Passion of the Canucks Fan

I have been a Canucks fan for about 30 years of my life, not once have I ever apologized for it, nor will I ever. Yet, Mr. Dan Tencer of Edmonton's 630 CHED blog, yes that is correct, an accredited member of the media, decided to attack Vancouver, the Canucks, and their fan base. He had the audacity to question my basis of being a Canucks fan? Why because we have yet to win Lord Stanley? So do the Buffalo Sabres get that same courtesy? From what I am reading, no, Buffalo get a get out of jail free card.

Sure, I rip on other teams fans, on my Facebook, amongst my friends, on my twitter account, and of course at hockey games. I am not a member of the mainstream media, I'm just a self professed Canucks fan blogger. Mr. Tencer took it upon himself, as an accredited member of the press, to talk trash not only the Canucks, but their fans in his blog. Classy.

Is it so wrong to be passionate about the present and future we have Canucks fans, as my friend Richard Loat of Canucks Blog, has stated? Let's not forget to mention my friend, Brian's response on the front page of Canucks Corner, to your so called 'journalistic' approach about us as fans, and the Canucks as an organization.

I do not know anything about the Edmonton Oilers presently except the product on the ice makes me want to drive my face to my palms, if I were a fan. I feel sorry for the Edmonton fans. In fact, I feel their pain. I know, the Canucks have been there, but yet, as a fan, I stuck by those mediocre Canucks. Isn't that was a sports fan supposed to do? Stick by his/her team? Would you like it if everyone at Rexall decided to jump ship and become Flames fans? What would you say about that?

You are right, Mr. Tencer, as a franchise, we have yet to win Lord Stanley. In fact, in our two appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, our team has failed. So does that give you the right to say we're not allowed to be proud of our team presently? Because we haven't won a championship? Does that mean we haven't accomplished anything? I guess so.

So presently, as a Canucks fan, I should shut my trap because:

• Henrik Sedin is only the NHL's points leader, ahead of Ovechkin, by six points?
  
• In the last seven games, Alex Burrows has scored as many goals as the mighty 1989 (yet they act like there were more) Stanley Cup Champion, Calgary Flames?
• Speaking of Burrows, both him and defenceman, Christian Ehrhoff are second and third, respectedly, in+/- in the league.
• Roberto Luongo is tied for third in wins by a goaltender.
  
• The Olympian count on the Canucks is eight, only second to San Jose who boasts nine members as Olympic bound players.
  

Let's not forget the Canucks are one of the hottest teams in 2010 so far, yeah, we have nothing to be happy about. Nothing at all, we have yet to win a cup. Canucks fans, we suck, and should shut up because we have yet to win a cup.


Mr. Tencer, you were born in 1986, at that point I was already a full fledged Canucks fan at the tender age of 11. You were a baby when the Oilers were winning cups and attending nursery school when your team won their last one in 1990. Do you even know who Grant Fuhr and Bill Ranford were? How would you know anything about the "Glory Days" of Edmonton, let alone comment. You weren't old enough to recall anything from that era of the Oilers.

You sir, are nothing but a whiny, belligerent member of the Edmonton media who is still waiting for your team to win a game in 2010. I on the other hand, am a happy, fun loving, Canucks fan who can't wait for her beautiful city to host the world during the 2010 Olympics. I wish you good luck, Mr. Tencer, sincerely I do. I have respect for the Oilers fans, who are in agreement with me, your comments and your opinions about us Canucks fans were out of line and unprofessional.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

PS, did you and Ron MacLean go to the same school of journalistic integrity?

Gotta Love that SOB-Shane O'Brien, that is!

Over the last couple of seasons, I have not been the biggest supporter of Canucks defenseman, Shane O’Brien. In fact, I would openly be in the camp calling for his head whenever he made a bonehead play on the ice, chirping off at referees, or just acting like a jackass in general. Yup, you guessed it, Shane was my whipping boy.

He had joined that echelon of heckling from yours truly,that rivals the verbal whippings of the: Sopel’s, Plavsic’s, Antoski’s and Strudwick’s of the past. I hated these guys so much I even gave them nicknames that are not rated PG13, and unacceptable to put into this blog.

