The loss is frustrating and potentially damaging as far as getting the 7th seed in the Western Conference (something that, quite honestly, may not really matter much anyways).
However... the good news is that Seattle still controls their own fate. Win a game or two and you'll get the 7th seed no matter what.
Tri-City comes into town on Tuesday and that's going to be a tough game. The Yams are locked in a battle with the rival Chiefs to get the 4th seed and earn home ice against the other one in the first round.
Seattle then gets Portland twice. Once down in the rose city and once back at home to end the season. Nothing, and I repeat nothing, will be easy about those two games but Portland will likely have home ice throughout the entire playoffs locked up and I would guess they will rest a couple of players each night.
The road is tough. Whether it really matters or not is probably up for considerable debate.
Let's talk about last night.
First off, let me emphasize that referees are not to blame for the Tbirds losing that game last night. They have nobody to blame but themselves and quite frankly they just aren't that good. Everett and Seattle are equally inept and they are only divided by a bounce of the puck... which is what happened last night.
Referees make mistakes and they especially make mistakes in the WHL. These are guys (often young guys) learning their craft along with the players that are playing the game. Some will graduate to higher levels and some won't. Think about how many times a game you can count the mistakes that players are making (or coaches) and ask yourself why we expect referees to be any better. This doesn't excuse the mistakes when they are made... it just explains it.
When the referees are bad, I'm going to call them bad. When they screw up, I'm going to say they screwed up. But let's keep in mind that it IS a part of the game, it will ALWAYS be a part of the game and nothing will change that.
So let's take some issue with some things.
- I thought the 3rd actually started the way it should have. Referees were letting the small stuff go and letting the teams fight it out and decide the game on their own. The team that wanted it more, wanted to fight through the clutch and grab, was going to be the victor. It appeared to me that the mantra was going to be to let the teams play and let them decide the game... and then things changed. Referees have to have a feel for the game. It's an incredibly difficult thing to do... I don't envy them. If you're going to let things go in the 3rd, you can't make the Delay of Game call against Glover half way through the period. I admit... fully... I couldn't tell whether the puck was over the line but several people closer than I said it was at best close and at worst on the line. You can't make that call. You just can't. Everett then scores on the Power Play and a questionable call directly leads to a significant moment in the game.
- What makes that call even worse? If you're going to call a ticky tack, questionable Delay of Game penalty you MUST call a penalty when a player (Delnov) gets boarded. Even if we call the play questionable... you can't call a questionable DOG and then not call a questionable boarding/checking from behind. You can't proclaim to be letting the players play with 15 minutes left, then call a soft one with 10 minutes left and then allow a dangerous hit with 3 minutes left. That is simply poor game management and poor game mechanics by the officials.
- As for the hit itself. In the interest of full disclosure... Delnov turned his back, no question about it. But a player that turns his back and is more than a foot from the boards simply can't be legally and forcibly checked into the boards. It's a dangerous play. Writers like Gregg Drinnan (who I have a tremendous amount of respect for) are irresponsible when they call for the outlaw of fighting in the game yet say very little about dangerous hits (or LEGAL hits) that can also cause head injuries. Incidentally, this is why I think the debate about fighting is ridiculous and misses the mark. If we're so concerned about fights that cause head injuries, we must be equally concerned about checking, both legal and not. Next thing you know, we'll all be playing flag-hockey and touching won't be allowed. But I digress.
- Because the hit on Delnov was allowed and no penalty was being called, players are then tasked with protecting their own players. You can't allow the other team to hit your players dangerously without a response. You just can't. I'm not so sure that Wardley's actions were the best possible choice but I certainly can't blame him for the decision that he made. He effectively enforced justice where officials didn't. In my mind, this places the entire blame for the brawl on the two guys with the orange bands on their arms. They are tasked with keeping the peace and handing out justice and in this instance, they completely and utterly failed.
