Halford & Brough in the Morning - Whitecaps FC Sporting Director Axel Schuster

Episode Date: April 14, 2025

In hour two, Mike & Jason look at all the potential NHL playoff matchups as the regular season comes to a close (3:00), plus they chat with Axel Schuster (24:18), whose red hot Vancouver Whitecaps currently sit atop the MLS. This podcast is produced by Andy Cole and Greg Balloch. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Music 7.03 on a Monday. Happy Monday everybody. Halford Brough, Sportsnet 650. This music makes me think it's a manic Monday. It's a good track. I like this. Not bad. Keep it in the rotation. We are now in hour two of the program. Hour two of this program is brought to you by Jason Hominuk at jason.mortgage. If you love giving the banks more of your money, then don't let Jason shop around to find the perfect mortgage for you.

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Okay, what stuff did we miss here from the first hour as it relates to the Vancouver Canucks and the NHL? Oh, I know. Congrats are in order, Tom Willander. He now gets to decide on his future as a Vancouver Canuck. He has not done so yet. We wait.

The Tom Willander watch is now officially on. Yeah, because BU lost to Western Michigan. That's why I say, I say congrats on getting to choose your future as a Vancouver Canuck. Fell just short of the ultimate prize at the Frozen Four. Jason Herter, the head coach of Western Michigan. I did not know that.

Two Knucks legends, Tom Willander and Jason Herter. Yes. Together at last. For those that remember Jason Herter, he was one of the great draft busts of the Vancouver Knucks. He was a big dude. But he's gone on to really good success as a head coach too. Congratulations to him. Yeah, I don't know what Tom Will dude. He's gone on to really good success as a head coach too. Congratulations to him.

Yeah, I don't know what Tom Willender, what's going on with Tom Willender. The latest I've seen is via Cam Robinson who tweeted out, instead of flying west to begin his pro career, Tom Willender is back at BU and resuming classes this morning. He loves school. He loves school. classes this morning. He loves school. He loves school. He loves school. Just asked Ollie.

He loves school. Who has talked to his advisor. Everything can change with one phone call, but it's easy to wonder if a battle over bonuses is delaying his signing with Vancouver. So we'll wait and see on this. Sometimes getting these kids signed isn't simple, but he's a big part of the Canucks future and if he goes back to school and

there's really been no indication that he's doing that, maybe it's part of the unspoken threat that he could go back to school. But if he does go back to school, it may change things a little bit for the Canucks because they want him to turn pro and whether he's with the Canucks next season or in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, or maybe a bit of both.

He is a big part of the Canucks future. And if he goes back to school, maybe that changes things a little bit. Maybe that makes them more open to, hey, you know, if we talked about making trades this off season and you know, I don't want the Canucks to trade Tom Willander, but I don't really want them to trade Leckar and Mackier or DPT either, but I

do want them to find a center. So how are you going to do that? Trade. Right? Like we've talked about that before, a first rounder, it's not going to get it done. So you shouldn't? You're not, it's not going to get it done. So you shouldn't?

It's not going to be like, well, we'll give you our first round pick for your established NHL center. It's going to take more than that. But you say, I don't want them to trade Willander, Leckermacky, or anybody. But I would say, well, what happens if they get an amazing deal on the table? Yeah. But then trade anyone. Well, I'm just saying that.

I know you don't want- Yeah. All I'm saying like it's a tough decision We've been through this before I don't think anyone right now Wants to connoisseur trade DPD actually of all the prospects right now. He might be the most untouchable one Leckar Mackie you're gonna need goal scoring especially if you don't bring Brock back and just you need goal scoring. It's the NHL And then Tom Willander you need right shot defenseman. And I watched a little bit of him at the Frozen Four, and it's hard to get a full understanding of a player just watching snippets here and there.

But you could tell that in certain plays with his skating and his athleticism, he was a step above some of the players on the ice. Right? Like he, I think is going to be a player in the NHL and I'm not a scout, scouting guy. So our prospects guys. So I don't know, I could be wrong on that, but you know, if you can get a young right shot defenseman in your organization that can step in almost right away and play games. That's a big win in the NHL. So the only reason I mention this is because there is the decision to go back to school. And did you see what was going on with the Tampa Lightning and their first round pick

from a few years ago? Isaac Howard, the kid at Michigan State, he's going back to school. He's already made the decision to go. The Hobie Baker winner is going back because he disagrees with the path that the lightning have for him to get to the NHL. So he's utilizing that wrinkle in the CBA where if you play out your eligibility in college. So it's still out there. I know it's been a while since someone's gone this route,

but it has been out there in the past. It is a tool that is uniquely exclusive to these NCAA guys. And if they wanna to dictate their future a little bit more, this is a tool that they have in their arsenal. And it's kind of like, once they go back for the third year, then you're in this position of, wow, there's only one more year to go.

