Comments on: Something Is Rotten In The State Of Hockey http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/ No, not THAT Roman Empire Tue, 18 May 2010 22:10:12 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Just Tape Four Tylenols To It « The Roman Empire http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1026 Just Tape Four Tylenols To It « The Roman Empire Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:35:34 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1026 [...] a year ago I wrote about there being something rotten in my state of hockey. I got quite a bit off my chest back then and, looking back, perhaps I was a [...] [...] a year ago I wrote about there being something rotten in my state of hockey. I got quite a bit off my chest back then and, looking back, perhaps I was a [...]

]]> By: Pierre http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1025 Pierre Mon, 28 May 2007 21:38:04 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1025 I might be a week late with my post, but I still feel like chipping in. I share a relatively similar story than you Hamid. I grew up in a family which wasn't willing to go through the annoying 6am practice on Saturday morning, not to say that my parents didn't want me to grow up in surrounded by the crazy parents shouting at the referees and the coaches all game long. I did play all the time outside on rinks or in the street though. Then I stopped liking hockey, probably in the late 90s. However, post-lockout, I started loving it again. I think the main difference from me is the media you access the game with. I can totaly understand how you hate watching Don Cherry. I'm a Quebecer. Need I say more? I also couldn't care less about the 5th Oilers-Canucks game I'm offered by CBC. Serisouly, do these 3 teams (Flames, Oilers, Canucks) only play against each other?!?!!?!? What I like: going on to nhl.com every morning and watch the highlight of the games I care about. I would love for CBC and other TV channels to start broadcasting more diversity, and for the NHL to allow that diversity (8 games within your own division in one year is simply too many). I used to agree that there were too many teams in the NHL, but now, with the post lock out reality, we saw this year that many teams can be competitive, and that many younger players are ready to take the stage. Once all GMs will have updated their ways of managing their teams, we should have a good league to watch. Finally, I agree that there are other good leagues to get your hockey fix from. I'm always amazed every time I go back to Chicoutimi to see that the Sags (the junior hockey team) is playing in front of a sell-out crowd game after game. Weirdly enough, I think the biggest cities could be the worst cities for the average hockey fan... I might be a week late with my post, but I still feel like chipping in.

I share a relatively similar story than you Hamid. I grew up in a family which wasn’t willing to go through the annoying 6am practice on Saturday morning, not to say that my parents didn’t want me to grow up in surrounded by the crazy parents shouting at the referees and the coaches all game long. I did play all the time outside on rinks or in the street though.

Then I stopped liking hockey, probably in the late 90s. However, post-lockout, I started loving it again. I think the main difference from me is the media you access the game with. I can totaly understand how you hate watching Don Cherry. I’m a Quebecer. Need I say more? I also couldn’t care less about the 5th Oilers-Canucks game I’m offered by CBC. Serisouly, do these 3 teams (Flames, Oilers, Canucks) only play against each other?!?!!?!? What I like: going on to nhl.com every morning and watch the highlight of the games I care about. I would love for CBC and other TV channels to start broadcasting more diversity, and for the NHL to allow that diversity (8 games within your own division in one year is simply too many).

I used to agree that there were too many teams in the NHL, but now, with the post lock out reality, we saw this year that many teams can be competitive, and that many younger players are ready to take the stage. Once all GMs will have updated their ways of managing their teams, we should have a good league to watch.

Finally, I agree that there are other good leagues to get your hockey fix from. I’m always amazed every time I go back to Chicoutimi to see that the Sags (the junior hockey team) is playing in front of a sell-out crowd game after game. Weirdly enough, I think the biggest cities could be the worst cities for the average hockey fan…

]]> By: Lee Corso’s Merkin » Blog Archive » Stanley Cup Finals: Stanley Cup Finals Pants Party: Ducks Vs. Senators http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1019 Lee Corso’s Merkin » Blog Archive » Stanley Cup Finals: Stanley Cup Finals Pants Party: Ducks Vs. Senators Mon, 28 May 2007 15:42:19 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1019 [...] honest, rage is the only emotion that any fans feel about no matter the reason or the season when the subject is Commissioner Bettman — is that we’re on the cusp of what promises to be a pretty compelling matchup on the [...] [...] honest, rage is the only emotion that any fans feel about no matter the reason or the season when the subject is Commissioner Bettman — is that we’re on the cusp of what promises to be a pretty compelling matchup on the [...]

]]> By: Carl http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1015 Carl Mon, 28 May 2007 04:34:34 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1015 I refer you to your own post on November 28th 2006. There's no more convincing reference than your own used against you. I refer you to your own post on November 28th 2006.
There’s no more convincing reference than your own used against you.

