Interview with Herm Sorcher, CEO of the Danbury Whalers

February 11, 2010

By Dan Canavan

In December 2009, an ambitious group of investors announced they were bringing a new minor-league hockey team to Danbury, Connecticut.  The Danbury Whalers will begin play this fall as part of the 4-team Federal Hockey League. I recently had a chance to sit down with Herm Sorcher, Chief Executive Officer and Managing General Partner of the team.  Here is an outtake from our conversation:

Dan Canavan: What is your vision of the game day experience at the Danbury Ice Arena?

Herm Sorcher: The game day experience is going to be tremendous. When you enter the arena, you are going to hear music that makes you tap your feet, and you’ll see entertaining videos on the scoreboard throughout the evening. You’ll have easy access to top of the line affordable food service, with hot hot dogs, and cold beers. And when you walk out of the arena, you are going to leave with something in your hand in the form of sponsorships, coupons to local businesses, and other giveaways. We are also going to have plenty of pre- and post-game player promotions, both at the arena and local establishments, in an effort to integrate the team and players into the community.

DC: How would you describe the market for minor league hockey in Danbury?

HS: The minor leagues sports business is a challenging market. People are generally excited about hockey in Danbury, and we are going to promise those fans the highest level of customer service. We will do whatever it takes for our fans to have a good time. I have worked in minor league professional sports for 20 years, and I am always asking how we can make the game a better experience. We are going to take care of our fans anyway we can, and we are going to put our best foot forward. But, don’t take my word for it. Watch what we do.

DC: What are your ticket price points?

HS: As a minor league professional hockey team, we are committed to fun and affordable family entertainment. Single game tickets will go on sale this Fall in the neighborhood of $8-$14. Season ticket prices are $350 for the entire season. We are presently taking fully refundable $50 deposits on season tickets. As a season ticket holder, you will always be guaranteed the best seat, at the lowest price in the house. Anyone interested in learning more about our season ticket packages should contact us at danburywhalers@aol.com.

DC: How do you define success for the Danbury Whalers?

HS: Well, we want to put a good product on the ice, and play to a packed house. And, like all businesses, we want to be profitable. We want to have community support, and we want to have a high percentage of our season ticket holders and sponsors renew each season. We are in this for the long haul. We are committed.

Many thanks to Herm Sorcher for sharing his vision for minor league hockey in Danbury. We wish Herm and the Danbury Whalers all the success as they take the ice in November 2010. You can meet Herm and the entire Danbury Whalers front office tonight, February 11th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Two Steps Downtown Grille at 5 Ives Street, Danbury, Connecticut. For more information on the Danbury Whalers, merchandise and ticket sales, visit www.DanburyWhalers.com. You can also follow the franchise on Twitter at twitter.com/DanburyWhalers.

 

2 Comments | Connecticut Local News, Minor Leagues | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Part II: Interview with the Wolf Pack’s Bob Crawford

January 30, 2010

By Dan Canavan

Here’s Part II of my interview with Bob Crawford, voice of the Hartford Wolfpack.  Click here to read Part I of the interview.

Dan Canavan: As you get ready to call a game, what is your average game day experience here at the XL Center?

Bob Crawford: On game day, I usually start off the morning working with my game day assistant to put together all the media related materials such as game notes and stats, and press credentials.  At this time of year, we will begin to see more NHL scouts in the building as the big league clubs approach the trading deadline, and we are obviously working with the league to process those requests.  Typically, the team will have a morning skate around 10:00 a.m., and if the visiting team is already in town, they will also have access to the rink before noon.  I will usually attend the morning skates to pick up interviews or other interesting story lines that I can use later for on-air discussions or during intermission reports.  That process usually takes me through lunch, and I typically use the afternoon hours to study the visiting squad’s personnel and become more conversant on issues relating to that team.  Around 4:00 p.m., I will head back up to arena and film a short video with the Wolf Pack coaches, which is unique to that night’s game.  I will then grab a quick dinner and head up to the booth to call the game. 

DC: This organization has always put a strong hockey product on the ice, qualifying for the Calder Cup playoffs for 12 straight seasons.  Who are a few current players that stand out on this year’s squad?

BC: Well, it’s hard to not notice Corey Locke, who is having a great offensive year.  He has a ton of skill, and he is a great offensive player in this league.  He can make something out of nothing, and not being a big guy, he finds a way to get it done.  The big question for Corey is whether he will have an opportunity to make the jump to the next level. 

