Mr. Miller's BLOG

Response to Rick Morrissey
Posted on February 2, 2010

Mr. Morrissey,

In regards to your article yesterday ("New and longtime Hawks should just get along"), I have to say that I clearly fall into the third group that you specifically addressed. However, not necessarily for the reasons you outlined.

From my experience and from those of other long time fans, the issue isn't so much with these so-called "new" fans not knowing the game (although to some degree, perhaps that's part of it) but rather it's how they act and conduct themselves at the United Center.

McEgo, himself, said when he was hired that going to a Blackhawks game should be an event as opposed to a game. It's just that attitude that's helped create the divide between new and longtime fans. At last check, Mr. Morrissey, the Blackhawks play an 82-game schedule not an 82-event schedule.

Blackhawk fans, and hockey fans in general, have a solid understanding and respect for history and tradition. As a result, they understand the difference between professional hockey and minor league tactics.

It's not too much to ask for that fans wait for the whistle before leaving, and going to, their seats. While this was sometimes an issue B.M. (Before McEgo), sadly the problem has escalated since.

The ones yelling "How much time is left in the period?" just before Gene Honda announces "One minute remaining in the period" (with the ever-annoying "Thank you" at the conclusion) should keep the bush league antics for college hockey and the Wolves' games.

Then there's the on-going clash with the "Let's Go Hawks!" chant vs. the Cub-like cadence of "Let's Go Blackhawks" (followed by five claps). I say "Cub-like" because usually those who attempt to start the chant are preppy college aged kids, or younger, who also think the "W" Flag has been a long time 'Hawk staple and that talking on their cell phones throughout the game is the norm.

Additionally, the constant banging on the glass during play is justification for a sniper perched in the rafters with a BB gun.

And did you know, Mr. Morrissey, that fairly recently people have tried to get the WAVE going during a 'Hawks game?

Of course, there's no need to even mention that the team went from a woodpecker to a giant chicken for their mascot.

The fan experience at a Blackhawks game - despite the larger crowds - has gotten progressively worse. Last season, a true die hard fan and long time ticket plan holder chose to skip a couple of games for which he had tickets. When asked why he responded, "Eh. Going to a game just isn't the same."

At least the Cubification of a Blackhawks game is being offset by a damn good team and a much higher number in the "W" column. The game and the results themselves should always take priority with both the fans and the organization, but as a long time fan I must argue that the circus atmosphere going on when the puck isn't in play has been difficult to swallow.

Forget not knowing the game. "New" fans should simply learn how to fit in.

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