All the Lonely People
I believe the Beatles summed up the attendance at last night's Blades game. "All the lonely people, where do they all come from?
All the lonely people, where do they all belong?" Because it looked awfully lonely at the CUC last night. The game which was televised on Sportsnet resembled one of those World Hockey championsip games from Europe. Th ones between Germany and Austria where there are more popcorn vendors than fans.
The Wednesday evening matchup between the first place Blades and their opponents from down the road in Moose Jaw looked empty. In fact, I coached a Pee Wee hockey game between the Midale Mustangs and a team from Martinsville in the CUC a few years back that drew just about as big of a crowd.
3,560. That's the official attendance count on the WHL website. Brutal.
During last night's game I texted my Global friend in S'toon Esther and asked her where in the world the fans were? She had two ideas: 1) the game was on TV & 2) people might still be struggling with all the snow. Maybe.
My friend Mitchell Blair ( http://blair-necessities.blogspot.com/ ) called it "dress like a seat night." In the words of the great Rod Pedersen "They didn't announce the crowd, they introduced them." I love that one, even if he wasn't refering to last night's game, it applies.
For crying out loud, this is the top team in the East and ranked among the best in the nation. Personally, if a game is on TV I want to be in the seats to give my team a good showing. I'm proud of them, I want hem to be proud of me! Here's another reason, if something wicked happens on the ice, what would you rather say?
1) "I saw that great goal, I was at the game, sitting right there!"
2) "I saw that great goal, on the hilites!"
I for one know that I'd rather be in the seats, not on the couch. While millions lept off their rocking chairs when Jordan Eberle score two dramatic goals in the Gold Medal game, I jumped from my seat a mere 8 rows away. Now while many were excited in living rooms across the Nation, nothing replaces the thrill of being a part of the moment.
However, as sad as last night's display was at the CUC, the Pats have had a similar problem here this year. Too many nights there are too many empty seats at the Brandt Centre. This Queen City club boasts the World's Best Jr. player, a couple more NHL 1st rounders and an Eastern Conference rookie of the year who is destined to be a high pick this year. Why then is the barn not full? I have no idea. I can't explain it.
What I can say is if the rink isn't full for Friday night's Clash with the Warriors or on Tuesday for the game versus the Rebels that airs on Sportsnet, there is something wrong. After the poor showing by Saskatoon, Regina fans should show up on Tuesday if for no other reason than spite. Not to mention, the Pats have gained points in 7 of 8 games in the new year and are playing a real good brand of hockey as they push towards the playoffs. Don't kid yourself, a capacity crowd energizes these kids, its just human nature.
Imagine throwing a party that you just put out an open invite to and barely anybody shows up. And you can throw a good party, food, booze, chips, tunes, the complete package. Guess what? Those who came will have a great time and those who didn't will just hear about it! Well, the folks in Saskatoon missed their party, hopefully those in the QC show up for theirs!
Sportsnet Does Good
I love that Sportsnet does these Junior games. The combo of Peter Loubardias and Sam Cosentino do a great job of introducing these fine young men to the viewer. This pair are also just top-notch guys who I look forward to bumping into each and everytime they're in town. Its no secret that I used to work in production for S'Net and that I someday hope to be back there again as a broadcaster. Its people like Peter and Sam and decisions to follow Jr hockey that make Sportsnet a unique and great brand.
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