Ice Man

By Bob

March 2, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Big 2 pts tonight. We must keep pace with Tampa.

I look for a great game, 5-4 Thrashers in OT. We finally break the weekend sellout jinx.

Don’t boo Heatley, he just helped Ottawa beat the Canes twice. He’s our friend, again.

By Brian

March 2, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this

Shoot I totally wasn’t even thinking that tonight was a Fri and it has to be a sellout. Maybe the new guys bring hockey karma and break the jinx as you say.

I’m with you on not booing Heatley, but this is the same crowd that still yells for the Knights. When will they get over it?

By Bob

March 2, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this

Good point. I guess we can expect those same fans to boo Heatley’s 2nd cousin’s son in about 50 years, long after Heater is dead and buried.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 2, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

The yelling of “Knight” is a tradition. Yeah the team doesn’t play here any longer, but for god sakes. Its the south! There is hardly any hockey tradition down here at all. I am actually impressed that they still cling to that.

Better win tonight…

By J

March 2, 2007 10:28 AM | Link to this

Who can we b*** to about (I think) 4 of the next 5 games not being on TV?

And I don’t want to go down to Philips and help with the sellout curse. What to do?

Anyone catch that Lightning-Caps shootout last night? WTF were they doing sending Brashear out there? I hate the craps!!!!!!!!

By Tony C.

March 2, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Yeah.

While it might seem childish to you, the Knights brought the 1st championship to this city. So you don’t have to yell “Knights” with the others….In a city full of transplants, it’s tough to find decent sports fans…don’t try and stomp out a small corner of tradition (and/or take off your “old” team’s sweater in OUR barn)!

What jinx? The guys were just “holding the stick too tight”…now that there’s been several weekend sell-outs they should be fine with it (fingers crossed as I say that)

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

By John

March 2, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

I completely agree. It’s not like Thrasher fans are the only ones who yell stuff during the song. In Dallas, they shout “stars” at the appropriate time in the song. I, personally, love little tradition things like that. I also love how the Calgary alternate captains wear the old Atlanta Flames “A” on their sweaters. Why would you not support the little traditions?

By Brian

March 2, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

John/Tony C. - I think what irks me the most about it is that it is during the anthem. I don’t know, maybe it’s because I am a traditionalist that I want that part of the night to be more respectful?

Oh boy, I think I just opened a can of worms with this one… Ice Man! Turn the car around right now!

By Thrashers27

March 2, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

They are the “THRASHERS” not the “KNIGHTS”, so I really don’t see the reasoning behind that tradition. the “Stars” are the “Stars”, so it makes sense when their fans yell “STARS”. The boys in blue probably think “What in the hell are these “billies” yelling about?”

How about starting a new tradition of everyone screaming “GOOO THRASHERS!!!” in unison at the conclusion of the national anthem.

On another note: I think that bringing in the new guys will serve more than one purpose. Sure, they add to an already talented team, but I also think they’ll help these guys realize their potential and loosen up a bit.

…and one more thing…don’t be poor sports and boo Heater when he hits the ice. He’s a good kid who made a life altering mistake. He’s doing his best to carry on with his life. Besides, he has helped us out by hitting the back of the net against the ‘Canes.

“GOOO THRASHERS!!!”

By Tony C.

March 2, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Ok. point well taken about the sanctity of the anthem.

Devil’s advocate to that is that the anthem is for our wonderful country which provides freedom of expression/speech….I’m also 100% behind a GOOOOOOO THRA-SHERRRSSS cheer.

Basically I’m for cheering on others, but especially my hometown hockey club-I’d love to hear the crowd at the flatscreen get it together like those guys up in Cal-Gary…great fans up there with “The Red Mile” and all…also, I recall a Dallas/Colorado playof game several years ago 0-0 with like 10min or so left in the 3rd. The crowd busts out with a chant of “Edd-ieee’s Bet-ter” >ClapClap< “Edd-ieee’s Bet-ter” >ClapClapClap< The camera closed in on St. Patrick, and you could tell it p!ssed him off, and in fact I think he let in the game winner in OT to the crwod chanting that….I mean it went on forever I’d love to see the Flatscreen be the setting for something like that.