- It didn't stop there... ohhhh no it didn't. Brandon Glover then races to fight Lotz who was encouraging a fight and dropped the gloves at the same time Glover did. Ryan Gibbons does his job (even if we don't like it) and tried to break them apart before eventually pealing off. I've seen a ton of Instigator penalties (and the rule is dumb in the first place) and that was one of the worst Instigator penalties I can remember. Here is the definition of the Instigator rule (again, a dumb rule). I'm only going to include the first line because it is the most relevant part: 46.11 Instigator - An instigator of an altercation shall be a player who by his actions or demeanor demonstrates any/some of the following criteria: distance traveled; gloves off first; first punch thrown; menacing attitude or posture; verbal instigation or threats; conduct in retaliation to a prior game (or season) incident; obvious retribution for a previous incident in the game or season. I'm pretty certain that the part of the rule they would cite is going to be the distance traveled. Glover came from the other end of the rink to fight Lotz. I can't deny that. However, there is letter of the law and intent of the law. Every game there are dozens upon dozens of interpretations of the rules that aren't followed by the letter of the law. The intent of the Instigator penalty is to punish players who "jump" other players. I think just about every hockey player would agree with me. This was most certainly not a case where Glover jumped Lotz. Both players had their gloves off first, neither through a "first punch" and neither of them fit any of the other descriptions described in the rule. Why do I care? Here's the rub. Clearly the officials applied the mechanics of the rule correctly. They deemed Glover to be the instigator and that meant Lotz stayed in the game... and that's the rub. Lotz staying in the game could have made a huge difference in the final couple of minutes if Everett had been forced to put a cold Cotton in the game.
- Just to drive the hammer down... 11 seconds later the same officials called Mueller for tripping. It was a horrible and obvious makeup call. How they let Delnov get boarded and then call a soft trip like that speaks volumes to the lack of control and lack of feel they had for the game.
- Seattle also wound up with 1 PP and Everett had 5. Again... in a game that was so evenly contested, that's just bad game management.
Complaining about the Referees is both futile and likely a waste of time. It also can't explain the outcome of games. You can't blame officials for the outcome of games. You can't leave the margin of error so close that you allow a few calls to decide the outcome of the game. If Seattle puts 55 shots on Lotz and scores 4 or 5 goals, a few calls that don't go your way, don't matter. It's still frustrating to deal with, especially when calls have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.
Is it possible that this game and fight can galvanize this team going into the playoffs? Maybe this is exactly what the team needed. They needed a reason to think that everyone (including officials) is against them and nobody believes in them. I certainly don't think they can beat either Kelowna or Portland in the first round but maybe, just maybe, this gives them all a reason to say "F it... it's us against everyone... let's prove them all wrong".
To Brandon Glover. Congrats kid, you've now jumped several levels in your historical popularity of the Thunderbirds franchise. Last night I heard the name Cody Rudkowsky mentioned by several people and he last played (and fought) for the Tbirds in 1999. 15 years from now, we'll all be talking about the night Brandon Glover raced down the ice to fight Austin Lotz and how Ryan Gibbons tried to stop them.
What a night at Showare.
Anyone else besides media members want to get fighting out of the game?
72 comments :
I agree and I also agree that we can't blame the officials for the loss.
What I do blame them for is the flow of the game. If you call the penalty on Mueller against Delnov that could possibly put Seattle on the PP which could effect the outcome of the game.
As I've said elsewhere if it is important to keep players to a higher standard then it should also be important for the league to keep the officials at those same high standards.
Tyler,
The penalty on Glover for Ineligible Player (not DOG) had to be called if the official ruled the puck was played outside the trapezoid. The official was in a good position to see it clearly. The penalty is automatic, not a judgement call (like shooting the puck out of play from the defensive zone).
I agree the hit on Delnov was a missed call.
Andy Kemper
Andy,
Simple question. Is every call made not a certain level of "judgement"?
By my judgement the puck didn't look over the line and I have other eyewitnesses that agreed with me.
My point is a much bigger one. Calls every night have context. Every call has a situation and context.
You're right. If the puck was over the line he has to call it... not going to argue that. But I will argue that the call had a certain degree of question to it and if there is question you use "judgement" and you let it go.
We both know that happens all the time with the trapezoid rule.
btw... I really do appreciate that you tag your comments. It's nice when people actually take an identity with their comments!
I believe that if it is a penalty in the first, it is a penalty in the third, regardless of score. Nothing frustrates me more than an official who "swallows their whistle".
If you get a chance, watch the OT last night from Saskatoon. Moments before Walker scored the winner, Klimchuk was tackled at the other end on a scoring chance. I can almost guarantee that would have been a penalty early. It wasn't called and SAS scored seconds later.
