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Post by hockeyhustler on Jun 2, 2010 8:04:42 GMT -4
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Post by Maddog on Jun 2, 2010 8:28:34 GMT -4
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Post by archer on Jun 2, 2010 14:28:14 GMT -4
Looking forward to it I really enjoy playing this game and look forward to semi pro team here.
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Post by Maddog on Jun 7, 2010 21:29:34 GMT -4
News from PBL owner's meetings in Chicago.
"The League has approved our move to Saint John so that hurdle is out of te way. Also announced we are going to play by NBA rules this season!"
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Post by hockeyhustler on Jun 8, 2010 20:00:26 GMT -4
Millrats Press Conference Scheduled for June 21
June 8, 2010 - Premier Basketball League (PBL) Manchester Millrats
(June 8, 2010 Saint John, New Brunswick Canada): The Manchester Millrats are pleased to inform the public that a press conference has been scheduled for Monday June 21st at noon on the floor inside Harbour Station in Saint John, New Brunswick. The Millrats have been in negotiations with arena management of Harbour Station and City Officials for several weeks regarding the possible move of their team to Saint John, and are prepared to make several announcements on the 21st and answer questions regarding the progress of the venture.
Speakers are expected to include Millrats team owners, Andre Levingston the President of the Premier Basketball League, Harbour Station Management, Saint John Sea Dogs President Wayne Long, Saint John Mayor Ivan Court, and others. The event is open to the public and will utilize the new HD Video Board that was recently installed in the arena.
Special discounted rooms have been arranged by the Delta Brunswick Hotel for the event. Call and book your room at 1-800-335-8233 for a special rate of $ 99.00. When calling, ask for the special Saint John Millrats Basketball Rate and mention the dates which you are attending. (Block Code is GGMILL)
The Millrats are a fourth year minor league basketball franchise and a member of the Premier Basketball League. The Premier Basketball League currently has two franchises in Canada - the Quebec Kebs and the Halifax Rainmen - to go with other franchises in the United States.
A Facebook page has been setup under "Saint John Millrats Pro Basketball Page" and has garnered about 800 fans in less than 3 weeks.
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Post by archer on Jun 22, 2010 14:12:31 GMT -4
I hope to be proven wrong but I can't see this being successful. I also don't see how this team and the Seadogs could co-exist without hurting each other's attendance. I'm assuming their season is similar to that of the NBA which would be about 40 home games that overlap most of the Dogs season. That's about 75 combined home games for regular season only. I can't see the 2 teams combining for an average over 3500 over that many games. The only way it might work is if HS gives both teams a deal on the lease since they wouldn't be the only major tenant, thus allowing them to lower ticket prices, and lowering the break-even point for each. If I'm wrong about when the basketball season takes place and its actually opposite the Q season then I think this will be a great idea. Otherwise, we'd be better off with a minor pro baseball team. They are two different sports and it seems to work in Halifax. Those that like basketball are going to go to the basketball games, those that like the Sea Dogs will go to the Sea Dogs games plus the Sea Dogs have a four month head start on their season. Some fans like myself will go to both. It works in Halifax hopefully it will work here. Many people forget that basketball was invented by a Canadian and is second only to soccer in worldwide popularity.
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Post by J4M13 on Jun 22, 2010 14:40:28 GMT -4
I'm not a basketball fanatic, and I have no idea if SJ is a "basketball city."
But at the announced prices, the fiancee and I will probably get season tickets. Under $200 for a pair of upper bowl seats seems like a minimal investment for what might turn out to be a very entertaining product.
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Post by canucklehead on Jun 22, 2010 17:53:52 GMT -4
I have never been a huge basketball fan ... in fact I don't think I have ever sat and watched an entire game in my life!
That being said I am completely on board with this team and I'm stoked to get this product on the floor. Just listening to Coop speak at the press conf. and seeing him interact with the kids dunkin the ball in his suit was great! I looked into some of the things that these guys do in their former home and they are very much involved with their community.
Hope they can keep the momentum going because there is a real buzz around town about the Millrats! Speaking of Millrats ... The contest to pick a name should be releasing details in the coming weeks ...
Moncton & Cape Breton your in their sites too so let's hope we can make this thing work ... Just imagine the boards lol ...
