The Jakester and I are on holidays in London, Ontario until next Sunday. Thankfully, the obscene heat and humidity moved on the day before we arrived. That's not the best environment for an asthmatic kid and his full-figured dad!
I can't help but notice how the London Knights have captured the attention of this city. Every home game is sold out at the gorgeous downtown rink (John Labatt Centre). Knights paraphenalia is everywhere, and even in July folks are talking about the exploits of Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner et al.
Why is that significant? Because I wish the same thing was happening in Regina! Granted the Riders will always be number one in the sports pecking order in the Queen City. But is there any reason the Pats can't fill the Brandt Centre for at least half their games? Granted, winning regularly would help immensely. Having several star calibre players wouldn't hurt either. But still, it would be nice if the city would get behind the Pats in the manner the citizens of this area have thrown their support behind the Knights.
And yes, I can already hear the response: "Too many years of losing will do that". Fair enough. Maybe it really is a scenario of "it you build it (a winning team), they will come". Hopefully we'll be able to test that theory very, very soon.
3 comments:
The Knights had crappy teams for years. They now have a great organization and have recently won a mem Cup. The fans are starting to be paid back for their dedication. It wasn't always like that in London. As for the Pats when you haven't won a league championship in 27 years, most of the die hard fans have well, DIED OR MOVED TO KELOWNA!!! I remember when we were winning 40+ games a year. You could barely get a ticket to a game. Neither the Hicke group or the Parker group have won squat. It is time for the Parkers to step up or step back. In 27 yrs somebody should have been able to build a powerhouse. Almost everyone else in the WHL has!! Winning breeds winning. Winning puts more fans in the building. We need much more of it.
Enjoy your holiday Pete. Its hot as hell here too.
Well, here's hoping!
Winning also creates a 1,300 name waiting list for season tickets - for a team that plays in a 9,000 seat arena!
We missed the obscene heat in Regina, and in London. Must be doing something right!
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