AJC > Sports Thrashers > Blog > Archives > 2007 > March > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAlways room for Jell-O and new hockey fans
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First of all, let me say, I’m sitting here rooting for the Leafs … and I’ve never felt so dirty.
I used to like the Leafs. They were sort of my secondary team — the tradition, the uniforms, etc … And being a Mets fan in the late-70s, early-80s, I think I related to the whole Toronto-Montreal dynamic of the Leafs living in the shadow of the Habs, much like the Mets did (do) under the Yanks. However, over the past few seasons, I’ve come to know this particular band of Leafs to be dirty, rotten scoundrals. I loathe them.
Anyway, playoff races make for strange bedfellows, and so tonight I must root for the Leafs.
A lot of talk the past few days about empty seats and neophyte fans … and I just wanted to chime in with this thought. Are we not talking out of both sides of our mouths when we urge Atlantans to show support by filling up Philips Arena … and then blasting them for being ‘bandwagon’ fans? Didn’t we plead with them to give hockey a chance? And now we’re offended at their lack of sophistication?
I just don’t see it that way. I’ll admit that Johnny-come-lately fans can be kind of annoying, especially when they turn something you cherish into just another ‘the thing to do.’ But at the same time, if we’ve been craving success and craving a hockey-supportive city, then this is part of the package. This is what we wanted. If you wanted to keep the Thrashers limited to the hockey-wise fan, then you should have been satisfied with crowds of 12,000. If you want that extra 4,000-5,000, then you’ve got to welcome the newbies. I mean, otherwise, what’s the alternative? You can’t just bus in 5,000 fans from Red Deer and Moose Jaw.
Fans have always had a sense of propriety, and I understand how those of us who have been going to games since Nelson Emerson was our only legitimate scoring threat can feel put off by a guy in a $200 Kovalchuk jersey at his first game yapping on his cellphone. But, guys, being a true fan is welcoming the growth of the team’s popularity. There’s no need for a Thrashier-than-thou attitude. You’re not going to get a button that says, “I was here when Scott Fankhouser started in goal.” Your long-time dedication is a source of pride, no doubt, and it shouldn’t be threatened by ‘bandwagon’ fans.
Bottom line: We want packed houses, we’ve got to accept the people who are packing it.
That said: This wave s* has got to stop NOW! And I agree with the bulk of the man-laws laid down on yesterday’s blog. By the weekend, we’ll draw up a full constitution and post it here, OK?
OK, moving on … we’re talking line nicknames, right? Clearly the Kovalchuk-Tkachuk line needs to play off the ‘Chuk thing. It’s too right in front of us not to. However, it’s got to be good. We can’t force it.
I have to admit. I’m not crazy about The Chuck Norris Line. He’s too creepy. And as a C-List Hollywood hack, I’m not sure he’s worth the honor of gracing one of the top lines in the NHL. Chuck Wagon isn’t THAT bad … remember, that thing did come whipping around the room like a bat out of hell in the commercials.
What else?
‘Chuk-Tkachuk-Goose? (Sim, being Goose, I guess.)
Two-Buck ’Chuk? In honor of Trader Joe’s cheap wine. (Love that store.) Or even Two-Chuk Buck.
‘The Sim Line’ would add a touch of irony, don’t you think?
I don’t know, guys, it’s a tough one. You can’t force these things, they have to evolve naturally. Fire away with your ideas, we’ll spitball this thing together ….
Comments
By silverpork
March 13, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Great post. I couldn’t agree more. I want to see packed houses. I’ll happily take a building full of the annoying guy on the cell phone over a half-empty arena. Many of those annoying guys may figure out that the game is a lot of fun to watch, even more fun when you really understand, and become real fans. We need more of those if the franchise is going to thrive in this market.
(PS, Ice Man and CC excluded, we also need the local media to give a damn.)
Oh yea…Thank you Toronto for the regulation victory tonight.
By Syl
March 13, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
Sim kind of looks like a goose if you squint
By Bob
March 13, 2007 10:41 PM | Link to this
remember, that thing did come whipping around the room like a bat out of hell in the commercials
This is what I’m talkin about. That thing was hi-larious, whipping around the kitchen, the dog hot on it’s heels.
Let the Wagon roll, people.
Way to go, Buds. I fear dirty cheering for them tonight.
By Matthew at the SLC
March 13, 2007 10:57 PM | Link to this
I like Kincaid’s insistance on calling it the Up-Chuk Line. It makes sense, and doesn’t seem put upon. Also, Ice Man, you do not want to go around and p** off Chuck Norris. It would be the last thing you do. Many a man has dissed Chuck, and the only warning of their impending doom was the soft wind of a Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kick brushing their cheek before his foot crushed their face. Don’t believe me? Go to www.chucknorris.com. That is all.
By kracker
March 13, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
I like the Chuk & Puck alliteration, it’s such a natural fit. So what works between The and Line or by itself? ChukaPuk or ChukaPuck, Chuk-the-Puck, ChukPuck, Puck Chuks, Two Puck Chuks, Chuks Pucks & Goals, Two Chuks & a Puck, Chuks&Pucks, something…what else?…K-Chuks maybe…I still like ChukaPuk, it’s short and easy to say…forgive me bob, I can’t go for the Gravvy Train Chuck Wagon or it’s what the old geezer cook rode in on the cattle drives and I can’t think of anything hockey related about a wagon. [html test]
Did this return a paragraph break?
