IvoteIspeak,

The two highschools in town used to each have a team, but to be competitive with the Madison teams, they decided to form one team. In addition, the cost to field a highschool hockey team is huge. You are not just paying for pads, you are paying for ice time which is largest expense of hockey.

RCG27:

You had some points in your soap box rant until you showed that you were jealous of people making more than you to drive a forklift at GM. Maybe if you would have gone to college and gotten a degree, you would not have been making $10/hr and could buy better things. Heck, if you went to college, you could find a job in a city that isn't having the problems the Midwest industrial cities are having. Those of us that make more than an autoworker could care less how much they make and wish them no ill will.

As for the hockey team, do the due diligence and see if it will survive. Even though it is only $200,000, it would not make sense to spend it if the team folds in the next 10 years. I have been to a couple of these NAHL junior a games. They are not that bad to watch and a cheap way to take the kids to a game. $200,000 is pretty cheap though. I wonder how many seats the renovations will create. When I went to a game, the stadium held over 3,000 people, but it was brand new. It was not a complete sellout, but it was 90% full.

IvoteIspeak-
Some high schools DO have their own teams.
NO girls' teams, that's why we now have the co-op.
Also, if folks want to say "you want it, you pay for it", fine. Then any money you see (increased revenue) from attendance, etc. should be returned to the people that brought it in.
In other words, you don't want to pay for it, but would gladly take the benefits the tourism would provide.

The team will essentially pay for it. They'll use ice time currently not scheduled. So the ice arena will be selling unused time which = more revenue. Also, brings in an additional venue which means more concession revenue, which ultimately means a bigger piece of the pie for all involved.
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The cost is 200k for some minimal improvements that won't be lost if the team doesn't make it.
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It's not always cost, ya gotta look at both sides of the equation. It looks to me like a winner of an investment risk.

Hey lamonte I still have my house.If hockey is so big in this city than why dont the high schools have their own teams. They have their own football teams, their own baseball teams, their own soccer teams, and even their own cross country teams. Those who want this can pay for it and then let you get in for free. The rest if we want to go let us pay for it with the purchase of a ticket. If this is the case you probably wont get a dollar from me Ive never liked hockey.

Hey RCG27i only paid $90,000 for it. My vehichle is a 2002 Maybe if you had a high school diploma you could get a job somewhere besides a temp service. If you think hockey is so big in the US your wrong.Go to Canada then you can have all the money you want for hockey.

This would be a fantastic opportunity for our community. Junior hockey is super talented hockey that people would love to watch. This city could easily make it work, AND we have local players right now playing with the Bluebirds that are talented enough to play with this team. If I'm not mistaken, the Mussey kid who is playing for the Bluebirds is playing Junior hockey in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League already.

There is no comparison between the ice arena upgrades and a childrens museum. The childrens museum will require a substantial initial cost, PLUS annual funding by the city to keep it open. If it fails, we are left with a closed childrens museum. Annual funding is not required for the junior hockey league, and if the junior hockey team folds, the arena will still be used by the Bluebirds and the Janesville Youth Hockey Association.

If you dont like the game dont go! many people do, so sit home as the seat you dont sit in will be open for someone who enjoys the game. All people dont sit home on their PC and nit pick everything that might just be what this area needs, a positive thing to motivate others.

If I may add a few of MY opinions....

1). Im really sick and tired of people who lost their jobs at GM/Lear/LSI throwing it in the rest of the community's face that they can't afford anything. You guys/girl's had no problems spending all that $ when you bought all your new vehicles, or your $250,000 house...
My best friends dad worked at GM...still does. he transfered to indiana a YEAR before the plant close if not longer...If he saw this coming, why didn't you?

2) Im tired of you all expecting the rest of us to feel bad for you and you wanting us to pitty you! WHAT ABOUT US when we couldnt afford them brand new vehicles and we had to settle for less? Now the tables have turned and you dont like it.

For those who were at GM, you guys had a say in your pay per hr....you were union. I worked as a TEMP on delevan dr in the same building as lear for 2 years making 10/hr....you guys were making 20-25 just to drive a fork truck.

yes it sucked to see gm get shut down, but for the most part, you all brought it upon yourself going back atleast 25 years ago.

My grandfather always told me before he passed away, everything you get in life you pay for at some point or another. Dont ever over appreciate what you get when you get it.

Well, looks like he should have spread that to you all....

Enough of me rambling on and on. Topic of this story is about younger people wanting the opportunity to live a dream which lays right infront of their face. NOT have negative people shoo it away because they cant afford 1.00 more a month on their taxe's.