I can't wait to see David Cooper at skate with the Sea Dogs this year lol ... Priceless!!!! ;D
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Post by elementz on Jun 22, 2010 17:57:50 GMT -4
Not a big b-ball fan so I'm not too interested. I will probably goto the home opener and maybe a big playoff game or two but that's about it. Has the schedule been released yet?
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2010 20:01:50 GMT -4
Welcome to the league!!!!
I only got to 2 games last year more due to other commitments then not likeing the product. It is priced reasonable and is a really high level of play. Most of the players have played NCAA or other high level Basketball and it shows. You get NBA quality moves/dunks passes ect. Cant wait till the Saint John (Insert name here) come to the Metro Centre, will be fun to have a Maritime rival.
The attendence for the Rainmen started slow and has grown each year. I am not sure what the topend will be. But as the league gains more stability I am sure support will increase.
I wish the best of luck to the Saint John franchise.
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Post by DropThePuck on Jun 23, 2010 10:13:17 GMT -4
Congratulations Saint John for landing this team. I have a feeling it will do well......I have no reason to think it will fail. I travel to SJ weekly and I look forward to seeing a game or two..I'm not even a basketball fan and like others here never watch the NBA but being able to watch this live sounds like it would be worth it. Good luck!!!
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Post by bluedog on Jun 23, 2010 10:16:02 GMT -4
Is SJ a basketball City ? I don't know ... just asking. I would say that Moncton is not a basketball City and I don't think this would get much support here ... but I could be wrong. But it sounds like they don't need huge crowds to make a go of it ... although looking at where other teams are located, they must be flying to most of their road games. I guess the short season keeps the budget down. I would suggest that Halifax is a basketball City ... reason why they hosted the CIS Basketball championship for so many years ... so Halifax is a good match for something like this. But is SJ ? Steve are you even from NB? Moncton is a huge basketball city and already host one of the largest basketball tournaments in Atlantic Canada. The female basketball program there is probably the best in Atalntic Canada and they put out the best players for sure in our province. They also host a large university tournament every year that attracts teams from all across Canada. Moncton also has the the 3 v 3 outdoor tournament every summer and I suggest you get out and see the neumber of people that are involved. I am guessing that there will be people form Moncton taking the trip down to watch some ball played here. I think that this is great for our region and another distraction to help winter go by faster. Probably a sport also where you are not going to be able to buy a team so Moncton may not be interested.
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Post by DropThePuck on Jun 23, 2010 10:46:27 GMT -4
Is SJ a basketball City ? I don't know ... just asking. I would say that Moncton is not a basketball City and I don't think this would get much support here ... but I could be wrong. But it sounds like they don't need huge crowds to make a go of it ... although looking at where other teams are located, they must be flying to most of their road games. I guess the short season keeps the budget down. I would suggest that Halifax is a basketball City ... reason why they hosted the CIS Basketball championship for so many years ... so Halifax is a good match for something like this. But is SJ ? Steve are you even from NB? Moncton is a huge basketball city and already host one of the largest basketball tournaments in Atlantic Canada. The female basketball program there is probably the best in Atalntic Canada and they put out the best players for sure in our province. They also host a large university tournament every year that attracts teams from all across Canada. Moncton also has the the 3 v 3 outdoor tournament every summer and I suggest you get out and see the neumber of people that are involved. I am guessing that there will be people form Moncton taking the trip down to watch some ball played here. I think that this is great for our region and another distraction to help winter go by faster. Probably a sport also where you are not going to be able to buy a team so Moncton may not be interested. LOL! "buy a team" Here we go again Just so you know, you can whatever you want if you have the money....anything can be bought, no probably about it. For now, we'll let you have basketball and just focus on beating you on the ice ;D
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Post by bluedog on Jun 23, 2010 12:56:19 GMT -4
That is just it drop you did not beat us on the ice you beat us in the pocket book. LOL If you had purchases a some gutts you might have actually done better at the Cup.
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Post by WHEELsnipePARTY on Jun 23, 2010 16:24:50 GMT -4
That is just it drop you did not beat us on the ice you beat us in the pocket book. LOL If you had purchases a some gutts you might have actually done better at the Cup.
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