What moment in Nashville Predators history came closest to making you quit as a fan?
by Dirk Hoag on Jul 23, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
in Discussions
Email
PrintContinuing our series of discussions to keep the hockey talk rolling all summer long, it's time to look back, Predators fans, on your own personal "dark moment" when your fandom was put in jeopardy, and you came closest to abandoning ship.
As we look around at the state of Nashville hockey today, I'm not sure if the prospects have ever been brighter. In a way, it's appropriate, then, to consider just how far we've come, both collectively and individually.
Follow after the jump for a few parameters, and my own thoughts on the topic...
NOTE: I'd like to emphasize some handy tips for those of you who may be new to commenting on this or other SB Nation sites. Our New Orleans Hornets blog At the Hive recently posted a nifty Field Guide to Commenting which I highly recommend reading. In the meantime, however, just a few pointers:
- Stay away from personal attacks, and keep discussion to the issue at hand. If there's another topic you'd like to explore, feel free to write it up in a FanPost and start debate over there.
- If you're responding to someone else's comment, be sure to use the "Reply" button rather than simply entering a new comment. This makes it much easier to follow the flow of conversation.
- Use the "Rec" button to highlight those comments which make a great point; that can help it stand out much more than a simple "I agree" or "+1" reply.
With that having been said, let's get to the topic at hand.
Personally, moving to Nashville in 2005 represented the beginning of a second life as a hockey fan. Having grown up in Detroit, I followed the Red Wings from the depths of the "Dead Wings" era of the late-70's and early 80's to the back-to-back championships in 1997 & 98, before getting married and moving to Indiana. I still watched the sport from afar (thanks to satellite TV), but there's just no comparison to actually living in the community of your favorite team, talking with friends and coworkers about the latest developments, and musing about the future.
So when a job opportunity brought me here in the fall of 2005, I was ecstatic to have a local NHL team again, one which I'd kept an eye on quite a bit over the years. During my college days I spent way too much time playing hockey games on Sega Genesis, and while my buddies favored the high-scoring approach, I actually enjoyed playing lockdown defense, trying to win 1-0 or 2-1.
In other words, Barry Trotz hockey was right up my alley.
With that background, the initial news in May 2007 that Craig Leipold was going to sell the team to Jim Balsillie was a shocking blow. Just when NHL hockey had come back into my life, it was about to be whisked away to Hamilton. It was a cruel cut, to be sure, and had me questioning whether it was worth the emotional investment I was starting to make.
As we all know, however, the city of Nashville rallied to save the team, both the local ownership group and the fans at large, and today it stands stronger than ever. I, too, deepened my commitment to the team and the game that summer as well (jumping aboard with a partial season ticket package). But for a time there, things looked pretty dicey, didn't they?
So what was your great moment of doubt as a Predators fan? Was it the sale? The Tomas Vokoun trade? The lockout? The Rich Peverley waiver? Sound off in the comments below!
39 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Eh, I never really came close to quitting them. Once I convinced myself they were staying in Nashville, I think my darkest hour to date is Marian Hossa’s OT goal this past year. Heartbreaking. I broke the remote to my TV and stared at the wall (with that damn thunderstorm in the background) for who knows how long.
On the Forecheck: preaching the Predators' gospel to the unwashed masses.
I agree, Chris. I’ve never wanted to quit on them but that game was one of the worst moments of my sporting fandom. It ranks up there with the ’91 and ’96 World Series for my beloved Braves. Ugh. It makes my stomach turn to think about it.
This post is a great example, though, of how far hockey has come down here. It’s 100 degrees outside. My Braves are having an incredible year. I’m excited about our new coach on Rocky Top. But…I…just…can’t…quit…thinking…about…hockey. I know there are many, many more people raised on a steady diet of football and baseball who feel the same way. Drop the puck, dadgummit!
by Matthew White on Jul 23, 2010 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I haven’t been around long enough to quit on them. That OT loss was nothing to me compared to some of the things in the past. Funny, you mention the ‘91 World Series – that’s one of the my best sports memories. Jack Morris going 10 innings, the great Kirby Puckett’s walk-off home run…there’s a reason ESPN calls it the best series ever.
Atlanta got its revenge, oh not the Braves but the Falcons. The Vikings, heavily favored to win the Super Bowl in the 1998 season, get upset by the stupid Falcons in overtime. Nothing, NOTHING to me will ever compare to that loss. Last season was pretty bad too, but I already been tempered by the 1998 loss. I’m pretty sure some stuff got broken that day. Hell, NFL Network made this about that year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMQ4wjVIqpI.
A first round exit was disappointing, but not crushing. I’ve been through crushing. This Preds team is going to get better, and they’ll make it out of the first round.
agreed
I didn’t want to stop being a preds fan, but that goal made me want to stop watching the nhl all together.