O yeah...unidentified...."Can the $200,000 create more jobs being used somewhere else? If this is such a good idea and Janesville such a good location, then why don't those involved offer to pay the $200,000 dollars themselves?".....

Im sure they will end up paying something into that. My football team, we go get sponsors every year but we still pay in...ALOT actually. Dont be so negative. If you say Janesville is so bad off right now, why not a change?!

I doubt if the city is responsible for u loosing your home. Its to bad the few miserable souls are trying to bring us all down not everyone is laid off,lost there job,or loosing their house.Stop being so bitter and move on.Hockeytown. Only the strong survive.

Do we really have to keep spending money we dont have.With the state, the country, and alot of us in the red can we really afford to keep spending all the time. Just a little here, a little there, a little everywhere, it all adds up.I believe the city likes to see forclosures because they are taxing me out of my house.Yes I lost my job at Lear. I dont get 95%of my wage, I get less than 50% and I lost my insurance. I dont have a spare nickle for anythingn else.

lamonte: When I say large corporation I mean someone that will hire more than the few dozen a hockey team will hire (only during the hockey season I may add). I'm not suggesting we go down the GM route again. However, we'll never get past the 10% unemployment and poverty levels if we only fiddle around with low paying nickle and dime ideas. To compare a seasonal hockey team with a family supporting corporation is laughable. I opposed the children's museum due to the same spending concerns. However, given the choice of the two, I'd have to say the children's museum would A) Hire more people B) Hire people the whole year rather than seasonally C) Offer a broader scope D) Appeal to a larger portion of the population. If we had a budget surplus I'd say go all in for everything. However, all I'm suggesting is that we're sure $200,000 dollars is money well spent. Again, if local company's can sponsor this team and foot the bill, I think its a wonderful idea for Janesville. If yourself and others are so sure about this idea, get on board trying to help raise the $200,000 so tax payers don't have a say.

unidentified/ We have tried the whole large corp. plan look where it got us. As far as people getting laid off, sometimes u have to cut the fat.When something does not work do u keep doing the same thing over and over again and continue to fail or should we try something different.Now thats common sense. Hidden agenda? Or time to move on? Im not saying this will turn around the city and create alot of jobs but it might take your mind off it for a second, go down to the rink, have a beer or soda and catch a great hockey game it might be a good time. Plus its great opportunity for our future kids around the area.

Mikki - No, I actually did copy and paste. And as long as you mentioned it . . .Mikki - There has been such a huge amount of opposition to the bike tunnel, children's museum and the aquatic center that I am surprised that people are actually supporting this venture. I should not be surprised, however, because this involves a sports team where the other ventures only involved making this community better and safer for everyone (children included) to live in. This venture should be given the same due dilegence as the others and if decided that there is not enough funds to cover it, then alternate funding should be acquired.
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Also - add the Skatepark to the list of ventures that has generated a lot of opposition.
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Just for point of emphasis.

lamonte: Red tape?? Way to completely overstate my comments. This story breaks and those in favor comment as though this should happen tomorrow. For a city that already faces budget problems, which includes cut backs at our schools, I think it's prudent that every expenditure be handled responsibly. I'm not saying we need to hire another one of Janesville famous consultants or commission an expensive study. Moreover, I'm not saying we should take years to figure this out. However, $200,000 is no drop in the bucket and should require scrutiny and consideration. In addition, I'd personally rather not see people being laid off in our school system then to support an ice hockey team. The seasonal and also extremely minor hiring that would come from this hockey team is not the end all be all for the entire city. If losing an ice hockey team means would could encourage a major corporation to come here with that same $200,000, then I'm all for it. On the other hand, if sponsors want to foot the $200,000 dollar bill for the hockey team I'm all for that also. Again, I'm a hockey fan. I think what I state is just plain common sense. If people want to mold common sense into negativity, then it's obvious there are some here with a hidden agenda.

One nice thing to see is that the lets go forward attitude outpaces the negative attitudes for a change.

Just...
What, you have to cut and paste the same post on both threads?
Give me a break.

unidentified/ Putting up red tape and hoops to jump through will drive organizations elsewhere. Come on u ever herd of keep it simple stupid, its 200,000, have you been to the rink lately it could use some upgrades besides the youth teams from janesville and high school will a benefit from this. Thats the problem these days,everything has to be gone over and over with a fine toothed comb driving prices higher and higher, driving people away. Do we really need to pay someone to do a study on this,doubt it.Its hockey, and the time is now.Im sure there are plenty of other communities that would jump on this wagon in a heartbeat. Its ok to ask questions, but lets not make it difficult,dont overthink this. K.I.S.S.

