to spell?

Eleventh Round Selection Pos.
2003-04 Club
81.
Québec Bruno St-Jacques D
Carolina (NHL)
82.
Halifax Chris Ferraro C Springfield (AHL)
83.
Detroit Brad Tiley D Milwaukee (AHL)
84.
Hamilton Scott Ferguson D Edmonton (NHL)
85.
Toronto Norm Milley RW Buffalo (NHL)
86.
Founders' franchise Jim Vandermeer D Chicago (NHL)
87.
Dallas Chris Armstrong D Anaheim (NHL)
88.
Florida Brandon Smith D Bridgeport (AHL)

How many Kariyas is the detroit team going to draft?

86. Founders' franchise Jim Vandermeer D Chicago (NHL)

Apparently not aware he just signed a new contract with the hawks...

Heh. These people are terrible.
Thats a new low :p:

But the website people just might not know how to spell it

But then you'd think it would be Carel Peelash

The Cataractes had averaged like 3000 people 2 year ago when they had a VERY GOOD TEAM for a VERY SMALL arena. Last year they had a boring team so its normal they had less spectators
The junior hockey goes really well here. God.. they even want to build A BIGGER ARENA! So please, go whine on another board.

From the offical QMJHL website.

And I know that Shawinigan is not going anywhere, but the other 4 will be dead soon if attendance does not pick up. 1 of them will probably be in Saint John within the next 2 years.

If you think the league is doing well in Quebec then you better find a way to prove it because so far 4 teams have moved away from Quebec and a couple more could be doing the same very soon and attendance just keeps getting worse and worse.

From the offical QMJHL website.

And I know that Shawinigan is not going anywhere, but the other 4 will be dead soon if attendance does not pick up. 1 of them will probably be in Saint John within the next 2 years.

If you think the league is doing well in Quebec then you better find a way to prove it because so far 4 teams have moved away from Quebec and a couple more could be doing the same very soon and attendance just keeps getting worse and worse.
Must be mainly because of the Senior league here.
You know, the league that maritime and everywhere in Canada doesnt have.
They have more spectators than the Q!
The semi-Pro league of Québec

64. Québec-P.J. Stock
59. Founders' franchise-Doug Gilmour
77.Hamilton-Rob Ray
100. Hamilton-Jim Cummins
107. Founders' franchise-Kirk Muller
108. Toronto-Doug Doull

These guys are eityher too old or too bad to play decent hockey, then again its the WHA where dreams go to die.

Must be mainly because of the Senior league here.
You know, the league that maritime and everywehere in Canada doesnt have.
They have more spectators than the Q!

I'm aware of how well the Senior league is doing, but the QMJHL is a league with a lot of tradition and Quebecers are just letting their league die in their province in order to watch the semi pro league. It's pretty sad.

70. Founders' franchise - Dave Morissette, LW, Did Not Play

Huh? According to hockeydb, he hasn't played in three years, and the last time he did, he split the season between England and the WPHL. Why draft a guy like that? Just give him a tryout in camp.

Try feeding your crap to someone who does not know any better. Hockey in Quebec lives....for the Canadiens. The QMJHL is dieing in Quebec and without the 5 Maritime teams the league would be on life support. 5 of the 10 Quebec based teams averaged under 2000 fans last season(Victo, Drummondville, R-N, Val d'Or, Shawinigan) and 2 more barely averaged above 2000(Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi) and the IHL and AHL both died rather quickly in Quebec City. Hell the memorial Cup was an embarrassment in Quebec in 2003, TONS of empty seats for games, no sellouts.

But I mean other then all that, the game is doing great... :banghead:

EXACTLY!!! Good post.

70. Founders' franchise - Dave Morissette, LW, Did Not Play

Huh? According to hockeydb, he hasn't played in three years, and the last time he did, he split the season between England and the WPHL. Why draft a guy like that? Just give him a tryout in camp.

Drip the te on the end.

