Queue the Music

J. Stein · 12-15-2009, 05:00 PM

Queue The Music

This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end

-Jim Morrison, The Doors, The End

It is my duty to report that I am discontinuing the Hurricane pro team. And even though this team has been, and remains, my pride and joy, I report this without remorse. Quite the opposite, really, but I’ll get to that.

The sponsorship game isn’t what it used to be, and the Hurricanes, bereft of a store or field or other ‘inside’ angle, were not able to attract the sponsorship we needed to be a competitive team again. And that started me down the road that led to my decision. It wasn’t all about money, though. In fact, it was more about the long term direction of the team. The Hurricanes were built on the model for pro teams circa 2004, and that model is outdated and likely unsupportable (if not already, then in the near future). Even if I put together the money for 2010, the team would be in the exact same position the next year. We lack the means to control our destiny. Further thought and consideration led me to the realization that the Hurricanes could not be reformed to look like the newer model for pro teams. And once I realized that, I realized that we were like a raft in the ocean – we had no direction and no real hope of getting anywhere. We could just, at best, hopefully keep ourselves from drowning.

And don’t kid yourselves, even if we returned to our 2008 form and started hitting top 4’s, our unsustainability would have remained (and I do believe that we would have come back much stronger, and a potential top 4 team).

So, short and sweet (and so utterly unlike me). PbNation has been gracious enough to allow me to keep the forum open for a bit. And I think if you come back here on Xmas morning, there may be some surprises for you, things that will explain why I am excited and hopefully will get fans of the team excited as well (although, if you need good news from me on Xmas morning to get excited, you probably need to seek professional help).

This is not the end. More to follow.

bshort524 · 12-15-2009, 05:05 PM

...and New England paintball takes a huge hit...
You've done a great job developing the team over the years Jeff and I hope that you are still around making moves in the industry. Good luck

cream · 12-15-2009, 05:07 PM

Good luck to all members of the Hurricanes organization. hate to see this happen

Saints Paintball · 12-15-2009, 05:12 PM

We’re sad to hear that the New England Hurricanes will no longer be on the pro circuit. We wish you all the best of luck and hope to see you back someday.

Our sport is still in the infant stages and this once again shows how fragile we are. This sport isn’t about money, but about a love of the game. Let's all go out and shoot some friends!

dyepntmaster · 12-15-2009, 05:22 PM

Obey-193 · 12-15-2009, 05:26 PM

well this sucks

NeCanes · 12-15-2009, 05:40 PM

The economy sucks right now and the money just isnt out there for the pro teams. Its sad to see this happen to a bunch of my friends. I know they loved the sport and worked hard to get the where they are today. I dont think jeff will be gone from new england paintball or let NEH die. I look forward to hearing the news he has for us in a few weeks

FullMetalJester · 12-15-2009, 05:54 PM

damn.

At least they let pros back into the NEPL, i'm sure we will see all these guys real soon.

$h@key J0nEZ · 12-15-2009, 05:54 PM

GrantBedard · 12-15-2009, 05:56 PM

Ah man, I'm going to miss you guys. When you guys would come down to Fox 4, you guys were great, and always left staging spotless, along with making the other refs and I laugh and just have a great time. You guys were a key part of New England paintball, and without a doubt, we will miss the hell out of you guys. I speak for the whole Fox 4 staff when I say we wish you guys the best, and hopefully that we will see you guys playing again.

Seekey · 12-15-2009, 05:57 PM

Wow. If anybody is looking to play in the nexl lmk lol.

I'm depressed now :'(

jmac3 · 12-15-2009, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Obey-193

well this sucks

my exact words

FU2N · 12-15-2009, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FullMetalJester

damn.

At least they let pros back into the NEPL, i'm sure we will see all these guys real soon.

not only that but mayb AXBL? thats open too

J. Stein · 12-15-2009, 06:01 PM

Don't turn to booze just yet (well, unless that's your thing, in which case, cheers!), there will be a dropping of the other shoe. I just need time to put everything together.

Obey-193 · 12-15-2009, 06:02 PM

guarantee some players will get picked up for other teams maybe philly or something

PUNITPAINTBALL · 12-15-2009, 06:02 PM

I smell semi pro uspl team?

Obey-193 · 12-15-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Stein

Don't turn to booze just yet (well, unless that's your thing, in which case, cheers!), there will be a dropping of the other shoe. I just need time to put everything together.

good or bad?

FU2N · 12-15-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PUNITPAINTBALL

I smell semi pro uspl team?

its NPPL again

booboodinosaur · 12-15-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeCanes

The economy sucks right now and the money just isnt out there for the pro teams. Its sad to see this happen to a bunch of my friends. I know they loved the sport and worked hard to get the where they are today. I dont think jeff will be gone from new england paintball or let NEH die. I look forward to hearing the news he has for us in a few weeks

that brings up the question will they be playing axbl?

FlashZ33 · 12-15-2009, 06:10 PM

PUNITPAINTBALL · 12-15-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FU2N

its NPPL again

good look