Does hockey bring you joy, or is it becoming a drag - Page 5 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Erick Estrada · 03-06-2018, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hackey

Biggest drag this season has been this board by far.

I don't get this sentiment. Even the most optimistic and happy go lucky Flames fan would likely agree this season has been frustrating on a lot of levels from coaching, special teams woes, bottom 6 forward woes, defensive issues at times, hot/cold play of the first line, etc. To compound things I think most would agree the product hasn't been that great visually. We were a fan base that was pretty optimistic at the beginning of the season that our GM went all-in, loaded up on defense, stability of a the players being in year two of the same system, that they would make some headway in their ascension from bubble team to solid playoff team. The reality has been a bit harsh as it hasn't worked out so I don't understand why fans aren't allowed to be frustrated.

Go to Canucks, Oilers, Habs, Senators forums. Way worse. Hell there was a thread here not long ago about the Hawks fans turning on the team and I ventured to HF Blackhawks. The fans there are turning on players that helped them win multiple cups. They have a thread there titled "Jonathan Woes" for crying out loud. It's the nature of sports fans in this day and age where you have 24/7 availability of news, highlights, etc. If you can't handle this I don't know if being a fan of professional sports in this day and age is for you.

Finger Cookin · 03-06-2018, 04:21 PM

To be fair to hockey, nothing brings me joy.

Manhattanboy · 03-06-2018, 04:22 PM

As many know am a long term (really long term) STH.

As frustrated as I am with things right now particularly the arena debacle I would be really upset if we lost the Flames.

It’s been a way of life in my family for many years and a relocation would be a tragic loss for other families with young kids and the city generally.

Buff · 03-06-2018, 04:23 PM

I love hockey. I've loved it since the Flames moved to Calgary and I was introduced to the sport. I'm getting burned out though. Every year around mid/late February I just can't consume as much hockey and I watch a bit less and pay a little less attention. I think the part that burns me out the most is reading all the negative remarks posted in online discussions, whether its from CalgaryPuck or Facebook comments, or elsewhere online.

I still love hockey, but I also have less time to consume hockey. I used to play three games of pickup hockey per week. I'm down to one game a week and I'd probably miss a few weeks each year if I wasn't the one who books the ice! I'm older and tired and feeling super busy with my wife and kids all the time. Each kid plays hockey too. They aren't in minor hockey, I have them in a rec league where we pay 1/5 of the cost of registration and they each play on the same day of the week, at the same time at the same arena. I get more enjoyment of being at the arena and watching my kids play than I do from watching the Flames. I also don't go online to see how pissed off that my kids didn't win or couldn't score. I come to CalgaryPuck and I see many theories and heated discussions about how horrible each and every person on the Flames payroll is.

Due to my busy life I don't know as much about the rest of the teams and players around the league. I used to know the regular lineups of all the teams... it was a 21 team league back then too... even when we added the Sharks, Sens and Lightning it was easier to keep up. Now I don't have the time. I used to spend a lot of time following the NHL and managing my daily hockey pools. I used to win or finish in money position in every pool I entered and I used to enter 5 or 6 pools per year. Now I do two pools, one is a draft the other is check box style. I consider myself lucky if I'm with a spot or two the money winning positions.

I just don't have the time to fully enjoy hockey like I once did, but I still love the game. If I take a step back from reading CalgaryPuck or other similar online discussions about the Flames then I find that I can enjoy watching the Flames a little more. However, you all know that CalgaryPuck is like a crack addiction. I just can't quit it!

I agree with Captain in regards to some of the changes such as advanced stats. They can come in handy when you're trying to make a point, but can't we just watch and enjoy the best game in the world? I do hate how robotic the game has become. The players are coached to be in the perfect position at all times that there is less creativity. I see it in some of the younger guys that have joined our weekly pickup game. They tell me what a bad idea it is to try and dangle around the defender at the blue line or make a behind the back pass, etc. etc. I tell them "I'm here to score goals and look fancy doing it. Nobody is in the back shining up a Stanley Cup for us to hoist after the game! Just have fun!"