Dave Moriset is flordia panthers property.

Drip the te on the end.

Dave Moriset is flordia panthers property.

On their draft page, they've got it linked to the other Dave Morrisette, though. Maybe another typo.

On their draft page, they've got it linked to the other Dave Morrisette, though. Maybe another typo.

Its the WHA, im expecting errors.

ROUND 12 SEL TEAM NAME POS
89 Florida Rod Davidson D
90 Dallas Derek Walser D
91 Founders' Jamie Pushor D
92 Toronto Garnett Exelby D
93 Hamilton Jim Dowd C
94 Detroit Jason Jaspers C
95 Halifax Jonathon Sims C
96 Québec Brandon Reid C
ROUND 13 SEL TEAM NAME POS
97 Québec Mathew Darche LW
98 Halifax Harold Druken C
99 Detroit Martin Kariya C/RW
100 Hamilton Jim Cummins RW
101 Toronto Todd Simpson D
102 Founders' Fred Braithwaite G
103 Dallas Andrew Hutchinson D
104 Florida Carl Piler D
ROUND 14 SEL TEAM NAME POS
105 Florida Darren Rumble D
106 Dallas Gavin Morgan C
107 Founders' Kirk Muller C
108 Toronto Doug Doull LW
109 Hamilton Brad Norton D
110 Detroit Darren Van Oene LW
111 Halifax Anders Myrvold D
112 Québec Joe Ruellier D

Does anybody know which team the "Founders Franchise" is??

Does anybody know which team the "Founders Franchise" is??

As far as I know, its a franchise that is still looking for a city.

As far as I know, its a franchise that is still looking for a city.

OK. That's what I figured to.

The Gladiator's page updated again - someone took trevor kidd :p

OMG !!!
Forget about Bobby Hull 32 years ago, Québec selected Stéphane Richer...
He's back !!! :banana: :bow: :eek:

Does anybody know which team the "Founders Franchise" is??

I read somewhere it was looking like either Vancouver or Cincinatti... :dunno:

I read somewhere it was looking like either Vancouver or Cincinatti... :dunno:

If you go here http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/teams.htm

It would appear as either Vancouver or Dallas

I'm kinda suprised Toronto hasn't selected Rick Nash, home town kid who's yet to sign a deal with a European team incase of a lockout.

If you go here http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/teams.htm

It would appear as either Vancouver or Dallas

Dallas is already in the league & drafting.

I want to see Wayne Gretzky get taken...that would soooo make my day.

ROUND 15
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
113 Québec J.S. Damphousse G
114 Halifax Rory Fitzpatrick D
115 Detroit Chris Hajt D
116 Hamilton Sergei Zholtok C
117 Toronto Trevor Kidd G
118 Founders' Mike Glumac RW
119 Dallas Ross Lupashuk D
120 Florida Craig Adams RW
ROUND 16 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
121 Florida Matt Walker D
122 Dallas Peter Vandermeer D
123 Founders' Zac Parise C
124 Toronto Andy Delmore D
125 Hamilton John Gruden D
126 Detroit Beat Forster D
127 Halifax Donald Audette RW
128 Québec Eric Belanger LW
ROUND 17
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
129 Québec Patrick Bolleau D
130 Halifax Greg Krozler LW
131 Detroit Chad Weisman LW
132 Hamilton Cliff Ronning C
133 Toronto Luke Fellers D
134 Founders' Scott Upshall LW
135 Dallas Mike Green C
136 Florida Rikuh Hahl C
ROUND 18 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
137 Florida Trent Whitfeld LW
138 Dallas Casey Hankinson LW
139 Founders' Randy Powe LW
140 Toronto Steve Thomas LW
141 Hamilton Jan Hlavac LW
142 Detroit Semus Kotuk G
143 Halifax Jason Botterill LW
144 Québec Stephane Richer C
ROUND 19
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
145 Québec Marc Denis G
146 Halifax Steve Martins C
147 Detroit Greg Jacine RW
148 Hamilton Marc Bergevin D
149 Toronto David Oliver RW
150 Founders' Kevin Miller C
151 Dallas Craig Johnson LW
152 Florida Jason Williams RW
ROUND 20 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
153 Florida Brett McLean C/LW
154 Dallas Shane Willis RW
155 Founders' DJ Smith D
156 Toronto Burke Henry D
157 Hamilton Mike Keane RW
158 Detroit Jeremy Stevenson LW
159 Halifax Brian Helmer D
160 Québec Alin Nasreddine D
ROUND 21
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
161 Québec Martin Grenier D
162 Halifax Eric Fichaud G
163 Detroit Mike Schutte D
164 Hamilton Nolan Baungartner D
165 Toronto Shane Corson LW
166 Founders' Scott Perlerin LW
167 Dallas Mathew Kinch D
168 Florida Tyler Bouck LW
ROUND 22 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
169 Florida Brad Tapper RW
170 Dallas Nick Naumenko D
171 Founders' Mike Wilfon D
172 Toronto Jesse Wallin D
173 Hamilton Dave Lowry LW
174 Detroit Craig Anderson G
175 Halifax Landon Wilson RW
176 Québec Benoit Dusablon C

