JETS

08/27/08

JETS TRAINING CAMP ANNOUNCED

JETS BLUE & WHITE GAMES OPEN TO PUBLIC

RED DEER, AB - The Red Deer Jets announced Wednesday that the 2008 Training Camp will take place through 2 ice sessions over three days in two different locations.

"Last year we had a great reaction by taking training camp to the fans in West and Eastern Red Deer. This year we wanted to do the same." said Joe Whitbread, who made the announcement.

The Red Deer Jets will open training camp at the Red Deer Arena downtown on Monday, September 22nd from 9:45pm - 10:45pm. Then, after a Tuesday night off at the Rebels game, the Jets will again take to the ice for session #2 on Wednesday, September 24th from 9:00pm - 10:00pm at Kin City A.

"Last year we were able to go to the DAWE and the Collicutt so their fans could be a part of the Jets. This year, we wanted to expand our fan base by letting downtown fans at the Arena and East Central fans at Kin City see the Jets for the first time!" said Whitbread who had help booking from veteran forward and Jet returnee Garrett Zimmerman.

Whitbread also announced that Jets Registration, fitness testing and weigh in will take place on Monday night at 8:45 at the Arena prior to the first session.

All Jets players fees will be taken care of however, guests, who MUST be registered through the organization's office will have to pay a $10.00 per session fee to attend. Only invitees through this special registration through the club can attend to avoid friends bringing friends friends and so forth.

Goaltender Scott Malo will be called upon to bring a back-up but it is expected that Brett VanBierkel who finished the season in goal for Red Deer may be invited to camp.

"Malo's our MVJ, there's no doubt. His role is not in joepardy. We just need another guy to strap on the pads for camp and I thing VanBierkel is more than capable if he's available. After all, he does have the summer hard hat!" Said Whitbread.

"With that said however, there's not a guy coming in here that should feel he's a part of this team automatically." Whitbread added. "Its a priveledge to be a Jet. Returnees know that and there's a lot of interest in attending camp to get a look!"

Jets Camp this season may have a new sponsor. Molson's 2 year term has come to an abbrupt end and Labatt has been mentioned as a possible replacement for both Camp Sponsor and the Hard Hat.

PURE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS:

Questions regarding Deuce Murdock have once again come up as the Facebook Group site is entering its 5th week without a story. Murdock is expected at camp however he did miss the owner's dinner on July 25th without explanation...Players are asked to do their ABSOLUTE BEST to attend camp dates this year. Ice time IS NOT cheap and Jets players are what camp is all about, not Jets friends. Please try hard to mark it on your calendar now...The Jets are accepting prizes and gifts for Jets camp this year. If you have coupons, shirts, hats, water bottles or other promotional momentos that you could spare numbering 20 or more, we'd really appreciate it. Please contact the Jets office for details.

08/24/08

SCHEDULING MEETINGS BEGIN

JETS OUTDOOR GAME EXPECTED

RED DEER, AB - With a ton of off season news and excitement, the Jets get ready to set up shop at the Centrium for another season after being handed their home schedule.

"Westerner Park gives us our home dates about this time every year then I begin the long and arduous process of trading ice times with teams throughout the City and Central Alberta." said GM Joe Whitbread who also looks after the season schedule.

The Jets will step on home Centrium ice for the first time October 8th but are expected to begin their season on the road for the first time once scheduling begins this week.

"We're excited to know our home schedule at this point." Whitbread said. "But trading the games and ensuring that works for eveyone is the hard part."

The Red Deer Jets, as they will be known this year, have dropped the Canyon Sportswear monacher after talks with the original naming sponsor fell apart late last year. Whitbread says teams wishing to play the Jets are encouraged to donate to Special Olympics as well.

"We ran into a couple teams last year (Crude Dudes-pictured below) who really helped out with what's become known as an 'opponent's pledge' and that's really appreciated. We welcome that from other teams this year too."

The Jets are expected to make one Sunday afternoon date in January or February available for the first ever Jets Outdoor Classic says Whitbread, but that date and sponsors have not yet been named.

"Each year, we want to go where no team has gone before and we feel that this is the year to attempt an outdoor game." Said the GM. "We already have an opponent and a prospective time to work with. Hammering down an exact date is next on the agenda."

Jets training Camp has not yet been finalized, however is expected to go at the end of September prior to the Jets first game.

