I didn't know whether to pinch myself, pee my pants or cry uncontrollably last night as Freddie Modin single handedly buried the overtime game winning goal against a sellout crowd last night in Nationwide Arena....against the Red Wings nonetheless.
I simply have no words for how that felt.
Earlier, my best friend and I were lounging around the house and she was reading me the CBJ news from the day. I listened as she quoted Hitch as saying him and the players were nervous about how the fans were going to be. This broke my heart so I looked at her and said, "Go make a sign."
And she did.
So we sat at pregame with our little sign that simply read, 'WE BELIEVE'. We know the players saw it. We know they appreciated it. Our only hope now was that they too, believed.
The game speaks for itself. The boys played with heart and soul, with determination and giddy up. They played a full 60 minutes and then some in a very Hitchcock hockey style and they came away with two well deserved, much needed points.
My favorite part of the night was celebrating the win. I don't think I believed it at first as I jumped up and down screaming with the rest of the crowd.
My very close second favorite part was hearing the cheers and the push from the crowd. For as many Red Wing fans that were there, you sure couldn't tell throughout the whole game. Great job Columbus fans. I was very proud and I know the boys were very grateful.
My least favorite part of the night was hearing about the Jason Chimera trade. It breaks my heart to see one of our boys go, but I wish him well in Washington and hope he knows we appreciate his hard work and loyalty to the team.
Might as well give mention to my second least favorite part of the night. We sat in the upper bowl behind a wall of glass that we propped our 'WE BELIEVE' sign against. During second intermission we left our seats and returned to no sign. The man beside us said he moved it because it was in his way......which I knew was a crock. (He was well over six foot three and our sign was maybe 10x14)
Needless to say it went right back up there...... and THAT is how I carry the flag ;)
Here's to another great performance tonight against the Islanders!
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Scotty for a day
A fellow blogger has asked me to participate in answering a few questions that have recently been asked to Scott Howson. My answers are written below.
Question: Given the expectations surrounding this club heading into this season, how surprised are you to be closer to last place than a playoff spot in the Western Conference?
-To be honest, I'm not very surprised. I've always seen this team as a team who has to work extra hard to get results and was never under the impression that wins would come easy. Blue collar. That's a great way to describe my view of this team; starting at the bottom and working their way up. I think the excitement of clinching the playoffs last season shadowed a lot of peoples realistic view of how the team was built to perform and in that had their expectations set too high.
Q: What player, what aspect of the club, has been most surprising?
- Most surprising to me has been the lack of physical play from everyone. Everyone knows a Hitchcock team is going to be a brutal in your face, down your throat team, but I haven't seen enough of that this season. Checks aren't being finished and pressure isn't being put on the opponent on a consistent basis.
Q: Why is coach Ken Hitchcock the right coach for this club right now?
-You can't look past a resume like Hitch's. Beyond that though, I believe that Hitch is the right coach for this team because he genuinely wants to help this team and this city succeed. I can see the emotional attachment Hitch has to the group of guys he coach's. His 'tough love' approach is his way of humbling the players and not letting them get above their heads because he knows that can only take you so far. He teaches them to work, work, work for what they want knowing that it will make them an all around better player.
Q: You have one of the youngest clubs in the NHL. Does he work well with a group like that?
-Just like a teenager thinks his parents are out to make his life miserable, so it is with young kids and Hitch. What few of them grasp right away though, is that while his process might be a bit harsh it is setting a foundation of character and grit. Nothing measures a players inner strength more than putting them in situations that might make them feel belittled, uncomfortable or inferior, and seeing how they react to it. He makes them earn their place and their ice time which coincides with the 'blue collar' work ethic that Hitch embodies.
Q: Do you feel like you over-estimated Derick Brassard, expecting him to be a No. 1 center this season?
-It seems that way right now, but that's not to say that Derick isn't capable of the duties. That is a lot of pressure to put on a very young kid who is just coming off a season ending injury and I think even Derick set his own expectations too high. He is still a very bright, young, promising player who has the determination and passion for the game. The team slump and his personal slump are probably causing him to grip his stick too hard these days, but knowing Derick, once the kinks start getting worked out so will his performance and he will then be able to be the player he thrives to be.
Q: How close did you come to making a deal over the last few days, before the NHL's holiday roster freeze went into effect on Saturday?
-I will admit that after the Colorado game I was expecting things to get a little hairy on the trade front, but I believe Scott when he says he thinks the answer is in the locker room. With such a tight knit group of guys it is probably hard to do anything that might mix up emotions or chemistry. If the guys can stick through this slump and climb the hill together I don't see Scott doing anything drastic.
Q: Do you consider talking during the next week, even though you can't make a move until after Dec. 26?
-He said he did, so the answer is yes. For a team in the situation we are in, he's a smart man for doing so in the case that things don't start looking up.
Q: Any thought given to a minor league call-up?