If they go one more year, then they're free agents and they can control wherever they want. And look, there is a sacrifice to be made. You're delaying your pro career. And you're not making money, but more importantly, you're delaying your pro career. But for some people, it's worth it. Now, I don't think we should go down this road

too much with Tom Willander. I think ultimately they'll find a way to get it done. But I think you can mention it. Yeah, done. But I think you can mention it. Yeah, of course. I think you can mention it, because it's a relevant news story with Isaac Howard in Tampa Bay without fear mongering. I remember I had this conversation a few years ago

on the air about Will Lockwood, and there was one particular doofus that kept texting in and being like, you know, you're just trying to drum up a story where there isn't one. And I'm like, well, but there is a story because it's happened in the past. And if you want to talk even drum up a story where there isn't one. And I'm like, well, but there is a story because it's happened in the past. And if you want to talk even further about a story that probably needs more exploration

across the National Hockey League, it is young players dictating their futures more and more. Go back to what Philly had to go through with Cudder Goche. I mean, that's another perfect example of a guy that's like, I want to call the shots here before I've gone through the old school rhetoric of paying my dues and earning my keep. I want to go where I want to go. Sometimes the clubs do have to like kind of placate these guys.

Well, this is the leverage they've got. Right. That's all. This is the leverage they've got. They go, okay. You know, in any, in any negotiation, the ability to walk away is the best thing you can have. And the ability to walk away with a viable alternative,

going back to school is a viable alternative for Tom Willander. Okay, so around the National Hockey League from the weekend, the final wild card spots in the East and West are still very much up for grabs. The Flames took care of business. I got, you know what? I'll say it again.

I've said it a couple of times. I very earnestly respect what the Calgary Flames have done here. They just refuse to go away. So they beat the San Jose Sharks who we'll see tonight in Vancouver. Five two on Sunday night. So that's the third win in four games for the Flames. That pulls them to within two points of the St. Louis Blues. Yeah, remember them.

They're now back in the wild card chase for the second and final spot in the West. Calgary is now three behind Minnesota for the first wild card. I mentioned all those spots because the Flames have two games left. The Blues and Wild have one game left and nothing is gonna change in the West tonight

because the Flames, the Blues and the Wild all have the night off. So. The flames have to win out though. Flames have to win out. And even that might not be enough. And they're going to need a little bit of help along the way. Now, what's set so far? What do we know? Oh, by the way, in the East, the Columbus Blue Jackets are making a late push. They've won four in a row to keep their very, very, very, let me say it one more time, very slim playoff hopes alive. So what's- So actually tonight could be a huge night for Montreal because not only could Demidoff

make his debut for the Habs, they could also clinch a playoff spot tonight. So what's been set? Here's a little trivia for you guys. The Winnipeg Jets clinched their first ever President's Trophy finishing atop the NHL standings. They became the first Canadian club since who and when to win the President's Trophy everybody. Anyone have any guesses? The Connuction 2012.

Yeah, that's right. Breaking an over decade long slump for the Canadian teams to win the all important President's Trophy. It's that tax free status in Manitoba, you know? over decade long slump for the Canadian teams to win the all important president's trophy. It's that tax free status in Manitoba, you know? It's the tax free, that's why they're so good. It's the only reason. So the Jets will have home ice advantage

throughout the playoffs however long those go. Vegas clinched the Pacific division. So that means for I think the 19th consecutive season, Edmonton and LA will meet in the first round of the playoffs. So that playoff matchup is set. Do you kind of want Calgary to make it so they would play the Jets? I don't. I kind of want Calgary to make it just because I feel like of all the teams, they've really truly earned it.

Like, I mean, they shouldn't based on the talent and where they're at in their rebuild or retooled every call. They shouldn't be this close to the playoffs, but they are. And they play really hard. They have gotten tremendous goal tending. I got a lot of respect for what Dustin Wolf is that is a very young goalie, too, in the National Hockey League. And they seem to have a really good time doing this.