Jets season tickets are on sale now at the Centrium Box Office. Free while supplies last. Mini-Packs and Group packages are also available. Book early to get the best seats throughout the home season.

NEXT TIME on reddeerjets.com

Where's Deuce? The Jets Facebook group Insider is missing.

and

SURPRISE!

Wardo doesn't dissapoint in 2008!

08/08/08

WALKER RETURNS FROM RUSSIA

NEWSLESS SUMMER CONTINUES

RED DEER, AB - "I can't believe I missed the owner's Dinner!" Exclaimed Andrew Walker after touching down at the Calgary International Airport late Wednesday night following his long voyage home from Moscow via Rome, Italy and Toronto, Ont.

"Looks like there's been plenty happening over the last couple of days!" he added while saying he was rarely able to access the internet in Europe. "I checked in to see the pictures of Wardo and the guys and couldn't believe it!"

Walker's journey with girlfriend Inna Latypova to her homeland took the better part of three weeks but Walker says he's glad to be home.

"We definitely enjoyed our beach time on the Black Sea and some touristy stuff in Russia. It was a great experience!" he said. "I (brought) back some great Jets pics!"

Walker is expected to release photographs from his trip to reddeerjets.com in the coming days and they will be added to our growing JET SETTERS page. Click it to see where the Red Deer Jets jersey has been!

In other news, Tyler Labrecque has alledgedly already entered contract extension negotiations. Labrecque has one more year left on his current contract but rumor has it Labrecque, who was once considered a possible fill in as Assistant, General Manager is looking for a major role with the franchise for a longer period of time. Labreque and his wife Kelley are expecting their third child this winter.

PURE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS:

Scott Malo has been at home on parental leave with his daughter Sadie...efforts to contact Malo or his internet cohort Deuce Murdock to update the Facebook Group site have fallen short but we know Scott is enjoying his time at home!...Jared Waldo continues in the same summer mode having canned at least two full broadcasts of JETS RADIO this summer including a highly anticipated interview with owner Cam Ward...neither has shown up on the site. Doc O and his Fiance Jeran Williams have had their photo taken for Facebook wearing Jets jerseys...why they were't returned to the organization at the end of the year is up in the air...

07/26/08

JETS OWNER'S SUPPER

WARD OWNERSHIP GROUP NAMED

RED DEER, AB - On July 25th, Cam Ward came home.

The Red Deer Jets owner since 2006 met his team members for the first time Friday night at a special Keg supper and the Jets couldn't be happier.

"Thanks to everyone that helped put that together." Said D-Jared Waldo following a visit with the Hurricanes goaltender. "Great to meet Wardo finally!"

"Biggest thanks to our team owner, Cam Ward, for the great evening!!" commented Doc O.

The Jets owner visited with members of his rec hockey team and they shared stories he'd never heard before about a team whos support for Special Olympics and desire to have fun playing Rec Hockey brought a smile to his face time and time again.

"Its awesome what you guys are doing here and its obviously for a great cause. I'm thrilled at how things are going!" said Ward.

Following dinner, a pretaped interview for an upcoming episode of JETS Radio and a few photo opportunities at the Keg, the owner met with key members of his club for what would be a monumental announcement.

Under the dark, clear sky F-Jeremy Jablonski was handed 15% ownership of the team by the CEO while F-Joe Whitbread is now 10% owner of the Red Deer Jets.

"Jabber gives so much monetarily to this club and Joe's time is worth so much too. These guys are the reason the Jets are so successful and I want to share in what they've helped create!" Said Ward. "I will maintain majority ownership but I am very pleased to announce that Joe and Jabber are now each part of the Ward Ownership group."

Player agent Dean Molberg of Boomdog Industries, who created the Jets in 2005 was even on hand for the hand shake just like he was when Ward bought the team in 2006.

"Yah, whatever..." he grumbled.

"This is a very special night for the players, their families and all of our fans." said Wardo. "The Jets are a big deal now and we want to keep getting better on and off the ice. I believe this only helps that!"

PURE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS: The Jets also announced that JETS TEXT is coming this fall to Jets Entertainment. JETS TEXT follows JETS TV, JETS RADIO, JETS IMAGES and reddeerjets.com as yet another opportunity for players and fans to subscribe to first hand JETS Insider information over their cellular telephones... There will also be a Facebook Group contest to come up with this season's team slogan as eventually announced by Scott Malo at the supper...Word has it there is a special announcement expected regarding an official Jets outdoor game this season. The opponent has been confirmed and will be announced in the coming weeks sources say...Dean Molberg of Boomdog Industries made an official pitch to Cam Ward to join his agency. Ward is currently represented by Bobby Orr Sports Mangement.