"It's gonna be fun on the bun."
by flyalder on Jul 23, 2010 3:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Especially considering they’d fought back from a 3-1 deficit on the road to take the lead… it hurts just to think about it!
More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
Same. That was a long depressing ride home from the sports bar.
by ExcellenceThroughGuesswork on Jul 23, 2010 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions
The pre-sale firesale summer of hell sure made me question my growing attachment. I grew up a lifelong Bills fan and endured the wretched teams before Kelly and Co., “wide right”, and the “miracle that shall not be named” from the other sideline. Could I stand to get attached with the knowledge I was setting myself up for potential additional pain?
We got through that summer, renewed our tickets and haven’t regretted it one bit. Sure, there was some intense pain after Game 5. But you know what? I’m more excited about this year than ever. I needs me some hockey!!
hmmmm...
That overtime goal was one of the only times I ever cried over sports. So heartbreaking. However my moment of doubt would be when I first read about the possibility of the team moving to Canada. It was the first time I realized that I could have no team to follow. Really really scary moment…
I was new to Nashville and not even a hockey fan when the whole team sale debacle went down, so I’m gonna go with the 6 game losing streak at the beginning of this season. It was my first purchase of season tickets, and especially during the consecutive 6-1 and 6-0 loses to EDM and DAL I was thinking, “I bought 23 nights of THIS?” But of course the team followed that losing streak with a 7 game win streak knocking off both conference leaders, and all was right with the world. Obviously I don’t regret getting season tickets and have already ordered them for next season as well.
"Get to the Choppa!"
by PredHead on Jul 23, 2010 12:15 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
When the RIM moron began talks about buying the team is actually when I became a fan. Have lived in Nashville for years, but that was the moment that lit a fire under me. I understand the problems of not having a true sport venue in the heart of a city. Since then, it’s been a steady exponential growth curve in my fanaticism.
Here's to hoping that Cody Franson isn't the next Koistinen
More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
That's a good one
There was so much optimism heading into those playoffs, and so much was sent in trade to Philly to make that deal happen, that was a crushing defeat.
More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
Game 5 against Chicago
It never made me want to quit being a fan, although I think I did suggest it a couple of times, it definately made me lock myself in the attic for a couple of days.
Holding on to Cliff Ronning
God, I hated that guy.
In reality, I am never going to quit.
Never.
NEVER!!!!!!
I LOVE THE RAT
hes probably my 2nd favorite pred ever after weber.
by predswilrule on Jul 24, 2010 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Mine was actually right after this season’s playoff debacle. It wasn’t actually the playoffs that got me, it was the thought that Poile might stand pat and not make any moves to improve the team over the summer. I was afraid we would have to let our UFA’s just walk and not get anything in return, and then not make any moves to aquire help (like we’ve had to so often since 2007). Myself and my family are completely, totally, and and somewhat psychotically attached to this team and the thoughts of getting my hopes up just to be dashed upon the rocks of another game 5 was almost more than I could take.
But in reality I am more psyched for this season than I was in ‘06…I know now I could never abandon this team no matter what, but it sure has been hard at times. But then again, I’m also a Cubs fan so I should be able to handle disappointment better than most :))
Drop the friggin’ puck already…GO PREDS!
by TitanPredBearFan on Jul 23, 2010 1:49 PM EDT reply actions
Each Spring/Summer
Each Spring, going into the playoffs hot (except for 2007),
and then flopping and struggling in the first round.
Then, in the summer, when it is clear we need more high end top 6 guys,
then settling for Gocs, Wards, Anderssons, and Kostitsyns (some of which have worked out,
but we don’t need more value for the dollar bottom six grinders).
Maybe Lombardi is a step in the right direction.
by DontfeedtheBelak on Jul 23, 2010 1:50 PM EDT reply actions
06 - 07
Was really the first year I payed attention to hockey. Funny thing was, I was on deployment and basically read articles and followed stats on some craptacular computer in random trailers in Iraq. So of course, my plan was to go to a game as soon as I got home. Our deployment was extended over the summer and the whole idea of there not being a Nashville Predators by the time I got back crushed me. However, we all know how the story turned out.
@Phragmunkee took me to my first game in spring of ‘08. It was the last home game of the year and it was the famous TV-timeout standing ovation. IT. WAS. AWESOME! I’ve been hooked ever since.
This last season, I actually managed to accomplish my goal of watching or listening to every single Preds game. What a year!
NHL 10 for XBox 360 is like paying $60 for bipolar disorder...
Go Predators!!!
Now there’s an added benefit to bringing the soldiers home from Iraq & Afghanistan… I wonder how many Preds fans we’d have coming back to Ft. Campbell?
More fun than a stick to the face!
On the Forecheck is SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators.
