Windsor native Rocco Tullio, 42, was revealed last Thursday as the new co-owner of the Oshawa Generals, having bought a 50 per cent stake in the major junior hockey club from co-owner John Davies. Mr. Tullio, a developer and fitness club owner, answered our questions just after he made the deal.
1. Why did you decide to buy 50 per cent of the Oshawa Generals?
I wanted to understand the (Ontario Hockey) league, as a business owner, I got into it at a full plunge. It wasn’t about owning 100 per cent, it was about being involved with a team and growing with it and understanding it.
2. What role will you have with the team?
My role will be the same as (co-owner) John Davies’s role and it will be to provide support to the staff and players and bring a winning team to Oshawa.
3. Did you try to buy into the Windsor Spitfires when they came up for sale a few years ago?
I know Bob Boughner (Windsor coach and co-owner), and wanted to buy, but the timing wasn’t right. I wanted to get in at a small entry-level and the timing just wasn’t right.
4. What do you know about Oshawa?
I know Oshawa is very similar to Windsor -- people are hard-working, very loyal and it is automotive driven. I’ve heard a lot of good things that Oshawa is a very family-oriented and giving community.
5. What’s your impression of the General Motors Centre?
It is the nicest facility I have been in, it’s spectacular -- I can’t wait for the first game -- I’m really looking forward to it.
6. Have you seen the Oshawa Generals play?
No, I haven’t seen them play recently. The last time I saw them play was when Eric Lindros was in town.
7. How do you think the team will do this year?
I have a lot of high hopes for the team. I’m not going to put any more expectations on them than they will on themselves. We want to make sure the players are having fun and give them the support they need. There’s no reason why the team can’t go to the Memorial Cup.
8. Do you think John Tavares should be granted exceptional status to enter the 2008 NHL draft, a year before he would normally be eligible?
I’ve been reading about John’s situation. I’ve never met this young man, but no question he will be a franchise player no matter where he goes. There’s so much to learn yet. To be honest, I want to take it from two perspectives -- from a business and fan perspective, we want to have John for two more years. From his perspective, I understand why he wants to be at the next level. I’ve never seen a player stay an extra year that it’s hurt them. There’s still a lot of learning to do. I think two more years (in Oshawa) would do John a tremendous amount of good.
9. Would you eventually like to own the Generals outright?
John Davies and I talked about this -- right now this is perfect for me and for him. If a chance down the road came up, I would look at it at that time. It would be a dream to own 100 per cent, but it’s not a priority for me at this time.
10. Who is your favourite all time hockey player and hockey team?
I’m a big Chicago Blackhawks fan, have been for years. My favourite all-time player to watch is Denis Savard and I loved Steve Larmer and Jeremy Roenick.