Quote:
Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
Ok, I am not an idiot and of course I see the difference between being in IT and hockey. I of course wasn't comparing the specific job functions, but comparing the level of skill and experience. Surely, you can make the leap there. 
I am not defending Feaster. Re-read my posts please. I am asking a simple question - what makes a hockey guy, a hockey guy. I think I have asked this question about 100 times on this board, and I can't remember getting a single definitive answer in return. How long does it take a non-hockey guy to work in the industry before he is graduates into one? Obviously you are stating one needs to have played the game - then at what specific level has one to play the game until he is considered a hockey guy.
Also, Ken King is considered a non-hockey guy in this forum. Wasn't Darryl Sutter his recommendation for coach? As far as I recall, it was King who went and spoke to Sutter about coming on as a coach in Calgary. Seemed to work out pretty damn well for the next few years anyways.
I am not in support of Feaster - not because he isn't a 'hockey guy' - I actually consider him a hockey guy now that he has been around hockey for what.. 20 years? I just don't think he is a very good manager, that's all. It isn't about the Flames trying to 'outsmart' everyone else (well, EVERY organization tries to outsmart everyone else - it is a competition) - it is about the Flames trying to do their best in having the right people in their jobs. Last I checked, Lowe is the epitome if a 'hockey guy', and I can't think of anyone else I would rather NOT have work for the Flames.
Given enough time in the business, scouts, coaches, and managers tend to get better with experience - regardless of what their background is. Shanahan is not more or less likely to be a better president than King was just because he was a very notable player.
Maybe a definition of what a 'hockey guy' is would be a good start, as it seems a lot of posters are so adamant that any executive in the organization HAS to be one. |
Any level above Peewee
What do I consider a hockey guy - a guy who grew up in a world where hockey is a 2nd instinct, not a job. Someone who outside of their job function, will catch a game if they got a few hours before they go to sleep (I believe it is said that Jay Feaster doesn't scout any amateaur games, didn't watch Cervenka before signing him, etc). Someone who will talk endless hours of hockey at night, every night because its like a religion to them. Someone who, for them, hockey is a way of life, not just a job. Can you have that kind of burning passion where you watch every ounce of hockey you can because you love it so much (hell, maybe even midget not just for scouting but because you love it so much)... or can you not be bothered catch a junior hockey game because you are put in 50 hours in for work already this week? I just can't see a guy who never really thought about hockey till it was his job, to have that kind drive; but I think you need to have it if you're going to be one of the best GM's in the league, and if the Flames want to be the best in the NHL, we need to hire the best.