November 21, 2007
Addition by subtraction? Violetta leaving Preds for Wings
There have been plenty of rumors for weeks that the new Preds ownership group is not enamored of executive vice president of business affairs Steve Violetta, who is reportedly heading to the Detroit Red Wings. A hardcore hockey veteran who helped launch the Ottawa Senators and spent time with the Pittsburgh Penguins and baseball’s San Diego Padres, Violetta hasn’t made a lot of friends in the city’s business community.
The writing has been on the wall for a while that Violetta was likely to be fired if the local ownership group moved forward with its purchase of the team, but it’s easy to make one person a scapegoat for what have been lackluster, at best, ticket sales for the franchise. I think Violetta is an intelligent and experienced guy who isn’t necessarily the most personable fellow in town, and his skills may be better suited for more traditional hockey circles and cooler climates. Detroit is probably a much better fit for the Central Michigan University graduate.
Paul Nicholson hinted at this change in leadership a week ago. The early response in Michigan appears to be mixed, and hopefully it will be a successful shift in direction for both franchises.
![Rob Robinson](http://thinktrain.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/Rob.jpg")
Becky McCloskey said,
May 16, 2008 @ 12:14 am
I just ran across your article on Steve. I appreciate your attempt to remain neutral. But Steve makes that difficult. I worked for the Owners of the Padres while Steve was with them. His management style is one that when left to do his job and not be micro managed is very effective. He hires people that he feels are qualified for the position and allows them to do their job. His motto was always 2 atta boys before the 1 you screwed up. His chastizments never lasted more than 10 min. and then he always shook your hand. But middle management always felt he was approachable. I can see how that might frustrate ownership that prefers to have their nose in every detail. Unfortunately, sports today is as much media oriented as it comes. (Or hope it will ever be) He knows the sport he is representing and the people who play it. How else could he possibly go to the iconic team of the Red Wings?
Well, I’ve babbled on long enough. I liked your article and thought I would comment.
Regards,
From a Blues Fan~
Rob Robinson said,
May 20, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
Thanks, Becky. Comments from someone with first-person experience such as you describe are always welcome!