07/21/08

THREE SIGNED. NICE!

GILL, STORK AND GILES COME TO TERMS

GREAT HEADLINES CONTINUE!

RED DEER, AB - The Red Deer Jets announced Monday that they have reacquired the rights to Phil Stork and Warren Gill for the upcoming season as well as signing Dr. Owen Giles to an exclusive two-way rookie contract.

The announcement was made as GM Joe Whitbread re visited his Jets office for the first time after a two week hiatus.

"Its a good day for our fans!" said Whitbread from his office at the Centrium. "Our roster is back to where I'm comfortable again and I really like the nucleus of guys on board again."

Although full disclosure of the contracts were not released, all three players are back with one year deals with the rookie minimum for Giles.

Warren Gill, who was officially signed Friday has a one year deal that includes him calling shotgun for all out of town road games. The unique clause allows Gill to automatically ride in the passenger front seat for all trips to Eckville, Sylvan Lake or any other out of Red Deer venue should he NOT be the driver. He was also named the team's official Equipment Manager at his request.

I really want to offer something back to the team like so many others do and this is a good fit for me. Water bottles, jerseys, socks, pants...whatever I can do to help. I'm glad I'm on board to help a little more this year!" Gill stated.

Veteran Phil Stork, who returned to the Jets in trade last season from the Saints where he began the 07-08 season, was signed to a one year deal which will include sponsorship opportunities not unlike Pure Chiropractic last season. The undisclosed sponsorship from Stork's "CNC Office Solutions" will be released at a further date but may include an agreement for naming rights to the Jets' outdoor game rumored to be planned for this season.

Doc O Giles (pictured above), who was only an affiliate last year playing in a handful of Jets games, was elated with the news of his new contract after negotiations through his player rep. Dr. Michael Heinzlmeir of Storm Sports Management.

"This is a great day for myself and my soon to be wife. Red Deer is a great city and one that has embraced us in every way possible. I look forward spending my entire career with the Jets and I'm thrilled about the direction we are heading in, led by our owner Cam Ward and General Manager Joe Whitbread. I'd like to thank the Red Deer Jets and our great fans for making this possible." he said in a release.

Giles contract is the only two-way deal on record giving the Jets organization priority for the fiesty forward but allowing for conditioning stints on his church team in Balmoral when applicable to either himself or the parent franchise.

With the three latest signings, the Jets' roster is set at 15 once again. The only non returnee is Merrick Sutter while contracts are in place for all returning Jets from last year all but guaranteeing Giles the Rookie of the Year trophy prior to stepping on the ice.

Rumors abound that Deuce Murdock is fathering at home these days and will be available during nap times for more exclusive interviews and contraversy on our Jets Facebook Site. Murdock, who has been the Jets Official Insider since 2006, has alledgedly been busy raising Scott Malo's child Sadie this past year and hasn't been heard from all that much. That's a whole other story apparently.

Keep reading here and the Facebook Site for more including a detailed reports from our visit with Jets' owner Cam Ward this weekend.

07/21/08

CARGILL CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY

RED DEER, AB - He's been almost invisible this off season coming out only once to sign a lucrative Jets contract amid controversy with the team but Chad Cargill took Monday to celebrate his birthday.

Cargill, who was second in scoring last season, turned 28 on Monday and is expected to join his team mates for the first time Friday when they dine with owner Cam Ward at a local establishment in Red Deer.

The owner's Dinner, scheduled for Friday evening, will be the first chance for Cargill and many other Jets to finally meet with the Ward ownership group who has so graciously supported the Jets franchise since 2006.

Happy Birthday Chad!

OTHER NEWS: Jared Waldo is expected to have a new episode of JETS RADIO online at the Jets Facebook Site this week. Comments from Cargill, Whitbread and Walker are expected to close the book on the negotiation controversy once and for all. AND...Doc O and Warren Gill are close to signing deals according to rumors. Details coming up on reddeerjets.com and our Facebook group affiliate Site.