Ft. Campbell
I would bet we already get a decent amount from there. Got to be a lot of displaced northerners who need their hockey fix. Besides, nothing spends money as fast (and as reckless) as a soldier after a deployment! Unless they’re married to a fiscally (tight-wad) responsible woman… See Also: Poiju
NHL 10 for XBox 360 is like paying $60 for bipolar disorder...
Go Predators!!!
i would have to say....
when i thought " BALLS" was going to move the team to Canada. the Preds have really become part of my family lives. we look forward as a family going to the games and that
enthusiasm has rubbed off now on my inlaws,parents, church family and friends. now with a two month old, we cannot wait to get him outfitted in Predators gear! look forward to taking him to his first game this year, also already have him a hockey puck to start teething on!!
the scott walker trade
One of my favorite players of all time. I really had to choose between following him and rooting for his new team or staying a pred head.
"It's gonna be fun on the bun."
by flyalder on Jul 23, 2010 3:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
A Canadian Perspective
I realize this probably isnt where I should post this but thought I would toss my two cents in.
From our perspective, my family pays close to 5K a year on season seats (upper bowl) for the Oilers yet our team contributes to revenue sharing. What does a seat cost in Nashville? We lost teams to the states (Quebec City and Winnepeg) and my beloved Oil were almost sold to Houston. Now that our dollar is strong and there is a cap all teams can compete and that is a good thing, but to call Balsille names isnt fair. He did what has been done to Canadian cities numerous times (some succesful, others not).
Add to when we see your games on TV and see nothing but empty seats (i know this is a generalization coming from a place that has a waiting list 5000 strong for tickets) it is confusing for a lot of Canadians as to why we lost our teams under similar circumstances yet the NHL continues to support markets that by and large dont seem to care.
Its encouraging to see so many Hockey Faithful on this board. Growing up in Canada Hockey has been as a part of my life as breathing so its sometimes difficlult to undwerstand why your team didnt move. Im beginning to understand why. Keep supporting your team. Hockey is great sport.
I’ve been going to game here since 98, and I’ve never seen it that empty. We did have some rough years, but never as bad as phoenix or ATLANTA. There isn’t apathy here like there is in Atlanta.
Sure, I’d love to see Winnipeg get a team back. But it’s their fault they didn’t build an arena worthy of an NHL team. (I’m even more surprised that they let Phoenix play in an arena with 5k obstructed seats for years) Same story with Quebec City.
by ExcellenceThroughGuesswork on Jul 23, 2010 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Here's the way I see it, OIL4EVR...
I can’t speak for other NHL cities or the fans of teams other than the Preds who Balsillie targeted to buy and subsequently move north (e.g. PIT & PHX), but here’s what hacks off Nashville hockey fans about what we’ve had to go through.
If you’re old enough to remember what was going on back in the 80s and 90s, when the Canadian teams were moving south, there wasn’t any derision on the part of the Americans toward their Canadian counterparts, just because they couldn’t support their teams. Nobody here talked trash about them or made made fun of their situation. For those Americans who cared about hockey, it was a genuinely sad circumstance.
Certainly for a city like Phoenix, receiving the Winnipeg Jets was an exciting thing, but they didn’t mock Manitoba because of it. For the most part, the fan bases who received the Canadian transfers were simply happy to have them. They didn’t cast judgment on the cities who lost out. They didn’t suggest that those cities somehow “didn’t deserve” their teams.
But guess what? That’s exactly what has happened to Nashville. Balsillie engendered that notion and the Canadian media has had a field day exacerbating it to the Nth degree.
Personally, I’ve never met a Canadian I didn’t like. But what I’ve read from your Hockey press is shameful in its innuendo and outright intent to undermine public opinion of Nashville’s viability for success here; and partner, any way you slice it, that ain’t cool.
So I hopefully now you can understand a little better where we’re coming from with regard to our disgust toward the antics of Mister Blackberry and his henchmen.
We harbor no ill will toward thoughtful fans such as yourself, only the hype machine that makes it so hard for the general public to see what a great hockey town Music City has become and is becoming.
Take care.
:)
by ajinnashville on Jul 23, 2010 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions
keep discussion to the issue at hand.
If there’s another topic you’d like to explore, feel free to write it up in a FanPost and start debate over there. please. please open a fan post for this discussion. i would love to expand on my hatred for that Canadien who tried to steal my team. the way he sent his goons to our city to stir up discontent to his lackeys telling me to “chill out” on 104.5. that is with out a doubt my lowest moment as a Preds fan. Blood Red Pred, no disrespect, but i disagree with you when you assume noone down here really hates that guy.
The potential sale to that Blackberry fool
I’ve been a Preds fan since day one. I attended Belmont from 97 – 00 and was really missing my Devils (now my 2nd favorite team). There was really no opportunity to watch hockey at the time but when the Preds started playing I jumped in with both feet.