In fact I hope I see it this spring! After much lambasting it looks like ol’ D-dub is “all-in”…and there just may be hockey in june down here in Dixie

LET’S GO BLUE !!!

P.S. I’m real serious about the Slava-Matic chant if we ever goto shootout again

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this

I’m really glad to hear that Bob and I can agree on something…sometimes I think I’m finding reasons to disagree with him.

Yelling “Knights” is ridiculous, the team has no affiliation to Atlanta now, and especially has no connection the the NHL. Yes, it’s a hockey team that played in Atlanta. Yes, they played well for the few seasons they were here. They won the 1993-1994 championship for the now defunct IHL…against 13 teams. 4 years of professional hockey does not make a tradition.

Anybody know where the Knights moved to?

By DBH 1

March 2, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this

The Knights went to Quebec.

By Tom

March 2, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this

Ice Man: Any idea if there are any last minute plans in the works to get any of these upcoming games televised? 4 out of the next 5, and 5 of the next 9 in the middle of a playoff race NOT on TV? This is crap. I called the Thrashers and they don’t even know who to send you to and I can’t even find a number for SportsSouth. I can’t even complain if I wanted to.

By Buzilla Baby Blues

March 2, 2007 12:36 PM | Link to this

I still like the Chicken Dance song with “The Ran-Gers Suck!” at the end. I used to hear that all the time at Islanders game as a kid. It was usually preceeded by the famous “19-40” chant. (Looks like I dated myself a bit)

It really could be used for any two syllable name.

I agree with Tony that the guys running the scoreboard could do more to get unique chants started. Man cannort live with “Let’s go thrashers!” alone.

By Brian

March 2, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Ranollo10 - glad you are back. Now I know why that knucklehead called me your #2…

I will say this, if anyone wants to see great fans in Atlanta, it was at the Tech game last night. I only watched it on TV, but at the end when one 1/2 yelled “yellow” and the other half yelled “jackets” it was awesome. I have been to Bobby Dodd before when they did it, but it was unbelievable last night.

The best fans are ones that don’t need something “piped in”. Are you listening tomahawk choppers? Although I will always take the organ to get things going. The old Aud was famous for the oranges getting things going (ok - which hockey folks here know what I am talking about, it’s scary if you do). It would not be that hard if you just had the scoreboard to get some unity, or one section to start and the rest will follow.

By Ryan

March 2, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Brian you’re talking about the “oranges”. Seats in the Old Aud in Buffalo. War Memorial Aud, I believe?, I was young…but I think thats what you’re talking about. Born and raised a Sabres fan. My mom still talks about the French Connection.

By Brendan

March 2, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

If it counts/matters, I’m a former “Knights” yeller. I haven’t done it since 2002. It dawned on me, “what am I screaming this for? That team is gone.” I do see plenty of Knights, and Atlanta Flames jerseys for that matter, as symbols of long-standing hockey roots in the area. I think that’s why people yell “Knights.” They want to show that they are not “newbie” hockey fans in the region. Shrugs. I dunno.

I agree that that it’s probably disrespectful to scream during the national anthem. Half the time, fans across our whole country burst into applause and hoot and hollar during “Home … of the … Brave” portion of the anthem. If it’s disrespectful to yell “Knight’s” or “Stars” or “Red Glare” (Detroit does it, I think, not too sure, though. But some city does it,), then it’s also disrespectful to hollar and applaud before the anthem concludes, as well. But I’m not the anthem etiquette police. I’m a FREE SPEECH advocate.

People can “boo” Dany Heatley if they want to. And you all have the right to look down on them or join them. Or say nothing. Yes, that’s part of the FREEDOM that many soldiers died fighting for.

Believe it or not, people actually have the right to be an idiot and to hold ridiculous notions as sacred. It’s a choice. It’s your personal freedom.

