FanHouse IowaChops

As if the Iowa Chops, the Anaheim Ducks AHL club, didn't make enough headlines with their goofy new name and delicious new logo, the hockey club has gone out and publicly tried to recruit Brett Favre, the indecisive Hall-of-Famer-to-be NFL QB, for a spot on the roster.

Could sports fans see Brett Favre in an Iowa Chops jersey? If Chops President Steve Nitzel has his way, Favre may be coming out of retirement to sign a playing contract with of all teams... the Iowa Chops. "Brett is one of the greatest American athletes of the past 50 years and deserves a place to play, so we are extending an offer to him to become the newest member of the Iowa Chops Hockey team of the American Hockey League," said Nitzel.

Over at his own site, FanHouse's Mirtle wonders what the hell the Chops are thinking with this crazy offer.

Well, just by blogging about the Chops' press release, it ought to be rather obvious that Mirtle gave the Chops exactly what they wanted: free publicity.

Even if Brett Favre never acknowledges the offer, which he isn't likely to do unless some reporter asks him about it, the Chops have gotten their name in the papers and on a few blogs with their attempt to sign a power play Quarterback.

And I say "Why the hell not?". Minor league baseball teams have long used such wacky gimmicks to increase attendance, so minor league hockey ought to follow suit more often.

With Iowa's AHL franchise now serving the Anaheim Ducks instead of the Dallas Stars, a new name change and uniform design was in order.

Instead of opting to go the easy route and become the Iowa Ducks or Iowa Mallards, the team went in a completely different direction and chose a baffling new name: The Iowa Chops.

"We really feel this name perfectly represents our vision of the new team," says team owner Kirby Schlegel. "It illustrates Iowa's agricultural heritage while also playing into the definition of 'chops', having nerve, resilience and staying power. The word 'chops' can mean continually defeating someone, and that is the reputation we expect Iowa's new team to gain in the league."

"We wanted a name that would catch people's attention and spark discussion, not just in Iowa but nationally as well," says Steve Nitzel, Iowa Chops President. "There is no doubt the name is unique. We're confident that the team will continue to gain respect in this community and in the league for years to come."

Well, the new name certainly captures your attention, much like the play-on-words Macon Whoopee once did.

That said, does anyone not think of delicious pork chops when they hear this name? Looking at the logo, I suddenly get the urge to fire up the BBQ. I can't help but think the Anaheim Ducks ought to change their name to the Peking Ducks. Then, the whole organization can be one delicious supper.

At the very least, the name and logo change has the fans talking, and given Iowan hockey a bit more of the mid-west sports spotlight.