By kracker
March 13, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Yes, it did. Good.
By Ice Man
March 13, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Two-Puck Chuk-ure?
By kracker
March 13, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
I didn’t cheer for TO but I was satisfied that Tortirelli’s pregame assessment/speech that TB can’t be satisfied with a 3-3 road trip, that they need to be 4-2 to gain two more points came up flat. Sorry John. I guess they’re missing Ranger already.
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
First, welcome bangwagon fans. Especially the “silent” readership. If this should be your 1st trip to this message board, I hope you’ll feel free to post. And ask questions, if you need be. Plenty of knowledgeable hockey fans are here for FREE consultations. :)
Second, I hope the home record before sellout crowds improves. We want Blueland to be an advantage for us.
Third, congratulations to Mike Modano, who scored his 500th goal tonight in a win over Philly.
Fourth, I noticed Niko Kapanen had a goal and an assist for Phoenix the other night. I’m happy for him to have some success for his new team. But none of us are, or should be, crying over his departure.
ICEMAN, I confess to rooting for the Leafs tonight, too. I was also rooting for the Cats over the ‘Canes tonight. It didn’t happen. That Sabres-Penguins game was exciting. Sabres scores with six seconds left to force OT, after trailing 4-2 in the 3rd period. Penguins won in the shootout, to salvage the evening that was punctuated with the announcement that the team would stay in Pittsburgh, and have a new arena in place by 2009.
Fifth, it bothers me that Mellon Arena is considered so “old.” Oh, I don’t mean that’s 40-years old. I mean, that’s it’s “old school.” The uhh, problem … lol … is that Pittsburgh’s arena doesn’t CATER to the wealthy business community. Translation: “There aren’t any luxury boxes.” Yeah, well. Those luxury don’t ever scream, “Go Pens, Go!” They’re mostly going to be empty, just like Philips Arena’s suites are. It’s all part of the … let’s price the ‘blue collar’ fans out of the arena” strategy. Blue collar fans ARE the foundation of the sport. This sport will not be supported by the tennis-watching, latte sipping, mint-julip swilling types. It’s supported by fans who drink Icehouse beer. By types who “boo” referees, ex-Thrashers, and opponent goals. I have ZERO problem with that. I don’t have a problem with fighting in hockey, either. But do “white collar” fans consider fighting … “too low-brow” entertainment, or on some par with professional wrestling? Or roller derby? If the answer is “yes,” then why should the league cater to a social class that is disgusted by the NHL-product?
Yeah, I don’t know, either. But that’s what’s happening. Oh wait. Yes, I do. It’s because their money is just as GREEN as anyone else’s. And apparently, no one cares if 1,200 fans actually show up, so long as the arena is “soldout.”
D’oh.
By michael
March 14, 2007 1:14 AM | Link to this
How about the 2nd line.
By R. Stroz
March 14, 2007 1:17 AM | Link to this
Brendan - I’m glad to hear someone stating the obvious, the noise from Philips doesn’t come from the club/suites side. Most of these seats are empty, yet considered sold each game. What a waste of space and hometown advantage. Do you people who receive their seats as a payoff for a business deal really care about hockey? No, otherwise they would have bought seats themselves. I think the club side should be opened up for all and use the suites solely for the corporations. Bring back the old days at the OMNI when there weren’t any dedicated corporate seats, the Flames games were loud! Bring back the noise from 360 degrees.
By michael
March 14, 2007 1:21 AM | Link to this
chuck you or the chuck show or the chuck shop
By hossafan
March 14, 2007 1:48 AM | Link to this
The attendance problem is more of a weekend/weekday thing. Friday (Rangers), Sunday (Sabres) and last game (TB) aren’t too far from sell outs. The games where we need the new fans are San Jose (22nd-Thursday), Toronto (29th-Thurday) and Washington (4/4-Wednesday). Encourage everyone to buy for those games even if they want the cheap seats.
By Jeff S
March 14, 2007 3:28 AM | Link to this
How can you not be a fan of the “Chuck Norris Line”, IceMan? And speaking of Man Laws, ever heard the one about speaking in a derogatory manner about Chuck Norris? Well the answer, simply put, is Don’t.
In any case, I don’t exactly consider myself a new Thrashers fan, just one who recently moved to Atlanta and finally had the chance to attend games. I was a hockey fan stuck in the middle of Orlando. I didn’t have an NHL team to call my own (I wasn’t a Lightning fan simply because I HATE THE CITY OF TAMPA…and every one of their sports teams). Orlando was awarded an IHL team in 1995 and I was ecstatic. The Orlando Solar Bears were always a top tier IHL team and as a season ticket holder, I went to just about every game and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, the league folded in 2001 and Orlando wasn’t acquired by the AHL or the ECHL and we lost our team. But when Waddell and coach Curt Fraser left Orlando to start a new NHL franchise in Atlanta, the Thrashers became my team and I followed them from the friendly confines of Florida. Now that I’ve moved to Atlanta, I get to root for the Thrashers in person. I really couldn’t ask for anything more (except for of course watching Lord Stanley’s Cup being paraded around the ice at Philips). So, though this may not be popular among many of you, I am a fan of Don Waddell. He was regarded as The Best GM in the IHL and found a way to bring a young Orlando expansion team an IHL Championship, and three Eastern Conference titles in just 6 years. Now I’m just waiting for him to do it here…at the next level.
By Derrick
March 14, 2007 6:54 AM | Link to this
The up-chuck line. Makes other teams want to vomit.