What bugs me the most is the cost of hockey. Ice rental goes up every year. Tickets to attend games keep going up. Concessions go up. Merchandise keeps going up. Money money money. Hockey is more of a business than it is a sport. I'm too busy to participate in as much as I want to anyway so I try to take what I can get and ignore what I don't like or at least not participate in some of those aspects. I don't think I'll go to a Flames game for a couple of years. It's now like a family vacation to Disney. You save up for years in hopes that you can afford to go one day. Even Lethbridge Hurricanes are ridiculously expensive. We go when we get free tickets now and it isn't like we're struggling to make ends meet, but we would be if we wanted to fully enjoy our passion like I did when I was younger.

jayswin · 03-06-2018, 04:27 PM

The Flames for any number of reasons are really, really boring to watch these past couple of seasons. It used to be that I could only watch the Flames because I was invested and couldn't watch two minutes of another team.

Now I turn on the Leafs, Golden Knights and bunch of others fast, exciting teams and find myself staying and actually getting into it. It's odd my own team can't even get me excited enough to stay through a period.

Everything the Flames do seems so calculated and predictable. Like they won't even grab a turn over and kill the other team with a rush, they'll just go back and start another complete rush from their end like they're a computer algorithm.

It's horrible to watch compared to these young fast teams that constantly forcheck, cause turn overs and then get exciting chances off them. We even have the guys to do it, but for whatever reason we just putter along in the same boring breakout and offense that rarely leads to anything.

They play not to lose and they end up losing the game and viewers, ha.

dissentowner · 03-06-2018, 04:28 PM

Over time my enthusiasm for NHL hockey has waned more and more. It started with all the rule changes that I just don't agree with. A defender trying to kill a PP and happens to hit the puck over the glass being a penalty is stupid. A puck that is missed by scant inches in what was clearly a pass to a teammate called icing is stupid. A puck that goes closely by a D man who intentionally turn the opposite way or easily could have played it but doesn't and it goes for icing is stupid. The officials could waive these off but they don't because they are beyond incompetent or corrupt, I can't conclude which one it is yet. The whole challenge system is broken, the offside foot in the air or on the ice is so f'n stupid! The goaltender interference reviews are a 50/50 shot, what they call one game as interference won't be called if the same thing happens the next night. Half the time when they review goals that might have crossed the line and they can't completely tell if it did or not they will call a goal and vice versa. Mostly though it is the officiating that has me pretty close to walking away from NHL hockey. There are ridiculously obvious infractions that officials are staring straight at and make no calls and there is just as many phantom calls. The officials dictate the outcome of most hockey games most nights. It has ruined the League.

GordonBlue · 03-06-2018, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

As many know am a long term (really long term) STH.

As frustrated as I am with things right now particularly the arena debacle I would be really upset if we lost the Flames.

It’s been a way of life in my family for many years and a relocation would be a tragic loss for other families with young kids and the city generally.

I Don't understand how a nhl team relocating would be tragic for families. Unfortunate, but tragic? Hitman hockey is just as good for families and way more affordable.

Manhattanboy · 03-06-2018, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GordonBlue

I Don't understand how a nhl team relocating would be tragic for families. Unfortunate, but tragic? Hitman hockey is just as good for families and way more affordable.

Fine unfortunate. Not talking about just game attendance.

For Canadian kids and their families a connection to a local NHL team is huge. I was a kid before the Flames relocated from Atlanta. All of a sudden we would watch Flames games on tv with our parents, schedule things around playoff games etc etc.

Watch the video this week of the kid who trades in his homemade Monahan jersey for the real thing. Watch vids of the Flames at Halloween at the Children’s hospital or playing floor hockey with under privileged kids.

Sorry but I could care less about the Hitmen.

badradio · 03-06-2018, 05:02 PM

One of the most frustrating things is the level of emotion from the fans at the Saddledome. I know someone will say “well they don’t give us anything to cheer for.” I’ve only been to a handful of Flames games in my life and I was fortunate enough to get some pretty decent seats, so I was over the moon to be there, but I was the only one cheering and people would look at me like as I was doing something wrong.
The other times I went I was in the nosebleeds, and that was way better. IF the Flames get a new arena I hope they address this somehow by putting in corporate seating/boxes and have mid-range priced tickets for the lower bowl. It’s embarrising the level of apathy and it’s contagious. I’d say there’s probably at least 15+ more enthusiastic buildings in the league. Maybe some better in house promotion would help, watching some of the farm teams and whl teams, they can get the crowd pretty worked up. Obviously the Flames system isn’t the most exciting to watch, but the energy has to start from somewhere.