My game day thoughts are … Ottawa’s a pretty good team. Since Thanksgiving, they’ve been one of the hottest teams in the entire league. Ray Emery has emerged out of Hasek’s shadow. This is another “litmus” test for the Icebirds. Let’s see if Don’s trade deadline moves bear fruit.

One final comment. This team has Hossa, Kovalchuk, Tkachuk, Kozlov, Havelid, Zhitnik, McCarthy, and Holik, with Lethonen and Hedberg in net. If this isn’t a team good enough to make the playoffs, then Bob Hartley must be fired.

By Brendan

March 2, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

I didn’t mean to leave off Belanger and Exelby. I like them, too. No excuses this year, boys.

By Brian

March 2, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this

Thank you Ryan - I wasn’t old enough for the French Connection (although I did catch Gil at the tail end of things). But, if I had a nickel for everytime I saw that clip of Schoenfeld beating up Cashman and going through the boards, I would buy out Belkin right now. I would love to have that in .wmv or mpeg format.

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Brian, did it bother you that you were my #2? LAC didn’t seem to mind being Bob’s #2…

But in regards to the Tech thing, I think anytime the crowd has a dynamic chant in which sections involve the chant with other sections, the chant is successful. I think it would be great to hear one side of the arena yell “HO” and the other side yell “SA”. Could you imagine the shootouts?? “KO”-“VY”. “KOZ”-“LOV” (or “SLA”-“VA” for those that are on a nickname basis with him). I think the back and forth would sound amazing. So who ever said it, it’d be nice to have SOMETHING beyond “Let’s Go Thrashers” that gets the fans excited.

That being said, I think it has the opposite effect when sparse parts of the crowd yell the several varieties of “[goalie name]—you suck”. “He shoots, he scores, hey [goalie], you suck.” How much more like a third grader can someone sound? It’s like calling the goalie “poopiepants”. As Brendan said, they have the RIGHT to say something like that, and I have the right to think they are ignorant wannabe hockey fans who think that goalies are intimidated by hearing “you suck”.

I once heard Martin Brodeur name Atlanta as the most intimidating arena he’s ever played at. He said the fans are completely inhospitable to him, they call him all sorts of mean names and tell him he’s bad, and that he would rather be on the bench than play.

(note the sarcasm)

By Jay Bird

March 2, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Bob and Brian, I couldn’t agree with you more about the yelling of Knights. Forget being disrespectful to the anthem, its disrespectful to our players. Why would you ever yell the name of a team that abandoned this city after winning a championship? As for Heatley, I don’t understand booing the guy. He went through complete hell after the wreck and he will live with that the rest of his life. So he wanted a change of scenery, so what. Yes, we all supported him after the wreck, which was great. But why would anyone have animosity towards him for wanting to leave Atlanta? He didn’t want any more reminders of what happened here, what is wrong with that? I sold my house after I got divorced for the same reason and I’m sure many others on here have done similar things to avoid bad memories.

As for tonight, I am really looking forward to seeing the new guys. I think we will come out flying and put up a great effort. We win 4-2.

By Chris

March 2, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

“Knights” Haters:

It’s going to happen, just let it happen.

I am not a “Knights” yeller. But for that 1.5 seconds, I can deal w/ it. I know you can as well.

To the game…I think alot of things are pointing in the Thrashers favor. The home debuts of our new players will energize a skeptical (0-7 in sellouts right?) Friday night crowd. A generally strong history of play against the Senators. And the fact that the Sens defense is not as good as it has looked the last two outings vs. Carolina. They are due to give up some goals and soon.

By J

March 2, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

I’m not a Heatley boo’er but I was extremely disappointed when I heard that he wanted out.

After we were all very supportive of him while he was rehabbing and still in atlanta, for him to want out, thats kind of twisting the knife that was already in our backs!

Sure we got Hossa…but we also got de Vries :(

By Mac

March 2, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I won’t bother beating the dead horses that seem to have taken over today, other than to say everyone has their opinion on both issues, and it’s not going to change no matter how much you argue about it. Why bother?