]]> By: hroman http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1022 hroman Fri, 25 May 2007 13:37:33 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1022 Brilliant observation of the day: <em>"What I think the real issue is that you are not disheartened by hockey. You are being let down by the NHL. You are bored with the NHL"</em> Brilliant observation of the day:

“What I think the real issue is that you are not disheartened by hockey. You are being let down by the NHL. You are bored with the NHL”

]]> By: Lynh Nguyen http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1021 Lynh Nguyen Fri, 25 May 2007 13:02:35 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1021 hmmm ... correction to a phrase above ... THat's not to say that hockey is not alive and exciting elsewhere. That's what I meant ... hmmm … correction to a phrase above …

THat’s not to say that hockey is not alive and exciting elsewhere.

That’s what I meant …

]]> By: Lynh Nguyen http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1020 Lynh Nguyen Fri, 25 May 2007 13:00:55 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1020 On the issue of cost Hamid, I agree and disagree with you. The cost of joining a league and fitting your growing kid with equipment does cost in the thousands every year. But plenty of kids from poor families kept the hockey spirit alive by playing streety hockey every night. A group of kids with ratty beat up nets, a ball and old hockey sticks. What I think the real issue is that you are not disheartened by hockey. You are being let down by the NHL. You are bored with the NHL. That's not to say that hockey is alive and exciting elsewhere. Everyone seems to think that the be all and end all of hockey is the NHL. If you want the story line and intense passion watch OHL or AHL. Watch all the various grades of World Hockey. These leagues and events are not always well advertised but you will always be able to find a great OHL game during the year. You can get cheap tickets for an AHL game and still get a good game. I was even one of the few people that would show up to U of T Blues games. Our girl's team was amazing. So if you really love hockey look elsewhere. Learn the stories of the OHL and AHL. You'll fall back in love with the game! On the issue of cost Hamid, I agree and disagree with you. The cost of joining a league and fitting your growing kid with equipment does cost in the thousands every year. But plenty of kids from poor families kept the hockey spirit alive by playing streety hockey every night. A group of kids with ratty beat up nets, a ball and old hockey sticks.

What I think the real issue is that you are not disheartened by hockey. You are being let down by the NHL. You are bored with the NHL. That’s not to say that hockey is alive and exciting elsewhere. Everyone seems to think that the be all and end all of hockey is the NHL. If you want the story line and intense passion watch OHL or AHL. Watch all the various grades of World Hockey. These leagues and events are not always well advertised but you will always be able to find a great OHL game during the year. You can get cheap tickets for an AHL game and still get a good game. I was even one of the few people that would show up to U of T Blues games. Our girl’s team was amazing. So if you really love hockey look elsewhere. Learn the stories of the OHL and AHL. You’ll fall back in love with the game!

]]> By: hroman http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1024 hroman Fri, 25 May 2007 03:31:42 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1024 Carl, I think you hit the nail on the head with your definition of "cost," as compared with the blue-collar nature of hockey. Carl, I think you hit the nail on the head with your definition of “cost,” as compared with the blue-collar nature of hockey.

]]> By: Carl http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1023 Carl Fri, 25 May 2007 02:16:08 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1023 What makes hockey interesting is it's a blue collar sport that still costs a lot of money to play. Arguably, hockey is amongst the grittiest toughest sports there is, along with the one you’re most likely to get a black eye while playing, or even lose some teeth. When you look at Mike Ricci you don’t think rich kid. I don’t think the big ‘cost’ is someone laying out a few hundred bucks on equipment, and new pair of skates every year. I think the big cost is in the time. 5am practices to drive to, tournaments in Moose Jaw, summer inline leagues, weekend power skating clinics, etc etc. Poorer families tend to have jobs that don’t necessarily fit into the 9-5 workday, making it tough to get little Wayne to the rink on the weekend. Not to mention the fact that they’re less likely to have a car. Conversely, sports like tennis or cricket have an aura of sophistication and pretentiousness about them. Dressed all in white sweaters on finely cut grass, white men discuss how their old money is doing in the blue chips that week, and whether or not they’d care for a spot of tea after the match. Cricket even has a tea break built into the sport!! These sports cost comparatively nothing to play. Hamid, maybe you should start a kids cricket league in St James town. What makes hockey interesting is it’s a blue collar sport that still costs a lot of money to play. Arguably, hockey is amongst the grittiest toughest sports there is, along with the one you’re most likely to get a black eye while playing, or even lose some teeth. When you look at Mike Ricci you don’t think rich kid.
I don’t think the big ‘cost’ is someone laying out a few hundred bucks on equipment, and new pair of skates every year. I think the big cost is in the time. 5am practices to drive to, tournaments in Moose Jaw, summer inline leagues, weekend power skating clinics, etc etc. Poorer families tend to have jobs that don’t necessarily fit into the 9-5 workday, making it tough to get little Wayne to the rink on the weekend. Not to mention the fact that they’re less likely to have a car.
Conversely, sports like tennis or cricket have an aura of sophistication and pretentiousness about them. Dressed all in white sweaters on finely cut grass, white men discuss how their old money is doing in the blue chips that week, and whether or not they’d care for a spot of tea after the match. Cricket even has a tea break built into the sport!! These sports cost comparatively nothing to play.
Hamid, maybe you should start a kids cricket league in St James town.