Like, they really seem like emotionally invested in in in a very positive way that, hey, we're rolling with it. We weren't expected to be here, but we're leaning into it. So again, I hate like I hate myself right now for heaving as much praise on the Calgary Flames, but I am impressed with what they've done. Dallas, Colorado is a matchup that's set. So that's the Meiko Rantinen Bowl there. Edmonton, LA, I mentioned Carolina New Jersey

was locked in months ago, but that's finalized as well. Carolina has home ice in that series. Dallas has home ice in their series. Edmonton, LA, while it's locked in, it's still decided who would get home ice in that series, Dallas has home ice in their series. Edmonton, LA, while it's locked in, it's still decided who would get home ice because there's only two points separating those two teams. And that would matter. That would matter an awful lot in that series because LA has been lights out at home this year and Edmonton is kind of limping into these playoffs. You would hope maybe for their sake that getting home ice could give them a little bit of a boost if you're an

Oilers fan. I think the Kings are- What a freaking boost fan. I think the Kings are gonna be the favorites in this series. That's a great question. The Oilers do not look good. The Oilers have owned LA though. Yeah, the at-home injury though, man. Yeah, that's a big one. I mean, that's up there with the Canucks losing Hamhoos in 2011. Right, that's that type of loss for the Edmonton Oilers. And this is a team that, you know,

hasn't had an amazing season. I know there's been some inconsistencies and people have wondered, you know, is McDavid just a little bit off this season? Now, a little bit off McDavid is still a very good player, but even he's pointed out like, I haven't been at my best. And we pointed out a few times though, even though he scored that winning goal in the Four

Nations, he wasn't great in that game. Yep. And he acknowledged that too. And we heard a lot about the emotional toll that that Four Nations took on a lot of the players, including a guy like Connor McDavid. Now it all ended well for Canada, but there is still that emotional toll that it took.

And this is a guy that played a lot of hockey in the last little while. Last off season goes all the way to game seven, the Stanley Cup final, loses that game. It's easy to say, oh, well, then he'll be extra motivated to come back this season. Yeah. But you also have to have the energy and like,

sometimes it's a lot. Sometimes it's a lot. That's all I'm saying. The biggest failing of the Edmonton Oilers this year was they didn't do enough to lighten the load on McDavid and dry sidle, which was, I thought was one of the most imperative things. Like we saw them play last year. And you know, Mark Spector's written about this a few times for sports net,

but the general consensus was the Edmonton Oilers were on fumes when they got to the Stanley Cup final last year against the Florida Panthers, that, you know, physically, mentally, emotionally, you know, the second round against Vancouver was trying for them. That was a very difficult series. You talk about the struggles that Stuart Skinner had, the fact that they got pushed to seven games.

They were playing a ton of very high end competitive physical hockey, and by the time they got to that Stanley Cup final, they were on fumes. They fall behind three nothing, and then it takes this sort of otherworldly effort from McDavid to scratch and fight and claw to get it back to 3-3 and force the game 7. At that point McDavid is now on fumes having resuscitated the life of a team that was on fumes. You needed to come back after

that kind of season and have more contributors that could lighten the load. So basically you can't be like we we need, uh, you know, peak McDavid to get us through the regular season. Like we should be better than that. We should put ourselves in a position. Like they said last year, they felt one of their failings was they didn't do enough in the regular season to get home ice advantage in some of these series, like especially game seven against the Florida Panthers where they had to go back to Florida.

Imagine if that changes and you're in Edmonton. I just think the at home losses is massive. Do we have any finality on that? Is there, is there, is there like the, the, the report was just that it could be a season ending issue for him. So look, they still have Evan Bouchard and when he's on, he's a very good defenseman, but he does have his defensive issues

and sometimes just makes some big mistakes. Darnell Nurse, he also plays big minutes. He's also had some criticism of his game during his time in Edmonton. Well, those three, Bouchard, Nurse and Echolme, are your big minute men for the Edmonton Oilers. You take away Ekholm, who might be the best all around defenceman that the Oilers have.

You're leaning more on Bouchard, you're leaning more on Nurse and you got to have guys like, you know, Jake Wallman and Brett Kulak and you know, those guys step up for you. You know, I don't know, I'm not feeling the Oilers this season. I'm actually not paying them a ton of attention heading into these playoffs. Frankly, there's a bunch of other teams that I think

have a much better chance of winning the cup than the Oilers. But here's the thing. But they have McGavin and Dry Cytol. Yeah, but here's the thing. I know. It would be folly if we did that because they've got the best player on the thing. Like, it would be folly if we did that, because they've got the best player on the planet.