I got on Shane so much that I was mocking his post-game rituals. It became public knowledge that he would do a dance to Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface” last season and this year it’s to “Calle Ocho” by Pitbull. I would say that Shane should become at Go Go Dancer at Brandi's and quit his day job. Yes, I had a huge crush on O’Brien (oodles of sarcasm). But now that I looked back, with my sudden change of heart, maybe I did have a crush. Nah, I think I just didn't see his potential then, like I do now.

So here I am writing an open letter to Shane O’Brien. He has played much better as of late and his discipline on the ice has been much better than that of the ever so steady, Sami Salo.

No time to waste! Here we go!

Dear Shane:

I am begrudgingly writing you this letter because I am an ass. I have dogged you and your abilities on the ice during your tenure with the Vancouver Canucks; although I believe, with some validity. I gave the hardest time every single time you got yourself in a little penalty trouble. Openly I admit there were a couple times I even cursed the day you were signed.

To be perfectly honest, I hoped you’d fail miserably and got sent down to Manitoba. It didn’t happen, you found a space in Vigneault’s heart and you managed to stay up with the big club. I know, I’m really endearing myself to you right now, but I just wanted to say, I take MOST of it back.

In the last month and half or so, you have played extremely well for our 5^th ,6^th ,7^th defenseman. In fact, you played so well, I couldn’t help but be happy for you when you finally scored you first as a member of the Vancouver Canucks. I even gave the guy who inspired me to write this, a kiss.

I just wanted to let you know, you have made me a fan. I appreciate what you bring to the table and hope to see more of your potential turning into a reality. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely your newest fan,

Justine Galo

PS: Did I mention that you have the best nickname in hockey? S.O.B. rocks!

So I hope that suffices you Shane O’Brien fans out there, you made a believer out of me. The kid has heart, plays with passion, and has just enough edge to rival any pest in the NHL. Next time I dog SOB, I will have to catch myself and see if my rant is warranted.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Dedicated to “Some Dude”: Thanks for the inspiration.

October: My Favourite Sports Month Of the Year

October is such a great month for sports. For some fans, it could mean spending a good 8 hours or more in front of the television keeping up with all the action. The NFL is in full swing, NHL hockey is gearing towards a long and exciting season, MLB playoffs are underway, and the NBA is just around the corner. Exciting times indeed.

So far this October, I'm pretty satisfied. My Yankees are in the ALCS. Ready to go for another world series birth. Their big guns are playing clutch, even the dubious usual post-season blues of Alex Rodriguez seemed to have left him this season. Could the Yankees bring a World Series Championship to their new home in the Bronx? It's possible, but their potential opponents are what is going to make that series more exciting. Yes, I realize they must pass the LA Angels first, but I am hopeful. This year is a year of four really good teams vying for the grand daddy of baseball titles.

Then there are my beloved Broncos. So far Kyle Orton and the rest of the Denver Broncos are defying realism. How can this team have a 5-0 start? I'm not sure. Many were calling the Broncos lucky in the victories prior to last Sunday's win over the New England Patriots, but now that they are 5-0, some people are starting to believe. It may not last, it may be a season of destiny, but I am so happy seeing some Mile High Magic present when the Broncos most needed it.

North of the border we have the CFL and the lowly Lions are looking to make a comeback for a playoff spot in the west. Geroy Simon has taken it upon himself to be Superman again and show just why he is one of the premier receivers in the league. It's also nice to see a long time CFL man in Wally Buono make some history. Good job Wally.

Since moving to Toronto, I have also started to watch the NBA once again. My taste for the NBA soured when the Grizzlies were abruptly hoisted out of my hometown of Vancouver. I am not a Raptors fan, but I do wish them well. In fact, I do not have a favourite NBA team per say, but I have found some love again for basketball.

Last by not least are my beloved Canucks. Their crazy west coast schedule and their potentially promising prospects have many of us fans in a tizzy. Sure they stumbled out of the starting blocks going 0-3, but it looks like they have settled down and are ready to show why they are one of the favourites in the west to vie for the Lord Stanley. I for one just have to make sure I get in the appropriate nap time so I can watch without dozing off.

