Two of the four, CAROLINA and NY (Rangers) have immediate openings --JOHN FORSLUND, the veteran Carolina pbp voice left Carolina to become the broadcaster for the new SEATTLE expansion team, (Kraken) and KENNY ALBERT (son of Marv), will have an expanded role (in addition to his NY Rangers duties) for TNT Hockey when they begin their new role (with ESPN) with NHL Hockey come this fall.
Hahn, who has been with the Sharks since their inception in 1991 (at the SF Cow Palace) is under CONTRACT another two years but sources close to the interested parties indicate a "willingness to work hard to make a deal." No formal offer to Hahn has been made but all of the parties are "extremely interested in pursuing Hahn," said the source. The two other organizations mentoned by the source were MONTREAL (Canadians) and CHICAGO (Black Hawks)
That would be horrible for Sharks' fans, if Hahn goes elsewhere. Same in regard to the team, itself, going elsewhere. Sharks' owners have made noises about moving from SJ in the past, and I've read that current team ownership is not pleased with the city of SJ.
ReplyDeleteA future with no Sharks hockey, and/or no A's baseball, in the Bay Area. That's an ugly thought.
The San Jose team has made some major investments not only in the arena, but with their five-plex practice facility in south San Jose. They don't spend what little money they have freely. But yes, they are at odds with the city because of Google and the land around the arena.
DeleteThe arena has become a sore subject. Worst ice surface in the league, and the venue is considered outdated. The Diridon/Google project, as you mentioned, will present some serious access problems for arena customers.
DeleteSeveral years ago, team ownership expressed interest in moving the Sharks to Santa Clara. I surmise that the ugly situation between the Niners and the highly antagonistic City of Santa Clara ruined those (Sharks to Santa Clara) ideas!
I've been a season ticket holder and have attended many sessions with Sharks management. The Sharks have been steadfast in saying they do not need a new arena. Unlike most sports franchises, they aren't begging for a new arena, which is why they've invested so highly in the current building. They do, however, have significant concerns about the Google project which has soured things.
DeleteRandy Hahn is an excellent PBP broadcaster and he would be sorely missed if he left booth. I hope that he stays with the Sharks.
ReplyDeleteI did not realize that the Sharks were unhappy with the Shark Tank. The fan base is loyal and relocating would be a disaster for fans and local businesses.
Does he go ALL the way back to the San Francisco Spiders days??
ReplyDeleteWill Roberta Gonzales want him to move??
It's radio announcer Dan Rusanowsky who's been with the Sharks since the first puck dropped at the Cow Palace. Hahn got the TV job in '93, when the Shark Tank opened. The first two years, Joe Starkey did TV.
ReplyDeleteStarkey and Dennis Hull (Bobby's brother) were not in good favor with Sharks' management. I had season's tickets back then, and I did hear that first-hand from a Sharks' executive (who was directly involved with the announcers).
DeleteHahn did start calling games at the Cow Palace, initially as a substitute PBP man. Goalie Brian Hayward, who at the time was injured, was his (temporary) color analyst. Pete "The Stemmer" Stemkowski replaced Hull. I talked to Stemkowski in the stands at the Cow Palace, after the Sharks' shutout the Kings 6-0 (with Irbe between the pipes). Stemmer was a nice guy!
Stemmer and Sam Rosen. A couple of hockey noses.
DeleteHahn: The Al Michaels of hockey.
ReplyDeleteWould be a shame to lose him.