So yeah, the news on Echolme, by the way, is he returned Friday from an injury that he's re-aggravated a couple times, took like a grand total of two shifts, and then left. And then the reason that everyone's bracing for bad news is Knoblock had this super cryptic update where he said he's gonna be looked at by a specialist and we don't expect him to be rejoining us anytime soon. So everyone is like, well, soon

is the playoffs. Like that's what soon is. It's going to happen in a handful of games here. So, okay. So we know. So we know the oilers and the Kings are playing. What other, what other series do we know? Well, we just went through it, but Dallas and Colorado, that's locked and then Carolina, New Jersey, and that's locked. We know that Vegas is going to finish first in the Pacific and second overall in the West, because the first overall seat in the West is going to be the Winnipeg Jets, because they, of course, are the President's trophy winners,

the first Canadian team to do it since the Canucks back in 2012. So Toronto, Ottawa isn't locked in yet? Not officially, but that's going to happen. Right. I'm just talking about like a hundred percent, no wiggle room. That's it. And like I said, in the case of Colorado, Dallas and Carolina, New Jersey, Home Ice has

already been established in those two. Carolina is going to go in as the two seed. Dallas is going to go in as the two seed. So they get Home Ice advantage in those series. Carolina, New Jersey for me, is that going to be that series that I'm going to ignore? There's always one in the first round. Yeah. You're like, oh yeah, those guys. And it usually ends up being like the best series.

Yeah. I feel like that one has chaos potential. Yeah. But I think for me, it's just kind of like, do any of those teams with, I guess Caroline. I think New Jersey without Jack Hughes, you're kind of like, yeah. That's what makes it a little more even. No, no, no. But yeah, for the actual series. But if you're watching this and going like, OK, does one of these teams have a chance to win at all? I guess Carolina does. Carolina, yes, New Jersey.

I think New Jersey is like I apologize to the dozens of New Jersey Devils fans out there, because you're not going to like what I'm about to say, but I feel like they're kind of a fraudulent participant in these playoffs. They got in. They're like the Cavs last they about to say, but I feel like they're kind of a fraudulent participant in these playoffs. They got in. They're like the Cavs last year. They got, no, no, no. Like the Cavs had to fight and claw their way in.

Like New Jersey got there with having like guys accused. Yeah, but the Cavs sucked last year. I know, but just hear me out. They got in on the strength of like Hughes and Hamilton contributing and being like important parts of the team. And now they're gone, but they built up enough of a cushion to get in. And now they're there. but like who's taking them seriously

with their number one centre and their number one defenceman? I mean if they do it, God bless them, that's an amazing story, but I have a hard time seeing them beating Carolina in that series. Okay, I want to address some questions in the Dunbar-Lemmer text line because we asked for them, Jora texts in, do you believe Demko is actually sick or just injured again? If injured, is it time to move on?

I don't know. They said he was sick. So, um, you know, I don't have any reason to believe that they're lying on this, but I can understand if they did, let's put it that way. Um, you know, regardless of, of whether he's injured again or actually sick, like the Canucks need to figure out if they can, if they're going to be able to trust Thatcher Demko next season, if they keep them. Because, you know, if he comes back next season and you're holding your breath every time that he

goes out there, it dramatically changes, um, your playoff chances. Like I think if they come back with Demko and Lankanen, and both guys are healthy, and you can count on them to play as much as they possibly can, like any normal goalie, right? Sure. Then the Canucks have one of the best goalie tandems in the NHL. And you know who else said that?

Quinn Hughes, right? And Patrick Alveen. And well, they do, right? Like Thatcher Demko, when he's healthy, one of the best goalies in the NHL. And to have Lankinen as like your backup, that's pretty good. And if I'm Alveen and I'm Rutherford, I'm part of this management group, I'd be very hesitant to trade Thatcher Demko away. Um, if I have a chance, because I know that next season, you know, we better make some improvements and look at Calgary, right?

When you, they're not a great team, but what they've had is goaltending. Yep. And goaltending can cover up a lot of warts. So if you can't trust Demko, then it's great that you've still got Lankanen, but you have better have a really good third alternative in there. Yeah. And finding a third alternative is tough. So that is just a big question mark for next

season, at least probably as whether Rick Tauket's going to be back or if Elias Pedersen is going to rediscover his form. I think Petey is number one, but whether Taukett is back and also the future of Thatcher Demko, it adds to a season where, an off season where the Canucks are going to have to make some big decisions and maybe make some big bets, like hope he can stay healthy. Now, the difference between this off season and last off season is that Demko is probably like, assuming this isn't anything serious what he's going through now, he's not going to start this like seriously injured

and like wondering, remember the uncertainty for him with his popliteus, right? And he's like, is this career threatening? What's going on here? And they had to figure out, they not only had to get him better, they had to figure out how to get him better. The good thing about this off season is that they actually kind of like, they seem to at least know a little bit more about the injury. And Demko even was alluding, I want to say a

week or two ago, he was like, he's like, I don't want to say I'm looking forward to the off season because we're still in the playoff race. I want to be careful with how I phrase this, but I'm looking forward to the off season because he knows a lot more about this injury now and he knows what he needs to do. He just needs to put the work in.