Can’t claim it; heard it on a local radio show.
By DB
March 14, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
How about calling the Hossa/Kozzy/Belanger line the Nonechuk (Nunchuck) line. Thanks, I’ll be here all week. Tip your waitresses.
By PhuckChuckNorris
March 14, 2007 8:24 AM | Link to this
Face it, Folks, Chuck Norris sucks and some of you say Chuk Wagon sounds homosexual? I guess loving some washed up loser guy is hetero, huh? Morons! Man law? The premise and the commercials are stupid. I need some redneck wrestler and Burt Reynolds to tell me what is cool or not? It’s a Miller Lite commercial, a beer that is so bad I would rather drink Llama urine. If you want to name the line after some lame entertainer, how about Chuck Woolery?
By John
March 14, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
Ice Man. Good Post. Couldn’t agree more.
By Chris
March 14, 2007 8:37 AM | Link to this
Ladies and gents: When bashing the corporate types for not showing up, and when they do not being loud remember:
They are the ones subsidizing us “real fans” ability to get tickets at reasonable prices, our ability to enjoy a a state of the art arena, and to a large extent the Thrashers ability to put a competitive team on the ice.
If a few seats have to be empty and silent to make all that happen, I think that is a trade off we should all be happy to have.
Also remember - the signficant component behing behind many NHL relocations: Quebec, Winnipeg, Hartford, and recent talks of Pittsburgh and Nashville - was lack of corporate support and/or construction of a building that would cater to it.
So would you rather have 1,200 “empty” seats per game or no team at all?
By Bob
March 14, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this
I have a feeling we’ll see those club seats fill up pretty quickly as we get closer to the playoffs. Being at the game is going to be the “in” thing to do.
Jeff, so we have you to thank for sending us Waddell. Thanks for nothing. j/k, he was a great minor league GM and he finally got out of his love affair with minor league talent and “building for the future”, and made some great moves this year at the deadline and we’re now enjoying the result.
I think there’s two basic problems here with naming the Chuk line. First, nothing goes that great with “Chuk”. Second, Sim is on the line, you really need 3 top guys to have a real line that deserves a moniker. Mabye we’re forcing it here and it’s a square peg/round hole thing, there’s just nothing that makes everyone go “that’s it!”.
By wristshot
March 14, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I have some Chucky dolls on the way. One will be sporting a Kovy jersey and the other a Walt jersey. If either one of them has a hat trick on Sunday you’ll see them on the ice in lieu of a hat.
By RonB
March 14, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
Nonechuk Line. Outstanding. Hossa/Kozlov/Belanger are the Thrashers top line and are more deserving of a name.
By where's Steve MC?
March 14, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
How about McCarthy, Zhitnik, Kovalchuk, Tkachuk, and Sim: The McChukNik Line??? I like it.
By RS
March 14, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
The Chuk You line…
By AP
March 14, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
I think “The Sim Line” is great. Gets my vote.
By Jsmooth
March 14, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
Excellent post Ice Man…while hockey is indeed a game for the common man, we should be willing to embrace any new fans no matter who they are. Beggars can’t be choosers! And besides, it’s always more fun when the bldg is packed and loud…I could care less if they are bandwagon! I just don’t want Sabres / Pens / Rangers fans dominating my home arena!
Brendan, I could not agree with your comments in the fifth paragraph more. Isn’t it ironic that the blue collar fan upon which the game has been built gets the short end of the stick in the new age of professional sports? Gee, without the blue collar fans to begin with, these sports would not be nearly as popular and lucrative as they are today! Somewhere, the model got completely destroyed and the economics are so out of whack with reality. Obviously, there are a lot of factors at play, but I think we all know that pro hockey players especially would play the game even if they were making $100,000 / season as opposed to millions.
Well anyway, count me in as one of the countless Thrashers fans who love to hate the Leafs, but could not have been a bigger Leaf fan last night!
By Rawhide
March 14, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this
I had absolutely NO problem what-so-ever rooting for the Leafs last night. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
I, too, welcome newbies into the nation of Blueland, be that at Philips or in the blog-rooms,….welcome.
But I will refer back to yesterday’s discussion of the need for an “etiquite” manual, or “Hockey Man Laws” spelling out the dos and don’ts at a hockey game.
My personal peeve at ANY sporting event is the moron on the cell phone right behind home-plate spending 7 innings waving at people…..that’s just STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-PID! Leave that practice at Turner Field, thank you.
We had discussions about the “mathmatics” of magic numbers needed to clinch a playoff birth. If I could simplify…
The magic number to clinch the division is 21. Any combination of points gained for the Thrashers or points lost by Tampa clinches the division. And that is the best way to make the playoffs.
When considering simply clinching a playoff off spot,….you consider the conference as a whole. Right now there are two teams, Philadelphia and Washingtn that, even if the won every single game left and the Thrashers lost every remaining game, mathmatically could not finish higher then us.
As we go through the next few weeks more teams, Florida then Boston, will fall into that category. Once 7 teams are mathmatically eliminated from finishing higher then us, we are guaranteed of at least 8th place in the conference.
Sure, sure,…this is strickly academic, I know. but the first night of celebration in Blueland will be when we clinch our first playoff birth, then we move to clinch the SE division….then spring hockey in the greatest sports playoffs ever, the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
GO THRASHERS - FLOG FILTH-A-DELPHIA!!