07/16/08

WARDO TO TREAT JETS

JULY 25th DINNER WITH TEAM OWNER

RED DEER, AB - The Red Deer Jets announced Wednesday that team owner Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes will be back in Red Deer Friday, July 25th at 5:30pm to meet with and treat his team to dinner.

"He's rented a private room at the Keg for Jets players only and we hope everyone can attend." explained Jeremy Jablonski who is the team director of philanthropy and fundraising and has been organizing the visit by the owner. "We're hoping all Jets will be able to attend this reward dinner and general meeting."

Ward, who philanthropically purchased the Jet in the summer of 2006 after winning his first Stanley Cup with Carolina along with the Conn Smythe Trophy as NHL Playoff MVP says he's looking forward to visiting with Jets players.

"It would be great to start the evening with a dinner with the Jets...compliments of the owner!" he said.

The visit marks the first time the owner has met with members of his team as a group. Ward, a Sherwood Park, AB native lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife Cody who is from Red Deer and will be visiting the city he played junior hockey in for the first time since the summer he bought the Jets.

Please visit our Facebook Group Site to comment and RSVP to the July 25th event.

07/10/08

CARGILL THEN WHITBREAD SIGNS

CURTAIN GOES DOWN ON CONTRACT SAGA

'MONUMENTAL DEALS' ARE DONE

RED DEER, AB - It wasn't easy but Interim GM Andrew Walker was able to not only sign one of the 'best Jets to ever wear blue, red and white' Wednesday - according to Deuce Murdock, but also the 'heart of the team' according to ownership.

Chad Cargill (the CHAD), whom fans have been petitioning new management to sign for weeks finally put to pen to paper from his summer vacation spot on the lake in Kelowna, B.C. yesterday while GM-Joe Whitbread followed mere minutes later as expected.

Cargill's deal was the largest on record for those mere minutes, earning the sniper 3 years with a bonus clause for a fourth should he reach top THREE in team scoring in EACH of the three seasons or top TWO in TWO of the three. Cargill, who was second in scoring to Whitbread last season in his first full year at the forward position, was also rewarded with a full time forward contract and skate sharpening card. Something his agent, Boomdog Enterprises Inc. is elated.

"I'm very pleased that this deal is done. Chad Cargill has been an offensive force for the Jets from the very beginning." Molberg stated as camera shutters clicked furiously.

"The Jets have recognized the importance of offense and have rewarded one of their top performers with a deal commensurate of his abilities. I wish both Mr. Cargill and the Red Deer Jets much success as they work towards being an elite team once again."

The team's reinstated GM, Joe Whitbread, who has led the team in goals and scoring from inception, immediately inked a four year player contract with option for a fifth - now the longest on record.

"I want to be clear that my agent ('05 Sports Management - Leanne Langlois) and I were OFFERED this deal and didn't once DEMAND anything." said Whitbread meeting media officially for the first time. "I had a lot of people in my corner on this, I've learned, including ownership (Cam Ward) and for that I really want to express my appreciation for the support!"

Whitbread, who was named captain of the Jets by his team mates last fall, will earn his fifth year if he sets single season Jets records for Goals, Assists or Points in any of his first four years. Whitbread will also take over the GM duties immediately as Walker is relagated to his AGM chair once again.

"We (Walker & Whitbread) knew going in that this wasn't going to be easy and now we both have a new appreciation I think of the other side. Andrew did an amazing job ensuring the integrity of our team was not compromised while still diligently achieving the task at hand and others. I commend him on his efforts and thank Jesse Johnston for his as well." said Whitbread.

Johnston (below) had been the replacement AGM while Walker held the top role.

For the first time, Whitbread's player contract will be separate from his General Manager duties.

"I made an offer to Joe that we keep his two jobs separate so he can concentrate on his game." said Walker. "So he also has a 2 year GM contract, with option for year 3. The 3rd year of GM deal kicks in if the Jets winning % EXCEEDS that of the 2007-2008 season, in each of the 08-09 or 09-10 campaigns."

"I think this wll allow me to better my game and that of the Jets." explained Whitbread. "I'm very happy to separate them."

Walker's work in the GM chair, although admittedly not easy has now come to a close. Much specualtion this week had the two managers at wits end by Thursday with many Jets team mates commenting on their struggles.

"Walker tells me Whitbread is the issue, Whitbread says Walker is the issue..." said Jeremy Jablonski Wednesday. "What is going on? Get it done already guys."

