Vol. 15 , No. 2 The official newsletter of the Carolina ... · 1/1/2015 · Celebrities Galore at...
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Greenley Brings New Direction To In-Game Experience Chris Greenley, Director of Canesvision and In-Game Marketing Vol. 15 , No. 2 The official newsletter of the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club January 2015 Change was in the air this offseason for the Carolina Hurricanes. They changed the general manager, they changed the coach, and they also made a significant change to the in-game experience. Enter Chris Greenley. The Colorado native was hired as the Director of Canesvision and In-Game marketing back in August. Chris has over 10 years of experience in the sports industry including in the NBA, MLB, MLS, and international soccer. He worked with the Colorado Avalanche prior to his current position with the Carolina Hurricanes. As seen in the first home games of the 2014-15 season, Greenley and his staff implemented changes in philosophy and the quality of music. He hired DJ Marcus Mista Illz Ward, who mixes music live during the home games. The first major challenge was hiring a new producer. “Finding a new producer was a real challenge for us.” Said Greenley. “We brought in Christine Williams, who has worked with NFL films, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and was an intern with the Canes a year ago.” Williams made an immediate and noticeable impact with the new countdown to showtime idea. It shows the locker room, rink, and team as the numbers count down. He had to make changes to corporate promotions to make sure the promos work for the fans, players, and sponsors. (It was noted that players would sometimes watch the promos instead of listening to the coach during TV timeouts.) “One thing I brought with me was the Harris Teeter Crazy Caniacs, which show nominees throughout the game and at the end, we show a 3-person contest for the winner.” Said Chris. “It’s really simple, all about fan engagement, and gets people going.” Continued on page 7 Chris Greenley, Director of Canesvision, was the special guest speaker at the October CHBC meeting. Next CHBC Meeting: Thursday, January 22 nd at the Backyard Bistro What’s inside 2 President’s Message Cheap Seats / John Gallagher 3 4 CHBC News September Meeting – Shane Willis 6
Transcript of Vol. 15 , No. 2 The official newsletter of the Carolina ... · 1/1/2015 · Celebrities Galore at...
Greenley Brings New Direction To In-Game Experience Chris Greenley, Director of Canesvision and In-Game Marketing
Vol. 15 , No. 2 The official newsletter of the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club January 2015
Change was in the air this offseason for the Carolina Hurricanes. They changed the general manager, they changed the coach, and they also made a significant change to the in-game experience.
Enter Chris Greenley. The Colorado native was hired as the Director of Canesvision and In-Game marketing back in August. Chris has over 10 years of experience in the sports industry including in the NBA, MLB, MLS, and international soccer. He worked with the Colorado Avalanche prior to his current position with the Carolina Hurricanes.
As seen in the first home games of the 2014-15 season, Greenley and his staff implemented changes in philosophy and the quality of music. He hired DJ Marcus Mista Illz Ward, who mixes music live during the home games.
The first major challenge was hiring a new producer. “Finding a new producer was a real challenge for us.” Said Greenley. “We brought in Christine Williams, who has worked with NFL films, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and was an intern with the Canes a year ago.”
Williams made an immediate and noticeable impact with the new countdown
to showtime idea. It shows the locker room, rink, and team as the numbers count down.
He had to make changes to corporate promotions to make sure the promos work for the fans, players, and sponsors. (It was noted that players would sometimes watch the promos instead of listening to the coach during TV timeouts.)
“One thing I brought with me was the Harris Teeter Crazy Caniacs, which show nominees throughout the game and at the end, we show a 3-person contest for the winner.” Said Chris. “It’s really simple, all about fan engagement, and gets people going.” Continued on page 7
Chris Greenley, Director of Canesvision, was the special guest speaker at the October CHBC meeting.
Next CHBC Meeting: Thursday, January 22nd at the Backyard Bistro
What’s inside
2 President’s Message
Cheap Seats / John Gallagher 3
4 CHBC News
September Meeting – Shane Willis 6
John Gallaher President
Barbara Stump Vice President
Sandi Watts
Treasurer
Chris Clark Secretary
Cathie McCorkle At-Large Member
Patrick Noonan At-Large Member
Taylor Stacey
At-Large Member
Donna Jo Stephenson At-Large Member
Website Coordinator
Mark Hall
Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club P. O. Box 20776
Raleigh, N. C. 27619 www.hurricanesboosters.org
For the latest CHBC news, follow us:
Send newsletter submissions to: [email protected]
Newsletter deadline:
Friday, January 31 for the Spring 2015 issue
Page 2 Hurricane Warning January 2015
@CHBCHurricanes
ESPN’s Scott Burnside at the CHBC kiosk at Sec 124. Pictured (left to right): Sandi & David Watts, Burnside, Chris Clark, Lynnae & Patrick Drollinger, John Gallagher
President’s Message / John Gallagher
Celebrities Galore at the CHBC Kiosk!
Happy New Year CHBC Members!
It’s been a tough season so far, but your unwavering support is very much appreciated. Times like these call for diehard hockey fans to band together. The return of Jordan Staal should provide our team a much-needed boost.