By Brian
March 14, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
Lot’s of interesting comments…
Ice Man - I have to agree with you on the bandwagon double standard.
Don’t feel bad for the Leafs and give them that Mets sydrome though. They get so much freakin’ coverage up there it makes fans of any other team sick. Try watching another team on Sat when the Leafs are playing, it ain’t happening. Those Habs Cups where a long time ago and when they went back in the late 80’s the Flames were there too.
Chris - great comments. The reason we can laugh at idiots who think our team is moving to Kitchener is because of our corporate presence in Atlanta. They are the reason hockey is in Atlanta, not the Knights at the Omni. I can verify what Bob said because I know someone who has access to seats on the club side and he has no chance at getting them for the playoffs.
By Bumbleebee Tuna
March 14, 2007 10:20 AM | Link to this
i would like to give a short disclaimer and say that my ideas are moderately retarded. however, i have no sense of decency.
-ground chuk -mack chuk -numb chuk -puck chuk -chuk e. freeze alright. i’ve got to stop before i beat my own a$$.
By line namer
March 14, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
they are the ChukSim line. as in ‘chuks em’ into the net almost as lame as bumblebee but you gotta throw them out there and see if they stick
By Peyton Holland
March 14, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
How much puck could a tkachuk chuck if tkachuk could chuck puck?
…i’m lightheaded.
By roh
March 14, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this
How about McCarthy, Zhitnik, Kovalchuk, Tkachuk, and Sim: The McChukNik Line??? I like it.
Poor Sim.
By Christy
March 14, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Y’all should check out Darren Eliots article about games at Nashville, attendance and atmosphere. Not that different from Atlanta I think. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/darren_eliot/03/12/nashville.hockey/index.html)
By N2Hockey
March 14, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Stop crying that you were cheering for the best team in the league to win their game! And just for you, they did
By Russ
March 14, 2007 11:07 AM | Link to this
How about the “Could we please get off this subject because who really gives a sh!t what they are called” line. I like it, very catchy.
By Brian
March 14, 2007 11:09 AM | Link to this
Christy - I hate to bash the hometown here, but I think other cities are much better than Atlanta. When you go to a game in this city, you go from the parking lot to the arena and back to your car. Nashville has that whole strip of bars with live music going and you walk past them all with a ton of places to eat all on your way to the arena. I have been to a handful of other arenas and ours has the worst set up. There is nothing downtown other than the CNN Center to go to before and after the game.
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
New subtopic:
I know I shouldn’t care, but how insulting could the latest three power rankings (ESPN, SI, CBS) be to a new, surging Thrashers team?
ESPN has them at 16, behind the Isles, the Rangers, the Bolts and every playoff team in the West.
Behind the Bolts, Rangers, and Isles??? If the Thrash are hampered by their February slump then the PR doesn’t reflect current surges. If the PR reflect season strength, how could the Thrash, several points ahead of many teams ranked higher than them, be so far down the list? Having the West teams higher makes a little sense because of our poor showing on that road trip, but this is a blatant example of baseless, unfounded punditry.
If anything, I think we should be ahead of Ottawa right now. Although they are a couple points ahead, our play lately has been better.
THIS IS A DIFFERENT TEAM than the one in February. Literally and figuratively. Atlanta has the best “Last Ten” record in the East.
Their highest ranking is 11 on CBS. Atlanta should be top ten in every one of these rankings.
By Christy
March 14, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
Brian - I’ll grant you nothing we’ve got nothing like Nashville (I was thinking more of attendance and atmosphere in the arena than outside) with the bars, etc. but downtown Atlanta is changing. There are some “blue collar” bars buried in the byways between Spring and Peachtree (someone mentioned a Sports bar the other day, but can’t remember who), some more “white collar” restaurants just a block away at Bed or Thrive, etc. But I will grant you that currently Atlanta downtown is more geared for spending the day and wrapping up with Hockey then hockey first then nightlife. Hopefully the new tram-lines, redevelopment, etc. will change some of that.
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
n2 hockey:
Prepare to be smoked when we play you. Even when we lost to you last year, we made your team pay in blood. The last Leafs game I went to in November we positively crushed you 5-0. Less than a week later we smoked you again on your home ice 4-2.
Darcy is a punk. You were better when you had the walking concussion (Lindros). Have fun in April when not a single player on the ice will be wearing a blue maple leaf.
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
That was a needlessly disproportionate response to your comment. It was more of a reflection of my feelings for your team than you personally. I would like to welcome your participation on this board, N2Hockey.
By T-Bone
March 14, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Another great night with Center Ice. So many pivotal games going at the same time. I think my remote battery is running low again. I was hoping the Sabres could grab the 2nd point against the Pens as I’d like to move past them if we don’t secure the division, but Crosby is the Real Deal. Also, I enjoyed the home loss by the Rangers after leading by 2 and the collapse by the Isles in the 3rd at Montreal was delicious as well. All topped off by the comeback victory by the Leafs over the Bolts. My wife hates Center Ice, but I can’t live without it!
By T-Bone
March 14, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this
Another great night with Center Ice. So many pivotal games going at the same time. I think my remote battery is running low again. I was hoping the Sabres could grab the 2nd point against the Pens as I’d like to move past them if we don’t secure the division, but Crosby is the Real Deal. Also, I enjoyed the home loss by the Rangers after leading by 2 and the collapse by the Isles in the 3rd at Montreal was delicious as well. All topped off by the comeback victory by the Leafs over the Bolts. My wife hates Center Ice, but I can’t live without it!
