![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
On a friend's blog, someone (American, obviously) commented that we (Canadians) seem to have a big chip on our shoulder when it comes to hockey and we shouldn't be so upset about last night's (embarrassing) match against the US. And honestly, yk, I just found that kind of offensive, like it's no big deal, we need not be so upset.
You know, when the NHL decides to expand into the wealthier American market, and you take beloved teams with a solid fan base like the Jets, and stick them somewhere snow has never occurred naturally* (Phoenix) (meaning kids don't grow up playing and knowing and loving hockey, as in then building a solid culturally accurate fan base for the sport) then due to this dumb move bankrupt them, then refuse to let them come home where people love them, yeah, we might have a chip.
And that's just one little example. But that comment that guy made, it really showcased for me how for them it's just a game. Even the most girly girly-girls I know "follow" hockey. Even ones who protest they do not and know nothing about the sport can be proven to be liars, much like I was when insisting I knew nothing of football while living in Nebraska. Simply not true.
For us, it's a culture, a sport, like Britain and soccer. So yeah, sorry, but having the Americans come, after going all big market US Style has changed the NHL in ways many Canadians are sad about and know will never be reversed, and then shamefully kicking our asses, yeah, sorry, it hurt, and no, it wasn't just a game or just a prelim for us. It was sad and embarrassing and sort of like watching Babe Ruth get struck out. Depressing.
*I do believe NHL teams can thrive and survive in snowless places. Places such as LA, Las Vegas, Annaheim for example I am certain could sustain teams for very long term indeed due to the wealth and celebrity factor. Phoenix, Tampa, South Carolina, Nashville (they can't even sustain football there for fuck's sake) Dallas, are you kidding me? I bet anyone reading this $100 in 2030 money that all those teams will fold by 2030. Hands down.
You know, when the NHL decides to expand into the wealthier American market, and you take beloved teams with a solid fan base like the Jets, and stick them somewhere snow has never occurred naturally* (Phoenix) (meaning kids don't grow up playing and knowing and loving hockey, as in then building a solid culturally accurate fan base for the sport) then due to this dumb move bankrupt them, then refuse to let them come home where people love them, yeah, we might have a chip.
And that's just one little example. But that comment that guy made, it really showcased for me how for them it's just a game. Even the most girly girly-girls I know "follow" hockey. Even ones who protest they do not and know nothing about the sport can be proven to be liars, much like I was when insisting I knew nothing of football while living in Nebraska. Simply not true.
For us, it's a culture, a sport, like Britain and soccer. So yeah, sorry, but having the Americans come, after going all big market US Style has changed the NHL in ways many Canadians are sad about and know will never be reversed, and then shamefully kicking our asses, yeah, sorry, it hurt, and no, it wasn't just a game or just a prelim for us. It was sad and embarrassing and sort of like watching Babe Ruth get struck out. Depressing.
*I do believe NHL teams can thrive and survive in snowless places. Places such as LA, Las Vegas, Annaheim for example I am certain could sustain teams for very long term indeed due to the wealth and celebrity factor. Phoenix, Tampa, South Carolina, Nashville (they can't even sustain football there for fuck's sake) Dallas, are you kidding me? I bet anyone reading this $100 in 2030 money that all those teams will fold by 2030. Hands down.