-You can't turn aside the fact that Matheiu Roy has been a breath of fresh air in the face of injury. He's a big physical guy who has great hockey sense so to keep him around for the long term wouldn't surprise me at all. As far as any other major call-ups, I don't see it happening in any case other than injury.
Q: You made one change to your blue line last offseason, adding defenseman Anton Stralman. If you had it to do over again, would you have done more to upgrade the defense?
-When our defense is playing up to par they are damn good. We saw it last season and we've seen snaps of it this season. Anton Stralman has proved his worth here and with those two facts it's hard to argue a do-over.
Q: Could this club use another strong veteran presence in the dressing room?
-There can never be too many veterans in a locker room (just look at Detroit), but that's not to say it is a dire need. With the likes of Freddie Modin and Jason Chimera-among others-this team is not lacking in veteran presence. I think we have a pretty healthy mixture of young and 'older' in the locker room, however I wouldn't turn away someone like Michael Peca if the option came along. The great thing about the mixture we have is the fact that the young can learn from the old and vice versa. That is essential for a team who is trying to stay on the same page.
Q: You talk about "going through the process" and "working through it", but isn't that what last season was about? Didn't you feel like you'd already gone through all of this?
-Last year was a rush. The team was on an upward spiral and had their mind set on making the playoffs. This year, with somewhat of a slump going on, they have to start looking at the picture as a basic process. i.e. buying in, playing 60 minutes, winning and continuing down that same path. Every year is a different process the team has to conform to so to think that after last season the team was set to go for this one is completely unreasonable.
Q: Do you need an enforcer? [Why or] Why not?
-I don't believe so. Our entire team, when playing the way they are molded to play, serve that purpose. There are more than a handful of guys on the team who would be more than willing to drop the gloves if the situation called for it, but right now I think the boys believe that if they aren't getting momentum from within, breaking out into fights isn't going to be much of a boost either. Their priorities need to lie in the focus of doing what needs to be done to win the game and if a situation comes up that requires bare hands, then someone will be there to act accordingly.
Q: Sitting here, five days before Christmas, do you still feel as if that's a playoff-caliber club?
-I absolutely believe that this team is a playoff-caliber club. Recent play may suggest otherwise and if things don't start looking up within the next ten or so games that could be an inaccurate assessment, but what these guys possess inside of them is what's going to determine the answer to that. They all have it in them to do what they need to do to play, shut down and win a game - the question is whether or not they are able personify that on the ice.
Question: Given the expectations surrounding this club heading into this season, how surprised are you to be closer to last place than a playoff spot in the Western Conference?
-To be honest, I'm not very surprised. I've always seen this team as a team who has to work extra hard to get results and was never under the impression that wins would come easy. Blue collar. That's a great way to describe my view of this team; starting at the bottom and working their way up. I think the excitement of clinching the playoffs last season shadowed a lot of peoples realistic view of how the team was built to perform and in that had their expectations set too high.
Q: What player, what aspect of the club, has been most surprising?
- Most surprising to me has been the lack of physical play from everyone. Everyone knows a Hitchcock team is going to be a brutal in your face, down your throat team, but I haven't seen enough of that this season. Checks aren't being finished and pressure isn't being put on the opponent on a consistent basis.
Q: Why is coach Ken Hitchcock the right coach for this club right now?
-You can't look past a resume like Hitch's. Beyond that though, I believe that Hitch is the right coach for this team because he genuinely wants to help this team and this city succeed. I can see the emotional attachment Hitch has to the group of guys he coach's. His 'tough love' approach is his way of humbling the players and not letting them get above their heads because he knows that can only take you so far. He teaches them to work, work, work for what they want knowing that it will make them an all around better player.
Q: You have one of the youngest clubs in the NHL. Does he work well with a group like that?
-Just like a teenager thinks his parents are out to make his life miserable, so it is with young kids and Hitch. What few of them grasp right away though, is that while his process might be a bit harsh it is setting a foundation of character and grit. Nothing measures a players inner strength more than putting them in situations that might make them feel belittled, uncomfortable or inferior, and seeing how they react to it. He makes them earn their place and their ice time which coincides with the 'blue collar' work ethic that Hitch embodies.
Q: Do you feel like you over-estimated Derick Brassard, expecting him to be a No. 1 center this season?
-It seems that way right now, but that's not to say that Derick isn't capable of the duties. That is a lot of pressure to put on a very young kid who is just coming off a season ending injury and I think even Derick set his own expectations too high. He is still a very bright, young, promising player who has the determination and passion for the game. The team slump and his personal slump are probably causing him to grip his stick too hard these days, but knowing Derick, once the kinks start getting worked out so will his performance and he will then be able to be the player he thrives to be.
Q: How close did you come to making a deal over the last few days, before the NHL's holiday roster freeze went into effect on Saturday?
-I will admit that after the Colorado game I was expecting things to get a little hairy on the trade front, but I believe Scott when he says he thinks the answer is in the locker room. With such a tight knit group of guys it is probably hard to do anything that might mix up emotions or chemistry. If the guys can stick through this slump and climb the hill together I don't see Scott doing anything drastic.