When it looked like the team was going to be sold to Basille and moved to Canada my heart sank. I knew I couldn’t root for the team if they were no longer in Nashville. Thank heavens that the sale fell through. That was the only time I ever questioned my passion for the Preds. Please forgive me.
Have never come close to quitting, but...
The first standing ovation TV timeout at the end of the 07-08 year still brings a tear to my eye when I think about it and IMO, reaffirmed my belief that you never quit on the team you cheer for. You cheer for the team on the front of the jersey, not the back and until that team changes (as I have experienced having grown up in Hartford), you simply don’t have the word “quit” come anywhere into your mindset…
There was so much emotion expressed in that ovation. So much anger and frustration released by all in attendance. Rally towels made it tremendous and a moment I’ll never forget, but it was the energy and sheer emotion expressed that will forever be etched in my mind.
If anything…I’d say THAT moment made me a fan for life and like Jeremy’s sign said, “KEEP YOUR DAMN HANDS OFF MY TEAM!”
Predators Hockey: Live it, Love it...
On the Edge Now!
I was raised in Philly watching the Broad Street Bullies and my Favorite FS network announcer Terry Crisp play some good hockey, they came into the league in 1967 and it only took them till 1973 to win a cup in Philly . I know I was spoiled but hell they won the Division in ‘67. Again maybe i was spoiled but when I moved here in 1980, I waited 18 years without hometown hockey to become a diehard Predators Fan. Hockey was new again, the on ice product wasn’t the greatest but the games were full of emotion, our team wasn’t supposed to beat the Wings, or the Blues or anybody and when they did it was great. When they climbed into 8th spot after battling the last few games of the season just to be fodder for the #1 team It was ok because they were not supposed to be there.
Well that has all changed. Its been 12 years since that first game and while the overall play has improved the Product on the ice still isn’t were it needs to be. With the average ticket at almost $50 and 40 games that $2000 (really $4k cause I don’t go alone) is a price I am not willing to pay anymore for that product. Yes I will watch the games on TV I might even get a Tuesday Special but until the Ownership shows a real commitment in bringing the fans some sort of title I am poised to go from a avid Predhead to Joe average Nashville Fan. And to me That’s giving Up.
The absolute worst moment in Preds History
I have read all of the posts and to me, it is an obvious choice for anyone who is a true Preds fan. It was 100% the day I heard Craig Leopold announce his intentions to sell the team to Jim Balsillie. Every word out of Leopold’s mouth was double speak. Every word out of Balsillie’s mouth peice Richard Rodier was hog wash.
The frustration was that there was so many bits of information and no truth. We didn’t know who to believe. But the one thing we knew was that if the sale went through, Balsillie was going to do everything in his power to move the team. We didn’t need tickets sold in Hamilton to know where the story was leading.
But while that day was the worst, there is no doubt that the Rally was one of the best. But I have a surprise best event for everyone. Does anyone remember the game against Detroit where we won, I believe in OT that propelled us into 1st place inthe Western Conference and 1st place in the league? I remember everyone filtering out of the arena all chanting “WE’RE #1” It continued outside the arena and into the streets. That night will always stick in my memory.
i remember going to a Ducks game around that time when they were challenging for 1st as well. The Predators won, and i think everybody chanted “We’re number 1” for 60 minutes plus intermission and continued after the game as well. Great time in preds history, and one that will hopefully return soon.
"It's gonna be fun on the bun."
by flyalder on Jul 23, 2010 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
its an accumulation
of things for me. the off seasons of nothing, the same company line regarding our youngsters, leggy and erat producing.no change in assistant coaches(horachek). by the beginning of last season i hit a low ebb. i still went, cheered, had a good time, but really wasnt as optimistic anymore. i have been re-energized w/ this off season along w/ the change in the owners leadership. ill always be grateful to the group, but freeman wore on me tremendously. he wasnt the right leader for the group. so far tom has been better. maybe it continues to be better after the trustees announcement this week. we still will be the underdog, which i dont mind, but do think we have improved assuming the rfas get signed. re: jimbo, i was never more energized and behind the preds than that awful summer. i hated the team being gutted, but wasnt surprised. it was personal. it still is. almost like family, so giving up then never entered my mind.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
About OTF
Dirk Hoag is the Forechecker, churner of NHL stats & analysis, and managing editor of On the Forecheck.
Follow @Forechecker
Got a question, a suggestion, or are interested in advertising here to reach thousands of Nashville Predators fans? Feel free to email the.forechecker@gmail.com.
Featured Stories
Are you new here? Read this first!
Check us out on iTunes!
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
- Friday’s Three Stars: Devils head to Final; Brodeur, Kovalchuk the difference in Game 6
- Devils eliminate Rangers in Game 6, ending fear of the past, setting course for the future
