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BIRD: Thanks for taking time out of your very busy schedule to talk to us. May I begin by asking how long you've been a fan of the game and what your first hockey memory is ?
STAN: It is my pleasure. I have to admit, I did not really become a real fan until we bought into the Canucks back in 1994, which happened to be a good year for Vancouver hockey fans (until Lafayette's shot in the last two minutes rang off the post). My first hockey memory is playing with the table top hockey game my folks bought me for Christmas when I was 7 or 8 years old. In terms of professional hockey, a couple things stand out for me: 1) trying to visualize what Gerry Cheevers' face really would have been like if he had not worn the mask and if the "scars" on it truly were representative, and 2) watching old Seattle Totems games.
BIRD: How did you get into the NHL business ?
STAN: We were approached about the possibility of investing into a new basketball franchise that Vancouver was trying to obtain. At the time, GM Place construction had just started, the NBA had announced they were expanding to Toronto, and Arthur Griffiths (former managing owner of the Canucks) had determined to try and land an NBA franchise in order to have a second tenant in the arena (as a sidenote, it always used to bug the basketball guys that most Vancouverites would refer to GM Place as "the rink"). Anyway, we informed them that we would not have any interest unless we were also able to buy into the hockey franchise and the arena. At that time, we were a minority partner, and we have grown our interest to where it is today.
BIRD: What key factors in the past three years do you attribute to the current state of the Canucks ?
STAN: A focused business and hockey strategy. We have one product to sell-hockey, and in a hockey market. As to our team, we made a commitment to get materially younger and to develop players, rather than trying to acquire a competitive team through free agency. Brian Burke and his staff have done a terrific job of getting younger, while at the same time getting better, and they deserve a lot of credit. We have also reconnected the team to the community-our players, coaches, and management staff are very involved in this city and province. I also think it has been important to have a hockey management that is supportive of the needs of the business people, and our guys have been terrific in that regard.
BIRD: How helpful was Mark Messier in building this winning attitude that currently exists with the club ?
STAN: Pretty difficult for me to answer as I am not around the team that much. I think Mark is credited with helping some young people understand what it takes to prepare to be successful. He did everything this organization asked of him and we are proud to have had Mark Messier wear the Canuck colors. When Mark was here, he was cited in the press as having said that a turnaround takes 3-4 years; it is just unfortunate for us that he was not able to be here for some of the fun that the city is having currently.
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STAN: I do agree with you, although that question is actually better answered by someone with real hockey knowledge. Dan is a favorite out in Vancouver as well. Vancouver has been tough on goalies, and Dan has responded extremely well to the challenge. We are very happy to have him out west.
BIRD: I was recently reminded of this quote from Mike Milbury, New York Islanders GM, The Isles GM seemed more than happy to wash his hands of
Bertuzzi. "If I ever felt [Bertuzzi] was going to fulfill his potential, I'd be a fool to make the deal, because his potential is so vast." The Islanders have spend three years trying to tap into that potential. "He's been hugged and kissed and educated," Milbury said. "We tried everything short of bamboo shoots under the fingernails."
Kinda funny reading that now. What has made Todd the player that he is today?
STAN: I think everyone in hockey always believed Todd had the talent to be a great player. Different things cause players to develop at different times in their careers. Again, this is a question for someone like Burke or Crawford to answer, but I think they would tell you he has matured physically and he has really learned how to utilize his strengths to his benefit. As well, I think he is playing with some people that complement him and his style, and they seem to feed off each other. Sometimes, it is also just a matter of time as everyone develops (in all sports) at different ages. We have benefited immensely from the fact that some teams are under pressure to have people produce immediately, and both of these guys (Bertuzzi and Naslund) have been nothing short of spectacular. And good guys, too.
BIRD: Brian Burke has be a huge part of Vancouver's success, explain what makes him different than other GMs.
STAN: Brian has been very integral to the success of the team, both on and off the ice. He is extremely committed to doing what it takes to ensure that the Canuck fan is exposed very broadly to the team, its players and staff. He is tireless in that regard. As well, Brian is not afraid to admit to making a mistake. I think he is clear in what he expects of his staff and team, and if that is not delivered, he is comfortable making changes. He is also very focused on delivering a team that effectively plays a style that most hockey fans enjoy, which is up tempo. All of his decisions are measured against his overall strategy, and he doesn't deviate. He also allows his colleagues to do their jobs, and has a very participatory management style, which tends to get everyone positively engaged.