Jared Waldo was looking for the real GM to come back.

"I also believe Joe Whitbread deserves a new contract." he said via Facebook.

Jamie Rankin was desperately attempting to get the GM back.

"Bring back Whitbread!!! This is getting ridiculous! He's the back bone of our team, a fan favorite and top point getter... plus the organizer of the Jets open at Innisfail. Think about it...."

Whitbread and Walker, who shared the press conference table Wednesday seemed to get along just fine following the mandatory yet sometimes awkward negotiations.

"Through all of this, the Jets have gotten stronger and now we can put it behind us and concentrate on getting Stork and Gill back on board with AP-Giles waiting in the wings. Then a new season will hopefully bring us all some closure to a white water summer of Jets necessary business." said Whitbread respectfully while Walker added: "ANDREW WALKER is no longer GM of the Jets..mission accomplished...YOU"RE WELCOME JERKS!" almost like a Facebook status, and stormed out.

Comment on what you've read and the turbulant negotiations on our JETS Facebook Group Site. Plus, read Deuce Murdock's Jets Insider with more Jets news you can't read here. JETS-RADIO is (hopefully) expected soon and you can see JETS-TV and pictures from JETS-IMAGES photographers. Its all on our JETS Facebook group Site!

07/09/08

OWNER COMMENTS ON "WHITBREAD CONTRACT DRAMA"

WARDO WANTS "HEART OF TEAM" SIGNED

RED DEER, AB. - The fans want him back and now its clear so does the owner.

Jets' owner Cam Ward has made an official comment on the status of Joe Whitbread's stalled negotiations with the Jets through interim GM Andrew Walker.

"What is up with this Whitbread contract drama?!" queried Ward through an e-mail message.

"Tell Walker, as the Jets GM, to do whatever is necessary to sign the 'heart' of the team, Joe Whitbread!" he commented sternly.

"That coming from the owner!" he added.

Cam Ward, who philanthropically purchased the Red Deer Jets Hockey Club following his Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophy win in 2006 with the Carolina Hurricanes, says even though he's far away for the better part of the season, he's tuned in with his team.

"I check the site ever so often and really enjoy the updates. Makes me laugh...it sounds so real!"

Although Ward wants the best for the captain and his Jets, he did mention that there needs to be some loyalty.

"I am kind of dissapointed that Whitbread is tempted to leave the Jets for another team though..."

Meanwhile, news has surfaced that the Jets are planning a "very special" mandatory attendance gathering on Friday, July 25th. Exact details have not been released however allegedly "only the best excuses will be accepted - such as Russian trips...or death." according to the team.

You can comment too! Visit our Jets' Facebook Group Site including JETS-TV, JETS RADIO, JETS Images and our Jets Insider Deuce Murdock. Search "Jets" on Facebook.

07/08/08

INTERIM GM IMPOSES DEADLINE

NO MOVEMENT FROM CARGILL & WHITBREAD CAMPS

Pictured: Andrew Walker at a Future Shop autograph signing in 2006. (C) Jets Images

RED DEER, AB - Having occupied the GM office for over a week, Andrew Walker has yet to sign a single player but not for lack of effort.

Walker, who was appointed the GM role following Joe Whitbread's stepping down for his own contract negotiation through 05 Sports Management in June, has met with both Whitbread and Cargill but has yet to put pen to paper.

"I have offered both player's agents lucrative contracts for next season and beyond." says Walker. "We have had very little progress though in agreeing to terms."

Trouble in negotiating hasn't always been the players' fault says Walker.

"(Dean) Molberg (of Boomdog Enterprises Inc.) has been illusive at best, more like invisible and Ms.Langlois ('05 Sports Management) has been a very tough negotiator - Its very frustrating!"

Walker is said to have been forced into a stale mate with '05 Sports Management, acting agency for Joe Whitbread while he negotiates with Boomdog Enterprises Inc., acting agent for Cargill.

"Whitbread won't sign until Cargill does unless he can resume GM duties immediately." Said Walker boldly, "...but Cargill is holding for details on Whitbread's arrangement too and I want to stay in office until July 17th when I leave for Russia."

The Stale mate is expected to continue but Walker has now imposed a deadline of July 16th. That's when he says the deals on the table expire.

"After July 16th, the biggest offer in team history will not be getting any bigger." says Walker. "If anything, it runs the risk of diminishing!"