The CHBC kiosk has had some visits from hockey celebrities including ESPN’s Scott Burnside, Justin Faulk’s mom, and Andres Nestrasil. Link to ESPN CHBC coverage can be found here http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11860266 Despite the team woes on the ice, the CHBC is thriving with support from long-time members and some new ones as well. We encourage all members to stop by the kiosk, help us out, or just say hello.
Our Fall/Winter Jersey Raffle went well. We earned enough funds to provide at least one youth hockey scholarship to the Canes Summer 2015 Hockey Camp.
Our next area of focus at the CHBC kiosk is the CHBC Fan Favorite Award for 2014-15. Just $1 to vote. Justin Faulk has the early lead (thanks to a donation from his Mom!) Details about the Fan Favorite award can be found on page 4 of this newsletter. Vote for your favorite Canes player today!
Also on page 4, take a look at the calendar of events and support the Canes and the Hurricanes Booster Club. Thank you for your support. Let’s GO CANES! And that’s hockey to me….
John Gallagher, President Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club e-mail: [email protected]
Officers & Directors
hurricanesboosters
Page 3 Hurricane Warning January 2015
Canes defeated Penguins on Nov 28, 2014 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA
Florida Everblades at Wheeling Nailers Nov 29, 2014 at Wesbanco Arena - Wheeling, WV The Pittsburgh Penguins Booster Club.
My daughter, Isabelle, and me following Canes win at Pittsburgh!
I got the opportunity to see the Canes on the road during the Thanksgiving break. Having not been to Pittsburgh since 2006, this was my first trip to Consol Energy Center (previously the Penguins played in Mellon Arena until 2010). The arena is amazing, very modern. Lots of room on the concourse and includes an interactive Penguins Hall of Fame Area. This area includes a touch screen where you can pull up the stats, photos, and video of Penguin all-time greats including our General Manager, Ron Francis.
While in the Wheeling area, I took in the Hurricane’s ECHL affiliate, Florida Everblades The Everblades lost an exciting 3-2 decision to the Nailers despite scoring 2 in the 3rd. The Ohio Valley is where I grew up. Wheeling and Pittsburgh have a lot of character. I highly recommend taking in the hockey in the area along with a Primanti Brothers sandwich!
From the Cheap Seats / John Gallagher
Canes Win at Pittsburgh!
Page 4 Hurricane Warning January 2015
Each year the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club holds the Fan Favorite of the Year Award. Fans can vote for their favorite Carolina Hurricanes Player for a $1 donation. For each dollar donated, a vote is recorded for that individual’s player of choice. At the end of the season, the Booster Club donates 100% of the proceeds to the Kids N’ Community Foundation and presents the winning player with the Fan Favorite Plaque. Following his retirement in 2004 the CHBC Fan Favorite Award was re-dedicated to Ron Francis with the engraving “In Honor of Ron Francis” added to the bottom of the plaque. Past winners of the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club Fan Favorite Award:
1997-98 Steve Chiasson 1998-99 Kevin Dineen 1999-00 Jeff O’Neill 2000-01 Shane Willis 2001-02 Ron Francis 2002-03 Rod Brind’amour 2003-04 Kevyn Adams 2005-06 Matt Cullen
2006-07 Glen Wesley 2007-08 Justin Williams 2008-09 Tuomo Ruutu 2009-10 Rod Brind’amour 2010-11 Cam Ward 2011-12 Brandon Sutter 2012-13 Patrick Dwyer
*Wednesday, January 7 @ 7pm Backyard Bistro – Canes Corner Canes Corner Guest: Justin Faulk
^Saturday, January 17 7pm Backyard Bistro – Storm Watch Party
Carolina Hurricanes @ Ottawa Senators
^Thursday, January 22 @ 7pm Backyard Bistro Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club General Membership meeting
Guest Speaker: To Be Determined
*Thursday, January 29 @ 7pm Backyard Bistro – Canes Corner
^Saturday, January 31 7pm Backyard Bistro – Storm Watch Party Carolina Hurricanes @ NY Rangers
*Indicates events hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes
^Indicates events hosted by the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club
CHBC NEWS
CHBC Event Calendar
CHBC Fan Favorite Voting Under Way! $1 Per Vote - 100% of Proceeds Benefit the Kids N Community
Page 5 Hurricane Warning January 2015
Former Carolina Hurricanes player, Shane Willis, was the guest at the Booster Club’s October meeting.
