MIKE MASTOVICH | Weber vows to change his Chiefs » Pro » The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

Pro

Discussion

April 14, 2007

MIKE MASTOVICH | Weber vows to change his Chiefs

By MIKE MASTOVICH The Tribune-Democrat Sat Apr 14, 2007, 11:47 PM EDT

A few days after the Johnstown Chiefs’ season ended, President Jim Weber promised that changes are coming.

The second-year owner saw more than a few positives this season, but Weber isn’t one to be content with modest gains off the ice and a .500 regular season followed by two playoff losses to Trenton.

“Last year we went farther in the playoffs and I’m not happy that we took a step back. I gave this system two years,” Weber said on Friday night. “I’m starting a reassessment process, everything from top to bottom. I’m going to take into consideration some things the fans said and things people in the hockey operation said. In the end, I’m going to take full responsibility for doing what is right for the entertainment factor for the fans as well as the on-ice product.”

Weber’s expertise is in the business operations and marketing. He is known for trying new ideas and pushing his employees almost relentlessly.

On the ice, the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning handled personnel moves during a 33-33-6 fifth-place season. It’s no secret that without Tampa Bay assigning the majority of the players and offsetting many expenses associated with hockey operations, this team would be history in Johnstown.

But Weber has enough business savvy to realize that the model must be tweaked. The Tampa system is great for developing the Lightning’s prospects, but fans of the team frequently complained they were bored watching players attempt to execute that system.

And what the Lightning giveth, the Lightning taketh away. Player movement between Johnstown and Springfield in the AHL frequently affected the Chiefs’ consistency and sometimes left the team embarrassingly short-handed.

“The people of Johnstown should be proud of the guys who played here,” Chiefs coach Frank Anzalone said after the Titans eliminated the Chiefs 7-5 in Game 2 on Tuesday. “Yeah, everybody wants to quote-unquote go deep in the playoffs and win Kelly Cups. But you have to have a team built for that. This organization is built to develop hockey players.

“The way our guys played right until the end in Reading to make the playoffs. ... We could’ve easily won the series, but every time I turned around there was another guy injured. It was always the core, top-end guys that were injured.”

The Lightning hired Anzalone prior to the 2005-06 season and he has another year remaining on his contract. But Weber’s comments might indicate that Anzalone’s status is uncertain despite his taking the Chiefs to two straight playoff appearances, including a two-game sweep over Trenton a year ago.

“I have no desire to operate in the status quo and do the same things,” Weber said. “I’m looking for better results. I’ve talked to the people in Tampa and they’re willing to embark on an effort where we’re going to be able to improve our product on the ice and improve our fan experience. I’m as unhappy as many of our fans about some of the things that have gone on during the past two years. I don’t want to expand on that. Expect changes, because if you do the same thing, you’re going to get the same result.”

Mike Mastovich is a sports writer for The Tribune-Democrat.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Pro

Ex-Pirate Ludwick signs with Reds
The Reds have made a couple moves to improve their depth, finalizing a $2.5 million, one-year contract with outfielder Ryan Ludwick and a minor league deal with left-handed starter Jeff Francis.

February 10, 2012
Steelers introduce Haley as offensive coordinator
Throughout the 16 minutes that followed him glowingly introducing former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley as his new offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stood proudly in the corner of the second-floor media room at the team’s facility.

February 9, 2012 1 Photo
Michigan board gives go-ahead on Winter Classic
The University of Michigan Board of Regents on Wednesday authorized athletic director Dave Brandon to seek a contract with the NHL that would allow the league to hold next year’s Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.

February 8, 2012
Pens fall to Habs in shootout
Tomas Plekanec scored on Montreal’s eighth attempt in the shootout to lead the Canadiens to a 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
Steelers make it official: Haley’s their man
The Steelers have named Todd Haley their new offensive coordinator.

February 7, 2012
Steelers press release on Todd Haley
PITTSBURGH ― The Pittsburgh Steelers have named Todd Haley as their new offensive coordinator, it was announced today.

February 7, 2012
Johnstown Generals announce 2012 schedule
The Johnstown Generals will open their second season on the road at Cincinnati on March 3 but will play just three of their 10 remaining games away from Cambria County War Memorial according to a league schedule posted on the United Indoor Football League’s website at uiflfootball.com.

February 6, 2012
Crosby practices with Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby practiced Monday but said he is no closer to returning from a concussion and neck injury that have sidelined him for most of the season.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Report: Haley will be Steelers’ next O-coordinator
The Steelers will hire former Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley to be their offensive coordinator, according to an ESPN report.

February 6, 2012 1 Photo
Manning wins second Super Bowl MVP award
Eli Manning is elite, for sure. A king of comebacks, too. And far, far more than Peyton’s little brother now.

February 5, 2012 1 Photo
More Pro Headlines

Pro

Search Results

Discussion

MIKE MASTOVICH | Weber vows to change his Chiefs

Do you support Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13?

Contact Us