Hey this isn't Florida, It's Québec!! Where hockey lives and will lives forever! People will pay $60 to see the Nordiks if the Habs ain't playing, just as simple as that. A lot of people here in Québec like hockey in general but doesn't follow the Canadiens because they live in Québec and they are loyal Nordiques fans, this is the oppurtunity for them to get to the arena and cheer for a pro hockey team. There's not a lot of people who cares about the Q damnnit, It's a junior league!

Hey at least we have 2 NHL teams. Québec who?

I don't know why people aren't more open-minded with the WHA. Sure, it's probably just a flash-in-the-pan but it could be fun to see it do well. And the NHL WOULD BENEFIT from even a little competition, that's for sure. Give it time, at least.

As for Tucker's rant about Quebec, I am not sure if you're old enough to remember the Quebec Nordiques but they had MORE than just local players on their roster. They had the foresight to bring over all 3 Stastny brothers, and later did a nice job of bringing in Russian players like Kamensky, Kovalenko, Gusarov and Mylnikov...obviously some panned out better than others. Also, Joe Sakic became a demi-God in the province despite his B.C. background, Swedes Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg were also appreciated for their talent, and EVEN Ontario boys like Adam Foote and Owen Nolan became Nordiques--imagine that. If you look at the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts, they have boasted several english-speaking and American players (like Josh Hennessy, for example) over the years.

In fact, EVEN Eric Lindros would have become a star in the capital of Quebec, because people in Quebec just want stars to call their own. Besides, how come every big star who emanates from the province of Ontario is rumored to be on the Toronto Maple Leafs' radar? Lindros, Thornton, obviously Roberts, Nieuwendyk et al. Having a local flavor to your roster is not restricted to being a Quebec thing. It's the nature of pro sports, and it's not bad business if you ask me.

So, not sure what your beef was with regards to the WHA's Quebec entry selecting Quebec players but it doesn't hold a lot of water. The purpose of the WHA draft is to select players whom you THINK might want to take a chance with your fledgling league. How is drafting local guys a bad thing? It's a LONG way before these teams have to start thinking about winning hockey games, division titles, the overall championship, etc. Right now, it's all about gaining momentum and interest in the league, and putting fannies in the seats.

117 Toronto Trevor Kidd G

165 Toronto Shane Corson LW


What kind of cruel joke is this? :lol:

Hey at least we have 2 NHL teams. Québec who?

I have nothing against Florida but come on, you can't compare hockey in Florida to hockey anywhere in Canada. Just look at what happened in the Stanley Cup Finals when there were more fans waiting for the Flames'arrival after they loss than people at the Bolts'party.... You might have nhl teams, but there is no way Florida is a better hockey land than Québec City or Winipeg... The Nordiques were last in the elague for three yeras and still, there weren't many empty seats in Le Colisée... Not very comparable to what is currently happening in numerous southern states of the US....