Q: Do you consider talking during the next week, even though you can't make a move until after Dec. 26?
-He said he did, so the answer is yes. For a team in the situation we are in, he's a smart man for doing so in the case that things don't start looking up.
Q: Any thought given to a minor league call-up?
-You can't turn aside the fact that Matheiu Roy has been a breath of fresh air in the face of injury. He's a big physical guy who has great hockey sense so to keep him around for the long term wouldn't surprise me at all. As far as any other major call-ups, I don't see it happening in any case other than injury.
Q: You made one change to your blue line last offseason, adding defenseman Anton Stralman. If you had it to do over again, would you have done more to upgrade the defense?
-When our defense is playing up to par they are damn good. We saw it last season and we've seen snaps of it this season. Anton Stralman has proved his worth here and with those two facts it's hard to argue a do-over.
Q: Could this club use another strong veteran presence in the dressing room?
-There can never be too many veterans in a locker room (just look at Detroit), but that's not to say it is a dire need. With the likes of Freddie Modin and Jason Chimera-among others-this team is not lacking in veteran presence. I think we have a pretty healthy mixture of young and 'older' in the locker room, however I wouldn't turn away someone like Michael Peca if the option came along. The great thing about the mixture we have is the fact that the young can learn from the old and vice versa. That is essential for a team who is trying to stay on the same page.
Q: You talk about "going through the process" and "working through it", but isn't that what last season was about? Didn't you feel like you'd already gone through all of this?
-Last year was a rush. The team was on an upward spiral and had their mind set on making the playoffs. This year, with somewhat of a slump going on, they have to start looking at the picture as a basic process. i.e. buying in, playing 60 minutes, winning and continuing down that same path. Every year is a different process the team has to conform to so to think that after last season the team was set to go for this one is completely unreasonable.
Q: Do you need an enforcer? [Why or] Why not?
-I don't believe so. Our entire team, when playing the way they are molded to play, serve that purpose. There are more than a handful of guys on the team who would be more than willing to drop the gloves if the situation called for it, but right now I think the boys believe that if they aren't getting momentum from within, breaking out into fights isn't going to be much of a boost either. Their priorities need to lie in the focus of doing what needs to be done to win the game and if a situation comes up that requires bare hands, then someone will be there to act accordingly.
Q: Sitting here, five days before Christmas, do you still feel as if that's a playoff-caliber club?
-I absolutely believe that this team is a playoff-caliber club. Recent play may suggest otherwise and if things don't start looking up within the next ten or so games that could be an inaccurate assessment, but what these guys possess inside of them is what's going to determine the answer to that. They all have it in them to do what they need to do to play, shut down and win a game - the question is whether or not they are able personify that on the ice.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Passion, belief and other matters
I've finally had enough.
No, not with the Jackets; with the lack of passion from the fans.
I get it; I really do. Your team is making a habit out of losing and you're sick of wasting your time and money on watching it happen. There are no changes being made to lead you to believe that things can turn around. There's no yelling and screaming and calling out in the locker room, the coach can't force the players to buy into the system and the GM's patience is much like that song that never ends. (Yes, it goes on and on my friends.) Your back is slowly turning on this team and it's getting to the point where you could care less anymore.
All I have to say to that is you know where the door is, please let it hit you hard on the way out.
It breaks my heart to see so-called fans give up on their team. It kills me to sit at a game that the boys are losing and watch the drones of fans leaving early while the team watches from the bench during a T.V. time out. What could possibly be going through their heads in a moment like that? That's no kind of motivation in my opinion and in a time such as this I think the boys need their fans more than ever. Unfortunately, right now their glass is half empty and they see the fans leaving, not the ones staying until the bitter end. You can't blame them for that; it's all part of being human. It's easier to see what stands in front of you than what stands behind you and when the fans stand to leave they see them giving up; their failures are magnified and a part of them is sick inside because of it. Lately, a big portion of fans who have stayed behind have only stayed behind not to support, but to express their frustrations to the team when the final horn sounds. As if their wounds weren't deep enough, now the salt is just being poured all over them.
Something happened in the Phoenix game on December 17th though, that brought me to a realization. I watched for the first two periods as the Jackets faltered scoring chance after scoring chance. Even from home I could tell the crowd was starting to say, 'here we go again!'. But then something happened. A gust of wind hit Nationwide Arena, (and no it wasn't from Tyutin's whiffed shot) as the entire crowd breathed a sigh of relief when Rick Nash hit it home on the power play with a little over eight minutes left in the third period. Fans cheered loudly, they clapped along with the goal song beat and stood on their feet in support of their team.
And they didn't stop.
For eight minutes of regulation, five minutes of overtime and six shooters of shootout, the fans stayed behind their team and that's when I realized that all the fair-weather fans, all the negative words and all the frustrations that the city has with the CBJ could never outweigh the fans who enjoy, support without waivering and believe in this team. I even believe that the fans who find themselves grinding their teeth and debating whether to go to a game or not, still have a belief in this team.