Gee - I don't use the ice arena and I wouldn't go see any of these games so I do not want my tax dollars going towards this. Let the people who would go pay for it.
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Isn't that the argument that people have put forth when voicing opposition to the bike tunnel or the children's museum? At least if you use the bike trail (with the tunnel) you would be the one getting the exercise.

I can see those involved with this proposal have hit the blogs. Calling someone negative for questioning our city spending $200,000 dollars to upgrade an ice arena for a minor league hockey team is ridiculous. In addition, there are many questions we must all ask: How many new jobs does this actually create? How much will the city have to support this team in the future if sponsors don't step forward? Are their enough hockey fans in the area? Can the $200,000 create more jobs being used somewhere else? If this is such a good idea and Janesville such a good location, then why don't those involved offer to pay the $200,000 dollars themselves? There are tough questions that need to be asked about every proposal that requires city money and this is no exception. I love hockey and think this proposal has potential. Moreover, I'd probably go to games if this all works out. However, I'm not stuck in fantasy land. This process deserves debate, consideration, and common sense. There is a big difference between negative and not being naive.

I love to see all the Janesville people "hating" on this idea because if YOU don't want it.......we will take it in Beloit and SKATE WITH IT. We could enclose our rink, add to our tax base, generate a few jobs, give kids more opportunities and bring in more kids for our hockey program. So, go ahead and call the City of Janesville and tell them you don't want to spend $200,000 on this. I KNOW THAT BELOIT WILL DO IT IN A HEART BEAT!!!!!

I'm not a big fan of hockey but this is something I would actually go watch. Sports in JVL is always a good thing.

Way to go Jon Mauermann

If this will help to keep the Janesville hockey clubs competing at high levels, then go for it. Watching the Bluebirds these last four or five seasons has been unbelievable, and maybe a juniors team in the area would keep the children interested, as well as bring more quality coaching to the area. That's what it takes, quality coaching, the Bluebirds of now have been brought up with quality coaching since they were mites, they even won a state championship when they were peewee's, or squirts.

rcg27/ i like your style, lets run all these loosers out of town.We need positive people around.Hockey has a huge following and r the most dedicated group of people.This should bring positive things to janesville.

Here is a great opportunity for Janesville, but you watch, they will line up for miles to protest the 200K and whine about their "fixed" incomes and raising taxes, blah blah blah.....and then they will pull out. This is a great thing and should be supported. You are right, there are too many negative people in Janesville and a team like this wants to come to a place where they feel wanted and if Janesville blows this opportunity, Beloit will jump at the opportunity. 200K is chump change, even in these tough times.

And as far as ticket prices being reasonable....$9.00 to watch a hockey game?....come on now. U spend more on that with 1 trip to McDonalds!!

Alot of you people that are bashing really have no clue what it takes to get recognition in this world. Your too busy thinking of the next excuse why our economy is down due to the mayor and president and whatnot. Try helping turn this place around, NOT BURRYING IT EVEN DEEPER!

Junior Hockey, AHL, IHL, NHL....whatever it takes to put a spin on things.....DO IT!

Got my vote hands down

It would be interesting to see if the team makes it. Especially since you can go see better hockey at UW and the tickets are extremely reasonable. And yes I know the UW team is not very good this year, but they are a higher level than junior A.

More info here.

http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2009/jan...

Long_Time_Gone-Don't spoil it for everyone. The city still needs ways to regroup and try and build on some things.

Lets not name the team after a failed company, please(GM;Parker;etc).

The money already authorized for the bike tunnel at east Milwaukee street would pay for updating the ice arena! Plus, the arena could be used all year long.

How 'bout, Team I-Just-Lost-My-Job-My-Seniority-50% of my Net Worth-My-Home-Value-dropped-25%-My-Pension-May-No-Longer-Be-Vested-I-Can't-Sell-my-Home-and-No-One-Is-Hiring, But My-Property-Tax-Bill-Just-Increased-3%???"
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Might be too much for a hockey jersey.

How about go team Complainers? Or team Whiners? Or team I don't know how to think positive about anything?

garyprimer - love it.
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Go Team Caprice? Team Cimmarron? Team J-Car? Team Fisher Body? Team Samson Tractors?

