Monthly Archives: December 2009

An Open Invitation to Jim Kelley

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I have been involved with the NHL as an owner for 11 years.

I think I am actually getting up there in years as to seniority in ownership as there has been a lot of turnover in ownership in the NHL.

I am on the Executive Committee of the League.

I am probably one of the most transparent and interactive owners in the league. I embrace the media and the blogosphere. I respect all of the people that cover our great sport. I went to my first hockey game with my father as a birthday gift he gave me in 1961. I still remember that day. I actually did see many of the great old great players play as a child at Madison Square Garden and The Boston Garden. My favorite player was Bobby Orr.

In all of that time and all of those interactions, I honestly can’t ever remember meeting Jim Kelley or seeing him at a Caps game here in DC. If I am incorrect in that statement I apologize in advance.

I would like to invite Jim to a Caps game here in DC where we can meet, discuss and exchange ideas. We can talk about the game and history. He can come and Rock the Red. He can put a human face on the name that he writes about. We certainly didn’t connect or talk about what he was writing in this piece. He certainly didn’t call me to talk or send me an email to discuss.

So Jim, consider this an open invitation to come on down to Washington DC to talk some hockey. You can get out of the office, have some fun and meet some people. I think that would be a terrific idea. What do you think? Thank you.

Standings Tightening Up

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We have real parity now in the NHL. Check out the standings.

There isn’t a single team in the league that doesn’t think it can qualify for the playoffs. We are less than 30 games into the season and every team – for the most part - is still in the race.

This is great news for fans; for the league; and for our broadcast partners.

It also shows that the new CBA with its hard cap really has engendered competitiveness.

We play a division rival tonight in Florida. We are banged up but they will be tired having to play back to back games. I am hopeful our fans can help us with that extra surge of energy we will need to fight through all of the drama and injuries we have seen of late.

Come on out and have some fun. See you all tonight. Go Caps!

Groupon Financing

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I am proud to serve on the board of directors of this great young company, Groupon. They are providing a great set of services to consumers and to merchants. The company is growing very fast. The company just raised a lot of money from some brand named venture capital firms. Check out this article. 

Groupon is a terrific example of next generation social shopping and local direct marketing. Sign up today to become a member as well. Go to Groupon.com to check it out.

On Alex

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I met with Alex yesterday.

We shook hands, laughed and then we hugged. He had no limp in his gait. He could play on Thursday if needed. End of worry about his health.

Alex is a wonderful kid, raised the right way and with the right value system.

He listens the most to his mom and dad and brother. I trust his family as they have great instincts and the right motives in mind always.

Isn’t that the best place to get good solid advice?

We had a short and direct conversation.

Alex isn’t trying to hurt anyone. He has an honest respect for the game and for all players in the league. Alex is trying to “get the puck. I just want what they have and that is the puck.” It is a simple logic. He plays the game the way it was designed. He is just bigger and faster than anyone. Can you name a player in NHL history that has this mix of size, skill, power and speed? I can’t.

Alex does play fast and hard. It is why he is beloved. It is why he is the two-time and reigning MVP of the league.

I believe if he changes and becomes a player that is managed by the media or fans or anyone else, he will put himself at risk. ” To thine own self be true.” That is the right motto to live by. That is what I have advised Alex. Be authentic and be respectful. Play the game with passion. Lean in, don’t lean back. Love the game. Have fun. Win.

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