Even the most novice of sports fans knows that winning doesn’t happen by chance. Winning in any sports league requires a relentless culture of excellence that passes from ownership on to the front office, throughout the team operations group and eventually down to the players. Winning is an attitude that breeds confidence, character and trust in the organization.
It has been almost a decade since the Panthers played a post-season game. Since then, the team has consistently:
-Ranked in the bottom of the League
-Eroded its season-ticket base
-Drafted within the upper tier of the first round in the amateur draft
-Made dubious trades (i.e. The Ray Whitney and Roberto Luongo deals) resulting in an exodus of promising youth
-Signed dubious free agents (Esa Tikkannen), and most telling…
-Rotated GMs and Coaches on an almost annual basis (ex. Keenan – 2x GM, Coach)
Unfortunately, Majority Owner Alan Cohen’s off-ice business success has eluded him with the Panthers…
Any of the few remaining season-ticket holders will tell you that this team is mismanaged at all levels – from their Account Exec, to arena operations, to the box office and will-call window. The Panthers’ recently proposed “walk-up tax” was repealed only after local merchants and season-ticket holders inundated the Marketing office and local papers with objections. Arena service service levels have declined over the years, all the while ticket and concession prices have risen exponentially.
In short, the Panthers organization is rapidly spiraling out of control due to poor management at all levels. This team needs massive managerial intervention, and fast! For all Panthers’ fans sake, let’s hope Mr. Cohen realizes this soon and makes a final round of changes in his hockey Management ranks, finally injecting that “Culture of Excellence” that this organization and team so desperately need.