I don't know why people aren't more open-minded with the WHA. Sure, it's probably just a flash-in-the-pan but it could be fun to see it do well. And the NHL WOULD BENEFIT from even a little competition, that's for sure. Give it time, at least.

As for Tucker's rant about Quebec, I am not sure if you're old enough to remember the Quebec Nordiques but they had MORE than just local players on their roster. They had the foresight to bring over all 3 Stastny brothers, and later did a nice job of bringing in Russian players like Kamensky, Kovalenko, Gusarov and Mylnikov...obviously some panned out better than others. Also, Joe Sakic became a demi-God in the province despite his B.C. background, Swedes Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg were also appreciated for their talent, and EVEN Ontario boys like Adam Foote and Owen Nolan became Nordiques--imagine that. If you look at the QMJHL's Quebec Remparts, they have boasted several english-speaking and American players (like Josh Hennessy, for example) over the years.

In fact, EVEN Eric Lindros would have become a star in the capital of Quebec, because people in Quebec just want stars to call their own. Besides, how come every big star who emanates from the province of Ontario is rumored to be on the Toronto Maple Leafs' radar? Lindros, Thornton, obviously Roberts, Nieuwendyk et al. Having a local flavor to your roster is not restricted to being a Quebec thing. It's the nature of pro sports, and it's not bad business if you ask me.

So, not sure what your beef was with regards to the WHA's Quebec entry selecting Quebec players but it doesn't hold a lot of water. The purpose of the WHA draft is to select players whom you THINK might want to take a chance with your fledgling league. How is drafting local guys a bad thing? It's a LONG way before these teams have to start thinking about winning hockey games, division titles, the overall championship, etc. Right now, it's all about gaining momentum and interest in the league, and putting fannies in the seats.

...

I'm 24. So yeah, I know about the nordiques quite well thank you. All I'm saying is quebec has this complex with taking french players. That's all I'm saying.
**** the french media complains when gainey gets rid of the crap which just happens to be most of the french floaters. Bout time we got a guy who doesn't buckle down under pressure.

I think we should keep it about the WHA draft because it's starting to get off-topic...

Hey at least we have 2 NHL teams. Québec who?

Thats a dumb argument. Have you checked and seen how much those 2 teams are worth??

...

I'm 24. So yeah, I know about the nordiques quite well thank you. All I'm saying is quebec has this complex with taking french players. That's all I'm saying.
**** the french media complains when gainey gets rid of the crap which just happens to be most of the french floaters. Bout time we got a guy who doesn't buckle down under pressure.
I understand your point but I don't know how selecting local guys is a complex....
It happens everywhere, in every sports, even in the NBA and NFL, where teams like to get players whom played college football or b-ball in the same state (ex : Houston going after Aaron gleen (texas) and also, at some point, Memphis wanted to acquire Penny Hardaway 2 years ago in a deal involving Swift, simply because Penny was such a huge star in memphis ...). BTW, you should notice that it is not only a question of getting french players but Quebecers... Guys like Stock(West Island) and Reid (Kirkland) where selected early by the Nordiks. It's a french thing, simply a team looking for players who will represent their province. Local boys might be tempted to play home and that's just a good point since many players could leave for Europe ...

I have nothing against Florida but come on, you can't compare hockey in Florida to hockey anywhere in Canada. Just look at what happened in the Stanley Cup Finals when there were more fans waiting for the Flames'arrival after they loss than people at the Bolts'party.... You might have nhl teams, but there is no way Florida is a better hockey land than Québec City or Winipeg... The Nordiques were last in the elague for three yeras and still, there weren't many empty seats in Le Colisée... Not very comparable to what is currently happening in numerous southern states of the US....