It's hard not to believe in this team with all the promise it has, but lately there have been too many disheartening and disgusting comments made toward and about the Jackets that don't sit well with me as a fan. I can take it from the media; their job in a loss is to highlight what the Jackets did wrong, look past what the opposing team did wrong and skip or graze over anything that might've went right. As a fan however, I simply do not understand the lack of support and passion.
Like the Jackets, I have a high boiling point. Being a Cleveland Browns fan for upwards of twenty years proves that. I've heard it all with them just like I'm hearing it all now with the Jackets, but the difference is the Browns don't have what it takes yet. That's not a knock to them; I love the Brownies. I will admit that I've watched very few games this season, not because I'm falling off the fan-wagon, but because it breaks my heart to see them fail week after week in a system that just isn't working. The feeling is different with the Jackets. Minus the teams record, I believe we have a very good thing going. I don't see a glitch within the organIzation that suggests to me changes need to be made. I think our GM is a God send, I could literally sit and talk to Hitch for a week straight because I think the man is a genius and I don't believe there is a player in our locker room who isn't at least trying to contribute in their respective manners.
So then why is it so hard for this team to win a game?
No one has the exact answer to that. One day it's this, the next it's that. I'm wondering if it's just simply the weather.....haha, just kidding.
I don't think when they tell us that the answer is in the locker room they are simply feeding us a line of crap. I truly believe that. I could break the roster down player by player and tell you exactly why I think that player belongs on this team. -Maybe I'll do that in my next blog ;)- We have what it takes, but for whatever reason we just can't turn that into a win.
Maybe I'm beating a dead horse; maybe this is just another loss in many more losses to come for the Jackets and they'll never get things turned around this season. If that is their fate then so be it, but I won't accept that fact if and until that fact is official.
In the meantime I'm going to do what I do best and believe in this team with all I've got, root them on every step of the way and carry my flag, along with the flags that have been dropped along the worn and beaten path. If I could single handedly pull the boys out of the wreckage you can bet your bottom dollar that's what I would die doing, but until they come summoning my services I will continue to set an example for true, passionate, unconditional love for my team. I hope you will follow. :)
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
No, not with the Jackets; with the lack of passion from the fans.
I get it; I really do. Your team is making a habit out of losing and you're sick of wasting your time and money on watching it happen. There are no changes being made to lead you to believe that things can turn around. There's no yelling and screaming and calling out in the locker room, the coach can't force the players to buy into the system and the GM's patience is much like that song that never ends. (Yes, it goes on and on my friends.) Your back is slowly turning on this team and it's getting to the point where you could care less anymore.
All I have to say to that is you know where the door is, please let it hit you hard on the way out.
It breaks my heart to see so-called fans give up on their team. It kills me to sit at a game that the boys are losing and watch the drones of fans leaving early while the team watches from the bench during a T.V. time out. What could possibly be going through their heads in a moment like that? That's no kind of motivation in my opinion and in a time such as this I think the boys need their fans more than ever. Unfortunately, right now their glass is half empty and they see the fans leaving, not the ones staying until the bitter end. You can't blame them for that; it's all part of being human. It's easier to see what stands in front of you than what stands behind you and when the fans stand to leave they see them giving up; their failures are magnified and a part of them is sick inside because of it. Lately, a big portion of fans who have stayed behind have only stayed behind not to support, but to express their frustrations to the team when the final horn sounds. As if their wounds weren't deep enough, now the salt is just being poured all over them.
Something happened in the Phoenix game on December 17th though, that brought me to a realization. I watched for the first two periods as the Jackets faltered scoring chance after scoring chance. Even from home I could tell the crowd was starting to say, 'here we go again!'. But then something happened. A gust of wind hit Nationwide Arena, (and no it wasn't from Tyutin's whiffed shot) as the entire crowd breathed a sigh of relief when Rick Nash hit it home on the power play with a little over eight minutes left in the third period. Fans cheered loudly, they clapped along with the goal song beat and stood on their feet in support of their team.
And they didn't stop.
For eight minutes of regulation, five minutes of overtime and six shooters of shootout, the fans stayed behind their team and that's when I realized that all the fair-weather fans, all the negative words and all the frustrations that the city has with the CBJ could never outweigh the fans who enjoy, support without waivering and believe in this team. I even believe that the fans who find themselves grinding their teeth and debating whether to go to a game or not, still have a belief in this team.
It's hard not to believe in this team with all the promise it has, but lately there have been too many disheartening and disgusting comments made toward and about the Jackets that don't sit well with me as a fan. I can take it from the media; their job in a loss is to highlight what the Jackets did wrong, look past what the opposing team did wrong and skip or graze over anything that might've went right. As a fan however, I simply do not understand the lack of support and passion.
