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Last updated: November 25, 2009 1:53 p.m.

Let's not clamp down

The more news the better for fledgling IHL

By Justin A. Cohn
The Journal Gazette

I continue to hear that the IHL is concerned with teams, occasionally, confirming to reporters that players are about to be signed.

The gripe is that the league doesn't want any announcements to go out until signings are "official" or "approved by the league."

Fine, I have no problem with them not wanting things stated as definitive if that's not the case.

But let's use last week's signing of Justin Chwedoruk as a completely random example. The Journal Gazette reported that Chwedoruk had been signed, "pending approval from the IHL," with general manager David Franke being the one who confirmed what I already knew was happening.

What would be the problem with that, exactly?

If it doesn't end up happening because of something clerical, nothing false has been reported and the onus remains on the reporters to get their facts straight.

If Chwedoruk didn't get signed, I would be the one having the explaining to do. Not the IHL.

Again, that was just a hypothetical.

Those who have problems with teams that affirm that particular signings are on the way need to realize a few things:

  • Most times, reporters know these things are coming from our contacts with sources, namely players. Or, they pop up on the internet. Or, we see the new players at practice. What is the use of denying something so obvious? Despite what the league may believe, general managers or coaches are not feeding us stuff.
  • Teams such as the Komets and Quad City Mallards have multiple, aggressive reporters covering them, and the league needs to understand that if you want big-time coverage, reporters breaking news comes along with it, and that's a good thing.
  • And this is the most crucial point: For a league like the IHL, which is trying to grow and gain credibility, getting coverage from the media is crucial. You don't want to clamp down.

Justin A. Cohn, pro sports coordinator for The Journal Gazette, has been covering the Fort Wayne Komets since 1997. His reporting includes game stories from home and away, features about the players and personalities associated with the Komets, plus coverage of issues affecting hockey at all levels. A native of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Cohn graduated from Emory University in Atlanta. He can be reached at 260-461-8429 or by email at jcohn@jg.net.

You're exactly right. It seems like the league office would appreciate any and all interest in the IHL. With teams teetering on the edge of shutting down, why in the world would anybody with the IHL's best interest in mind try to clamp down on coverage. Crazy.

Posted by scott schlibski at 11/25/09 02:29:00 PM

The IHL has some very serious problems with not only getting information out to the media but their Web Master is worthless. It took a week for them to post the signing of Chewdoruk. That is way to long and unexceptable. He had already played 3 games. They can't even update the standings following a game. It makes checking the IHL web site a waste of time. I don't always agree with you Justin but you nailed this one.

Posted by Dennis Schebig at 11/25/09 05:03:00 PM

AvatarWhat are they going to do? Ban you? Tell them to take a flying leap.

Posted by Geronimo at 11/25/09 06:06:00 PM

AvatarDennis, I recommend using the pointstreak site for standings and stats. That should update almost immediately, at least with standings.

Posted by Justin Cohn at 11/25/09 06:51:00 PM

AvatarBy the way, the issue isn't what the league does to me. It's what they threaten teams for giving out or confirming information. It's micromanaging things to a crazy level.

Posted by Justin Cohn at 11/25/09 06:53:00 PM

AvatarBIG PICTURE!!! FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE!

IT'S THE BIG PICTURE STUPID!

There you go Justin, I have just explained to he commish in simple terms what the league needs to focus on for the foreseeable future. The nit-picking with who leaked what to whom should now stop.

(you're welcome)

Posted by writes right shoots left at 11/25/09 07:54:00 PM

AvatarWell then, the team will be mad at you for writing about it. Not the reporters fault.
I can understand that throughout history, people have DIED because of rumor, but it seems petty when the obvious is about to take place. How about a little diligence on the part of the league? If it's top secret, then the team should keep it that way.
I think we are all on the same page here. Next thing we can work on now is world peace.
If it's a matter of credability, Justin, I'll put yours ahead of this league any day. Besides, any news from this league is usually 7-10 days late - right Alan?

Posted by Geronimo at 11/26/09 12:54:00 AM

Us fans must be on a need to know basis and apparently we don't need to know. That's all right....keep going this route and you will get use to empty seats!!

Posted by Hockey Guru at 11/26/09 09:49:00 AM

You nailed this one Justin! Now if you could cover world affairs and politics then maybe the left wing types would realize what is happening to us here in America.Good job sir keep it up!

Posted by Tim Hoke at 11/26/09 02:23:00 PM

"You nailed this one Justin! Now if you could cover world affairs and politics then maybe the left wing types would realize what is happening to us here in America.Good job sir keep it up!"

Oh how i love political comments on a hockey blog.. thanks Timmy! gets everyone in that holiday spirit!

Posted by komets123 at 11/26/09 06:09:00 PM

AvatarWhat makes you think I'm not a left-wing type?


I score most of my goals from the left wing.

Posted by Justin Cohn at 11/27/09 01:19:00 AM



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