I'm not saying Florida is a better hockey land cause it's not. Hockey is Canada's sport, i'm just tired of how hockey in Florida is always bad mouthed. Some of us are actual hockey fans down here.

I'm not saying Florida is a better hockey land cause it's not. Hockey is Canada's sport, i'm just tired of how hockey in Florida is always bad mouthed. Some of us are actual hockey fans down here.

Yeah and a lot of you are good fans, but there are also a large majority of fairweather fans.

You cant expect to be taken seriously when some CHL teams out draw the Panthers.

Rosa is going to be a friggin' beast if this league ever starts up. Rosa-Gomez-Hull would be fun to watch! :D
Rosa signed with an Russian Super League team I thought? :dunno:

I think it was a smart move for Detroit. If Heatley wants to play hockey and be able to deal with his off the ice problems a flight from Detroit to Atlanta is only a couple of hours. I doubt he wants oversea if this thing goes to court.

As for Perezhogin, hey it might be the only place in North America he can play.
I would think Perezhogin would rather play back home under the circumstances.

It would have been more productive for the WHA to skip the free agent draft and leave these players as free agents; free to negotiate and sign with any team. A league with no players shouldn't be putting up barriers. The entry draft makes sense, but this free agent draft is foolish.

It would have been more productive for the WHA to skip the free agent draft and leave these players as free agents; free to negotiate and sign with any team. A league with no players shouldn't be putting up barriers. The entry draft makes sense, but this free agent draft is foolish.


I think they've already done that, and somewhere in the bowels of this draft are a few guys they'll actually sign. Michael Henrich and Scott Ferguson from the Oilers system are certainly candidates, and there are many others.

The other thing of course is that the WHA got publicity from today's draft, and that is more important than anyone actually taken today.

Yeah and a lot of you are good fans, but there are also a large majority of fairweather fans.

You cant expect to be taken seriously when some CHL teams out draw the Panthers.

I disagree with that last statement. Taking ticket prices and performance into account, those CHL teams that outdrew the Panthers last year were definitely offering better bang for the buck. And that's the bottom line, here. Sports is still entertainment to the fan, first and foremost.

What exactly did Panthers fans have to cheer about last year? To see whether or not Luongo got killed on the ice by flying galvanized rubber? To see whether or not Mike Keenan and Rick Dudley would be placed in an octogon, winner take all???

In pro sports, you have to win. In relatively new markets, where other events take away from the fan's entertainment dollars, it's even more critical. The Panthers have been badly run for several years now, so it's hard to put the blame on fans for staying away.

Funny how Central Florida used to have the same problems just a little while ago.

I disagree with that last statement. Taking ticket prices and performance into account, those CHL teams that outdrew the Panthers last year were definitely offering better bang for the buck. And that's the bottom line, here. Sports is still entertainment to the fan, first and foremost.

What exactly did Panthers fans have to cheer about last year? To see whether or not Luongo got killed on the ice by flying galvanized rubber? To see whether or not Mike Keenan and Rick Dudley would be placed in an octogon, winner take all???

In pro sports, you have to win. In relatively new markets, where other events take away from the fan's entertainment dollars, it's even more critical. The Panthers have been badly run for several years now, so it's hard to put the blame on fans for staying away.

Funny how Central Florida used to have the same problems just a little while ago.
That is exactly what i mean by fairweather. TRUE hockey cities support their team No matter how bad they suck.

I am not harping on the Panthers or anything, i dont care if there are only 9000 people there a night but you cant be classified as a true hockey area until you follow your team regardless of how well they do.

I dont want to stir up a debate.

Trying to get back on topic, Toronto took Jamie Hodson in the 26th round and dealt him, but of course details are nowhere to be found.