Jason14h · 03-06-2018, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badradio

One of the most frustrating things is the level of emotion from the fans at the Saddledome. I know someone will say “well they don’t give us anything to cheer for.” I’ve only been to a handful of Flames games in my life and I was fortunate enough to get some pretty decent seats, so I was over the moon to be there, but I was the only one cheering and people would look at me like as I was doing something wrong.
The other times I went I was in the nosebleeds, and that was way better. IF the Flames get a new arena I hope they address this somehow by putting in corporate seating/boxes and have mid-range priced tickets for the lower bowl. It’s embarrising the level of apathy and it’s contagious. I’d say there’s probably at least 15+ more enthusiastic buildings in the league. Maybe some better in house promotion would help, watching some of the farm teams and whl teams, they can get the crowd pretty worked up. Obviously the Flames system isn’t the most exciting to watch, but the energy has to start from somewhere.

It’s not that it’s corporate fans . It’s that the product is terrible, we suck at home, and the stadium is crap.

Try going to 40 games a year for the past 2 years and trying to keep the energy up. It is the teams/franchises job to entertain and create energy, not the paying customer

DeluxeMoustache · 03-06-2018, 05:05 PM

^ It should start on the ice. Just play fast like Vegas, and move the puck quickly on the PP, and fans will cheer.

The fans held up their end of the bargain by paying to watch, the next move is on the team.

Then the players can get the reward that Matt Stajan wants so badly

Manhattanboy · 03-06-2018, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badradio

One of the most frustrating things is the level of emotion from the fans at the Saddledome. I know someone will say “well they don’t give us anything to cheer for.” I’ve only been to a handful of Flames games in my life and I was fortunate enough to get some pretty decent seats, so I was over the moon to be there, but I was the only one cheering and people would look at me like as I was doing something wrong.
The other times I went I was in the nosebleeds, and that was way better. IF the Flames get a new arena I hope they address this somehow by putting in corporate seating/boxes and have mid-range priced tickets for the lower bowl. It’s embarrising the level of apathy and it’s contagious. I’d say there’s probably at least 15+ more enthusiastic buildings in the league. Maybe some better in house promotion would help, watching some of the farm teams and whl teams, they can get the crowd pretty worked up. Obviously the Flames system isn’t the most exciting to watch, but the energy has to start from somewhere.

The Saddledome has always been a quiet building during the regular season. For playoff games it’s as loud as any. Hey we pioneered the C of red.

badradio · 03-06-2018, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

The Saddledome has always been a quiet building during the regular season. For playoff games it’s as loud as any. Hey we pioneered the C of red.

Yes, but why is it so quiet? Even when they are playing well. I know it’s fantastic during playoffs.

Otto29 · 03-06-2018, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dissentowner

Over time my enthusiasm for NHL hockey has waned more and more. It started with all the rule changes that I just don't agree with. A defender trying to kill a PP and happens to hit the puck over the glass being a penalty is stupid. A puck that is missed by scant inches in what was clearly a pass to a teammate called icing is stupid. A puck that goes closely by a D man who intentionally turn the opposite way or easily could have played it but doesn't and it goes for icing is stupid. The officials could waive these off but they don't because they are beyond incompetent or corrupt, I can't conclude which one it is yet. The whole challenge system is broken, the offside foot in the air or on the ice is so f'n stupid! The goaltender interference reviews are a 50/50 shot, what they call one game as interference won't be called if the same thing happens the next night. Half the time when they review goals that might have crossed the line and they can't completely tell if it did or not they will call a goal and vice versa. Mostly though it is the officiating that has me pretty close to walking away from NHL hockey. There are ridiculously obvious infractions that officials are staring straight at and make no calls and there is just as many phantom calls. The officials dictate the outcome of most hockey games most nights. It has ruined the League.

I totally agree with this. I think adding more refs has just introduced more human error, not less missed calls. The refs are my big issue with the game in general. The NHL is trying to be more accessible. They trot the coaches and players in front of the media after a game, why not the refs? After a while wouldn't we see more responsible officiating when the ref is thinking to himself "yeah...how am I going to respond to this"? They would have to own their mistakes, wouldn't they?

For the first time in years, we have been hearing the PBP guys openly criticizing the refs where that was always a taboo thing to do. Half their calls are subjective and not objective. "So and So is always stirring stuff up so let's call the marginal penalty on him" or "THis team had Wideman who hurt our buddy, they will continue to pay for that" or "Nevermind that that guy got a skate in the throat in this game, he was clearly embellishing"

The rules and the officiating really needs an overhaul starting with the refs and accountability then several of the rules dissentowner mentioned need to go away.