By Ryan
March 14, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Brendan, I agree with your post. Many years ago my mother worked as a VP for JP Morgan(pre-merger), the company had a suite at the arena. As a wonderful mother and old school Sabres fan she would give me her second ticket. Don’t get me wrong the suites are nice, free suds, food, etc. However, on these game nights with the corporate folks I found myself alone in the seats watching the game. Everyone else was networking. I remember one game in particular, it was the night of the Dan Snyder tribute….not a dry eye in the house….folks in the suite had no idea what was going on…On lady came running out of the suite and said “Is that fireworks”.I am your typical hockey fan, loud, beer drinking….I almost felt that my mother was going to lose her job because her son was into the game and understood the game of hockey. I don’t know Brendan, this was just an example of what you were posting if it helps any.
JeffS, my family no lives in Tampa and I cannot stand it there. That city is absolutely CRAZY!
By Paul
March 14, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
Until Atlanta moves sports teams out of downtown it will ALWAYS be the worst city for pro sports. That is unless you call carjacking a sport.
I do not think any of our lines deserve any nicknames yet. Way early for that stuff.
All the sophisticated fans b*** at newer fans are mostly just transplants from the frozen tundra. Why dont you all just go back up there where you dont have to deal with the riffraff types?
By sodapants
March 14, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
There isn’t anyone here who wasn’t a new fan at one point…. and who didn’t know sh1t about the game… but just liked it on instinct.
I can’t understand how anyone can not be a hockey fan. The only non-fans out there, in my opinion, are the ones that haven’t properly seen it yet.
I was lucky enough to get into it when I was a kid… but so what?
When wagons get too full.. they inevitably have to leave some folks behind….. amen.
By Walter_Sobcheck
March 14, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
What about Simignon? or Siminions for the Kovy line. I like the Sim focus because it is ironic. The former because he plays with 2 very high quality players (filet mignon). The latter because obviously he is the complementary piece, yet this supposes that Kovy and Tkachuk are his underlings versus the reality.
By Jake
March 14, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this
The NoneChuck Line…I love it. The only problem is if you go with that and the UpChuck (or any other “chuck” variant) line for the first line, then it might be hard to follow a radio broadcast. Can you imagine Dan Kamal with that one?
I know…go get Center Ice…but I travel alot.
By Brainstorming
March 14, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
Sim City? I think it works. And you gotta love Jon Sim, come on.
By John
March 14, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
First of all, Chuck Norris is a school girl compared to Jack Bauer.
Second, I think that they need to move the game times back to 7:30 starts. 7pm is just a bit too early to be starting a hockey game with traffic the way it is around Atlanta.
Third, I don’t think we are ready to start naming our lines just yet. Maybe by the playoffs.
By Dave
March 14, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this
Where is Jaybird???
By Ilya k
March 14, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
I 2nd the name “the 2nd line”. But it may have been used before.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
Christy - “Sidebar” was the sportsbar in downtown that I was talking to Bob about. “Slice” is a new Pizza/Bar right next to Sidebar that is pretty good too. They are both right off Lucky st. by the Equitable building.
By LAC
March 14, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Yes The Philips is in AN AWFUL location, simply AWFUL !!!!!
Did some research… back before 1970, the spot at about ten-twenty feet from center ice, was The Fueling facility for The Seaboard/Central of Georgia/ Louisville & Nashville Railroads passenger locomotives. Yes passenger engines once stood proudly at what is now center ice, baggage car storage is where the suites are, so that tells me the location STINKS, ever get stopped by a CSXT Coal train when leaving after a game or waiting for one to cross at 10mph 30 minutes before the game ?
The OMNI was the same way…AWFUL, so next arena in 20 years…PLEASE build near the perimeter… PLEASE !
By Brian
March 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Buzilla - is this up near Broad St.? How packed is it before/after games (more so after)?
Ryan - last time I was in a suite we were all watching the TV and couldn’t even tell you the score of the game. Oh wait, I was there for a Hawks game. Never mind…
By Scott
March 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
I’m from Red Deer and will gladly come down and help fill the building if you bus me down!!
By ThrasherinSpain
March 14, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Keith and Ilya…. the Kill-ya line?
By Bumbleebee Tuna
March 14, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
…. how about tkovultkasimchuk? i think it will catch on like wildfire or sliced bread. if needed, we could throw in a few extra consonants.
By Christy
March 14, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this
Thanks Buzilla. I remember it now - thought it was on Poplar. There’s also Ted’s right on the corner with Luckie. Also to LAC and Paul and others who want arena out of downtown… and move it where? The Perimeter is perpetually jam packed and a nightmare to drive on no matter what time of day. I’d rather shoot myself than deal with 285 around Ashford Dunwoody and 400 around 6 or 6:30 getting to 20 - 30 games a season. if you move it up to Duluth that adds an extra hour to those on the southside or those living or coming in from work from 75. If you move it to Kennesaw, same deal. Unfortunately, downtown, to me, remains the best option, despite the trauma. As for gettig stopped by the CSXT Coal train - which way do you hit the lower lot LAC? there’s a back entrance to that one where you don’t get caught by the train.
By Brian
March 14, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
There is nothing we can do about the arena other than hope some downtown revival happens. Slowly they are adding little by little down there. Personally I wish they would have built Turner Field on the other side of Centenial Park (west side), between the Arena and the ballpark and the lunch crowd you would have enough traffic to sustain a business down there. But there is nothing we can do now.