I didn't have a great view on the stream to see it clearly. But I did see the official in a perfect position to make the call. I'd much rather have an official make a call he believes is right than one that thinks about the time and score before raising his hand.
Andy Kemper
Glover was pulled for an extra attacker with 1:20 left. This all happened with 1:18 left which means Glover was on the bench. He came off the bench to fight Lotz when the tbirds already had an extra attacker on the ice. That would make sense why an instigator was called. Could he be suspended for the final games?
Glover was standing next to the bench the tbirds hadn't gotten the extra attacker on yet. As the delnov hit occurred as glover was heading to the bench. He wasn't on the bench simply by it... Although I assume a game or two will be the likely outcome
It was "fitting" when Swenson "clapped" his stick on the ice when the "make up call" was made at the end of game.
The trapezoid penalty might have had to been called automatically (on the other side of the ice so wouldn't have been able to tell) .
The instigator penalty on the other hand should never of happened. Lotz wasn't jumped and dropped his gloves at the same time.
Also when is he league going to get rid of the leading penalty on a dive. If the worst thing that's going o happen is you are going to go 4 on 4 because of a dive it's never going to be an incentive not to be an actor.
The replay shows 6 skaters on the ice which means Glover would have already been pulled. Our announcer even says the tbirds had pulled the goalie for the extra attacker and the score sheet indicates Glover was pulled. It doesn't look good for Glover. What is the suspension time for a player coming off the bench for a fight?
So you weren't there I take it, again glover gets to bench hit happens he is standing on the ice next to bench. The extra attacker was just jumping on as the melee ensued. Glover was standing watching when him and lotz kind of looked at each other and then glover took off. But no he was never on the bench... Still probably looking at a game or two charging down there to fight . Either or fun night for fans of two who don't have much to cheer for these days. I almost forgot what Intensity in a hockey game looked like
Glover was at the bench, on the ice. I watched him the whole time.
Andy Eide
I was there but I wasn't watching Glover since I was watching what was going on. We pulled him for an extra attacker, so we had 6 skaters. I went back to watch te replay to see what really happened when I notice Glover would have been our 7th man on the ice. I then looked at the score sheet and saw that they offically have Glover off the ice prior to the fight (whether if he was standing next to the bench or actually on the bench). With so few games left in the season and playoffs around the corner this would not be a good time to lose him for any length of time. Just hoping the league doesn't say he was tecnically on the bench since he had been pulled.
I have to agree. I never saw Glover on the bench in any capacity. I don't think that is going to constitute coming off the bench.
That's actually an interesting point. On the ice at the time of the hit was Delnov, Lipsbergs, Lockhard, Wardley and Smith. I wasn't paying attention to Glover but it was said he was standing by the bench. Once Wardley his Mueller you see Honey enter the picture.
So if Glover isn't considered "on the bench" would it constitute a missed too many men on the ice?
Probably over thinking it a bit, the extra attacker always jumps on well goalies are skating to the bench the odds of that player or the goalie playing it is rare once the puck is controlled in the other teams zone. Glover had not gotten to the bench and saw the hit and stayed on the ice well the scrum went on.... And we know the rest
First I will always say the referees are not to blame to a win or a loss, but in a game where the teams are fairly even, good or bad, the refs can influence a game. SuperBowl XL, an example where calls that were missed or judgement calls that are typically not called influenced the game. Last night was a perfect example, the game has some pace and back and forth play....the DOG call was terrrible.
I have to disagree with Andy from the stand point that this can be a judgement call. The intent of the rule is to keep the goalies from roaming into the corners to stop or play the puck.
Much like icing, there seems to be a little wiggle room as to where the puck is on the ice. In this situation did the puck even has 1 millimeter touching the line plus glover was in the crease playing the puck, not in the corner. I would bet any amount of money that this call is NEVER made if you look at any hockey league. I have seem some plays that looked like it was definitely played outside the trapizoid but it was never called.
This has nothing to do with the time of the game, to me it is the intent of the rule and how this call is handled in every other game.
I sit in Section 112 and the missed interference on Glover on the 3rd goal was terrible. The everett player got his stick or leg behind glovers leg and took him down. I have seen much less called, for barely breathing on the goalie.
As for the hit on Delnov, the calls leading up to that hit were cross checkin, slashing, hooking...all stick infractions that are judgement calls but the hit of Delnov needed to be called as Tyler mentioned. The dangerous hit didn't stop there, somehow Lipsbergs gets called for goalie interference while getting driven into the end boards.
