BY SCOTT HUNTER HADDOW
With the NHL finally back after a long, and
at times, frustrating lockout, fans across the world are
rejoicing with the prospects of a more exciting game and seeing
one team take home the Stanley Cup.
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Ryan Belec is overjoyed NHL hockey
is back. |
One person overjoyed NHL hockey is back is
Ryan Belec, an assistant to Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager
Jay Feaster.
Belec was part of the team when it won a
Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.
Belec, who hails from Sudbury, has worked
with the Lightning for the last five years and couldn't be
happier to finally see his team defend its 2003-04 Stanley Cup
Championship.
Northern Life spoke with Belec about his
hopes for the NHL season.
Now that hockey's back, what are your
thoughts on the whole situation?
Like all hockey fans, I wish the 2004-05
season had never been cancelled. However, as an employee of one
of the NHL's clubs, I am well aware the NHL's economic system
was broken. Had it continued, I have no doubt several of the
league's 30 teams would not have survived. I believe the work
stoppage was necessary in order to ensure a prosperous
future.
How happy are you and how busy are you
now?
I am extremely happy. Despite the fact we all
knew the lockout would end, there was very little teams could
do to prepare in advance for the new NHL. It wasn't until we
received the new collective bargaining agreement that we could
start making plans for the upcoming season. Since mid-July,
it's been non-stop action around the office. It has been very
busy.
Do you think the game will recover,
especially in the United States?
Yes, I believe that in most, if not all, NHL
cities, the game will recover. In fact, I truly believe that
some of the NHL's best days are ahead. The new collective
bargaining agreement has created an environment where players
and clubs are partners and must work together to grow the game.
Here in Tampa Bay, hockey is alive and well. In August, we
surpassed our total ticket sales number from our championship
season. While we did lose a small number of season ticket
holders as a result of the work stoppage, we are now witnessing
an unprecedented demand for tickets.
What was the toughest part about the
lockout?
The toughest part was the simple fact there
was no NHL hockey. There were no wins, no losses...nothing.
There was an ever-present depressed atmosphere around the
office.
What's the status of your job and what will
you be doing this year?
This season, we will operate three teams as
part of the Lightning organization - the Lightning in the NHL,
the Springfield Falcons in the AHL and the Johnstown Chiefs in
the East Coast Hockey League. With the implementation of a
salary cap system, it will be more important that teams develop
many of their own prospects, as opposed to acquiring players
via trades or free agency. While I will remain based in Tampa,
I anticipate spending a much greater amount of time with our
minor league teams this season, helping monitor the development
of our prospects. I will also continue to assist GM Jay Feaster
with many of the day-to-day operations of the team.
Anything you want to say?
A dream season would be winning the Stanley
Cup (again) and Go Wolves Go!