In goal, we have Chad Johnson, who is real nice prospect.  For a big goaltender, he plays under control, stays in position, and reads the play well.  He squares up to the puck, and doesn’t make a lot of flashy saves.   Johnson also has a real calm demeanor, which I think will help him in the long run.  He has a lot of raw talent, and like all prospects, he will need more time to develop.

Jordan Owens is also fun to watch.  While he isn’t a scoring machine, he is a great skater and is a solid physical presence.  If he can make it to the big leagues, he will go up as a role player. No one heard of him when he came in on a try-out, but he is now on a two-way contract.

Dale Weise is also a dynamic player.  He has great size, and skates well.  With regard to his physical play, he just doesn’t hit people, he goes through them.  He wasn’t drafted until he was 20, which is a little older than most of his peers, but his numbers are starting to trend up, which is obviously important. Dale has the whole tool box, but he needs to become more consistent and continue to grow as a professional, which you can say about most of the players in this league.

DC: As ctsportslaw.com has continued to reach new readers, we routinely receive emails seeking advice on how to start a career in the sports industry. Do you have any advice for those looking to break into the industry?  

BC: The most common and effective path these days is through internship programs.  There are fewer jobs in the sports industry as compared to other fields, which makes it very difficult to get a foot in the door.  Internship programs give students a chance to meet and work for people in the industry, which is always important to starting any career.  And once you get into an organization on any level, you need to work hard, prove that you can be an asset, and showcase a specific skill set that brings value to the group.

DC: You have watched a lot of Wolf Pack hockey in this building over the years.  Are there any moments that stand out from the rest?

BC: The moment that first comes to mind is the overtime winning goal in Game 7 of the Conference Finals over the Providence Bruins in 2000.  The Pack came back after trailing in the game to tie it up and force overtime. We had a full barn that night, and from a hockey fan’s perspective, you couldn’t ask for much more.  People forget that we were down in Game 5 of that series and should have been eliminated, never mind force a Game 6 or force overtime in Game 7.  The momentum from that overtime win carried over into the Calder Cup Finals, where we won the Championship over the Rochester Americans.  While the finals were exciting, that Game 7 in this building against Providence was special.

Also, when we moved the club here in 1997, I’ll never forget walking out into the arena on opening night.  We had over 12,000 fans here that night, and this place was jumping.  You have to remember that the Wolf Pack had just moved from Binghamton, which only had about 4,800 seats.  I remember looking out at the crowd and thinking that this was a wholly different experience.

For more on the Hartford Wolf Pack and Bob Crawford, check out Crawford’s Corner at HartfordWolfPack.com.   You can also follow the Pack on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HtfdWolfPack.

Dan Canavan is an attorney in Hartford, Connecticut.  As a featured columnist for Connecticut Sports Law, Dan regularly covers business and legal issues facing the hockey industry for.  Dan is also the Carolina Hurricanes correspondent for The Hockey Writers.  He has appeared as an on-air guest with regard to the NHL and the Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy proceedings on CBC Radio’s World Report. His analysis and commentary have also been published in various media outlets including The National Post, The Windsor Star, The Star Phoenix, The Montreal Gazette, The Edmonton Journal, The Ottawa Citizen, The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Faceoff.com, and the Sports Litigation Alert.  You can follow Dan on Twitter at twitter.com/DanielRCanavan.  Dan can be contacted directly at dcanavan@ctsportsgroup.com.

3 Comments | Connecticut Local News, Hartford Wolfpack, Minor Leagues, Sports Law Careers | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Interview With Bob Crawford, Voice of the Hartford Wolf Pack

January 28, 2010
 By Dan Canavan 
Bob Crawford

With the hockey season in full swing, I thought it would be a great time to catch up with Bob Crawford, voice of the Hartford Wolf Pack and Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for Northland/AEG.  Bob is currently in his thirteen season with the Wolf Pack, and has over twenty years of experience as a play-by-play broadcaster in the American Hockey League.   

I had the opportunity to sit down with Bob in the XL Center and discuss how he broke into the sports industry, his current role with the Wolf Pack, and his view from the broadcasting booth.  Many thanks to Bob for taking the time out of his busy schedule to share his insight on the inner workings of the New York Rangers’ AHL Affiliate.   Here’s Part I of the interview, with Part II to follow on Friday. 

Dan Canavan: As the voice of the Wolf Pack, you have been bringing the game to Hartford hockey fans for over a decade.  How did you get your start as play-by-play announcer?   