ROUND 23
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
177 Québec Steve Brule RW
178 Halifax Martin Soonnberg LW
179 Detroit Ryan Ready LW
180 Hamilton Pascal Rheume C
181 Toronto Bates Battaglia LW
182 Founders' Sean Pronger C/LW
183 Dallas Tom Lawson G
184 Florida Mikhail Kuleshov LW
ROUND 24 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
185 Florida Gord Dwyer LW
186 Dallas Curtis Foster D
187 Founders' Mathieu Chouinrd G
188 Toronto Brendan Witt D
189 Hamilton Andreas Lilja D
190 Detroit Chris Hartsberg RW
191 Halifax Chris Taylor C
192 Québec Marc-Andre Bergeron D
ROUND 25
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
193 Québec Daniel Corso LW
194 Halifax Eric Healey LW
195 Detroit Ted Drury C
196 Hamilton Travis Brigley LW
197 Toronto Sandy McCarthy RW
198 Founders' Ray Schultz D
199 Dallas Mike Mottau D
200 Florida Jason Wiemer LW
ROUND 26 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
201 Florida Steven Webb RW
202 Dallas Brian Lundbohm C/LW
203 Founders' Mike Picard LW
204 Toronto Jamie Hodson (TRADED) G
205 Hamilton Dan Blackburn G
206 Detroit Bubba Berenzweig D
207 Halifax Paul Healey RW
208 Québec Frederick Cloutier RW
ROUND 27
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
209 Québec Damion Surma LW
210 Halifax Ken Belanger LW
211 Detroit Craig Nills LW
212 Hamilton Michel Grosek RW
213 Toronto John Tripp RW
214 Founders' Steve Gainey LW
215 Dallas Kyle Vanwig RW
216 Florida Bill Lindsay LW
ROUND 28 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
217 Florida Bill Muckalt RW
218 Dallas Scott Barney C
219 Founders' Kevin Dallman D
220 Toronto Jason Chimera LW
221 Hamilton Mike Farrell D
222 Detroit Patrick Traverse D
223 Halifax Scott Clemmenson G
224 Québec Guillaume Lefebvre LW
ROUND 29
SEL TEAM NAME
POS
225 Québec Sylvain Blouin LW
226 Halifax Alex Henry D
227 Detroit Serge Payer C
228 Hamilton Bobby Allen D
229 Toronto Nathan Smith C
230 Founders' Steve McLaren D
231 Dallas Todd Harvey RW
232 Florida Andre Roy LW
ROUND 30 SEL TEAM NAME
POS
233 Florida Paul Elliott D
234 Dallas Scott Parker RW
235 Founders' Jeff Paul D
236 Toronto James Patrick D
237 Hamilton Dan McLean C
238 Detroit Mike Brown LW
239 Halifax Brad Moran C
240 Québec Ramzi Adid LW

Im very surprised that quebec didn't select nhl stars like Tangay, Lecavalier, Ribeiro


Or Quebec city native like Eric Chouinard, Patrice Bergeron, Alexanre Picard, Steve Bernier, M-A Pouliot, Dany Roussin

They selected Ribeiro as their franchise player just before the draft, each team could select one.

178 Halifax Martin Soonnberg LWYep, I'm really impressed by the WHA so far. It's Sonnenberg, you idiots.

Patrice Bergeron :cry: :shakehead :banghead:
what are they thinking ... he was a huge nords fans..
they prefer to select player such as PJ stock !! :mad:

Yep, I'm really impressed by the WHA so far. It's Sonnenberg, you idiots.

This mistake wasn't done by the WHA, it was done by the Detroit Gladiators website.

Im very surprised that quebec didn't select nhl stars like Tangay, Lecavalier, Ribeiro


Or Quebec city native like Eric Chouinard, Patrice Bergeron, Alexanre Picard, Steve Bernier, M-A Pouliot, Dany Roussin

Picard, Bernier, Pouliot and Roussin were not available for that draft, they will be available for tommorow's Entry Level, which is for players undrafted or drafted but without a contract with an NHL team.

Halifax probably went with a team they know they will put on the ice as opposed to a team that they hope they can put on the ice if there is no lockout.