For an avid sports fan, this is the best time of year. This is when we can really focus on our favourite teams from the four major sports. This is sports fan bliss. So get out your PVRs( T-vo for you Americans) your VCR's or revamp your sleep schedule. it's time for our favourite past times to consume your viewing pleasure. It's something I like to call "The October Factor". Popcorn anyone?

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

justine@justinegalo.com

Hockey Heroes Retire

So it's official, Mats Sundin, Theo Fleury, and Joe Sakic are retired from the NHL. After watching Sakic's ceremony last night it finally hit me. We have now lost three of the best players of my generation to the wonderful world of retirement.


The love for Joe Sakic from this writer runs deep. Sakic is from my hometown. He's a good kid from the Lower Mainland who had extraordinary abilities to put some pucks in the net. he also had the best wrist shot I have ever seen. He is also one of those rare cases in the NHL that stayed with the organization that drafted him. The Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche organization knew he was special and as fans of the NHL we got to see Burnaby Joe show us what he had in his repertoire.

The only thing I think I will not miss about Joe Sakic is his ability to score at will against the Vancouver Canucks. Other than that, he was a joy to watch and an honour to meet. Good luck Burnaby Joe in life after hockey. Your amazing talent was a gift to all of us Lower Mainland kids.



Meanwhile, another Quebec Nordique draft pick also called it quits this year. Mats Sundin has finally decided to go the retirement route and leave as the greatest Swedish player in the NHL (arguable for you Forsberg fans). He has set sail into married life and left an incredible Viking Swan Song in the NHL, especially in Toronto.
-
I will always remember Mats Sundin single-handedly, returning from injury, leading the Leafs oh so close to the playoffs one year. Captain Clutch was his nickname in Toronto. I was also there when Mats scored that shoot out goal as a Canuck to win against his old team and got nothing but a standing ovation at the Air Canada Centre. You were loved and will be missed Mats.

Despite his personal demons that he has openly battled in front of fans, media and peers alike, Theoren Fleury was an exciting little pack of dynamite to watch and will be missed by many. He will be remembered more for NHL fans as a Calgary Flame, but to me, I will never forget his heart on the 2002 Gold Medal winning Olympic team.

Usually, guys like Fleury would never make it in the NHL, or get that first call up from the farm, but he went above and beyond what small men do in a big man's game. Theo Fleury was the exception to the rule. His heart was bigger than the Saddledome many nights and it was reflected in the way he played on the ice. I am surprised the Flames did not keep Theo around, but at least he can retire from the league more or less on his own terms. He has nothing left to prove. He's won as much as you can at the highest level. He is truly "The Little Engine That Could".

As exciting as the new generation players are, it's saddens me today to realize all the guys I grew up watching are almost nearly out of the NHL. Who is next? Who is left? The changing of the guard is nearly complete if it hasn't already happened. Despite my sadness today, I will be happy and smiling when I watch these three men get inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. I'll see you on Front street Mats, Joe and Theo. Until then, best of luck to all three of you.

This has been A View from A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine@justinegalo.com

Van Fan in Leaf Land: A Slightly Distant Perspective

Being a Canucks fan in a 'foreign' land has been an interesting journey in the past 13 months. I had to get used to watching the Canucks play the 'late' game. That meaning, although it would be 7pm evening start in my home town of Vancouver, it was 10pm Toronto time. I'd be sacrificing my Saturday night to watch my beloved boys play, win or lose. It was definitely something I had to endure if a self-proclaimed die-hard fan as myself wanted to continue being a self-proclaimed Nucks die-hard fan.


I also had to realize that the Air Canada Centre didn't house my team, but the team which their fans have proclaimed a "nation". I became accustom to the people that surrounded me, who bled blue and white. I didn't see a lot of "Luongo"; "Linden"; "Sedin";or "Bieksa" jerseys being worn by the natives. Instead I viewed a lot of "Sundin" "Stajan" "Clark" and "Schenn" ones. For the first time in my hockey fan life, I was not comfortable in my surroundings as a Canucks fan. I was truly immersed in hockey foreign territory. I was a Canucks fan in Leaf Land.

