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Tips #1 Fan
Posted Jan 31, 2005 3:02 PM
SportingNews
Let's imagine, for a moment, that labor law regarding declaring a lawful impasse isn't more subjective than a diving call. Let's pretend the league is putting itself on a track to have a lawful impasse declared that would, in turn, allow the NHL to implement its economic system. So here we are -- impasse declared, cap implemented, players on strike and owners bringing in replacement players.
And that brings us to the fans. You remember the fans. What would the fans do? What would you do?
First, consider what the current NHL players would do. Some might cross the line and compete as replacements, but most replacements likely would be young or fringe players -- not the league's biggest stars. So it seems logical that most people wouldn't want to watch a lower-level game played by unknowns.
But keep in mind that remaining loyal to specific players has been difficult for years, as players follow dollar signs to new cities and trades make the term franchise player comically antiquated. In this climate, is the idea of fans handing over hard-earned cash to see skating temps that far-fetched?
A poll by FOXSports.com gave us the answer, and NHL players should be a little concerned.
With about 9,900 votes cast, 64 percent said they would pay to see replacement players. So a majority of these NHL fans would be willing to rip the Roenick off their authentic jerseys and root for whoever is on the home team. Of course, there was a caveat. In the hundreds of e-mails that arrived with the votes, most people wanted assurance of much lower ticket prices to see minor leaguers.
A few voters even thought that an NHL roster spot might open up for them. Of course, NHL general managers wouldn't troll local beer leagues for second-line centers. Those filling the spots of the players' association members would be professionals from different levels, and most of them would be players who wouldn't have to worry about recrimination or retaliation if they ever made it to the NHL after the real players returned. But it's good to have a dream.
One of the best e-mails came from a 13-year old looking for clarification on replacement players, asking if only the old players would be replaced. Now that's an idea. How about replacing the old players and those whose only skills are dumping the puck and hitting from behind? No such luck. All union skates would be emptied, no matter the age or ability.
Of course, for way too many people, the issue of replacement players is irrelevant. Plenty of Blackhawks fans wrote to say they wouldn't know the difference.
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