Mighty Ducks GM Pierre Gauthier went "directly to the
people" when he invited fans to e-mail or call and ask for a
copy "of what he believes to be a blueprint for success" in
the NHL, according to Elliott Teaford of the L.A. TIMES.
Gauthier went on radio and TV during Sunday's game against
the Lightning and said the team has compiled lists
"detailing how top teams" were "built," including the
Avalanche, Stars, Red Wings, and Devils. It "illustrates
his belief that top teams are built" not by signing pricey
free agents, but through the draft. Meanwhile, Gauthier has
been inviting former season-ticket holders "to have a
pregame chat" about the club and "to attend" a game paid for
by the Mighty Ducks. Teaford notes that "so far," 350 fans
signed up to meet with him and "several more" have renewed
their tickets. Gauthier said, "What I've found, which is
the purpose of these meetings, is that there are lots of
fallacies out there. Disney's cheap and doesn't sign free
agents. That's the top one." Gauthier, on his efforts with
the fans: "It's about educating the fans, but also listening
to the fans. No pressure sales" (L.A. TIMES, 12/21).