Yep. Right. And hopefully you come back next season and you've got a healthy Demko and a healthy Lankenen and Rick talking behind the bench and Leas Pettersson has had a good off season. And if all that happens, maybe we're back in the playoffs after a one year absence. We'll wait and see. I do want to very briefly mention before we go to break, and I know we talked about it already, but Vancouver Whitecaps 5-1 Victors over Austin FC

on Saturday at BC Place. If you are not paying attention to what the Whitecaps have done over the first two months of the season, you should probably at least pay a little attention. It's kind of remarkable what they've done. They are the top team in all of MLS, not in their division, which don't exist in their conference. Yes, but the number one team, 19 points sitting atop the entire league standings. They are also on their way to the CONCACAF Cup semi-finals where they would take on Inter Miami later this month. It is an exciting

time for the Vancouver Whitecaps, not to mention all of these news and reports of a potential stadium site at the PNE So joining us next Axel Schuster Whitecaps sporting director and CEO is gonna join us on the program Lots of good times for the Whitecaps. We'll talk about them with Axel next on the Halford and Bref show on Sportsnet 650 Hey, it's Jamie Dodd and Thomas Drance get your daily dose of Canucks talk with us weekdays from 12 to two on Sportsnet 650. Or catch up on demand through your favorite podcast app. ["The Final Match of the Year"] Left a chance to get to go on, a cross in, too challenging for him.

And the goalkeeper comes, oh, there's the line in. And that is gonna be the final action. Five goals, five stars. Just about everything you could possibly want if you're a Vancouver White Cow fan. 7.33 on a Monday. Happy Monday, everybody.

Halford and Bruff Sportsnet 6.50. Halford and Bruff of the morning is brought to you by Sands and Associates. Learn how a consumer proposal reduces your debt by up to 80% with no more interest. Visit them online at sans-trustee.com. We are in hour two of the program. Do we have Axel on the line?

We got him ready to go, excellent. Axel Schuster's gonna join us in just a second here. Highlight of hour two, hour two of this program is brought to you by Jason Hominuk at jason.mortgage. If you love paying too much for your mortgage, then don't let Jason shop around to find the perfect mortgage for you. Visit him online at jason.mortgage.

Your Vancouver Whitecaps are enjoying a fantastic start to their season, a 5-1 victory over Austin FC on Saturday, in which there could have been even more goals on the board. It was a great day for the Whitecaps. It's been a great start, as I mentioned. Joining us now, their sporting director and CEO, Axel Schuster, joins us here on the Haliford and Bruff show on Sportsnet 650.

Good morning, Axel, how are you? Happy Monday morning. I'm very, very good. How are you guys? I can imagine you're very good. It's been a very good start to the season for your team. I got to ask you, be honest with us here. Did you expect this much success this early in the Jesper Sorensen tenure?

You know, I could not tell everyone that I have actually laid that all out in winter and I was 100% sure that that all will happen but no, no. I have to say we all look genius now but there was a lot of hard work a lot of little things that had to play in our favor. There is also a lot of work from from different people in the club that are going into this. And so at the end, it is a perfect execution of our team. Something we were hoping for, something we were almost expecting from ourselves, but that it would go that well was not predictable. Is there any specific thing that you can point to that the new manager has done, implemented

that has led to such a good start? Look, I would say that yes, he has deleted everything that was preset before everyone had to fight again for his own spot also for being in his favor and and he has been very very clear from the beginning he is not shy about calling out some of our star players if they do something wrong and he is not shy of playing a young guy like Tate Johnson, 19 years old, draft pick in very important games. So I would say the energy with that he entered the building is probably the foundation to the energy that we now see on the pitch.