Like the Jackets, I have a high boiling point. Being a Cleveland Browns fan for upwards of twenty years proves that. I've heard it all with them just like I'm hearing it all now with the Jackets, but the difference is the Browns don't have what it takes yet. That's not a knock to them; I love the Brownies. I will admit that I've watched very few games this season, not because I'm falling off the fan-wagon, but because it breaks my heart to see them fail week after week in a system that just isn't working. The feeling is different with the Jackets. Minus the teams record, I believe we have a very good thing going. I don't see a glitch within the organIzation that suggests to me changes need to be made. I think our GM is a God send, I could literally sit and talk to Hitch for a week straight because I think the man is a genius and I don't believe there is a player in our locker room who isn't at least trying to contribute in their respective manners.
So then why is it so hard for this team to win a game?
No one has the exact answer to that. One day it's this, the next it's that. I'm wondering if it's just simply the weather.....haha, just kidding.
I don't think when they tell us that the answer is in the locker room they are simply feeding us a line of crap. I truly believe that. I could break the roster down player by player and tell you exactly why I think that player belongs on this team. -Maybe I'll do that in my next blog ;)- We have what it takes, but for whatever reason we just can't turn that into a win.
Maybe I'm beating a dead horse; maybe this is just another loss in many more losses to come for the Jackets and they'll never get things turned around this season. If that is their fate then so be it, but I won't accept that fact if and until that fact is official.
In the meantime I'm going to do what I do best and believe in this team with all I've got, root them on every step of the way and carry my flag, along with the flags that have been dropped along the worn and beaten path. If I could single handedly pull the boys out of the wreckage you can bet your bottom dollar that's what I would die doing, but until they come summoning my services I will continue to set an example for true, passionate, unconditional love for my team. I hope you will follow. :)
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Biding my time
I've sat back now for a couple of weeks and observed the team, the fan reaction and the media's interpretation of what's going on with the Blue Jackets.
Give me another game or two and I'll spit out a post about what I've been mulling over.
In the meantime, CARRY THE FLAG AND DON'T STOP BELIEVING!!
GO JACKETS!
Give me another game or two and I'll spit out a post about what I've been mulling over.
In the meantime, CARRY THE FLAG AND DON'T STOP BELIEVING!!
GO JACKETS!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
The wind will not stop me, only push me further forward....
Flashback to March 7th, 2008.
Against our parents wishes that night, my best friend and I ventured out into the snow covered streets of Columbus to catch yet another Blue Jackets game. The news had strongly advised against driving, but anything short of a Level 3 snow emergency wasn't going to be enough to stop us from going. The drive there was slow and had it's anxious moments, but we arrived at the Arena safe and sound, ready to root on our hockey team.
We played the Edmonton Oilers that night and I remember being especially excited to see my first ever hockey favorite, and former Blue Jacket, Geoff Sanderson. Unfortunately he was a healthy scratch that night, but I still had 23 other players to keep my spirits high.
The highlight of the night was a videotaped message from Rick Nash thanking the fans for coming to the game despite the terrible weather. I heard the giggle in his voice as he thought, 'you guy's haven't seen terrible', but his thanks was genuine nonetheless and much appreciated by fans.
We lost that night. Our seventh straight. The winning goaltender on Edmonton? Mattheiu Garon. :)
Hitch wasn't happy. He conducted an 8 minute meeting the next day, forcing players to dig themselves out of the snow to come to practice, only to be reamed and sent right back home. Hitch was making a statment then; the boys weren't playing with enough heart.
Fast forward to December 9th, 2009. The Blue Jackets will be taking the ice in hopes of breaking what might as well be an eight game losing streak because let's face it: no one is willing to remember the win over St. Louis when the boys have lost 8 out of their last nine games. I remember the game quite clearly. Kris Russell scored his first goal of the season while R.J. Umberger registered his second career hat trick, but unfortunately these highlights are shadowed by the woes that linger around the club.
So why then, does Hitch not try some tough love on the boys much like he did two season ago when the team was in a similar situation? I'll tell you why.
Because this team has heart. This team is hungry. This team knows what it takes to make a push deep into the playoffs. They've tasted it- and now they want more. Fans will argue this, but I can't believe that these boys don't give it all they've got everytime they take the ice.
So tonight, while the wind is blowing at 50mph and the gusts of rain splash violently across Columbus, I'll be in my seat in section 218 rooting on the boys with all I've got.
Don't stop believing fans!
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
Against our parents wishes that night, my best friend and I ventured out into the snow covered streets of Columbus to catch yet another Blue Jackets game. The news had strongly advised against driving, but anything short of a Level 3 snow emergency wasn't going to be enough to stop us from going. The drive there was slow and had it's anxious moments, but we arrived at the Arena safe and sound, ready to root on our hockey team.
We played the Edmonton Oilers that night and I remember being especially excited to see my first ever hockey favorite, and former Blue Jacket, Geoff Sanderson. Unfortunately he was a healthy scratch that night, but I still had 23 other players to keep my spirits high.