Bob Crawford: Growing up, I was always a real sports nut.  I was a student of all different sports, but my favorite was always hockey and I was interested in radio broadcasting.  My father was in radio, and I was always around it.  Knowing that I was never going to be a player, I thought being an announcer was a great way to stay involved in the sport.  While attending Harvard, I was able to get a chance to broadcast games on the student radio station, which basically had the exclusive on the hockey team.  I did games at Harvard for three years, and after graduation I made a tape and sent it out to every minor league team that I could find.  

Detroit’s minor league affiliate in the American League was called the Adirondack Red Wings, and their announcer at the time was John Kelly, who is now the voice of the St. Louis Blues. But Kelly was also doing the Ranger games on MSG Radio that Marv Albert couldn’t cover, which ended up being most of them because Marv was doing so many other things.  So Adirondack needed someone to do the games in Kelly’s absence, and they were looking for someone who was trying to break into the industry.  They liked my tape, and I’m still in the same league 20 years later. 

DC: Prior to the Wolf Pack’s relocation to Hartford in 1997, you had been with the franchise when it was known as the Binghamton Rangers.  How has your experience been here in Hartford?   

BC: Hartford has been tremendous. The Wolf Pack is a great franchise, the XL Center is a terrific building for the AHL, and Hartford is a tremendous market. My family and I love being here.  My wife and I didn’t have any children when we moved here, but now we have one in middle school and one in the fourth grade, and Hartford is our home.  It’s been by far the place that I have worked the longest in my professional career.  We have been lucky that the Wolf Pack has had some great teams over the years, and I have gotten the chance to work with some really great people in this organization. 

DC: How has your role with the Wolf Pack evolved over the years? 

BC: When we first moved here in 1997, I was doing the play-by-play and I also had a role in advertisement sales.  Since then, my role with the organization has expanded into public relations.  I oversee all of the Wolf Pack media needs, including press releases, media notes, as well as processing press credentials and interview requests.  I’m also the liaison between the Wolf Pack and the league public relations office, and I also share some public relations responsibilities on behalf of the XL Center. 

DC: You have worked in professional hockey for many years. What is it like to work with the Wolf Pack organization? 

BC: For a minor league professional team, we have a huge staff, consisting of marketing, sponsorship, ticketing and game day. Northland/AEG handles all he business aspects of the team, while MSG is responsible for the hockey related operations, such as the coaching staff, players, equipment and medical personnel.  

The Wolf Pack is a big time operation; the type of operation you would see at the major league level with all the big time expectations. It takes a lot of work to put on these games, and we invest a lot of people hours and creative efforts into everything we do to produce a great game experience.  We understand that the market place becomes more competitive every year, and we are always looking for ways to improve our product.  Whether it’s reevaluating ticket price points, expanding concession options, or creating new and exciting in-game promotions, our efforts are always evolving.  And while we have a core base of hockey fans that make up our season ticket holder list, we are always exploring new ways to get more people to the game.  

1 Comment | Connecticut Local News, Hartford Wolfpack, Minor Leagues | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Major Issues With Minor League Contracts

January 21, 2010

Standard player contracts were the topic of discussion during my Sports Law class at Quinnipiac University School of Law last night.  As a practical example we reviewed a minor league player contract that one of my students had been party to as a player. 

The objective was for the students to analyze the contract as if they were representing the player.  For purposes of background, the league at issue was unaffiliated with any major league, and there was no players’ union.   The students found many problems with the contract: a basic, 2-page, 15-paragraph document.  The following two issues stood out:

1.  Intellectual Property: the contract at issue granted broad rights to the league, with no limitation of scope.  Essentially the contract allowed the league to use the player’s name, voice, likeness and biographical information to promote the league, sell merchandise, and vested all broadcast rights in the league.  The player was required to waive any right to compensation.  

For a player that rises through the minor leagues to become a star player (see Kurt Warner), these issues could become important.  By virtue of the contract, the league could argue that it owns the player’s right of publicity in perpetuity.

2.  Sportsmanlike Conduct: the contract contained a morals clause requiring a player to conduct him or herself in a manner ”complimentary to and becoming of the League” on and off the field of play.  Essentially this was a morals clause with no parameters of what constituted unsportsmanlike conduct on the field.