Halifax probably went with a team they know they will put on the ice as opposed to a team that they hope they can put on the ice if there is no lockout.

That's what i was thinking, but man, don't the have a really small team

I'm kinda suprised Toronto hasn't selected Rick Nash, home town kid who's yet to sign a deal with a European team incase of a lockout.
Nash isn't eligible. It's a free agent draft.

Rosa signed with an Russian Super League team I thought? :dunno:

Yep, and will make a lot more monet there than he'd make in the WHA. Then again, his wife is Canadian so it depends what she'll say.

Halifax probably went with a team they know they will put on the ice as opposed to a team that they hope they can put on the ice if there is no lockout.
Halifax only plans on spending maybe 10 mil.. or less..

ted drury has a contract in kassel (DEL) and will probably stay here, because he was a star last season. why should he move to detroit to play WHA? at least not this season.

Quebec team is looking pretty good. They have alot of local boys on the team and didn't try to pick alot of the top players like Kovalchuk etc...they picked alot of players who would have a good chance of playing for them.

I can see Gagne and Ribeiro playing, they where both huge quebec fans when they where young.

Since none of this really means anything. Is the WHA going to draft **me** next. :lol: :lol:

The whole concept behind a draft is to get players who have agreed to play for the league not just everyone out there if leagues ever did that there would be over 6 billion people drafted.

It should have been simple sign whoever you can get to sign and once the league develops then have a draft.

:cry: :shakehead :banghead:
what are they thinking ... he was a huge nords fans..
they prefer to select player such as PJ stock !! :mad:


....

They need one grit player. Look at that team. No grit at all, cept that grande-pierre dude.

If I were Don Cherry I'd have some fun here.

I disagree with that last statement. Taking ticket prices and performance into account, those CHL teams that outdrew the Panthers last year were definitely offering better bang for the buck. And that's the bottom line, here. Sports is still entertainment to the fan, first and foremost.

What exactly did Panthers fans have to cheer about last year? To see whether or not Luongo got killed on the ice by flying galvanized rubber? To see whether or not Mike Keenan and Rick Dudley would be placed in an octogon, winner take all???

In pro sports, you have to win. In relatively new markets, where other events take away from the fan's entertainment dollars, it's even more critical. The Panthers have been badly run for several years now, so it's hard to put the blame on fans for staying away.

Funny how Central Florida used to have the same problems just a little while ago.

That's not true at all. Halifax(266,040 over 35 games) and Quebec(207,637) led the Q in attendance and neither was anything special. Halifax won the least amount of games in the Q(17 in 70 games) and Quebec finished in 11th place out of 16 teams. The top teams in this league are consistant with large crowds no matter the product.

i guess everyone knew there was no chance in hell they would sign palffy kovalev etc.

That's not true at all. Halifax(266,040 over 35 games) and Quebec(207,637) led the Q in attendance and neither was anything special. Halifax won the least amount of games in the Q(17 in 70 games) and Quebec finished in 11th place out of 16 teams. The top teams in this league are consistant with large crowds no matter the product.

This is damn true. I went to well over two thirds of the Mooseheads' games this year and they lost or tied pretty much all of them. Still, I love the team to death and I'll be at the Metro Centre every chance I get until the day I leave Halifax.

I remember they drew something like 6,500 against Victo at one point this year. A couple of Tigres fans were sitting behind me and they were mentioning that they were surprised at the draw considering the talent level of the two teams.

Point conceded, guys. However, I still maintain that pro sports is a different animal. And when you have ticket prices that are through the roof, you cannot ASSUME that fans will buy into your product. Florida Panthers fans would pack the Office Depot Center if tickets were only $10 U.S., instead of $75-100.

Again, I believe that the onus isn't on the fans but rather on the organization (marketing department, on-ice product, team President) to ensure better attendance figures. The customer is always right, and in the Panthers' case they are demanding more for their buck. I don't have a problem with that.