One thing that was truly hard for me to get over was the lack of Canucks memorabilia to be available for purchase in Toronto. I remember trudging up and down Yonge Street, Queen Street W, and some of the shops on Bloor only to find disappointment in the selection of Canucks stuff for sale. I found it odd you get a 2 for 1 Doug Gilmour Flames and Leafs jersey, but there was no 2 for 1 Sundin Canucks and Leafs jersey. Hmmm. A little resentment built in my heart towards the sports shops in my 'new hometown'. I just wanted a stinking Canucks touque! Luckily for me, my mate gave me one for my birthday. Thanks JEL.

There are positives in living in Leaf Land as a Canucks fan as well. It's not all bad. It was awesome to boast about how well the Canucks were doing down the stretch to your newly found Leaf fan friends. My good friend Jason and I had a blast rubbing it in some of their faces. Now I know this isn't always going to pan out with that type of ending, but it was a good year to have it happen.

Another great thing was following the Canucks on their Eastern Canadian road trip in Ottawa, Montreal, and of course Toronto. I actually just hopped on the train or a quick flight from the downtown airport to either of those two cities and watched my Canucks play. For those Canucks fans out east in either Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto, I highly recommend you do it at least once. It's a great experience.

It is a bit lonely here in Toronto being a Canucks fan. The sports news surrounds the Leafs, Habs, Sabres and Bruins. You have to make sure you have digital cable or satellite if you want to see the majority of the Canucks games, tv insights and shows. Otherwise, you're going to have to watch Leafs TV. When you look in a shop window, expect to see Leafs jerseys and toques and all other memorabilia instead of what you're used to seeing on Granville or Robson Street.

Also the chill in the winter time tells you that you're not in Lotus Land anymore, so dress warmly. Yeah it's lonely walking through Dundas Square and the talk is about what Brian Burke will do or who else wants to supposedly play in Toronto next. But every now and then you see someone flash some Canucks colours as they walk by. A smile would be exchanged as well as a nod of acknowledgment to each other. Another fellow Canucklehead is around! A little bit of home comes my way when I see anyone wearing Canucks stuff. I feel less alone and alienated. I feel ...a belonging.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine@justinegalo.com

St. Michael Resides In Vancouver?

Mike Gillis: Miracle Worker?

Just as things were starting to look 'bleak' for the Vancouver Canucks in Round 2 of the playoffs last year against the Blackhawks, Vancouver GM Mike Gillis goes out and makes some pretty aggressive moves to improve his hockey club. He signed the 'Wonder Twins', Henrik and Daniel Sedin to multi-year deals keeping them in Vancouver until retirement; he then bolsters the Canuck blueline with the additions of Mathieu Schneider via free agency and worked out a trade with the Sharks for the services of Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich. Gillis was not yet done.

The grand-daddy of them all was the 12 year contract extension of Captain Canuck, Roberto Luongo. It was for $64 million over 12 years. Which means, Luongo will finish his career in Vancouver like the Sedins. That is not a bad way to start training camp, Mr. Gillis, not bad at all.

Mike Gillis has now put his stamp on this team. This is his team now, make no mistake about it. So what is next for Mighty Mike, or as some have dubbed him, "St. Michael" in Lotus Land. My guess would be to extend Ryan Kesler's contract before season's end and to make a good run at Lord Stanley.

He has now shown me and others he is committed to putting a competitive franchise on ice. He has shown me he has ready to make a real run. Gillis is not here to make silly trades at the deadline for sake of making trades, he is not going to throw away 2nd round picks to make those silly trades. Mike Gillis values his team and has put a practical realistic approach into making a winning franchise.

I remember many disgruntled fans not knowing what the then rookie GM had in mind when he offered up Mats Sundin a 10 million dollar deal. Heck, he had me wondering. I look back and I see that Gillis does not want to wait six years to win, he wanted to show his team could win and win now. I believe Mike Gillis has made his commitment to his team, his players and the fans. He wants the cup.