How has he been able to do this with the amount of injuries that your squad has suffered? Because again, for those that are listening that aren't aware, the team is winning and is atop the MLS standings, despite the fact that Ryan Gould has missed a ton of time. Sam Atacube has missed a bunch of time. Jaden Nelson, Matias Laborde, he can go down the list. There are several very important and dare I say star players that quite frankly,

haven't been able to contribute much because they're injured yet. Jesper's found a way to do it with young players and second players. How has he been able to manage that part of the game? You know what? That is the maybe very good thing if you come to this league and you have no experience in this league, because I saw one interview from him and people were explaining him, you know, with this many travel, you cannot play that style on

hey, teams in Mexico always suffer in Mexico City, it's impossible to go with high temp and if you have a lot of injuries in MLS you cannot be successful and his answer was, you know, I don't know all of this, I just focus on the next game. So yeah, he works with what is there, he said from the first day that his belief is to make a team better, is to make the players better. That's what he's focused on. And I think it's maybe a very healthy, natural focusing with not getting distracted with so many things that we all always think we know better because we have so much experience in the league. Axel, with the match against Inter Miami coming up at BC Place in the CONCACAF

Champions Cup semi-finals and congratulations for making it that far in the tournament. But we all know the last time that Inter Miami came to Vancouver things didn't go great for numerous reasons. How did you as an organization approach it this time around? Look for me this is a complete different situation and we play in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. We host the first leg, we are right now top team in the standings. I really think everyone in the city should focus on our team, come to get behind our team, to support us in this extremely important game. And what our opponent is doing, honestly, I don't really care about it. I hope that they bring their best team.

If they want to have my recommendation, they better bring their best team because it's very difficult to play the Whitecaps in Vancouver right now but at the end of the day we want to win the game we want to make it into the final and the first time in our history and that's what we focus on I think we also don't need to make anyone aware that is completely outside of our control what the opponent is doing but obviously we cannot spend any energy on on on this thoughts because we have to be like Jasper Zerns Zets, we control what we can control and we know what we don't know we don't know and we focus on ourselves. So I understand all of that, but I don't think the game would be sold out with tickets on

the secondary market going for $200 in the upper deck of BC Place if it wasn't Inter Miami. I understand your position, but has there been any contact whatsoever with Miami? And I know it's a weird question to ask because like, this is your opponent and they're not going to tell you they're starting 11. They're like, what's your strategy too? What's your formation? I understand all that.

What are you guys doing on set pieces? But all I know is like the last time this happened, uh, the Inter Miami came and you can acknowledge this. There were a lot of disappointed fans. Now the ticket prices weren't jacked up for this one. Um, and I know people noticed that and were appreciative of that. So there isn't going to be that same issue, but was there anything done differently? Because even though though you know I know what you're saying is like you should be coming to watch the Whitecaps

there are a lot of people there that are coming to watch yes the Whitecaps but also hopefully one of the greatest players to ever play in the game's history. And two things to that first of all there was a lot of frustration also within our organization, within our players, within our staff the last time. And I think last time it felt like it was the one chance in all life to see this player and to play against this player. This time it's a little bit different, but I understand everyone and I can tell you that every of my players My coaching staff every of my employees and every person I speak with including me has the same question and Everyone would be super happy if the best players and the one best player

In the history of this game will show up and play in Vancouver. The one thing I want to explain everyone even here this game is very different. Miami has said right from the beginning of the season that the most important competition for them for the first half of the year is the Concord Cup Champions Cup. They want to win this. So we can do our assumption that that means that they will bring their best team, but you can also imagine that they will not share with us anything to give us any advantage in preparation on that game. Because the game of Miami is obviously very different if he shows up on

plays or not, because then they choose a different approach. We will know two days before the game like the last time and we will obviously share what we know and it will be public available information but I hope that everyone understands that there's only so much that we can do to find out and what we can find out we will share and I can tell you that my coach is probably the most interested person to find out because he has to prepare for this game and he wants to prepare right for this game. We're speaking to Axel Schuster,

Whitecaps sporting director and CEO here on the Haliford and Bruff show on Sportsnet 650. Okay, let's turn our attention to some more exciting news for the Vancouver Whitecaps. It was now about two weeks ago that reports started to surface and you guys released a statement about conversations that are happening with the city of Vancouver regarding a potential new stadium build at the PNE.

Is there anything new to add or even if you just want to address our listeners right now as to what the update is or where you guys are at with regards to a potential new stadium for the Vancouver Whitecaps? Yeah, look, everyone of the listeners probably know that this club is up for sale since December 2024. And we have said right from the beginning, and I have said several times, that there is only one plan, plan A, and there is no plan B to work on everything needed to keep this club in Vancouver to find a next good ownership group here in Vancouver, who then leads the club to the next decade. So it is in our discussions with a lot of stakeholders and groups in the city. We also have addressed what we think could be

a game changer. And I have to say thank you to the city because we found a lot of open ears to have a discussion about is there a solution for a new venue, a new stadium that then could be this game changer. We are at a very early stage. The one thing I can say that the conversation went very well and that everyone wants to have an option on the table that then the next ownership group can take and execute. But more is at this point not to say to it because we are at the early stage of creating this option of signing this out and also getting it to a point where then it really can be executed right away. Is it fair to say that if the Whitecaps are to stay in Vancouver long term, they absolutely need a new stadium?