By Andrew
March 14, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
How ‘bout “Chuk-ching” similar to Cha-ching. That came to me when he scored a goal against Washington on Monday.
I love the games and that we have an NHL team here. I love the Thrashers but I like other also go to see certain players and coaches like Gretzky, Thorton, Teemu, Crosby, etc..
I think a case could be made for folks to come just for that.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
The road might be Poplar. Its acutally a pain in the @ss to find if you don’t know where it is. I don’t go there before games because I like Gorin’s 4 dollar 24 oz beers. I get off at 5 and my friends and I like to drink 3 of them before the game (we call it the hat trick)
Sometimes after the game we walk over to Sidebar. Always a pretty good crowd. Not packed, but enough people so you don’t feel like a dink.
By Robbie Burke
March 14, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
Ummm…the Chuckleheads? The Chuck-a-lucks?
By jeff
March 14, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
chuck wagon kinda rolls of the tongue. it has my vote.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
I think I am now in the boat of not naming the line.
Lets just win the cup instead
By Brian
March 14, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this
Buzilla - now there’s a bandwagon that no one will complain about getting overloaded…
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
CNN Center works out for me. It’s an easy “rendez-vous” point for friends and family that is convenient to the arena. Though, I’d like to check out Sidebar and Slice. I park on Spring St. or at the CNN parking lot off Alabama St. It’s an outdoor lot, right by the railroad tracks. If a CSX train did come, I could always go underneath and exit on Marietta St., then snake back to the Interstate.
I agree with Christy in that … I can’t see I-285 as any real sort of solution. I used to negotiate “spaghetti junction” AND the downtown connector every day. And let me tell you, I DON’T MISS IT and, barring something unforeseen, will never live in Gwinnett County again. God bless you good Gwinnitians. (It’s a Keith Kalland phrase (former traffic control reporter) that stuck with me, god rest his soul.)
I H8 to say it, but at least downtown is centrally located. It doesn’t discriminate against Cobb, Paulding, Douglas, South Fulton, Coweta, Fayette, Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, Gwinnett or Hall Counties. The location is, pretty much, fair to everyone who has to make the drive from the suburbs into the city.
If it were up to meeee, I’d hit the lottery and build a bar next to Philips Arena just for Thrashers fans. All shot glasses would bear the Thrashers logo. And we’d brew a local beverage simply called “Thrasherbrau.” Name the joint, “Thrasherville Pub.” And Buzilla, I’d make a 36 ouncer just for you, named “Buzilla Brew.” No good?
By Chris
March 14, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
Yeah, enough of this “downtown is too dangerous” crap.
Nut up,there’s 12,000 to 18,000 people with you.
The bar situation does leave something to be desired but in fairness there is the CNN center and others that have been pointed out on this blog. Not every facility can be Fenway or Wrigley.
GSU is helping the downtown situation by moving some housing down there and revamping Decatur St. I’m glad the Atlanta pro teams have not sold their soul to the suburban devil and have stayed where they belong - centrally located in the heart of the city.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Ah Brendan, your a special french speaking guy. I would be honored to have a huge @ss beer named after my posting persona.
There is also a pretty good mexican resturant on the other side of Phillips called “No Mas”. I liked it. It was kinda trendy which was annoying but when your hammered you forget about that pretty quick. Jocks and Jills also stays open after games. If that placed filled up I’m sure they’d go to 4 am.
Montana Grill is a waste of time. Bison is dry and gamey.
We need more bars and more tailgating.
We need Brendan to win the lottery.
We need Iceman to quit his night job to become a full time sports reporter and Zamboni driver.
anybody at the game where the Zamboni driver crashed the thing into the boards? Funny @ss sh*t….
By Bumbleebee Tuna
March 14, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
heh. the chukleheads.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this
oh…and the 36 oz beer should be called Buzilla Baby Brew…
Nice….
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this
I wonder if anyone has EVER been charged with driving a zamboni while intoxicated. I do know, earlier this year, that two people took a Zamboni for a joyride through a McDonald’s drive-thru and got into some trouble. Well, they got fired. I don’t know if they were formally charged with any crime.
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this
Why “baby” in the title? Unless we go full out, “Buzilla Baby Blues Brew.” That could be done. It’s quite a mouthful, though. People would just have to order it by saying, “Gimme a B-4.” Not to be confused with B-12. Or a B-52. Which, issss a nice shot, if you have a sweet tooth. So is Malibu, if you’re thinkin’ that way. I rarely refuse a free shot of Malibu.
By Brian
March 14, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
The night of the Tkachuk fight I flipped on the news to see a replay (no tivo) and some guy got charged with driving his lawnmower down the street while intoxicated…
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this
well I thought the “baby” in the title would give it a touch of irony since it was a 36oz beer.
I used to post as just Buzilla but added the Baby Blues in protest of the Thrash getting rid of the Maroon Ultimate Warrior jerseys in favor of the Phillips Corporate friendly gay blue ones. It still makes me made as does the blueland campaign. Once they win the cup I hope they get some backbone to tell Phillips to suck it.
By Bob
March 14, 2007 4:53 PM | Link to this
that was hi-larious when he crashed the zamboni.