Those two hits are the reason why the instigator penalty is a joke. This rule needs to be eliminated or applied to the hits as that is usually the instigation of the fight. The instigator has done more harm than good, it has lead to much more dangerous hits as there is no fear of retaliation. Look at Wardley, he did what he needed to do when one of your leading scorers is hit like that.
Lastly, out of the entire scrum after Wardley's hit, which by the way an Everett Player Hit Wardley from behind in the head and Everett only gets 4 minutes in Penalties?
Jason Harvey
You can probably watch video of the game and see 3-4 instances of the goalies playing the puck slightly outside the trapezoid area and there is never a call. Happens in most games. So to say it is an "automatic" call and not a "judgement" call is, at best quite laughable. The referee "judged" it to be soooo egregious he just had to call it. I suspect the reason they don't call it at other times is because they judge it has no affect on the play. Same with the winning goal, the ref probably judged the contact with the goalie was not enough to constitute goaltender interference, or he judged the Everett play was pushed into Glover, because there was definitely contact.
I hate to ask this but is there a possibility that the refs are trying to hard to avoid looking like they might be biased in the TBirds favor when Gibbons is linesman? It seems to me that they errored more in favor of Everett last time was Gibbons was linesman as well.
I don't have a problem with fighting, I don't want to see it all throughout the game, but a good scrap here and there is fun to watch. I think there is a time for it, whether you are protecting a teammate because the refs aren't doing their jobs or it is trying to get your team going and change momentum.
I couldn't believe they didn't call anything on the Delnov hit especially after he stayed on the ice, how often in this league do you see the arm come up because the player stays on the ice? I don't have a problem with what Wardley did, but I hope that was just because the refs didn't call anything.
How do you have a dust up with 13 players on the ice and only 4 are penalized for it? You would think pretty much everyone on the ice would have gotten at least a roughing.
Instigator on Glover then why wasn't Leedahl given one for jumping Wardley at the end of the first? Instead they give him crosschecking so he doesn't get the 10 min misconduct. Leedahl was clearly more along the intent of the instigator rule. Also when Glover and Engel tried to fight last month Glover was given a game misconduct for leaving the crease even though he never crossed the redline, basically it seemed like since he was willing to fight he got the game misconduct. It seems like Lodz was a willing participant and I think he should have gotten a game misconduct for leaving his crease to fight. It's not like he can just through his gloves off like a skater, I saw him taking the time to undo his blocker and glove to fight.
I'd just like to see a bit better job on the "obvious" calls, I feel like if I'm seeing it in row 13 why isn't the ref that is 5' away and looking right at it not seeing it?
I'm thinking Wardley might have a suspension coming so we are getting a bit thin on the D. I'm hoping Honey doesn't get anything since it is nice to see him back on the ice, but I believe he was the extra attacker.
Like Tyler said, T-birds have to win some games and they control their own destiny. They've been fairly competitive against Tri-city and who knows with Portland, but they seem to put a better effort out against the better teams.
By the way, does anyone know of a book for a child that can explain hockey. My 5 year old nephew was at the game and being a 5 year old, asks questions the whole game through :) I'd be great if I could get him a book to explain the basics :)
Watch the video, Skapski, no penalty for the punch to the face, but even worse, after Wardley's hit, he (Wardley) then gets cross checked viciously in the back with no call. "Blind as mole rats"? and incompetent.
Mark - have you seen the TBirds hockey 101 brochure - not really written for kids but easytompick up a d hang on to during the game - They are at the Sales tables
It's obvious to me that the league and it's referee's have had it out for the TBirds for the last decade and don't want them to win. I say that is the reason this team hasn't made the playoffs the last years and they may be able to keep them out again this year if they can manage to fix a couple of Prince George real good this week!
Funny... People troll whl blogs now? Yikes
That's a good idea Dee, I'll take a look on Tuesday. :)
Marc,
Not to call names but there is a Hockey for Dummies book available. It goes into too much detail about the history of the game, imo, but neatly explains all the markings on the ice, all the penalty motions, why they are called, etc. I will say it is close to a decade old so the information won't be entirely up to date but it is a good place to start.
Anon 7:51, I wondered the same thing. The last time we saw Gibby we had the same result. Terrible officiating!