absolutely need a new stadium? You know, we, we have, I think after 15 years, we, we have a contract with BC place since 15 years. And you and I, we know that 15 years, a long time, and the world has completely looked different 15 years ago. So I think we are in the, in the negotiation period right now. I think that we can get to a way better model with BC Place also. And I think that the club can also live in a more competitive financial model to its competitors in MLS, in BC Place. But a new stadium would always be a game changer, a total different thing. So do I think it is needed

tomorrow? And we all know there will be no new stadium tomorrow, but do I think it is needed in very short term? No, but to have the option on the table to execute it long term is probably a thing that is needed if we see with whom we compete and that all our other opponents, including Miami for example, are having new stadiums or building new stadiums right now. Yeah, I keep saying like, you know, and I think the fact that that game against Miami did sell out so quickly in Vancouver and knowing that Vancouver does have a pretty storied soccer history, North American perspective, maybe not, you know, European or global, but Vancouver, in my

opinion, could be one of the great soccer cities of North America, but not in my opinion, if they have their games at BC place. Um, just how big a challenge is it for you? And feel free to disagree with that statement or agree with parts of it. But how big a challenge is this? Like getting a soccer stadium, getting a stadium built in Vancouver, where there's going to be, first of all, you've got to identify you know, talk to all the stakeholders in that and land is so valuable. You know, every little piece of land in Vancouver,

there's a debate on whether it's, you know, it's not like building a stadium in Vegas where there's like desert and that sort of thing. Like it's, it's, it's a big deal. Like how big is this project that, that you're looking at that you want to kind of hand off to a potential new ownership group? Look, first to your statement, I agree with it because there are other cities that we can use as an example.

I would say that Cincinnati, who also have played in a big venue, the NFL venue before, after they have built a new stadium, They have a total different vibe in the club, around the club. Although their venue now is smaller than the venue they had before, but this is now a total different franchise that is also competing in the top of the league. So I think you can see it in other markets what the new venue makes. To your second question, You can see it in other markets what a new venue makes. To your second question, we know that in Vancouver, sometimes I joke if somebody shows me where they have built a new stadium, they said, wow, this year wonderful. And I say, yeah, but for the cost of the land that you have here in whatever market, you

get a garage in Vancouver. We all know this, but we love the city. and a lot of people love the city and the prices are up for a reason because it's such a nice piece of land. The one positive thing I can say from all of this since December and this gives me a lot of energy is how many groups have come to us who maybe had not felt the pressure before to work with us on solutions, including province and city and many others. And it gave me also the feeling

this club means something to the people, to the organizations, to everyone in this province. And if everyone feels the same way, I think we can get something good done. Axel, this was great. Thank you very much for taking the time to do this today. We appreciate it. Congrats again on the great start to the season.

Let's hope it continues. The Whitecaps are in St. Louis this weekend. And let's do this again real soon. Thank you very much and have a great day. Yeah, you too, thanks. That's Axel Schuster, Whitecaps sporting director here on the Haliford and Brough Show on Sportsnet 650. So I tried my darnedest

because I always admire your intrepid Canucks reporting. Tried to put on Sportsnet 650. So I tried my darnedest because I always admire your intrepid Canucks reporting. Tried to put on my media hat. I tried to dig around and ask the handful of people that I know that might know more than I do about the messy situation specifically. So was talking to someone that works for a different MLS team and they did astutely point out that the star players

for Inter Miami this season apparently have a lot more clout and say in the matches that they want to play. A lot of last year, especially when Messi arrived to such great fanfare was there were certain management, like, I mean, like coaching staff and stuff, but also analysts that wanted to lighten the workload because you'll remember like Miami, he went on that crazy run in the leagues cup.

Yeah. And then they also had a very compacted schedule and Messi had just come off like a season playing. So if you point to what they've done recently, they did travel for both legs of the, it was kind of, it was a joke earlier when they played at Sporting Kansas City and it was like minus 900. Like it was like playing on the moon basically.

But the large contingent of the star players, including Messi showed up for both legs for that. When they played LA in the most recent round of the CONCACAF Cup, again, they flew to LA, played in the leg there, and then came back and played an MLS match in between the two. They played against Toronto FC.

I think Messi went 90 against LA FC and then 60 against Toronto, like no match off. And they said that there is a real competitive spirit with all the star players that they have. Because at the end of the day, those guys do want to play. Yeah. Right?