There’s a good deal pregame at McCormick and Schmidt’s or whatever it’s called (right by Centennial Olympic park on the corner of the CNN building). They have $2.50 burgers and stuff in the bar until 6:30pm, good place to catch a bite and get the buzz goin pre-game
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
It’s the ATLANTA Thrashers, not the Vinings Thrashers or the Sandy Springs Thrashers. Downtown is on its way. GSU and the Aquarium blazed the trail that others are following. There is a new W hotel currently under construction at Allen plaza, which is walking distance away. There is a fifty story luxury tower called Aquarius (Aquariustower.com) breaking ground in May, two new boutique hotels are coming, and a major developer, Cousins, just bought 191 Peachtree after its vacancy by K&S, essentially declaring that Downtown is back. There is also serious proposals to turn the Gulch (the heinous scar between Phillips and Castleberry) into a casino. I say in five years Walton street will be lined with bars. I’d put money on it.
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 14, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
I hate seafood. So that place smells like bad bush to me.
I have heard it is good though. I try not to eat dinner on game nights. Gets in the way of the beer.
I do have a Wetzel Pretzel though. Stupid Iceman…hate you (kidding) for introducting that to me. I crack up when I see someone eating a regular superpretzel. Idiots..
By Brian
March 14, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
I’m not as mad about the color as much as I hate the “one sleeve” look with Atlanta down the side. I don’t like the batman logo though on the maroon jerseys. What do you do to get that, throw a bunch of triangles on the wall and see what they look like all together?
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
Also, an upscale bar and eatery, Luckie is opening in April. The owner, Mike Bohls, is the same guy that turned a gravestone manufacturing yard into the nightclub Compound. It will be less than three blocks from Phillips.
By Brian
March 14, 2007 5:03 PM | Link to this
stör stark - I like everything you said but I have to doubt the casino happening.
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
I have got to do more stuff downtown. When I eat in town, it’s usually at the HardRock Cafe off International. There’s a lot more places I should check out. I bet some of the hotels have a decent bar, too.
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this
Brian: I am 50/50 as to whether it will materialize. I know there is enormous pressure on the city to get the convention market and compete with Vegas and Chicago. If it were up to the City, I know Shirley would green light it immediately. If it’s up to the state…I don’t trust the yokels that won’t let me buy beer on Sunday to get it pushed through.
The other reason it might not do anything to the Gulch is that the rival proposal is to overhaul Underground and make it the site for the casino.
Mark my words, you will not recognize downtown in three years.
Another project announced in the ABC two weeks ago is a block long development within walking distance that is supposed to have a friendly (i.e., the opposite of the horrific Fox Sports Grill at Atlantic Station) but slightly upscale (i.e., not Jocks n’ Jills) sports bar near Phillips.
By stör stark
March 14, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this
For those interested in downtown eats, I would also wholeheartedly recommend:
Slice (either Castleberry or Poplar) Wasabi (Sushi in Castleberry Hills) Hsu’s (Best Chinese in the city) Fleur de Lis
Suggestion: wait to put your hockey jersey on until after dinner if you eat at one of these.
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve eaten at Hsu’s. Good stuff. Took my parents there when they came in town. For some reason, I never eat Chinese and watch hockey in the same evening. Hockey food is like … pizza, beer, chicken wings, chicken fingers, hot dogs, burgers, BBQ.
I tell you this. If I eat Chinese and the Thrashers win. I’ll keep doing it. Right up ‘til the Stanley Cup. If not, I’m back to pizza and wings and subs.
By Kujo
March 14, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this
Absolutely right about the fans. As for a line name, how ‘bout Chuk-Ching? Money in the bank. It’s a little hard to say, but difficult pronunciation certainly isn’t new to hockey.
By Bob
March 14, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this
ditto on the game night, food gets in the way of the buzz. The $2.50 items are good for the women folk though.
By Tom
March 14, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Concerning the location of the arena, for those of living on the south side it is a god send where it is located. I can get from my seats at 122 to my home in 40 minutes.
By Ryan
March 14, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Being from Buffalo, I have to say wings, and I have not found a good wing in Atlanta….any thoughts. If you say Hooters you don’t know wings!
By Brendan
March 14, 2007 11:46 PM | Link to this
Believe it or not, when I want some tasty wings, I go to Publix. Seriously. Publix wings are decent. I suspect that nothing can capture wings like you have back home, Ryan.
By JayBird
March 15, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Ryan, the best wings I have had are at Wings and Things in Tyrone or Fayetteville. Try the Scorchers, they are great.
By rockdr99
March 15, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
I just got a chance to read all of the blogs — great stuff — Cudos to Ice Man and GC — I noticed that all of the blogs having words spelled correctly and with good sentence structure — I guess the college football people don’t like hockey —
I was an original Penguin, Flames, and Thrashers season ticket holder, I’ve seen a lot of bad hockey — I can’t wait for what we have before us — Hopefully if I pass out from all the excitement, my friends in Section 116 will revive me — GO THRASHERS
By rockdr99
March 15, 2007 1:50 AM | Link to this
Yeh, I know “having” should be “have” — What the h@ll, it’s 1:30 AM, and besides I’m a tuition alumnus of UGA
By Buzilla Baby Blues
March 15, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Best BBQ near the arena is Daddy D’s. It looks shady as hell but its FANTASTIC! Get the Q-raps. Its pulled pork twisted up in little eggroll wrappers. They also apparently have the best wings in Atlanta. My buddy Rone is from upstate NY and a bit of a wing snob. They only make a certain amount each day and they can run out fast. He swears by them.
By Ryan
March 15, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the wing update folks. I’ll give them a try next time I’m in town.
