Fans place hopeful WHA2 has future

Some confident in league founder Waronker, others have their doubts. By DAVID JOHNSON The Times-Union Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena became the epicenter of the World Hockey Association 2 Tuesday night, with fans from Orlando, Miami and Macon coming to support their All-Stars. And the hot-button topic among fans from across the league was the rumor of the WHA2's potential demise during or after this season. Nancy Walthall, wearing her Macon Trax jersey to the all-star game, was one of a few fans that said Internet message boards have sparked the speculation. She said rumors of the league folding are greatly overblown, but potentially dangerous. "It only takes a small rumor to scare fans and sponsors away," said Walthall, who has supported Macon hockey through eight years, four leagues and two team names. "David Waronker [WHA2 founder and Barracudas owner] has pledged to do whatever it takes. The rumors are [the All-star game] is our last game, but we're already planning signs for the next game." She was referring to newspaper reports two weeks ago questioning the WHA2's survival beyond Tuesday's game. In addition, the Barracudas are for sale and the World Hockey Association, which begins play in December, has considered Jacksonville's membership. Walthall wasn't the only out-of-town fan who pinned her confidence on the league's founder. "He [Waronker] is a real down-to-earth kind of person and I don't think this is the league's last year," said Laura Nichols, who wore an autographed Orlando Seals jersey to the all-star game. "We went to Lakeland the other day and there were bad rumors about Lakeland's team, but they [the Loggerheads] looked fine to me." Barracudas' fan Dean Scorge said he was less confident in the team surviving, because he hadn't heard Waronker make a commitment. "The owner is in over his head," Scorge said. "He really hasn't addressed the main issue of whether they're going to be here next year. 'Cudas' fan Matt Foster disagreed. "From what I see, I think it will continue in the WHA2 with the support and the success they've had," said Foster, who brings his family to weekend games. "I think it's a shame [if the league folds]. Jacksonville is becoming a booming sports town." Web posted on Jan. 28, 2004		Jacksonville Barracudas goalie Randy Hevey (left) makes a stick save on a shot from WHA2 All-Star Jim Callhan (6) on a breakaway in their game Tuesday at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena. RICK WILSON/The Times-Union Home News Schedule Photos Links Message Board Email: [email protected] This article is copyright 2004 by the Jacksonville Union-Times and is used for informational purposes only.

Fans place hopeful WHA2 has future

Some confident in league founder Waronker, others have their doubts.

By DAVID JOHNSON
The Times-Union

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena became the epicenter of the World Hockey Association 2 Tuesday night, with fans from Orlando, Miami and Macon coming to support their All-Stars.

And the hot-button topic among fans from across the league was the rumor of the WHA2's potential demise during or after this season.

Nancy Walthall, wearing her Macon Trax jersey to the all-star game, was one of a few fans that said Internet message boards have sparked the speculation. She said rumors of the league folding are greatly overblown, but potentially dangerous.

"It only takes a small rumor to scare fans and sponsors away," said Walthall, who has supported Macon hockey through eight years, four leagues and two team names. "David Waronker [WHA2 founder and Barracudas owner] has pledged to do whatever it takes. The rumors are [the All-star game] is our last game, but we're already planning signs for the next game."

She was referring to newspaper reports two weeks ago questioning the WHA2's survival beyond Tuesday's game. In addition, the Barracudas are for sale and the World Hockey Association, which begins play in December, has considered Jacksonville's membership.

Walthall wasn't the only out-of-town fan who pinned her confidence on the league's founder.

"He [Waronker] is a real down-to-earth kind of person and I don't think this is the league's last year," said Laura Nichols, who wore an autographed Orlando Seals jersey to the all-star game. "We went to Lakeland the other day and there were bad rumors about Lakeland's team, but they [the Loggerheads] looked fine to me."

Barracudas' fan Dean Scorge said he was less confident in the team surviving, because he hadn't heard Waronker make a commitment.

"The owner is in over his head," Scorge said. "He really hasn't addressed the main issue of whether they're going to be here next year.

'Cudas' fan Matt Foster disagreed.

"From what I see, I think it will continue in the WHA2 with the support and the success they've had," said Foster, who brings his family to weekend games. "I think it's a shame [if the league folds]. Jacksonville is becoming a booming sports town."

Web posted on Jan. 28, 2004

Jacksonville Barracudas goalie Randy Hevey (left) makes a stick save on a shot from WHA2 All-Star Jim Callhan (6) on a breakaway in their game Tuesday at the Jacksonville Veteran's Memorial Arena.
RICK WILSON/The Times-Union

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