As for the game, the team tends to play well against Ottawa. I think they’ll have an extra buzz with the new guys, especially after having had a chance to practice together. I don’t think it’ll be a blowout, but I think they win. I also think (or maybe hope?) that when the ever-present line shuffling starts, Dupuis finds himself on the Chuk line for a shift or two.

And IceMan - thanks to you, I have to get a Wetzel’s Pretzel at just about every game. I’d never tried one until you mentioned them earlier in the season, and now I’m addicted!

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this

“Knights” Yellers:

It’s dated, ignorant, and some people even find it disgraceful/disrespectful. People will complain, it’s going to continue, so let it happen.

1.5 seconds of ignorance in the fan base is too much for me. I’d rather somebody think the icing call is a penalty than hear someone yell “Knights” every damn game.

I’m all for the supporting of the throwback teams, don’t get me wrong. But in my opinion you can do it by owning a jersey from the team. Showing “knowledge” of Atlanta hockey history doesn’t make a person a better fan…

And somebody mentioned this, but I absolutely LOVE that Calgary uses the Atlanta Flames ‘A’ as their alternate captain designation. The flames have some of the best uniforms in hockey, it’s hard not to like that team.

By Bob

March 2, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

Right on Jay Bird, you hit the nail n the head. I booed Heatley till hoarse the first couple of games. Not because of the accident. Not because he wanted to leave. But because of what he said when he got up to Ottawa, giving we fans that supported him the back of his hand. I’m still a little miffed, but I am a hypocrit if I don’t follow my Faith and practice forgiveness, no more booing from me.

Oh gee, Brian, look I’m going after the Contentious Trifecta (you started with the Knights contentious issue, I followed with the Heatley booing, let’s talk religion now, that should result in a complete blog meltdown).

By Brian

March 2, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Ranollo10 - I was just making a joke out of that guy’s post regarding all of us. Believe me, after going through that last post, you can resume your duties… (more kidding)

I think a Tec style chant would be great, but you have to have more than 1 syllable from each side. We do need something unique though. If marketing can get on the ball and coordinate, it would be great. Now that I think about it, imagine right before the SO begins hearing SLA-VA KOZ-LOV SLA-VA KOZ-LOV from opposite ends of the rink.

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this

For the record, I don’t believe in booing period because I feel it’s just not needed. Cheer for your team, and if you need to be defiant against the other team’s success then CHEER LOUDER for your team. Booing is not needed.

Booing against your team should result in losing “fan” privileges.

Could you imagine every time you come into work your coworkers greet you with an ovation, but then as soon as you do something they don’t 100% agree with they begin to boo you? You leave a typo in an email — half of the office starts booing and yelling “YOU SUCK” or “SPELL CHECK!!!”

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this

For the record, I don’t believe in booing period because I feel it’s just not needed. Cheer for your team, and if you need to be defiant against the other team’s success then CHEER LOUDER for your team. Booing is not needed.

Booing against your team should result in losing “fan” privileges.

Could you imagine every time you come into work your coworkers greet you with an ovation, but then as soon as you do something they don’t 100% agree with they begin to boo you? You leave a typo in an email — half of the office starts booing and yelling “YOU SUCK” or “SPELL CHECK!!!”

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this

AHHH, the dreaded double post…

BOOOOOOOOOOO

By Brendan

March 2, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this

I’m not against traditions. And I’m in favor of starting new ones. Whenever I watch Center Ice, I see the Calgary fans holding a “red out.” Nothing but a sea of red, Calgary Flames jerseys. (Yes, I like the former Atlanta Flames “A” for Assistant Captain, too.) I’ve never seen a “Blue out” at Blueland?

I think it would be nice if everyone wore blue to the games from now on. The marketing campaign is called “Blueland.” And if you don’t own a jersey, just wear something blue.