RCG27-You hit it on the head. There is a lot of negative people in Janesville. It's really sad.
As for the people that are concerned about taxes, go read some of the other articles on this website with regards to what our great Governor is doing with taxes. You want to complain about taxes, get this idiot out of office. I would much rather fork out a little extra to better this community.

I'm sorry, I know that I am skating on thin ice here...

Go Team Venture!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Lets take on the venture. Lets start taking the nails out of the coffin a few people want to put this city in.
Can't wait to enter the contest to name the team.

Drive the zamboni into the pond...

I hope everyone can get on board this team coming to Janesville, there would be nothing bad to come from this only good.It will be a welcome change from all the negative talk about job loss.Think positive.Since this is the city of parks maybe someday we could incorporate lions beach pond into this, that would be a great setting for hockey.Make outdoor skating available on the pond, the zamboni is at the rink, drive it down to the pond to make ice.Great pond with the bowl around it would keep the wind down.

If they charge ball park prices for the beer, they will have $200K in no time.

Allow the beer, but no $200k from the taxpayers.

The rink is closed today again because it is too cold, upon their arrival maybe the new team can practice at the library since it is still opened!! I hope they will change that pattern once we get the new hockey team. Way to go Janesville! Can't wait to cheer them on.

I would just like to take a minute and say a few things. I read almost everyday what people say and think should be done in this town and to be quite honest, there's ALOT of negative people out there. Not mainly on this post, but others. I think a junior league hockey team in this town would be a HUGE boost for us all. I am 22 years old myself and I play semi pro football for the Rock County Gladiators. I have played with them for 3 years now including this upcoming season. I know this is a hockey topic, but from my teammate's and my own standpoint, any opportunity that any athlete regardless what level, can get it amazing. The Rock County area alone has handfuls of talented athlete's....so lets support them and let them atleast try and live a dream.

I would love it! I love hockey and would really enjoy not having to leave Janesville to see a game. I think it will really help kids get involved in the sport of hockey too!

To be realistic, I'm not sure how well a team would do here. When I first moved to this cold weather state I couldn't believe we didn't have an NHL team here. Too much invested in football, which leaves many of the other sports teams at various levels either non existent or lousy. The Admirals struggle in Milwaukee sometimes to fill seats. However, the Ice Hogs across the way seem to have a good following. Granted, these are varying levels of play. However, I think it will boil down to how well the management of the team promotes it. Although I think any business is good business at this point, I also feel that the city council needs to see that McCoshen and all those involved have the right plan in place or it could lead to disappointments in the future.

My son played triple a hockey this past spring under Bill McCoshen. He is heavily involved in the Madison area and would be a wonderful addition to the hockey landscape here. Too many people like "rooster" tend to worry about a companies ability to maintain itself and the burden it will put on the tax payers. Well, I would say this to you.....one more business is one more tax payer and with the businesses in this area that are currently folding, we can use all the help we can get. Besides which, it is a great opportunity for scouts to look at kids in this area, which has been underdeveloped in recent years. So, rooster, for all our sakes, please be positive and think about what something like this program could BRING to the community, not take away.

This is a GREAT idea!! I hope it works out. We go to Dubuque to see good smi-pro hockey games and it is a blast. Also, it is a great family friendly enviornment. As long as the beer section is closed off (like the ice arena does for the Dubuque Thunderbirds game), it is a good time.

It would be great to have a local sports team to follow that's a notch above high school. As for not spending the money or taking the risk....that's the kind of thinking that leads to no new business, no new jobs, and no good amenities. Bring Junior hockey to Janesville!

rooster - We're you around Janesville your whole life? Do you remember how big of a deal hockey was here back in the day and how great it was for the kids? Sports also educate by discipline and keeping kids out of trouble. Keeping an ice arena up, shouldn't be that difficult of a task and it's a shame that it's such a drama. I can deal with the streets. They're not nearly as bad as people say.

your asking about 2 different entities, the school district and city... as a hockey supporter, as seen what Stoughton has done and promote Junior "A" hockey..and it is looking pretty good for the city and the hockey program,,, this type of program will be a great opportunity for high school skaters to expose them pro and college scouts... Hockey in Jvl would be great .. I hope they can come up with deal between both sides

In this town, if they have beer, how can it fail! Or this; forget the hockey team and just make it another bar. We could call it; GM on Ice Bar and Grill.

if and when they fold, will they pay the taxpayer back. another idea that applies to a very few. we need our streets plowed and our children taught in a system that prepares them for the real world.

If Janesville doesn't want them, I bet Beloit would!

Finally, something that may get them to update the ice arena and keep it going!!

Go team