Walker says both players are still a priority however.

"These players are integral to the Jets organization but truthfully we can't wait around for them while other teams are filling their rosters and its just not fair to their team mates. Remember, Its a privilege not a right to be a Jet! And it was Molberg who coined that!" he added.

'05 Sports Management has issued this statement:

"Mr Whitbread is NOT bigger than the Jets and doesn't want to be deemed a 'hold-out'. We are simply encouraged by Mr. Walker's offer for the best possible deal and are prepared to wait for Mr. Cargill's details first. Let us be clear however, Mr. Whitbread will sign the deal on the table but take over his GM duties immediately. Unfortunately, that's where Mr.Walker holds the cards at this point as he is not prepared to rescind his seat just yet for some reason."

Full disclosure of Whitbread's deal has not been released but it has been reported to be the most lucrative and longest on record while Cargill's remains a complete mystery.

"At this point, I want Joe to be a Jet, Joe wants to be a Jet and his team mates want Joe to be a Jet, however his agent appears to differ in that opinion." Said Walker in reaction.

Meanwhile, still unsigned veteran Warren Gill, who is still self represented has finally approached Jets Management for a deal. He's expected to be added to the jets roster for his third season right away but may have new roles to fill by all accounts.

AP-Doc O Giles, who is allegedly a new father, has not been approached officially by the interim GM.

Give us your thoughts. Visit our Facebook Group site and be heard!

07/04/08

WALKER STRUGGLES IN GM ROLE

FRUSTRATED WITH NEGOTIATIONS

RED DEER, AB - Since Andrew Walker was appointed the interim GM of the Red Deer Jets, he hasn't been able to get a single thing done.

As of Friday morning, Walker, who became Jets GM June 30th after Joe Whitbread stepped down, had only hired a new assistant who isn't even a Jet. News broke Wednesday that Walker had hired one time Jets Images photographer and current news reporter Jesse Johnston much to the chagrin of his team mates.

"Who's Jesse Johnston?" asked Jets forward Tyler Labrecque, who himself was close to being named the interim GM prior to Walker's appointment.

Walker's assigned responsibility was simply to get Joe Whitbread's contract signed yet there has only been basic communication established between the Jets captain's new agent Leanne Langlois of 05 Sports Management and the Interim GM.

"She's been out of town and out of cell phone range alledgedly." said a frustrated Andrew Walker Thursday. "She is doing a disservice to her client. Free agency has been open for 4 days..and she has not picked up or returned ONE phone call."

Obviously negotiations are not going well. Walker continued.

"I DID however receive a text, and she was furious that we hadn't offered anything....but I ask you.....exactly HOW did she think I would offer anything when she won't talk to me?"

05 Sports Management has issued this release.

"I have made an initial proposal on behalf of my client and was told by Mr. Walker that it probably 'sounds like something (we) can do.' Since then however, I have simply been harassed and offended by the Interim GM and no progress has been made.

Mr. Walker refuses to counter our initial offer or move forward with professional negotiations. Instead, I fear we're getting farther apart to signing Mr. Whitbread and not closer together.

My client has been offered a deal from the Pylons and we're currently talking to at least one other team about his services. Mr. Whitbread is highly respected in Rec Hockey Circles and would be a perfect fit anywhere. I caution Mr. Walker from losing his composure."

Joe Whitbread, who has been enjoying his time away from the office for the first time since 2006, doesn't seem to be in any hurry to get a deal done.

"I love the Jets. I want to be a Jet. But for my family and I right now, I need to make sure we're being treated properly."

It has been speculated by Facebook Jets Insider Deuce Murdock that Whitbread might be demanding a 5 year deal with performance incentives although that has not been confirmed by 05 Sports Mangement.

There has been little to no progress on re-acquiring the services of the highly sought after Chad Cargill either. Something Whitbread didn't officially task to the interim GM. Still, Andrew Walker has said (in third person strangely) that he's working hard with his new assistant.

"Walker hunkered down in his office......plenty of work and news will be in the cards..."

Warren Gill, Phil Stork and AP Owen Giles are all without contracts and remain free agents.

07/02/08

PYLONS MOVE IN

OFFER ON THE TABLE

RED DEER, AB - This website has learned that the Pylons have officially made an offer for Joe Whitbread next season. (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Terms were not disclosed but the (former) GM and Jets captain has made it clear in the days leading up to the deadline that he is entertaining offers through his agent '05 Sports Management for the benefit of his family.