The highlight of the night was a videotaped message from Rick Nash thanking the fans for coming to the game despite the terrible weather. I heard the giggle in his voice as he thought, 'you guy's haven't seen terrible', but his thanks was genuine nonetheless and much appreciated by fans.
We lost that night. Our seventh straight. The winning goaltender on Edmonton? Mattheiu Garon. :)
Hitch wasn't happy. He conducted an 8 minute meeting the next day, forcing players to dig themselves out of the snow to come to practice, only to be reamed and sent right back home. Hitch was making a statment then; the boys weren't playing with enough heart.
Fast forward to December 9th, 2009. The Blue Jackets will be taking the ice in hopes of breaking what might as well be an eight game losing streak because let's face it: no one is willing to remember the win over St. Louis when the boys have lost 8 out of their last nine games. I remember the game quite clearly. Kris Russell scored his first goal of the season while R.J. Umberger registered his second career hat trick, but unfortunately these highlights are shadowed by the woes that linger around the club.
So why then, does Hitch not try some tough love on the boys much like he did two season ago when the team was in a similar situation? I'll tell you why.
Because this team has heart. This team is hungry. This team knows what it takes to make a push deep into the playoffs. They've tasted it- and now they want more. Fans will argue this, but I can't believe that these boys don't give it all they've got everytime they take the ice.
So tonight, while the wind is blowing at 50mph and the gusts of rain splash violently across Columbus, I'll be in my seat in section 218 rooting on the boys with all I've got.
Don't stop believing fans!
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Insert foot(e) in mouth...
I woke up this morning totally pumped for the game tonight! You might ask why? The team is in a slump and it seems like everything is falling apart in the organIzation, right?
Maybe to some, who have a hard time staying on the fan wagon, but not to me! It's Saturday night, the weather just screams 'HOCKEY SEASON' and tonight we host the Colorado Avalanche!
Here's where the title of my blog comes in to play...
I know the fans in Nationwide Arena have waited entirely too long for this night to happen. Adam Foote will be back for the first time since he seeminly ditched the team for selfish reasons. I am ashamed to say that this is part of my motivation for tonight. Not because I wouldn't attend the game otherwise, because I definitely would, but because I'm going to go against everything I typically believe in and 'boo' the hell out of him along with the 18,000 fans that need to be there!! I'm not usually one to boo the opponent, hell, in the playoffs I kept slapping my husbands arm for chanting 'OSGOOD, OSGOOD' because I thought it would jinx the boys in what should've been their first playoff win......the result speaks for itself......but tonight it's more personal than that. I'm not mad that Adam didn't want to be here, because frankly I didn't want him here if he felt that way and to be honest I never cared for him much- but the team did. The boys in the locker room looked up to him and admired his leadership and when he left, he took a piece of momentum with him, leaving the boys to try and understand why their captain would, or how he could, do such a thing. I hear a lot of people yap about how Rick Nash isn't an ideal captain; how he's not vocal enough or not emotional enough, but at least Rick is loyal. Rick took on the 'C' to show the team that a true leader doesn't just wear the letter, he respects the letter. Sure, I'd love to see Rick Nash come out of his reserved state and lay it to the bench every once in a while, but I'll take his loyalty and his heartfelt desire to do what's right over someone who could just so easily tear a group apart without any remorse. That's where it gets personal. More than him letting the fans down, he let his team down. OUR TEAM! A team that struggles with enough adversity and scrutiny as it is. A team that struggles to stay consistent, yet a team that never makes excuses for their faults. They are a resilent group of boys though and they fight to overcome such obstacles. I'm sure most of them have moved on from the shock and have let it go to a great extent, but you know the boys that remain from that season are going to be smiling on the inside when Nationwide Arena erupts with unwelcoming chants and relentless boo's.
So I will boo him for the boy's sake and try to explain to my five year old that mommy isn't necessarily right in doing it, but maybe-hopefully-it will instill in him a passion for what he believes in, much as his mom believes in the Jackets!
Carry the flag tonight Jackets fans. Believe in this team and what they can do. I challenge everyone to wear the 'C' tonight and let these boys know that we are behind them through it all!
GO JACKETS! I BELIEVE!
Maybe to some, who have a hard time staying on the fan wagon, but not to me! It's Saturday night, the weather just screams 'HOCKEY SEASON' and tonight we host the Colorado Avalanche!
Here's where the title of my blog comes in to play...