Few subject makes me want to post here but this is one of them. I do look forward to watching hockey and I enjoy the games but when there is a game where the refs are dictating the outcome it becomes a real drag

Manhattanboy · 03-06-2018, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badradio

Yes, but why is it so quiet? Even when they are playing well. I know it’s fantastic during playoffs.

Good question. Not sure. Of course some regular season games have been electric like v Penguins last year or when they clinched against LA a couple years ago.

DeluxeMoustache · 03-06-2018, 05:13 PM

^ I agree with this. (Post 2 up)

One gear grinder for me is icing. My understanding of the intent is that it was to deter simply dumping the puck out to relieve pressure.

Now it is technical, and missed passes are called as icing. Seems to me linesmen used to wave off legitimate attempts to pass.

It slows down the game.

VANFLAMESFAN · 03-06-2018, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbsy

as this ugly fugly year comes to an end, i do need to compliment you, a poster always with the positive outlook, on hanging in there with me and the negative minded folks.

Unfortunately, as much as this team has frustrated me this season, i do concur with the fact that if it's game day, my mind is always, at least partially diverted, on how the team is doing.

It's not even a positive outlook. I'm well aware of how bad the situation is and I'm extremely frustrated by how things have gone. I just don't like taking a big dump on the team/organization on every second post. And that's not a shot at the people who do. It's just not something that I can or would do. I don't find it fun to be negative or pessimistic over something that I have zero control over.

We are all fans of the Flames and for whatever reason, we chose this franchise and with that comes more frustration/anger/disappointment than fans of other teams.

Gugstanley · 03-06-2018, 05:43 PM

I have watched every Flames game since the 80's but that second lockout turned me off. I really have had a hard time getting back into hockey since then.

Hackey · 03-06-2018, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I don't get this sentiment. Even the most optimistic and happy go lucky Flames fan would likely agree this season has been frustrating on a lot of levels from coaching, special teams woes, bottom 6 forward woes, defensive issues at times, hot/cold play of the first line, etc. To compound things I think most would agree the product hasn't been that great visually. We were a fan base that was pretty optimistic at the beginning of the season that our GM went all-in, loaded up on defense, stability of a the players being in year two of the same system, that they would make some headway in their ascension from bubble team to solid playoff team. The reality has been a bit harsh as it hasn't worked out so I don't understand why fans aren't allowed to be frustrated.

Go to Canucks, Oilers, Habs, Senators forums. Way worse. Hell there was a thread here not long ago about the Hawks fans turning on the team and I ventured to HF Blackhawks. The fans there are turning on players that helped them win multiple cups. They have a thread there titled "Jonathan Woes" for crying out loud. It's the nature of sports fans in this day and age where you have 24/7 availability of news, highlights, etc. If you can't handle this I don't know if being a fan of professional sports in this day and age is for you.

Of course fans can be frustrated. Really you can be anything you want. I just don't understand the people who are most active on here when things are going poorly. It's almost like they cheer for failure so they can bitch and complain. This season has been very disappointing but are we really in that terrible of a position? We have a lot of good pieces and things could turn around quickly. Next year we likely have a new coaching staff which should help. I imagine the organization will try to use our surplus of dmen to add a top 6 forward if possible. Stajan is off the books. Brouwer has a high chance of being bought out. We should have a few guys fighting for spots with the big club. Free agency might allow us to add some depth to the forward ranks. We still have a shot at the playoffs this year but if it doesn't happen I don't think its the end of the world. We're still set up to be competitive moving forward.

Deelow · 03-06-2018, 06:03 PM

I used to try and travel to see the Flames play a road game once a year. Time after time we'd book our flights, hotels, buy tickets and watch the team lay an egg. Beat down after beat down. I've come to realize that the returns are much higher if you spend your money on more reliable forms of entertainment. For example traveling to see your favorite band. The cost will be about the same as a Flames game, but the chances are great you'll leave the show feeling awesome rather than annoyed at another crappy hockey game.

Even as an 8 game pack holder that travels 3 hours to see this team, I know that my entertainment budget could could be much better spent on things that actually entertain me. After seeing 3 home wins in 2 seasons I think it's time to put my money to better use. Feels like a drag.