Lets not all forget the "Everett Sucks" chant worked again...for Everett. When will the fans learn? Yelling that is like cheering for the other team. You can put that goal on the fans. Karma!
I've switched my chant to "Farwell Sucks" but that's a debate for another day
Barzal tweeted that his season is done up north. Anyone know if he'll be playing with the T-birds Tuesday? What about other picks from last spring like Kolesar or Bear?
Ha, I'd like to get a hockey basics book for the STH that sit right behind me. Amazed at how little they know given how many games they go to! (Like screaming "pull the goalie" in the first period when the game is tied...and they're completely serious.)
For me the frustration with the DOG call on Glover is that the refs were letting far worse things go...there were several players tripped (on both sides) that went uncalled for most of the game.
I also wonder if we're not getting a fair shake when Gibby's on the ice in Seattle.
From what I have heard... Barzal will not be coming to play for Seattle THIS season.
Whether he is here next year is still up in the air.
So what happened? At Christmas Farwell said Barzal would be here at the end of the season. This sounds ominously bad...as in Gropp Part 2.
Actually, that is NOT what he said.
Here is the quote:
"Well, we are optimistic," Farwell says. "We talk, we stay in contact. We invited him in for Christmas and he said he'd rather wait until the end of the year so we're still optimistic that he wants to play in the league and we'll be excited to have him."
That doesn't mean he will be here at the end of the year. That means his family wanted to wait until the end of the year to even think about it.
Keep in mind. He could also "be here" and practice with the team and not play in games.
All I'm saying is that I don't expect to see him play in any games.
Well, the T-Birds are streaming practice so if you want to see if there are any call-ups it's probably best to watch that to see who is on the ice.
03/11/13
Brandon Glover
Two games for game misconduct versus Everett on March 9
03/11/13
Evan Wardley
Two games for fourth game misconduct of season versus Everett on March 9
03/11/13
$500.00 for goaltenders fight versus Everett on March 9
My guess, no penalty whatsoever for inferior officiating (just my opinion, which is still allowed), not just for the Everett game, but any game. May get a verbal tongue lashing. I hope someone from the front office at least filed some sort of protest.
In my humble opinion, Glover wouldn't have "lost it" if he didn't think he was interfered with on the goal and the trapezoid call.
Get rid of the trapezoid rule! Just my opinion.
It's always the referee's fault!
Yea, fans usually cheer for the referee. I miss Rob Schick, one of the good referee's back in the day.
You're right, the trapezoid needs to go. Outside of the instigator, it's the worst rule in hockey.
Props to Wardley for sticking up for a team mate. Next time though, just drop 'em and start pounding away. Later for that blind-side boarding nonsense. Plus, chances are, you're going to get a 2 5 and 10 and be back to play next game.
When was the last time a crowd was that into it at the Sho? Maybe when Dillon got knocked out a slid unconcious and face first down the ice vs Portland?
Be interesting to see how we come out Tuesday night against Tri. I'd love to steal a win or two in the next three and gauruntee Everett the pleasure of losing in four to the Cheaterhawks. Unless of course, PG catches them in the interim. That would be sweet, sweet justice.
You're right, the trapezoid needs to go. Outside of the instigator, it's the worst rule in hockey.
Props to Wardley for sticking up for a team mate. Next time though, just drop 'em and start pounding away. Later for that blind-side boarding nonsense. Plus, chances are, you're going to get a 2 5 and 10 and be back to play next game.
When was the last time a crowd was that into it at the Sho? Maybe when Dillon got knocked out a slid unconcious and face first down the ice vs Portland?
Be interesting to see how we come out Tuesday night against Tri. I'd love to steal a win or two in the next three and gauruntee Everett the pleasure of losing in four to the Cheaterhawks. Unless of course, PG catches them in the interim. That would be sweet, sweet justice.
$500 fine for goaltender fighting? That means that one lucky fan's season tickets for next season will cover the price paid for watching Lotz look like a total *p-word*.
Okay Mumaugh, it's your time kid, good luck and I hope the best for him! This is your time, your opportunity!
Watch the video all you whiners. Delnov turned his back to the hit that would have rubbed him out of the play with a shoulder to shoulder hit.Thats why there wasn't a penalty called he's the P-word that should have dumped the puck in and took on the hit rather than turn away from it.