Whitbread was unavailable to comment but its believed he was reached by the Pylons GM, Mike Klass on Wednesday with a defined outline of what the arch rivals were proposing including LARGE incentives that "...shouldn't be overlooked..." according to one source.

The Pylons office did not return our calls for an interview but the offer has been officially confirmed.

On the Jets front, current interim GM, Andrew Walker has alledgedly made some headway toward securing unrestricted Free Agent Chad Cargill for next season. Walker has begun talks with Cargill's agent Dean Molberg of Boomdog Enterprises Inc. in Calgary which is something Whitbread never did. An offer was alledgedly tabled but neither an acceptance nor a counter has been received.

Warren Gill and Phil Stork are both UFA's as well with Gill's spot on the team up in the air. One of the most respected Jets, Gill's commitment and responsibility to the team has been questioned this off season with very little to no contact received from the Jets forward. Whether he even wants a deal is unknown and it remains to be seen if he'll even be back in a Jets uniform this season.

Phil Stork has already stated he's ready to return and his signing is imminent by all accounts.

PURE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS: A new episode of JETS RADIO with Jared Waldo is expected next week. Check out our Facebook group site for JETS-TV, Jets Images and JETS RADIO as well as JETS Insider Deuce Murdock who has apparently taken some time off this summer...Where's Senkow? Another signed Jet that has dissapeared.

Off the wire -- Doc O player contract comes to an abrupt pause as player agent's wife goes into labor.

06/30/08

WHITBREAD STEPS DOWN ! !

WALKER TAKES OVER INTERIM GM DUTIES

RED DEER, AB. - With only a day to go before a Jets free agent frenzy and still without a personal contract, Jets Captain Joe Whitbread has officially stepped down from his management position as Jets GM.

"Today, I have to do what's right for me and my team mates and this organization." Whitbread announced from a packed and shocked Centrium media conference Monday.

"It would be a conflict of interest to negotiate my own deal through this club to which I have the utmost respect for. Therefore, today, I am handing over the reigns to our Assistant to the General Manager Andrew Walker in hopes that he'll look after the best interests of our ownership group, our players, the fans and me. I hope to be back in this office very soon."

Whitbread, who is an original Jet back in 2005, has stepped down indefinitely in order to secure himself a new contract for the upcoming season which could take weeks.

Represented by Leanne Langlois of the '05 Sports Management, Whitbread will no doubt command mass attention from the free agent market after midnight Monday.

Pictured: Whitbread temporarily steps down as Jets GM live on JETS TV Monday

"I'm not looking to go anywhere." said Whitbread. "This is not me testing out the waters, but I do have to look out for me and my family first. If the Jets can get something done that I'm happy with then of course, this is where I want to be - no question! If we can't however, I'll certainly entertain offers elsewhere through my agent. Its time for me to finally think about whats best for me. I think my team mates can appreciate that."

In his final week in office, Whitbread was able to re-sign F-Jablonski, F-Zimmerman and F-McLevin but still hasn't come to terms with F-Cargill, F-Stork, F-Gill or (AP) F-Owen Giles who isn't under contract yet anyway but who's rights belong to the Jets.

Stork, Gill and Cargill will all join Whitbread as Free agents on July 1st with Cargill and Whitbread no doubt entertaining interest from other Rec teams below the cap.

The Bucs, where Whitbread's brother and former Jet, Rory has been through two seasons and the Pylons, through crosstown rival Mike Klass have already expressed interest in Whitbread while Wei's Western Wear, Waters Mackie, 53rd Street Music and others have looked at Cargill alledgedly.

Stork could go back to the Saints this season while Gill will most likely re-sign with the Jets when the time is right. Neither have official representation. Giles and his agent Storm Sports Management of Red Deer, is expected to be added to the Jets roster as the team's only rookie this season.

"I hope this won't take too long." expressed Whitbread. "But my agent is out of town until at least Thursday so I don't expect much to happen early."

Walker has been appointed interim GM but will be highly scrutinized on his priorities.

"Walker's job is to opperate this office while I'm away and work on a contract for me. That doesn't mean he gets to make changes or major decisions concerning player additions, trades, or even scheduling. He knows that and there's a lot on the line for him if he does make bad decisions however, he's the GM now, until such time as I can hopefully return."

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06/25/08