]]> By: hroman http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1017 hroman Fri, 25 May 2007 00:27:40 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1017 I should use the spellcheck feature! Thanks for the edit, Tien. As to the issue of "rich kids," I know it's a stereotype, but that's how I saw it. The kids playing hockey where I grew up were all noticably more affluent than those who didn't; The Stars released a survey that showed families of hockey players (including their fan base) were more prosperous than those of the other three major sports - Basketball, Football, Baseball. (This doesn't mean that well-off kids play hockey exclusively!) I agree with the statement that "you don't need to be a rich kid to make it in ice hockey." But not everyone's parents have the faculty to fashion for their children outdoor hockey rinks (i.e. Walter Gretzky). So I think the Gretzky example is not particularly effective. Especially considering there are many more "rags to riches" stories from Basketball, Baseball, and Football. It's all relative. I should use the spellcheck feature! Thanks for the edit, Tien.

As to the issue of “rich kids,” I know it’s a stereotype, but that’s how I saw it. The kids playing hockey where I grew up were all noticably more affluent than those who didn’t; The Stars released a survey that showed families of hockey players (including their fan base) were more prosperous than those of the other three major sports – Basketball, Football, Baseball. (This doesn’t mean that well-off kids play hockey exclusively!)

I agree with the statement that “you don’t need to be a rich kid to make it in ice hockey.” But not everyone’s parents have the faculty to fashion for their children outdoor hockey rinks (i.e. Walter Gretzky). So I think the Gretzky example is not particularly effective. Especially considering there are many more “rags to riches” stories from Basketball, Baseball, and Football.

It’s all relative.

]]> By: D. E Culbert http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1016 D. E Culbert Thu, 24 May 2007 21:43:14 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1016 You don't need to be a rich kid to make it in ice hockey. Wayne Gretzky came from humble beginnings and so did a lot of other great hockey players, the list goes on and on. It's the same in any sport, either you got talent and skill, or you don't. <b><i>Not really the point of your post, but I’m not a sports fan by any means.</i></b> If your not a sports fan, what is the point you are trying to make? You don’t need to be a rich kid to make it in ice hockey. Wayne Gretzky came from humble beginnings and so did a lot of other great hockey players, the list goes on and on. It’s the same in any sport, either you got talent and skill, or you don’t.

Not really the point of your post, but I’m not a sports fan by any means.

If your not a sports fan, what is the point you are trying to make?

]]> By: Tien http://hroman.com/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/comment-page-1/#comment-1018 Tien Thu, 24 May 2007 20:24:29 +0000 http://hroman.wordpress.com/2007/05/24/something-is-rotten-in-the-state-of-hockey/#comment-1018 You meant "hypocrisy" and not "hypocrasy", right? ;) I found your comment that "rich kids played hockey" interesting. There is no doubt that having a child play organized hockey is expensive. I would have to say though that of the many friends I had as a child who played organized hockey, very few (if any) were rich. They did however have the willingness to get up at un-godly hours and family members who were willing to do the same. Maybe it was a difference in the areas where we grew up, but all of the kids around where I grew up played hockey of some kind. Street hockey when it was warm and ice hockey at the local outdoor rink when it was cold enough....and in Ottawa (or its now almagamated suburb) it was cold enough quite a lot. We all threw tennis balls at walls and shot hoops through crooked meshless hoops too. Where I grew up, rich kid played organized tennis. Not really the point of your post, but I'm not a sports fan by any means. ;) You meant “hypocrisy” and not “hypocrasy”, right? ;)
I found your comment that “rich kids played hockey” interesting. There is no doubt that having a child play organized hockey is expensive. I would have to say though that of the many friends I had as a child who played organized hockey, very few (if any) were rich. They did however have the willingness to get up at un-godly hours and family members who were willing to do the same.
Maybe it was a difference in the areas where we grew up, but all of the kids around where I grew up played hockey of some kind. Street hockey when it was warm and ice hockey at the local outdoor rink when it was cold enough….and in Ottawa (or its now almagamated suburb) it was cold enough quite a lot. We all threw tennis balls at walls and shot hoops through crooked meshless hoops too. Where I grew up, rich kid played organized tennis.

Not really the point of your post, but I’m not a sports fan by any means. ;)

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