If I go back and watch the video, I'll halfway see your point. But then I'll get to the 1:10 mark and I'll forget all about it. Pause it there.. Look at how low that little nancy boy is cowering behind Gibbons!!!! Oh I've lost my train of thought. Were we talking about Delnov?
Congrats Tyler on your most commented on post! Did you ever imagine so many people read your blog?
As for the referees. I always gave them some slack in the WHL. They, like the players, are learning the trade. Some will be called up while others will not. Fans of this league should understand this and allow some miss and undeserved calls. This will hit the refs in the end; if they don't improve so their main goal is to improve game by game.
You guys do realize we are arguing about two lousy teams that will certainly be swept out of the first round.... First nobody thought the delnov hit had ill intentions but was it a penalty absolutely. Was the non call the reason for the fight... Certainly. Were the suspensions correct... Definently. ... Leave the game for what it was a terribly officiated game by two horrible teams with an exciting ending.... Can't ask for more from the whl basement
I agree totally with the last comment.
In my opinion, if the call was made on the Delnov hit (marginal or not), none of this would have happened. (Everett wouldn't have complained about the penalty, the tbirds wouldn't have scored on the power play, the game would have ended in another loss ).
But, it doesn't really matter----- except for the money Farwell will put in his pocket for 2 extra games. (if they even make the playoffs)
Why did Glover decide to fight? Kind of shelfish IMO, your team is fighting for its playoff lives and positioning and you decide to go fight the other goalie because you are frustrated how the game turned out and the officiating. That's not leadership from one of our 20 year olds and now you get suspended for 2 games.
I loved it. It's called playing with passion and it's something this team and franchise has lacked in the past 5 years. Yeah it cost him 2 games but he got caught up in the moment because he cared deeply about the outcome of the game and he was passionate and frustrated with how it was turning out.
I'll take that out of my players every day of the week.
To add to that. Yes... you always want them to be smart and there is a line that can sometimes be crossed. I would have liked to see Wardley maybe choose a slightly different path to retaliation but if I'm coach, I tolerate it because I'm applauding the passion for the game and for my teammates.
To answer the question in your post's title, the licking we're laying on Tri City right now suggests yes...
The Luke bashers can suck it.
Yes...and the team didn't miss Glover tonight. That goalie fight might have spun the team up a little. Everyone loves a goalie fight!
Congrats T-birds for coming out and playing a entire game!
Very fun game even if I did lose my hat when it looked like Luke had the hat trick :) It was good to see Mumaugh get the W, hopefully the first of many.
Seven different goal scorers and 12 of the 18 skaters had a point. I hope they saved some goals for Portland.
Great game last night, to bad the Seattle Times couldn't find it in them to write about it. Anybody know if we've ever scored two shorties on one penalty before. I haven't seen it in my 13 years of following the Birds. Also, big thumbs up to the guys with the Farewell sing during the dance song.
The Seattle Times hasn't covered the WHL for the past four years. The only time they write about either the T-birds or 'Tips, is when they play each other. Newspapers are becoming obsolete anyway. They're all losing money.
Best part of the game was the Farwell sign during the game. Maybe that sparked the team if they even saw it. Awesome game for the captain.
Totally. I bet a SIGN about their GM motivated them to play better.
Yup. Totally.
For the Seattle Times lack of coverage...how about the lack of coverage on the local sports shows on AM radio. I am constantly blasting these people for supporting reporting college basketball and football but ignoring another college level sport, the WHL. They have yet to listen. Some...like those from ESPN710 continue to downgrade hockey. Former basketball players and linebackers down grading another sport....disgusting.
I was figuring the team was more motivated by the 60 comments because what fans think on blogs and signs in the crowd are truly what motivates teenage hockey players... If we get to 100 I'm sure the memorial cup is a lock
Anon comment 10:44pm, spot on on your comment. Sandmeyer and Schwartz on 1090 don't even mention the birds in their 20 and 40 updates and this is the T Birds flagship station. I agree with your assesment, WHL hockey is just like college because of the age ranges of the athletes so the WHL should get some type of play on the radio once in a blue moon, I know that Ian on 950 has something once in awhile but you would think the 1090 show would have something on the T Birds.If the NHL is eventually going to come here then they should all play up the T Birds and mention hockey to prime the fan for the future for NHL hockey interest. I say start emailing Sandmeyer and Scwhartz!