So I am asking you to all say a prayer to the Hockey Gods and thank them for "St. Michael". We may be able to map out that parade route...or at least take steps in the right direction.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine.galo@gmail.com
justine@justinegalo.com

Planes, Trains and Taxi-Cabs

Chicago Blackhawks forward, Patrick Kane,was arrested and charged with robbery and assault, along with his cousin in Buffalo, NY. He is being accused of allegedly beating up a cab driver over a matter of $.20 cents. As reported on various sites, papers and television news programs, Kane has plead 'not guilty' to these charges.

I do not know the circumstances of what has happened and I do not know as to why Kane allegedly acted so violently, but I do know, this does not help the NHL's image in the eyes of the American public. You see all throughout the USA, for those that are not avid hockey fans, hockey is already, in their minds, a violent sport. It is also viewed as a sport that 'sanctions' fighting in the game.

The NHL has had a hard time selling their product in non-traditional markets. The league has already gone through a work stoppage in the last five years and dwindling attendance in some of their arenas. They went through a PR disaster with the Bertuzzi incident involving Steve Moore, the junior hockey fiascoes with sons of famous and legendary goaltenders, and to mention the Heatly incident involving the death of Dan Snyder. This is just another black eye to the sport I love.

For example, when the sucker punch that rocked the hockey world happened, the accused and charged, Todd Bertuzzi, was made an example for the world media to hang. Bertuzzi was characterised as a "monster" in the eyes of many in the public, many of those either casual hockey fans or non-hockey fans. I remember statements on TV, emails, and calls into radio stations asking for a life-long ban on Todd's ability to play hockey. That was an on-ice incident. The NHL ended up making an example of Bertuzzi and many of us know how that has affected Todd's play on the ice and his demeanor towards talking to the media.

This alleged incident with Kane, happened off the ice, with a regular civilian and a man that Kane and his cousin hired to provide them for a service. There was no referee, there was no arena full of people to watch Kane exhibit his skills as a hockey player. He is being accused of beating a man and then robbing him over a dispute of change for cab fare. So is it okay for Patrick Kane to get off on charges here and be allowed to continue to play hockey? I honestly do not know if I can say, 'yes' and pass it off as a mistake. After all, Kane is human just like the rest of us. I am not sure if it is, if we are going on precedent of how NHL players should behave and how they are punished.

I will even throw in the punishment that Sean Avery received for saying disparaging comments about his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend. It was a calculated move on Avery's part, sure, but it was just words. In the Kane case, the alleged victim was merely a guy who picked him and his companion and was beat up for not giving Kane back the whole $1.20 he owed him for change.

So what's worse in your minds? A guy in a game going beserk and sucker punching? A guy shooting his mouth off to the cameras talking badly about a former flame ? Or a star hockey player assaulting and robbing an average joe trying to earn his living? Think about it.

I know one thing, if that was any of us, we would be held accountable for our actions. Some of us might even get convicted for this. So will Patrick Kane get the same treatment? I do not really think so, but stranger things have happened. What if that cab driver was any of you? Me? A friend or family member of yours?

So what does the NHL do if Patrick Kane is found guilty to these charges? Does he lose his right to play for a certain amount of time? Does he go through anger management courses like Todd Bertuzzi and Sean Avery for their "crimes"? Does he do jail time like some of us would if we were in this predicament? Will and should he still be able to represent his country in the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver?

I am going out on a limb here and say, if these allegations are proven true, I think Patrick Kane should lose his right to play hockey for an indefinite amount of time. This is disgusting behaviour for a public figure. Allegedly, he also uttered, "Do you know who I am?" Yes Patrick, I know who you are... you're a spoiled, self-centred, self over-estimating prick, who thinks because he s a professional athlete, the world outside revolves around him.

I am not sure what was going on through Patrick Kane's head during this alleged incident, but if that was me, I would have let the cabbie keep the 20 cents and wished him a good night. As I see it, this mess is going to cost Mr. Kane more than just cab fare.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
Toronto, ON
justine.galo@gmail.com