For example, would any penalty or only a major penalty result in a finding of unsportsmanlike conductor off the field?  As for off the field actions, could the player be punished for an act that caused negative publicity?  Or would the punishment only apply to a conviction or act involving moral turpitude?  Anything that “reflected poorly” on the league was fair game.  And by the way, the league had the ability to fine players, but there was no mention of any appeal process.  The only thing that was made clear was that all fines were to be paid within 5 business days.

The contract we discussed, was a contract of adhesion, which are one-sided by definition.  Bargaining power was further limited by the fact that at this particular level of minor league sports, players were unlikely to have counsel.  Ultimately a player might sign a one-sided contract for the simple fact that he or she wants to play.  However, players should be aware that there can be some major legal issues with minor league contracts.

Leave a Comment » | Agents, Law Students, Minor Leagues, Sports Litigation | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Interview with Bill Scott, AHL Director of Hockey Operations

December 17, 2009
By Dan Canavan

Bill Scott

With the hockey season well underway, I thought it would be a great time to catch up with Bill Scott, Director of Hockey Operations for the American Hockey League.  Bill is currently in his fourth season with the AHL, after serving as the Coordinator of Hockey Operations for the East Coast Hockey League.  

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Bill and discuss the sports industry, the current state of hockey, and the inner workings of the AHL.  My sincere thanks to Bill for taking the time out of his busy schedule to share his insight.  

Here’s Part I of the Interview, with Part II to follow tomorrow.  

Dan Canavan: As ctsportslaw.com has continued to reach new readers, we routinely receive emails seeking advice on how to start a career in the sports industry. How did you get your start, and do you have any advice for those looking to break into the industry?  

Bill Scott: In high school I did an internship for the local Junior ‘A’ hockey team which dealt with a range of things, from marketing to playing the music during the games.  I then attended Michigan State University and was able to work as a student manager for the hockey team.  It was there that I made a lot of good contacts and developed some great relationships in the hockey world.  Upon graduation I sent out my resume to about 55 different people in the hockey industry to see if there were any job openings.  David Poile, GM of the Nashville Predators, called me and offered me an internship in their hockey operations department.  From there I was able to connect to the ECHL where I became the Coordinator of Hockey Operations.  I am currently in my fourth season in the American Hockey League.  

I think for someone breaking into the industry, I would tell them not to be picky and be prepared to work hard.  If you aren’t a former player, odds are that NHL management won’t know who you are, so you must take the time to earn your stripes.  It’s important to get involved at any level and build your resume.  If you work hard and take pride in what you do, especially at the tedious and mundane tasks, people will notice of your attitude and you will be in a better position to advance.  The little details go a long way in this industry.  

DC: The AHL serves as a developmental league for players and referees alike.  Tell us a little about how AHL referees and linesmen are developed, reviewed and promoted to the NHL.  

BS: There are essentially three groups of referees in our league.  We have 6 NHL contracted Referees who split time between the NHL and the AHL, 5 full-time AHL referees who we would deem our core veterans and we have about 10 prospects who are working their way towards the NHL.  These referees are supervised both in person and on video.  They receive constant feedback from our hockey operations department which includes our officiating supervisors and NHL supervisors who scout on a full-time basis.   The referees also receive a DVD of each game they work so that they can review the game and self-evaluate their performance.  I think the main thing to remember is that these officials love the game of hockey and they strive to do their best each and every night.  Their job is not an easy one but they take great pride in their work.  

DC: As the Director of Hockey Operations for the American Hockey League, what are your day-to-day responsibilities?  

BS: My job description varies far and wide.  Some of the tasks I am responsible for is our Central Registry (maintaining and approving contracts and roster changes), assigning Officials, supervision of Officials, managing the Off-Ice Officials across the league and ensuring all of our teams are in compliance with our On-Ice Branding Program.  In the summer our number one priority is creating the playing schedule for the league.  Lauren Peterson and myself take on that task which is completed in August.  It is probably the single most important responsibility in the department as it plays a role in determining a portion of the financial expectations for our teams based on their home schedule and travel schedule.  

DC: The AHL is known for putting a consistently good product on the ice. What is one thing that fans probably don’t know about what goes into putting their favorite AHL squad on the ice?  

BS: It is probably just how dedicated the players and staffs are for their team.  Most American Hockey League team offices consist of 12-15 people.  This group is responsible for everything you see when you come to a game from the ticket sales, the website, in-game entertainment and marketing.  Also, the players in our league are very giving of their time in the community and are always ready to give a helping hand to those in need.  Between the practices, games, travel, workouts, video sessions and community events our players and teams stay very busy each and every day.  There is a level of commitment that both the players and team staff must have which is unparalleled in the sports industry.