I know the fans in Nationwide Arena have waited entirely too long for this night to happen. Adam Foote will be back for the first time since he seeminly ditched the team for selfish reasons. I am ashamed to say that this is part of my motivation for tonight. Not because I wouldn't attend the game otherwise, because I definitely would, but because I'm going to go against everything I typically believe in and 'boo' the hell out of him along with the 18,000 fans that need to be there!! I'm not usually one to boo the opponent, hell, in the playoffs I kept slapping my husbands arm for chanting 'OSGOOD, OSGOOD' because I thought it would jinx the boys in what should've been their first playoff win......the result speaks for itself......but tonight it's more personal than that. I'm not mad that Adam didn't want to be here, because frankly I didn't want him here if he felt that way and to be honest I never cared for him much- but the team did. The boys in the locker room looked up to him and admired his leadership and when he left, he took a piece of momentum with him, leaving the boys to try and understand why their captain would, or how he could, do such a thing. I hear a lot of people yap about how Rick Nash isn't an ideal captain; how he's not vocal enough or not emotional enough, but at least Rick is loyal. Rick took on the 'C' to show the team that a true leader doesn't just wear the letter, he respects the letter. Sure, I'd love to see Rick Nash come out of his reserved state and lay it to the bench every once in a while, but I'll take his loyalty and his heartfelt desire to do what's right over someone who could just so easily tear a group apart without any remorse. That's where it gets personal. More than him letting the fans down, he let his team down. OUR TEAM! A team that struggles with enough adversity and scrutiny as it is. A team that struggles to stay consistent, yet a team that never makes excuses for their faults. They are a resilent group of boys though and they fight to overcome such obstacles. I'm sure most of them have moved on from the shock and have let it go to a great extent, but you know the boys that remain from that season are going to be smiling on the inside when Nationwide Arena erupts with unwelcoming chants and relentless boo's.
So I will boo him for the boy's sake and try to explain to my five year old that mommy isn't necessarily right in doing it, but maybe-hopefully-it will instill in him a passion for what he believes in, much as his mom believes in the Jackets!
Carry the flag tonight Jackets fans. Believe in this team and what they can do. I challenge everyone to wear the 'C' tonight and let these boys know that we are behind them through it all!
GO JACKETS! I BELIEVE!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Through the eyes of a child...
"Children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them."-Richard L. Evans
I used TicketExchange for the first time today to get tickets to the Colorado game on Saturday. I will be taking my 5 year old son, who in my opinion is the ultimate kind of fan. He doesn't look at Steve Mason's save percentage or care how many goals Jared Boll has scored because to him it means nothing; nothing compared to the thrill he feels when the players slam against the boards or take off down the ice like lightning with the puck. The fire of the cannon, the quirky music, the ooh's, ahh's and cheers of the crowd; that's what it's all about to him.
A child knows no boundaries, only possibilities.
Saturday isn't going to be about winning or losing to him because either way he's going to leave the arena excited and in awe.....and probably with a one dollar blue bag of cotton candy :)
May we all see the game through the eyes of a child.
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
I used TicketExchange for the first time today to get tickets to the Colorado game on Saturday. I will be taking my 5 year old son, who in my opinion is the ultimate kind of fan. He doesn't look at Steve Mason's save percentage or care how many goals Jared Boll has scored because to him it means nothing; nothing compared to the thrill he feels when the players slam against the boards or take off down the ice like lightning with the puck. The fire of the cannon, the quirky music, the ooh's, ahh's and cheers of the crowd; that's what it's all about to him.
A child knows no boundaries, only possibilities.
Saturday isn't going to be about winning or losing to him because either way he's going to leave the arena excited and in awe.....and probably with a one dollar blue bag of cotton candy :)
May we all see the game through the eyes of a child.
GO JACKETS! CARRY THE FLAG! I BELIEVE!
A motivational nightcap
Can't sleep.
Blame the ugly, at home loss tonight, but that's not it......not directly anyway.
The boys are discouraged and they are showing it in a bad way on the ice. It's unfortunate really, because they have the promise of a very good hockey team behind that bench, but loss after loss they seem to let their mind overtake the matter and the belief in themselves begins to wane. I wish I could speak for every fan and tell them that we're proud of the heart they put into their effort and we believe that things will start looking up for them soon, but unfortunately there are too many CBJ fans quick to blame, quick to insult and quick to stop believing.
So I'll just speak for myself:
To believe is in your heart; to trust your own belief is in your mind. I know these boys have it in them to fight through this. I can see see the determination in Rick Nash's boot scoot. I can see the passion in Derick Brassards eyes. I can see the hunger in Jake Voracek's race up ice for the puck. It's there and they all have it in them. I can see it.
But in a loss such as this one all that goes through their minds are the reasons believing is such hard work.
R.J. Umberger makes a great point.
“It’s especially embarrassing to lose like this at home. Last year, we fought hard and competed like crazy to be a competitive team, a playoff team. The respect we got from our fans was incredible. They really bought into us. I have to think that right now we’re just letting them down. It’s frustrating for them, for sure. They’re paying good money at a tough time (economically) to come watch us, and there have been too many bad performances here at home.”
Thanks for your understanding R.J.. Now here's a message to you:
It's especially hard to lose like this at home because I know you boys want it so bad. Last year, you all fought hard and competed like crazy to be a competitive team, a playoff team--and I know you want to give that same effort this year. The respect you got from your fans was incredible. We really bought into you and even though things are riding on a pretty rough track right now, you haven't let me down. It's frustrating sometimes, yes. I pay hard earned money in a tough time to come and watch you play and home ice hasn't exactly been your best friend, but I don't come watch for a win in order to gratify myself. I want that win for you guys because nothing pays for my ticket more than to see the happiness on all of your faces after the victory horn sounds. If you play with your hearts and give it all you've got, I've gotten my monies worth, win or lose. And just for the record, I don't just come to watch. I come to support and believe.