Someone just tapped me on the shoulder. “Yeah, but there’s the ‘baby blue’ and the retro ‘blue.’ Ya know, the one with the flying bird/styled “T” logo. Those are different shades. Fiiine. So, they’re different. Geez, I never thought it would be this difficult.

Maybe we should go with white? I don’t know.

By Brian

March 2, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Ranollo10 - I actually think it would be funny if office workers started yelling SPELL CHECK. But only if it was that style that was drown out like when someone shoots an airball.

AIRRRRRRRRR BALLLLLL AIRRRRRRRRR BALLLLLL

SPELLLLLLLLLLLLL CHEEEECK SPELLLLLLLLLLLLL CHEEEECK

By DBH 1

March 2, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

Jay Bird, the Knights did not “abandon the city”, they left because they had no place to play with the Omni scheduled for demolition.

By Brendan

March 2, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Who are we rooting for in the battle of Belkin vs. the Atlanta Spirit Group? To be honest, I kinda thought that Belkin might approach these guys to say, “let’s end this non-sense. I’m going to write down a number. If you agree, the team is yours.”

By Chris

March 2, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

I’m moving on to Organized Chanters now. This city hasn’t playoff hockey ever. If you are looking for one reason that there may not be the buzz in the arena you are looking for, that’s it. Things will change once we get it in here and it will carry over.

We don’t need corporate stiffs holidng up signs saying “SLA” and “VA”. Forced fun usually isn’t.

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

I’m pulling for Belkin.

By Brian

March 2, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Brendan - great question as I don’t know who to “root” for either. But the way I read the article, the 3rd party came up with a number of $88mm, and either party (Belkin or the Spirit) could object and pick a new “arbitrator”. Belkin objected first (and in a sense won the race) and the new number became $140mm. He submitted his request for a new arbitrator 4 minutes before the Spirit even saw the number. Now it is in court as to whether or not Belkin could have submitted first and if it indeed was a race as to who gets to challenge the $88mm number first. That is why they are saying the contract was written poor, there was never intended to be a race as to who challenges that $88mm amount first.

I don’t know if I am correct in my understanding, someone please chime in if they know what’s going on here. It is also written that a 3rd arbitrator can be used.

Ranollo10 - why are you rooting for Belkin? Do you just want him out and this is the quickest way or do you think he is right?

By Bob

March 2, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

No booing of other teams? Belkin? Goodness.

By ranallo10

March 2, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

I’m rooting for Belkin for an assortment of reasons.

1 — The primary reason of this situation comes from the idea that Belkin had a problem with the way the GM of the Hawks ran his team. When the GM tried to broker the future of the team for a young , relatively unproven, SG, Belkin was the only person to stand his ground and actually form an opinion OPPOSITE the GMs. I know the Owner isn’t always supposed to do that, but when it’s his (or a group he represents) money, he always has that veto right over the GM. TO MY UNDERSTANDING Belkin didn’t agree with what was being given up (the two 1st rounders), nor did he agree with the max contract being offered…and to that I applaud him, and generally agree with him for what the return of investment was and is (Joe Johnson).

2 — I give him credit for being the more savvy owner than the majority group. The majority group (and their lawyers) agreed to a poorly written decision…you cannot blame Belkin for taking advantage of what was handed to him and signed by his opposition. Loopholes are everywhere in life, and I find it impressive when such a large loophole can be found by what many perceive to be an “incompetent” owner.

3 — I really think a group ownership is futile, so therefore I’m rooting for the simplest form of ownership for both teams

On the other side of this though, I’ve been content with the way ownership approaches the Thrashers, so I’m a bit against drastic changes. Plus my awesome ticket agent would most likely lose her job because she’s employed by Atlanta Spirit.

But in the end, I just want our ownership group to stop being the laughing stock of professional sports, I want the NBA to “nut up” and mediate.

As they say though, “you can wish in one hand and crap in the other…”, you know the rest.

By Ice Man

March 2, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this

You guys have moved on to one of my favorite subjects: Steve Belkin. Or as I refer to him: Dad.