3 Comments | Minor Leagues, National Hockey League, Sports Law Careers | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Our Baseball Haven: Extreme Fantasy Baseball

May 12, 2009

OBH_Logo_Web_SmallShortly after the launch of Connecticut Sports Law last March, I covered the concept of minor league baseball players selling shares in their future earnings.  I called it “the ultimate in fantasy sports.”  (Click here to read “Can I Invest in a Rockcat?  The Ultimate in Fantasy Sports”).

Our Baseball Haven (OBH), a venture based in New Haven, Connecticut, takes the fantasy sports model to the extreme.  Based on a business model that originated with an English minor league soccer club (Ebbsfleet United), OBH seeks to bring a baseball team to New Haven that is owned and controlled by the masses.  For $100, one can become an owner and vote on everything from concessions, lineups, transactions and the team name and uniforms.  Voting will be conducted through the internet and an interactive social media site.

For more on this novel idea of team ownership, check out the Our Baseball Haven introductory video below, as well as the OBH website and blog.  Also, see Rick Hancock’s feature on OBH.

Leave a Comment » | Connecticut Local News, Minor Leagues | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Sports Briefs: Morals Clauses, Chad Ocho Cinco, LPGA English Requirement

September 15, 2008

Brian Socolow, a partner at Loeb & Loeb, LLP, offers an excellent article on morals clauses in player contracts with their teams and the companies that they endorse.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson will only have his new surname, “Ocho Cinco,” on the back of his jersey once he pays Reebok for the remaining stock of “C. Johnson” jerseys.  That could reportedly cost Ocho Cinco upwards of $700,000.  Fantasy football leagues are already using referring to Chad as Ocho Cinco.

The LPGA has reversed field on its requirement that its golfers speak English, or face suspension.  The rule – intended to keep corporate sponsors happy – was defeated in part from State Farm, a corporate sponsor that spoke out against the English requirment.

1 Comment | Golf, Individual Performer Sports, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, Minor Leagues, National Basketball Association, National Football League, National Hockey League | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald

Can I Invest in a Rock Cat? The Ultimate in Fantasy Sports

March 27, 2008

In Connecticut, the lack of professional sports combined with the astronomical prices of attending major league venues has created strong interest in minor league sports.  Minor league baseball, with teams in New Britain, Norwich and Bridgeport,  enjoys particularly strong fan support.  Now imagine if you could invest in your favorite minor league ball players from the Rock Cats, Defenders and Bluefish.  Should your player-investments make the big leagues, you get paid – the ultimate in fantasy baseball.

In an extremely interesting article in msn.com’s money section, the concept of athletes selling shares of their major league earnings is discussed.  Randy Newsom, a minor league pitcher, has started his own company, Real Sports Investments (RSI), which sold shares in his future earnings should he make the majors.  Presently the business is not selling any shares, as Newsom is trying to address concerns raised by Major League Baseball (MLB).

 Without firsthand knowledge of MLB’s concerns, I have some questions of my own:

  1. RSI’s website includes the slogan “Now You Are the GM.”  Does that allow investors to weigh in on various matters relating to their investment’s career, such as with what team to sign; whether a player should demand a trade; whether a player should comply with a position change (think Tim Wakefield) or alter his pitching motion; or whether a player should demand a contract renegotiation?
  2. What relationship and interactions would the investors have with the player’s agent?  Should an agent or a board of directors be negotiating on behalf of the player?
  3. RSI claims that the business provides a form of insurance for players, who may or may not make the major leagues.  That makes sense.  But RSI also claims that this type of arrangement is common in professional golf and bowling.   Both golf and bowling are individual performer sports.  But baseball is a team sport, with owners and a union.  Can this concept work in a team sport?

In general, RSI’s idea is novel and carries appeal, especially to fantasy sports junkies.  Furthermore, it builds upon a trend of increased interest in the future stars – witness the NFL Draft’s television-friendly format this coming year; the exposure that ESPN gives to high school football players on national signing day; and the rise in scouting services that provide in-depth analysis of amateur players.  However, whether RSI presents a workable model, or whether fans will be allowed to invest in the futures of their favorite minor league athletes remains to be seen.

1 Comment | Individual Performer Sports, Minor Leagues | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Dan Fitzgerald