To The Media-Show Your Work

Recently there have been a wave of stories declaring the cities and team that are the leading candidates in the  Shane Doan “Come Play Here” sweepstakes. Pittsburgh, Vancouver, and New York (Rangers not the Islanders) are the leading candidates. Then some intrepid journalists say that  LA and Nashville would like to sign Shane. To which I say, “Really. Nashville or LA would like Shane? Vancouver, even though they have a goalie problem and Ryan Kesler on the shelf for six months and Mason Raymond to content with would like Shane? The Rangers with their mountains of money would like some sweet Doan action? You think Sidney Crosby would like to be protected by big #19 on the wing to minimize any damage that could come his way? Way to go out on a limb.

If you really want to impress me, write an article and GIVE PROOF of who you spoke to about Shane. Did you talk to his agent? Because I am pretty sure any team GM or coach would say he would love to have Shane. And every fanbase would like to have him. Except those in Quebec City. I seem to think Shane may turn down the offer to play there after the Islanders relocate there.In science and math, the fundamental concept is show your work. How did you arrive at your answer? Is it your opinion or fact?

Tonight, my wife and kids met a hockey loving family from Calgary. Their son plays, the husband plays pickup, the wife plays. They are in town for a few weeks and when the topic came to hockey, that said it was sad that Phoenix is losing Shane Doan. That is the summation of the reports courtesy of the Canadian media.

The fine family did not know Greg Jamison was in the picture let alone has the money to buy the team. They did not know that Shane has repeatedly stated his first choice is to remain in Phoenix. That story is not told. The only thing that they hear is how hockey will not work in non-traditional markets. Which is news to the Stanley Cup winner LA Kings, former winner Carolina and perennial favorite Nashville. Their parents are snowbirds who have upper bowl season tickets to the Coyotes. For the price of 2 tickets for 42 games here, they could take 3 friends to one Calgary game. She straightened them out on the current conditions after a detailed discussion of Matthew Lombardi.

I’m guessing the Canadian reporters are so busy dusting the trophy case and finding room for their recent Stanley Cups that a few positive articles cannot be given the light of day. The end of provincial rights and expansion/relocation into the US took away the dominance of Canadian teams.