The Fan Opinion portion of The Hockey Fanatic will feature opinion on things that are going on in the hockey world. We will discuss topics such as violence in hockey, suspensi0ns, rules, hockey highlights, favorite memories and more. As hockey fans we have opinions about everything concerning our favorite sport. Hockey is the greatest game on the planet, but like a relationship, it takes time and effort to grow the game and ensure that it continues to remain the great sport and game that it is.
Ultimately hockey fans will have the last say in just how successful hockey will be. In markets where teams only draw a third of what their tickets should be, the fans speak. Fans will only go so far to support a team in their market. The business of hockey is of minimal concern to the true hockey fans. In this day of millionaire players where loyalty is but a thing of the past, unless you have a no-trade clause, the true fans are in need of great plays and fast, fun hockey. Old school hockey fans may not like change, but change is necessary for the game to grow. There are lots of topics up for debate:
- should fighting continue to be part of the game?
- should body-checking be banned?
- should there be a minimum floor in a salary cap world
- should the NHL send players to the Olympics?
- what should be done about concussions?
- how can an average family afford to put their kids in hockey?
- how can parents protect their kids from predators
- who is better Gretzky or Lemieux? Crosby or Ovie?
- should southern Ontario get a second NHL team?
- what should be done with the struggling US based teams?
- how long should Gary Bettemen continue as Commissioner?
- should the Shoot Out be removed?
- should hockey fans have a say in how to improve the game?
The list goes on and one, but you see where we are going with this. Look for more hockey fan opinion to come.
Okay I am angry no Canadian team made it to the NHL Playoffs . It’s discusting. They have no pride.
Hockey or any sport is 90 percent effort, 10 percent talent.
NHL players are spoiled.
It should be performance based
If a team will not make the playoffs the their games should be cancelled and the players salaries should be cut accordingly
I have been a edmonton oiler fan since the beginning and the last 10 years have been a joke to say the least. I am so fed up with the first round draft picks doing nothing where are they. If the kids don’t want to play then move them for some that will. You have a team of kids with no leader. There is not one player on that team that can be a leader to them. It is literally a team that is not a team they are all doing their own thing. I look at the news and see here we go again another loss, please Edmonton get your act together the 10 rebuild has done nothing.
I just want to express my frustration with the whole shoot out thing! Most of the people I know hate it mainly because its a team sport not a side show for individuals to make the few so called hockey fans happy! Its not fair that a team who plays hard for 60min loses a game to another team who happens to tie a game by a fluke goal or because of a power play. Then that team wins in the shoot out because they may have some guys who are great at shoot out moves! This is wrong ,let the teams play 4on4 until its over or even 5on 5 like the old days. I remember when some games went to 3 and 4 overtimes and man that was exciting! If you want excitement go to 3on 3 that would be cool at least more players would be involved in the outcome of the game!
I use to like watching hockey. Went to a few games at the excel center in MN. Now you have to buy me tickets to go.You millionaires are getting greeedy I will never go to a game or watch anymore.You lost another great fan.Getting a good tax break? A holes.Tim Kippola
everyone is just plain frustrated by the situation
less focus is on the dwindling enthusiasm for NHL hockey
yes, we “regulars” are dying to get back on the ice
but most of the US and now many Canadians
are “moving on”
the AHL and junior hockey are becoming more attractive every day
I love hockey – I want to see a good game
I want to watch hockey
many attempts have been made in most sports
to start a new league
in my opinion, over expansion has greatly hurt the NHL
maybe a new, smaller professional league is the answer
right now I am focusing on the minor leagues
because that is what is available
it may not be the best game in town
but right now, the best game in town
is unavailable
What’s in it for me.? As a season ticket holder, I have an undeniable stake in the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL as a whole. Therefore, if the owners and the players are permitted to ask this question in the context of the CBA negotiations, I believe we as fans should ask and are entitled to an answer. Further, I want more than the motherhood – return of hockey action, good of the game goobleygook answers.
I do not want an Andrew Ladd asking for patience from fans and asking fans to temper their response to the latest offer from the league. It is both hubris on his part and an insult to my intelligence for player or league representatives to tell me how to feel and think about this matter. I ask a pet, child or someone who I do not respect to be patient. It is an insult to my intelligence to be told that this is a negotiation so I should temper my response to one or the other side’s position. The irony of such comments is that they often reflect the messaging provided by someone responsible for the negotiations for one side (such as Donald Fehr) to his constituents, who while highly skilled in and passionate about the game are unsophisticated in matters of labor negotiations such as the current CBA negotiation (players perhaps?).
However, leaving my reaction to the somewhat condescending manner in which both players and the league have treated fans in their messaging as they seek to win our hearts and minds in the CBA negotiation, I return to my question, what’s in it for me? If owners and players can play the “I’m just safeguarding the interests of current and future players or the league as a whole (at least I have not heard too many, “I’m just trying to put food on the table” type comments) card, I am just trying to protect the interest of current and future fans. For example, I would like to petition for compensation to fans when games are delayed or missed due to labor negotiations. These provisions would be similar to the performance penalties that apply if a construction project does not finish on time or my garbage is not picked up on time. As well, I think it would be appropriate for NHL fandom as a whole to think about a response / message to the league and players when the NHL does resume games. For example, perhaps a 30 second period of silence at the time of puck drop in every opening NHL game. This gesture would be in recognition of the death (although it may have occurred a long time ago) of player and league consideration, courtesy and respect for the party most critical to the league’s existence and health, the fan.
Well stated Mike. Both sides are experienced in negotiations and quite honestly had more than enough time to iron out a new deal. Just shows how much egos get in the way. The sense of entitlement by the players is ridiculous especially considering the efforts that some of these players put forth. The current state of affairs in the NHL is a true slap in the face to hockey fans.
Fines levied by Brendan Shanahan need more bite. These guys make to dough to begin with Players need to have their wallets hurt big time Fines penny annie
Bar players from games when players badly injured like Torres Leaving the game by ambulance is disgusting When does this become a criminal offence!!