I mean, there are decision makers and stakeholders that are like, hello, best player to ever play. We're going to maybe hold you back just so we can keep you fresh. And then they'll maybe acquiesce and say, OK, fine. We won't go. So what was your conclusion from the conversations that you had? Well, now here's the other part of the coin.

So what was your conclusion from the conversations that you had? Well, now here's the other part of the coin. There was a sort of blueprint that they unexpectedly stumbled upon when they didn't send anybody to Vancouver last time because it took the air out of the match in BC Place. Yeah, it worked. That's the thing a lot of people forget. Not only did Messi and the other stars didn't show up, they came to Vancouver and pumped the white caps. And the white caps looked like a team, dead honest. I mean, you were there as well. They looked like a team that had a big crowd there

to watch them play and that the air kind of got taken out. That would be different in a semi-final of a. Completely. All I'm saying is that the blueprint is there. Last year, I know like Miami has. I'll just say it all. They have preferential treatment from the league because of what they are and who they have and who they represent.

They have used that on occasion to their advantage, including last year against the Whitecaps, because everything that Axel said there is absolutely the truth. They decided the unprecedented thing of like, hey, guys, I know you're playing us in a competitive match, but can you tell us what's going on? And I think that in that instance and other instances last year, Miami used it to its advantage.

You know, bait and switch, this might happen, this might not. I guess you'll have to wait and see. Right. Right. And I think that it's a bad look for MLS. This white cap seems desperate. Let's take advantage of them. You know, like it's. Let's lie to them.

You know, they know show, some of the stars know showed in Houston recently and like Houston had a similar thing where they had to put out a message to their fans. You know what I mean? And it is a very delicate balance between are you a competitive entity as a league or are you a showcase for Lionel Messi?

So by the way. Yes. One of the things I took away with that interview we just did with Axel and it's been in the back of my mind. What's that? How much of this stadium news is them just trying to get a better deal at a BC place? It's a great question. I mean the situation at BC place. Like you can do both, right?

You can do both right you can do both Everything could be a negotiating ploy the lease is up at the end of the season Yeah, so they're gonna get I have to get a new lease at BC Place anyway, right? You know, it's it's not like there's gonna be a new stadium built in a year Yeah, they're gonna have to renew at some point and it's gonna take years if they get that deal done part of this is You know, how far can BC Place go? Will they give you a share of the food and beverage or all of it? You know, like we've seen professional sports teams play, play the heavy in negotiations with stadiums and by extension, by the way, that's the government.

You know, but you've also now got two sets of government involved because you've got the province which owns the BC place and then the city which controls the P&E land so will they work together or will they compete with each other for a tenant? I mean I've said this before, and I'm gonna say it again, I think the motocross fiasco of last season might've been the tipping point with the relationship. It might've been, but the other thing might've been

just like, we got a year left on our lease here, we wanna sell the team. But there's always the spark that lights. Let's shake things up. There's always the spark that lights the fire Yeah, yeah, but I think that's fire was already lit lit lit lit. Yeah, it was already it was already lit. Let's get lit. So Anyway, this is an interesting story. I'm happy I got tickets to The game against their Miami me too, buddy. Even if he

Messy doesn't show up or doesn't play, I won't be super disappointed because the tickets weren't all that expensive and I'm excited for the Whitecaps because the winner of this tournament, what does the winner of this tournament get? You get to go to the FIFA Club World Cup World Championship. Yeah. Everyone's excited about that.

In 2029. Yeah. It's, look, it it is if you want to because the Seattle Sounders got to go to it. And it does kind of a couple of years ago when they won. It does. Is it the upcoming Club World Cup? No, it's the next one. Oh, is it? Yeah. This into Miami. There's a whole backstory there that we don't have the time to get to for the

upcoming one. What it does is it puts you it puts MLS and the winner on a plane that you just would never otherwise get. And I understand why Miami wants it to be them that's going and why they take this competition so seriously because for the brand, which already has global appeal, it almost sort of validates it as a,

like a competitive entity and not just a marketing player. You know what I'm talking about, right? Like for a lot of people are like, well, it's great, but inter Miami, the only reason people know it is because they bought the pink shirt and they have messy on the back. But to have him play at a high level and go to like a tournament like the club world cup, it's just a different sort of, it's still marketing, but it validates the move and makes them a competitive entity as well.

Okay. We're way up against it for time. We're gonna go to the final hour of the program. That segment was listen, by the way. All right. Satyarshana is gonna join us next. A host of Canucks Central will do some Canucks talk on the other side. You're listening to the Haliford and Brev Show

on Sportsnet 650.