By Bumbleebee Tuna
March 15, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
Wing Ranch is really good, albeit small, hard to find, and totally out of the way of the arena. Every type of wing imaginable… except for gummy bear wings.
By stor stark
March 15, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
DADDY D’Z with spicy bbq sauce is best pulled pork in the city. Hands down. Good call Buzilla. I eat there once a week.
By War Eagle
March 15, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
First off, i am sicka nd tired of the AJC hacks blasting the fans for not filling the arena on a SCHOOL night when they are playing the Capitals or some team that MY AAA men’s team can beat. What NY’ers do on their time is their own business-maybe they let the kids stay home from school the next day and they are excused because the teacher understands hockey. Atlanta teachers only know Football, Baseball and basketbrawl (maybe) Second, the NY fans mainly live onthe train line so that they are home in 15-20 minutes after the game. We have to drive all over the place and that takes an hour-maybe more if the parking lot is jammed, or if 75/85 is messed up with yet another truck crash or twl clowns mixing it up in the center lane. The fact is, Not everyone can afford tickets here. Not everyone will let their kids stay up to 10:30/11pm on a school night. Want to see the Arena packed? Sell the Hawks so that the Thrashers could have the nice Saturday/Sunday afternoon games. Let the Hawks play during the week. They draw 8K or less anyway. They are Losers. Losers play during the week and the hot team should play on the Fri/Sat/Sun schedule. So, Mr. Sports Media person, stop blaming the fans for not bringing the kids to see a game during the week, unless you can get the school system to excuse an absense due to supporting the local Hockey team.-Perhaps teachers can schedule their “workshop” day-read Teacher Goof Off Day, on the morning after a Thrashers game during the week.
By Darcie
March 15, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Ryan - Best wings are at Galla’s at 2986 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 642-0777 (Near Wal-Mart). The family is from South Buffalo — their pizza is reminescent of Bocce Club. They also do a classic Buffalo fish fry on Friday nights. http://www.cobbshops.com/gallaspizza/
By Matt H
March 15, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this
I have to say that “Paul” was droppin’ some science up there. We’re all pretty sure Tkachuk will only be here for a month or two anyway, so is it even worth coming up with a nickname?
Also, remember who’s coaching this team. No line stays together long enough to get a name. I remember CC saying in one post that Hartley claims to like pairs. So whomever plays with Ilya and Keith are gonna be playing on the “Chuk-Chuk” line, simple as that.
Also, downtown Atlanta isn’t scary so much for illegal crimes, like carjacking, as it is for legal crimes, like driving.
I may just be a simple unfrozen caveman lawyer, but driving in Atlanta is a nightmare and driving downtown is a straight-up night terror. “Urban planning” was simply left out of Reconstruction. I think “Southern Hospitality” was conceived as a widespread effort to combat road rage (or “carriage rage”, I suppose, early on).
Also, chiming in on ticket prices: they’re just as ridiculous as player salaries. I don’t think we’ll ever see a change in one until we see a change in another. It would probably have to take a society-wide value/priority shift before that happens (a war, a plague, etc.). It’s disgusting, to me.
However, I will be making the trek from Athens to see the Thrashers *lock horns *(see what I did there?) with the Thrashers, so I have to ask the group- what’s the best way in and out of downtown, and where to park?
By Matt H
March 15, 2007 2:17 PM | Link to this
That is to say, see the Sabres lock horns with the Thrashers, on Sunday.
I don’t think I’d make the journey all the way over just to see the Thrashers play with themselves.
They did enough of that in February.
This will be my girlfriend’s first NHL game live, so I’m pretty stoked.
By JayBird
March 15, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this
I don’t think I’d make the journey all the way over just to see the Thrashers play with themselves.
They did enough of that in February
Matt, that is one of the funniest things I have heard in a while!!!
By Bob
March 15, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
Matt, you’ll have no problem on Sunday. Just straight down 85 and get off at Williams, you’ll have no trouble. On a weeknight, I’d say take a helicopter coming from Athens, or leave at noon, but you’re all good on a Sunday.
By Don
March 15, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
Chuck Ching
By Don
March 15, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this
How much puck could a blue chuk chuk if a blue chuk could chuk puck?
Okay. I am done here.
By Matt H
March 15, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Rockin’. Thanks, Bob, Jay.
By Brendan
March 15, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Playing with yourself is called “practice.”
Uhh, on a second thought, a better word might have been “scrimmage.”
Thanks for the wings tip, Jaybird. My next game is against Buffalo, and I’m meeting a fan from Buffalo in Tyrone, GA. So, we’ll try the “scorchers” at Wings-N-Things in Tyrone. Maybe after the game, we’ll go to Slice, since I’ve never been there. It’s just on Luckie St., right?
By Brendan
March 15, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this
Playing with yourself is called “practice.”
Uhh, on a second thought, a better word might have been “scrimmage.”
Thanks for the wings tip, Jaybird. My next game is against Buffalo, and I’m meeting a fan from Buffalo in Tyrone, GA. So, we’ll try the “scorchers” at Wings-N-Things in Tyrone. Maybe after the game, we’ll go to Slice, since I’ve never been there. It’s just on Luckie St., right?
By Brian
March 15, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this
Darcie - I can’t believe I just read a reference to the Bocce Club. I grew up going to those Friday fish fries surrounded by Notre Dame memorabilia…
By Grotus
March 20, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
How about The Sim-Chuk-Two?