In the 2000-2001 hockey season, Shane Willis was having a breakout season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He scored 20 goals and 24 assists helping the Canes make the 2001 Stanley Cup Playoffs. On November 12, 2000 Shane scored 9 seconds into the start of a 4-0 win over the Ottawa Senators, a record that still stands to this day. Despite having to overcome several insurmountable hurdles, Shane continued a hockey career that spanned over 10 years including other stints in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL. This impressive drive to succeed has carried over into his current position as the Youth and Amateur Hockey Coordinator with the Carolina Hurricanes. There are currently over 1800 kids playing youth hockey in the area today. Details of youth hockey activity are well chronicled at www.ryha.org. In discussing youth hockey, Shane outlined the phases of development in hockey: Ages 8 to 10: Learn to play the game / have fun Ages 10-12: At this age, players start to learn and develop skill Ages 13-14: Players start to develop physical attributes to play the game Ages 15-16: Off-ice work tends to begin Youth hockey is thriving in the Triangle. The 2014 Summer Hockey Elite Camp (ages 13-17) actually doubled in size this year. The junior Hurricanes will once again be competing in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament beginning February 11, 2015. For more information on the tournament, go to www.tournoipee-wee.qc.ca. The Carolina Junior Hurricanes finished first in the International-B bracket back in 2011.
If looking for some of the latest updates, you can also follow the Junior Hurricanes on twitter @JrCanesU16. Shane is currently partnering with Canes defenseman Justin Faulk on grass roots programs as announced on the canes website back on Oct 31, 2014: There are two programs to help introduce kids to hockey – Learn to Play and First Goal. The First Goal program is a four-week course that provides an introduction to try hockey at a minimal expense. Upon completion of the First Goal program, participants may progress to Learn to Play, an eight-week program that teaches the fundamentals of the sport. After completing Learn to Play, participants will be invited to join the Hurricanes House League. For more information on the Hurricanes House League, please visit www.phhl.org. Shane Willis is also scheduled to play in the 4th Annual Hurricanes Alumni Game on Sunday, March 22. For more information, skate over to www.hurricanes.nhl.com
September Meeting – Shane Willis
Shane Willis Is Talking About Youth Hockey!
Page 6 Hurricane Warning January 2015
New CHBC Member Buddy Bartley won a Canes Bobblehead and an autographed photo of Coach Bill Peters at the October Storm Watch Party!
Welcome New Board Member Donna Jo Stephenson! Donna Jo won a classic
Ray Whitney figurine at the October membership meeting!
Long-time supporter Sherry Hollcraft holds a signed Nathan Gerbe photo she won at the
October membership meeting.
Logan won this signed Cam Ward card just by following the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club on Twitter. Sometimes it’s just that easy!
MEMBER NEWS
CHBC “Members Win!” During Games and Events
“We really want to show the work and
energy the players are putting in and translate
that to video.”
Page 7 Hurricane Warning January 2015
“You have to be mindful and respectful of what the NHL is, the history. There is a lot of things
you just don’t do.”
Another huge enhancement was the addition of a wireless camera.
“So you will see one of our more senior producers, Don Sill, get different camera angles and shots for when we create highlight videos and team opens.” Said Greenley. “The shots are a little more in depth and a little more emotional. We really want to show the work and energy the players are putting in and translate that to video.”
Under Chris’ leadership, there is a real focus on the quality of the broadcasts and
creating a better fan experience for the ticket-buying customers.
Other franchises Chris has worked for were more conservative than that of the Carolina Hurricanes. Some do not allow you to poke fun at other teams hardly at all. Chris is careful to ensure the fun is tastefully done.
“You have to be mindful and respectful of what the NHL is, the history. There is a lot of things you just don’t do.” Said Greenley. “Incorporating videos involving the mascot with a punchline at the end live. That’s fun. That’s a good flow to have and I want to incorporate more of those where it makes sense.” GAME DAY PROCESS
The game day process for Chris starts about a week early for the Canesvision team.
“Everything is scripted out and planned to a certain degree.” Said Chris. “Some of the things that aren’t planned, those are the best!”
The staff critiques the script to make sure all the elements have the right balance of hockey with fun and excitement in the content.
Finally game day arrives and a review with staff starts around 2pm so each person knows what is expected. Then Chris will meet with Jon Chase and Amber Jay to go over that night’s game plan. Any changes from these meetings are implemented before dinner. After dinner, Chris meets with DJ Marcus for the Live Music Mixes.
Then it’s gametime. Chris Greenley is in his seat from about 6:30pm until the end of the game (including Overtime when applicable).
Following the game, Chris has a follow-up meeting with the staff to recap the night and get 1 good thing and 1 bad thing to learn from so they can constantly improve the game-night experience.
All that said, even with a well-planned script, the Canesvision staff always must be ready to go off-script when the unexpected occurs (i.e. long review call, player injury, or extended shootout contest).
In a challenging hockey season like this one, the production intangibles Chris Greenley and his team bring to the rink help keep the diehard hockey fans engaged.
Chris Greenley – Continued from page 1
NEXT CHBC Membership Meeting
Thursday, January 22nd 7pm at the Backyard Bistro
Guest Speaker: To Be Determined
The Backyard Bistro is located at 1235 Hurricane Alley Way Raleigh, NC 27607
(across from the PNC Arena).
The Backyard Bistro is the official meeting place of the Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club
Hurricane Warning The Carolina Hurricanes Booster Club P. O. Box 20776 Raleigh, North Carolina 27619 www.hurricanesboosters.org