When you don't feel like you've got the support of the fans, you've got me to support you.
When you feel like believing is an empty promise of the heart, know that I believe for you.
Confucious said it best when he said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Rise up boys. Rise up and march on because you want to, because you have what it takes and because you believe!
GO JACKETS!
Blame the ugly, at home loss tonight, but that's not it......not directly anyway.
The boys are discouraged and they are showing it in a bad way on the ice. It's unfortunate really, because they have the promise of a very good hockey team behind that bench, but loss after loss they seem to let their mind overtake the matter and the belief in themselves begins to wane. I wish I could speak for every fan and tell them that we're proud of the heart they put into their effort and we believe that things will start looking up for them soon, but unfortunately there are too many CBJ fans quick to blame, quick to insult and quick to stop believing.
So I'll just speak for myself:
To believe is in your heart; to trust your own belief is in your mind. I know these boys have it in them to fight through this. I can see see the determination in Rick Nash's boot scoot. I can see the passion in Derick Brassards eyes. I can see the hunger in Jake Voracek's race up ice for the puck. It's there and they all have it in them. I can see it.
But in a loss such as this one all that goes through their minds are the reasons believing is such hard work.
R.J. Umberger makes a great point.
“It’s especially embarrassing to lose like this at home. Last year, we fought hard and competed like crazy to be a competitive team, a playoff team. The respect we got from our fans was incredible. They really bought into us. I have to think that right now we’re just letting them down. It’s frustrating for them, for sure. They’re paying good money at a tough time (economically) to come watch us, and there have been too many bad performances here at home.”
Thanks for your understanding R.J.. Now here's a message to you:
It's especially hard to lose like this at home because I know you boys want it so bad. Last year, you all fought hard and competed like crazy to be a competitive team, a playoff team--and I know you want to give that same effort this year. The respect you got from your fans was incredible. We really bought into you and even though things are riding on a pretty rough track right now, you haven't let me down. It's frustrating sometimes, yes. I pay hard earned money in a tough time to come and watch you play and home ice hasn't exactly been your best friend, but I don't come watch for a win in order to gratify myself. I want that win for you guys because nothing pays for my ticket more than to see the happiness on all of your faces after the victory horn sounds. If you play with your hearts and give it all you've got, I've gotten my monies worth, win or lose. And just for the record, I don't just come to watch. I come to support and believe.
When you don't feel like you've got the support of the fans, you've got me to support you.
When you feel like believing is an empty promise of the heart, know that I believe for you.
Confucious said it best when he said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
Rise up boys. Rise up and march on because you want to, because you have what it takes and because you believe!
GO JACKETS!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
A step in front of the march!
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”- Winston Churchill.
A hearty welcome to you and thanks for visiting my blog. I have long wanted to create a site dedicated to my favorite hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and have finally gotten around to it. In my opinion, there is no better time to be a Blue Jacket fan then right now amidst all the struggles that the boys have endured since the beginning of the season. They would all tell you that every team goes through it and no one is going to feel sorry for them, and they are absolutey right. Every team struggles to stay healthy, consistent, competitive or energized at some point throughout the season, but when that hockey team is the Blue Jackets, I take it to heart. If you look at the title of this initial blog, 'A step in front of the march!', I hope you understand the meaning behind it. The march is the CBJ and a step in front of them is me, and any fan who believes in these boys and stays true to them through their ups, downs and all the turnarounds in between. My only intention with this blog is to support the team I love and hopefully bring together others who are willing to join the march and root on the boys in blue every step of the way. So, if you are ready to fail, fight, succeed and conquer along with me and the boys, then lace up your marching boots and carry the flag!
GO JACKETS! I BELIEVE!
A hearty welcome to you and thanks for visiting my blog. I have long wanted to create a site dedicated to my favorite hockey team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and have finally gotten around to it. In my opinion, there is no better time to be a Blue Jacket fan then right now amidst all the struggles that the boys have endured since the beginning of the season. They would all tell you that every team goes through it and no one is going to feel sorry for them, and they are absolutey right. Every team struggles to stay healthy, consistent, competitive or energized at some point throughout the season, but when that hockey team is the Blue Jackets, I take it to heart. If you look at the title of this initial blog, 'A step in front of the march!', I hope you understand the meaning behind it. The march is the CBJ and a step in front of them is me, and any fan who believes in these boys and stays true to them through their ups, downs and all the turnarounds in between. My only intention with this blog is to support the team I love and hopefully bring together others who are willing to join the march and root on the boys in blue every step of the way. So, if you are ready to fail, fight, succeed and conquer along with me and the boys, then lace up your marching boots and carry the flag!
GO JACKETS! I BELIEVE!
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