The age of the average player in the WHL is what? 18? Maybe 19? These media types see that as high school, not college. I actually spoke to one of them about this and they said they give the WHL the same coverage as "any other high school sport". In other words, very little. Plus most are ignorant not just about the level of play in this league but the sport of hockey in general. This guy I spoke with says they talk about the sports their listeners want to hear about, NFL, NBA, NCAA and MLB. He said the Sounders sell out every home game and they rarely talk about them either, because "their listeners don't care about soccer". His words.
I live in Portland, and the sportsradio stations do not talk about hockey or the Winterhawks. Why would they? there is NO NHL team nor a NHL team in Seattle. But the stations do have player and coach interviews. They at least give the scores on the updates. The local paper covers the team, with detailed game summeries and after game interviews. But it starts with marketing!! Do the T-birds have ads in the Seattle paper? The Winterhawks do. Do the T-Birds have billboards around the greater Seattle/Kent area?
Brian in Sherwood
There is no local paper in Kent. As I understand the Seattle Times charges outrageous prices for ads. So it wouldn't be cost effective. They got nearly a full house Tuesday with no newspaper or radio ads. Just word of mouth or internet advertising on their 2-for-Tuesdays. Cheap beer sells! And yes, I have seen billboards in the past. Not sure if any recent ones though. The radio stations and even the TV stations up here do the occassional interview. I believe the box scores and league standings are in the Times. Problem is the T-birds are so far down the pecking order behind the Seahawks, Mariners,Huskies, Sounders, possible return of the Sonics, NFL, MLB, NBA. The Times will fill their pages with 4 pages of Seahawks and NFL news before they even think about mentioning the T-birds.
The Kent Reporter is a free weekly paper that usually has an article or two on the T Birds. The online edition however, has more extensive coverage. In fact six of the eleven stories currently in the sports section are about the birds. In addition to game recaps they also have special interest stories about the players.
One more time, just for emphasis.......
The Luke haters can suck it.
So why doesn't someone -Tyler, 710 writers educate Seattle people that Seattle Thunderbirds are above College and next step to NHL? Heck, most Seattle & Portland fans do not even realize this is the Canadian Hockey League, Eh?
Media coverage of this team is pathetic, but hey, at least they're on Root Sports tonight versus Portland. Hopefully they can surprise a Portland team that hasn't got anything left to play for.
I would be curious if the T Birds had a run like Tri or Spoke has had the past 7 to 8 years if the media and print would pay a little more attention to them?
The talking heads at ESPN710 have no respect for hockey. Why should they? They are former basketball and football players that can't see outside their own world. Until Seattle was seriously being considered for the NHL they were making fun of the league. They have no idea; however, calling WHL one step below the NHL is a far stretch. Most players, to include our golden boy goaltender, has to pay their dues in the AHL before being called up to the NHL. I will say the WHL is on par with most college teams.
I would speculate that if the Thunderbirds has a 7-8 yr run like Tri or Spoke, that, no, the media would not pay much more attention to them. Just look at the Winterhawks. They've been to 2 straight league championship series and get very little attention and they have less competition for the media's attention then the T-birds do. Spokane actually gets very little of their media's attention.
I don't know if it's a budgetary problem or just being clueless. Each of the area's team draw an average of around 5K fans per game. If you count in that most of those fans are not season ticket holders but are not just casual fans but fans that can't afford to spend their entertainment dollars on attending hockey 30 or more games a season, then you have a large amount of fans in this area that supports hockey. The media is hurting themselves and the sport in this area. I can't tell you how many times a parent from one of my children's classes has asked me about my children's passion for hockey after being told about the sport after hearing about it from my one of my children. I then explain to them our affection to the WHL and ECHL teams. They are surprised to hear that Seattle has a Canadian junior team that is a mere 45 minute drive up north (being from Olympia.) One parent told me that he wanted to take his son to a game because how much his son wanted to go because of talking to my son. Sorry...just venting. I'm still a little of center after hearing the idiots one of the local sport radio stations, ESPN, talking bad about hockey during last year's Stanley Cup playoffs. These idiots probably never been to a game. I not only fault their lack of past experience but from their ideology of being a major sport market, plus home of UW, to their ignorance. I'll gladly take them, paying for it, to show them of their ignorance.
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