You see, I want to adopt him and learn things from him. I’ll write a full-length blog entry on this over the weekend for your enjoyment.

By Fuskie

March 2, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this

Anyone who shouts “Night” is a follower. Anyone who shouts “Knights!” is a leader.

Fuskie, Who thinks the Thrashers need more fans who are leaders…

By Brian

March 2, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Leader of a defunct booster club… How many people in the arena even know about the Knights?

GO THRASHERS!!!

By Brian

March 2, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

Ice Man - Looking forward to hearing what you have to say. From what I hear, insiders were against Belkin regarding the Joe Johnson debacle. That is the only time I have even broached the subject.

By Brendan

March 2, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this

We sure did get “fleeced” on that Vishnevski for Belanger deal, huh? (My sarcasm detector machine is going off the chart!) That’s four (4) goals and two (2) assists since he’s joined us. How many games is it now, eight? I do a fair amount of Andy Sutton bashing, but that “homerun” pass to Belanger on the second goal (tying goal) was right on the tape. Props to Sutton for that one.

Bob, Dupuis was a speed demon. He was buzzing alll over the ice tonight. I was glad to see him rewarded with a goal. Can’t believe the Rangers took Bourret off our hands. I hope we re-sign Dupuis.

Ottawa has only lost 4 times in regulation since December 1st. This is the sixth (6th) time Atlanta has won a game it trailed after two periods.

The Thrashers are 2-0-0 since the trade deadline. The Thrashers scored 1st and outshot the Senators. What a good night. I’m still concerned over the “lulls” that happen to this team, though. Every game, the Thrashers seem to lollygag for about 12-15 minutes out of the 60-minute game. All too often those minutes are at the end of the period, and they get burned with a goal. But not tonight.

Oh yes, Heatley scored both Senators goals. I heard a smattering of boos.

By BlueLand Billy

March 2, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this

All of the Belanger Bashers should just go crawl in a hole the rest of the season. How soon we forget all of the “He’s nothing but a 3rd/4th liner” comments that have appeared here. This team is gonna get it done and win the the division. Mark my words.

By Jameson

March 3, 2007 12:52 AM | Link to this

Just to add a bit to the Belkin vs. Spirit debate… The only thing that worries me about Belkin is that I’ve heard he’s really only interested in owning a NBA team, which could mean the Thrash get sold to Joe Blow who wants an NHL team in KC or Seattle.

By Bob

March 3, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this

Brendan, I told you guys you’d like Dupuis. I’ve watched the Wild for years, the kid has wheels.

Mark my words, he will wind up on Kovy’s line, Sim is a waste there.

You’ve got to be a complete moron to wish to wish Belkin wins this battle, unless you hope the Thrashers get moved to KC/Houston/Seattle/Westbumfark

By Brendan

March 3, 2007 3:14 AM | Link to this

Bob, you were right. I’ve loved Dupuis so far. If he winds up with Kovy, I can’t see how it’ll hurt. Kovy needs to get going again.

I think people who h8 Waddell want Belkin to win. This way, he’ll be gone no matter what. I keep hopin’ that some sort of settlement can be reached. If Belkin could care less about hockey, why not sell off the Thrashers to Levenson, Peskowitz, Gearon and Seydel for a mutually agreed upon price? Then the battle shifts to control of Philips Arena and the Atlanta Hawks.

Believe it or not, I actually believe that the Spirit Group has begun to care more and more about the Thrashers. I used to think they were primarily interested in the Hawks. But they have spent more money to try to help the team win. And Waddell actually did a good job at the trade deadline. Actually, that’s two deadlines in a row that he’s been fairly successful. You’ll remember that last year he was MAXED OUT and still found a way to get McCarthy without giving up a player on the roster. Don might actually be a better “salary cap era” GM than he was in the “old NHL.” I still don’t think he’s any upper echelon GM. But I am cognizant that things could be worse. Look at Doug McLean in Columbus and the way Mike Milbury mismanaged all those Islander draft picks.