BIRD: What would winning the Stanley Cup mean to you personally and what would it mean to the city of Vancouver ?
STAN: It would truly be terrific. It would mean the things we have committed to over the past few years were right, and all the hard decisions, effort, and sleepless nights will have been worth it. While I have been in all the major sports except the NFL, none of them can compare to the work of the hockey player during the playoffs and the mystique of the ultimate trophy, with that of the NHL playoffs and the Stanley Cup. What would it mean to the City of Vancouver?-what did the elimination of 54 years of heartache do for you? Vancouver is truly a great hockey town. There is extensive team coverage during the summer. Guys who come here to play from other cities cannot believe how they are so recognizable, when in many markets no one would ever know who they were. And yet, the fans of Vancouver are respectful of the fact that they also have lives to live outside of the rink. Simply put-it would be huge.
BIRD: Perhaps more for Mr. Burke, have the new rules this season concerning face-offs and obstruction influenced the way players are used in a given game and how have they influenced the current roster if at all ?
STAN: This is really a question for guys involved with the game directly. Having said that, I enjoy greatly watching the skill guys demonstrating so much of the artistry that has not been present the past couple years.
BIRD: How does it feel to have your team selected by Hockeybird as the only team other than the Rangers to root for this season ?
STAN: Hockeybird is clearly an enlightened fan of the game of hockey, and all things related. It is great. Due to the success we have enjoyed over the past couple years, we are receiving support from a lot of places around the world, which is appreciated. Of course, if any Hockeybird readers are interested in seeing a game live, and then catching some great skiing at Whistler, you should visit www.Canucks.com. You will also find that you can get authentic Langdon and Cloutier jerseys. Hockeybird's support is a good demonstration of cross-border support, and we certainly encourage all that you want to send our way!
BIRD: What things if any are the Canucks as a franchise worried about in the upcoming labor talks ?
STAN: In a nutshell, we need to have a system that allows us to remain competitive in our marketplace.
BIRD: With Ottawa and Buffalo filing for bankruptcy, is it OK to ask how the Canucks are, financially speaking ?
STAN: Always ok to ask. Doesn't mean you will necessarily get an answer. All kidding aside, I believe we have put the worst issues behind us. We still face significant issues-the exchange rate is a killer, and we play in a building that has no public involvement, so that we are at a significant competitive disadvantage even when compared to some of our Canadian partners.
BIRD: What are the advantages/disadvantages of the Vancouver area in regards to your NHL team ?
STAN: Great hockey market. From little kids on up-these people love the game of hockey. And situated in one of the cleanest and most beautiful spots on earth-sandwiched between the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Skiing is 30 minutes from downtown, sailing is five minutes from the office. And lots of great fishing and good golf courses, which the players seem to like. It is a very liveable place, and some of our European players have stated that they like it better than many North American cities because it is more similar to what they have experienced back home. It truly is a spectacular place.
BIRD: I recently found out the Vancouver sits on a major fault.....earthquakes are possible. Was that considered before acquiring the team ?
STAN: No. Although for awhile, when the team was struggling, it was perceived by many Vancouver sportswriters and fans that the major fault was named Stanley!
BIRD: Open question......is there anything you'd like to say to Ranger fans or the Hockeybird readers ?
STAN: While you may feel it has been an interminable time since the Rangers last competed for the Cup, it is not anywhere near 54 years. Many teams have not enjoyed the success that the Rangers have, and it will return (and maybe sooner than some people think). Of course, we are only too happy to have Hockeybird readers and Rangers' fans support us. That is the beauty of sport-one can cheer for multiple teams (in a stock portfolio it would be referred to as prudent diversification).
I can't say enough about how thankful I am that Stan took the time to answer our questions. For those that wish, visit the Canucks website and buy some stuff. I hear that Stan needs the extra bucks to support all that Golf, Fishing and Skiing in Vancouver. Nice to be the king eh ?
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Posted by Bird at January 25, 2003 12:41 PMeMail this entry!
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