kimmy Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 There's been some newspaper columns, including one from no less than the New York Times, making the observation that outside of BC, most Canadians don't seem to be that excited about the idea that the Canucks could bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada. There's been lots of theories. Some are about the team (there are no Canadian stars on the Canucks, it's a United Nations effort where the best players are an American and a bunch of Europeans...) Some are about the city (other Canadians are jealous, or don't really see Vancouver as being a real Canadian city at all). Some are about hockey rivalries (Canadian hockey fans don't want to see a Canadian team raise the Stanley Cup unless it's their own team.) And some of the theories are about the general Canadian-ness of the sport of hockey as a whole. The Stanley Cup comes back to Canada *every* year, brought by a Canadian star on whichever team won it. Last year, Manitoba was cheering on the Blackhawks because their captain is 22-year old Winnipeg kid Jonathan Toews. This year, why would French Canadians be cheering for the Canucks when the biggest French Canadian stars are playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning? Who can really guess why the rest of the country isn't cheering on the Canucks? There's probably as many reasons as there are hockey fans. My question for those of you in the rest of the country is this: if you guys aren't watching the Canucks anyway... why do the games have to start at 6pm? I mean, it's a real ff--ing nuisance. If you guys just don't give a crap about the Canucks, can we start the games at a reasonable hour? Seriously: we had the federal election leaders debate was over before us British Columbians were even home from work. They couldn't schedule that thing, which was just about the the exercise of our cherished democratic rights, to an hour that was convenient for all Canadians. But for hockey, which is a game where people smack rubber discs with sticks, we have to reschedule Canucks games so that they'll be over before bedtime for central Canadians who hate the Canucks anyway. -k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remiel Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 There's been lots of theories. Some are about the team (there are no Canadian stars on the Canucks, it's a United Nations effort where the best players are an American and a bunch of Europeans...) Some are about the city (other Canadians are jealous, or don't really see Vancouver as being a real Canadian city at all). Some are about hockey rivalries (Canadian hockey fans don't want to see a Canadian team raise the Stanley Cup unless it's their own team.) And some of the theories are about the general Canadian-ness of the sport of hockey as a whole. The Stanley Cup comes back to Canada *every* year, brought by a Canadian star on whichever team won it. Last year, Manitoba was cheering on the Blackhawks because their captain is 22-year old Winnipeg kid Jonathan Toews. This year, why would French Canadians be cheering for the Canucks when the biggest French Canadian stars are playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning? At lot of these attitudes really piss me off when I encounter them. The idea that the only Canadian thing that matters is how many Canadians are on the team is a load of shit. It is the view that the Canadian fans do not matter. Well, to hell with that! If fans do not matter, then professional sports can go to ****ing Hell. Why should we discount the people that pay their ridiculous paychecks: the fans? I do not even understand the argument that Vancouver itself is not Canadian enough, so I will not address that. And this rivalry crap is bullshit too. There was an article in the Star about Leafs fans cheering for the Habs, and almost every God-damned comment boiled down to, " No real Leafs fan could ever cheer for the Habs, " . Well, **** that shit too. Half of our damn teams where the symbol or name of this nation of their jerseys. If you cannot root for another Canadian team to win the Cup, take that Maple Leaf, that Canadian, or that Canuck off your jersey, because whoever would believe something like that does not deserve to wear it. I have have a hard time watching the playoffs because some folks in my household wake up really early to go to work, but you are damn straight that this Leaf fan is going to be cheering the Canucks all the way to the Cup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Bandelot Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 this Leaf fan is going to be cheering the Canucks all the way to the Cup. Ahh, that explains the bitterness... got to learn to let it go man... it's only a hockey game! For the OP, I don't see that. My hockey playing friends and I are definitely watching, and it doesn't matter what time the game comes on! Can't wait for the next game, in fact. Good hockey always worth the watch, no matter who it is. The game is a contest of wills and skills! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scouterjim Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I don't cheer for any overpaid hockey playing goobers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smallc Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 For the OP, I don't see that. Agreed. I don't even like hockey and I find it exciting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remiel Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Ahh, that explains the bitterness... got to learn to let it go man... it's only a hockey game! Yes, I uncharacteristically swore quite a bit in that post, but I do not understand why you think I was pissed off because I am a Leafs fan? Most of my gripes are nationalistic ones... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Bandelot Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Yes, I uncharacteristically swore quite a bit in that post, but I do not understand why you think I was pissed off because I am a Leafs fan? Most of my gripes are nationalistic ones... No worries, I was only trying to make you laugh! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Weber Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Here's why I'm not cheering for the Canucks.... I don't give shite about hockey,that's why! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Bandelot Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Here's why I'm not cheering for the Canucks.... I don't give shite about hockey,that's why! Wow, what country are you from? Someplace where they play "Cricket" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Weber Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 Wow, what country are you from? Someplace where they play "Cricket" I love the "Hockey is our National sport and you're not "Canadian" if you don't care!" I usually tell these slackjawed yokel's to go Eff themselves...As if chaseing a rubber disc aroung some ice surface is an act of patriotism? As sports go with me,it's football,baseball,boxing,and,auto racing.... Everything else is irrelevent!Just like the Vancouver Canucks and the rest of hockey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonam Posted May 23, 2011 Report Share Posted May 23, 2011 I don't give shite about hockey,that's why! Seconded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilber Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 (edited) I like hockey and I like cricket. I'll always root for the last Canadian team standing regardless of the sport. Even if it is Toronto. Edited May 24, 2011 by Wilber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Bandelot Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Seconded. O the depravity and moral decay that has corrupted the minds of our youth! There is a pestilence upon this land, nothing is sacred. This is what decades of unfettered liberal academia has done to us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC_chick Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Kimmy, my two faves on the team are Canadian (Luongo and Burrows) so Montreal at least should be cheering on. But I hear ya, the rest of the key players aren't Canadian. Still, Luongo is enough of a star on his own and one of the highest paid NHL players, so that should play a very important factor in the Canadianness of the game. As for the scheduled programming, completely agreed on this one. Everyone is trying to get home to watch the game during rush hour and it sucks when we know that the rest of the country isn't all that interested. I've noticed it on this board too, the lack of interest that is. But... and there's always a but... I think as far as the rivalry goes, it's a bit of a two-way street. I would watch any Candian team that made it this far, but then again I've lived in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal so there's a bit of home for me in all those three major cities. My boyfriend, OTOH, has never lived anywhere but BC. Even though he's an avid hockey player, I was shocked to hear him say that he wouldn't care if Toronto or Montreal made it to the Stanley Cup. I don't understand it myself, but my point is that it's not a Vancouver hating/jealousy issue and it's not a one-way street. The rivalry runs deep in this country and we all do it. Montreal fans hate Toronto, Toronto fans hate Montreal, both hate the Canucks etc etc. We all seem to be a little over-zealous about our team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fellowtraveller Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 What does cheering or not cheering for the Canucks have to do with Canadian nationalism? They are not Team Canada, this isn't the world championships or the Olympics or World Juniors. I support a different NHL team, that is who I cheer for, first and foremost. I don't cheer for teams simply because they are leftovers. I still watch hockey, because I like it. The Canucks do have one special attribute: Vancouver fans are the worst in the league. There is a strong body of evidence, capped by the fact that they booed their own team off the ice when they were beaten last year by the Hawks in the semi-finals. After the Canucks gave it their best over an long season, fought long and hard and were beaten by a clearly better team- they get booed as a thank you. Pathetic. It does not happen anywhere else at the end of a season. Another pathetic note- the sadsack playoff national anthem singalong, trying to emulate the passion of another Canadian city.....Sad and lifeless, please stop embarassing yourselves.... Oh, and they are the only team in pro sports with a life size bronze monument dedicated to the commemoration of whining and surrender on their premises. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remiel Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Montreal fans hate Toronto, Toronto fans hate Montreal, both hate the Canucks Sens, etc etc. Fixed it for you, . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remiel Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 What does cheering or not cheering for the Canucks have to do with Canadian nationalism? They are not Team Canada, this isn't the world championships or the Olympics or World Juniors. I suppose it depends on what value you attach to the Stanley Cup coming home to Canada. If you believe, as many do I think, that the Stanley Cup properly belongs in Canada, then it is only logical that you should cheer for whatever team is poised to bring it home. If you do not care about the Stanley Cup in and of itself, then I suppose it is logical to just cheer for your favourite team, full stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I wasn't a Canucks fan before the playoffs, I don't understand why anyone would expect that I should transform into one just because they are the last Canadian team left playing. There's a lot more to the game than what side of the border their home arena is situated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fellowtraveller Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I suppose it depends on what value you attach to the Stanley Cup coming home to Canada. If you believe, as many do I think, that the Stanley Cup properly belongs in Canada, then it is only logical that you should cheer for whatever team is poised to bring it home. If you do not care about the Stanley Cup in and of itself, then I suppose it is logical to just cheer for your favourite team, full stop. The Stanley Cup is not a Canadian trophy, and the NHL is not a Canadian league.The Stanley Cup does not belong in Canada, iot belongs to whichever NHL team earns it. It is likely the hardest trophy to win in professional sports, the playoffs are a marathon. But it is not the property of Canada in any way, it goes to the league champion, and every team now is international. The only way I 'care; about the Cup is when my team is in contention. I appreciate the effort of the teams and the often great hockey, but no, there is absolutely no reason to jump on the Canucks bandwagon or that of any team but my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilber Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Kimmy, my two faves on the team are Canadian (Luongo and Burrows) so Montreal at least should be cheering on. But I hear ya, the rest of the key players aren't Canadian. Still, Luongo is enough of a star on his own and one of the highest paid NHL players, so that should play a very important factor in the Canadianness of the game. Don't know how anyone wouldn't call Bieksa a key player. One of the best two way defense players in the league. Three goals against the Sharks in this series, averaging over 23 minutes a game, +35 during the regular season and part of the shut down pairing with Hamhuis (another Canadian). He's a tough SOB to, who wins more than his share of fights. Also, best interview on the team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scouterjim Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I wasn't a Canucks fan before the playoffs, I don't understand why anyone would expect that I should transform into one just because they are the last Canadian team left playing. There's a lot more to the game than what side of the border their home arena is situated. Because hockey fans are fickle. They will cheer for a team all year until it is out of the running. They quickly jump to supporting another team until it is out. Then another and another until the Stanley Cup is finally won by whatever team, and all the fickle fans jump up and yell, "YES!! That is the team I wanted to win all along!!!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilber Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Because hockey fans are fickle. They will cheer for a team all year until it is out of the running. They quickly jump to supporting another team until it is out. Then another and another until the Stanley Cup is finally won by whatever team, and all the fickle fans jump up and yell, "YES!! That is the team I wanted to win all along!!!" Because hockey fans love hockey and it makes it more interesting if you have some interest in who eventually wins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Dog Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 Why do I hate the Canucks? Let me count the ways. 1. Bragging rights: outside of Montreal, I never want to see a Canadian team that's not Edmonton lift the Cup. Okay, maybe Winnipeg. 2. The team itself is as hateable a collection as you could come across. fragile Roberto Luongo with his flopping and whining and his exxon Valdez hair; the hideous, flopping other-dimensional ginger creatures the Sedin twins; the mouthy, flopping (seeing a trend?) Ryan Kesler; the cheap shot specialist Raffi Torres; the list goes on. 3. The fans. Vancouverites are already the smuggest bunch of jerks in all Christendom; a Cup-winning team would cause the entire city to completely disappear up its own asshole. Though even then I doubt we'd be free the whining of a fanbase that is as graceless in victory as they are petulant in defeat. In short, Vancouver winning the Cup would be a national tragedy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloodyminded Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I love the "Hockey is our National sport and you're not "Canadian" if you don't care!" I usually tell these slackjawed yokel's to go Eff themselves...As if chaseing a rubber disc aroung some ice surface is an act of patriotism? As sports go with me,it's football,baseball,boxing,and,auto racing.... Everything else is irrelevent!Just like the Vancouver Canucks and the rest of hockey! Fuck football and auto racing, but yes, baseball and boxing are awesome. Not as good as hockey, mind you.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Dog Posted May 24, 2011 Report Share Posted May 24, 2011 I love the "Hockey is our National sport and you're not "Canadian" if you don't care!" I usually tell these slackjawed yokel's to go Eff themselves...As if chaseing a rubber disc aroung some ice surface is an act of patriotism? As sports go with me,it's football,baseball,boxing,and,auto racing.... Everything else is irrelevent!Just like the Vancouver Canucks and the rest of hockey! The only thing more obnoxious than people going on and on about hockey are those who go on and on about not liking hockey. You don't like it, fine. Go off and enjoy your boring, shitty sports and leave the rest of us be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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