Don cherry on HNIC

[#19forPresident! 1]

There's a reason nobody listens to grapes, mainly because its impossible to hear him over his clothes

[jim3033 1]

He said the Wings weren't 'coming out' several times and then showed Holmstrom getting punched at and then skating away. Then a hit Kronner made and the fans in the first 5 rows not doing much. I used to enjoy watching this guy in the 90's but he's a hypocrit and racist. Typical whining... speeking about a GM for Toronto why not Don Cherry? He's just hurting the NHL with what he is saying.

Wings are graceful and skilled and have the most fans in the league. Remember Gretzky whining in the 2002 olympics? Those blocked shots were fascinating to watch. Ughh. Seeing him and Melrose together will do for a good laugh.

Edited May 10, 2008 by jim3033

[mustang051664 0]

There's a reason nobody listens to grapes, mainly because its impossible to hear him over his clothes

I've always liked what Don Cherry has had to say, but I will disagree with some of what he had to say. Grapeswent on to say that the style of hockey is boring and passive, and a turn-off for the fans. The style of hockey is not boring, but it is the ticket prices keeping people away. In a depressed economy, Red Wings tickets are a bit steep, especially in the playoffs. I thought he would have mentioned that with the way our economy has gone. I guess that no one outside this market has a clue.

[hockeyone 0]

More from Don on ESPN

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/...86&n8pe6c=2

[skacore 2]

everything Cherry said tonight was 100% true and I'm glad he put things into perspective because I think it'll wake some people up

I've been a die hard since I was like 10 and I want the team to win but it's just not the same anymore...

Edited May 10, 2008 by skacore

[skacore 2]

wow will that link stay up for a while or does it change as the days go by? (http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?&brand=null&videoId=3389586&n8pe6c=2)

that's gotta be my new sig... don really really really simplified my thoughts

[stud_defenseman 1]

Whats there for the fans to be excited about?

No Hits.

No Fights EVER.

No Personality.

Boring hockey..

hockey is not about fighting, it's about winning just like any other sport. I apologize for my language here, but f*** you! What is there to get excited about? Maybe thet they are in the the WCF? You are an absolute idiot. I like fighting but I would rather see my team win. Go hop on the Ducks bandwagon.... oh wait they are out. Eat s*** instead.

EDIT: actually my rant isn't done, I am pissed off... Is Datsyuk dangling someone and scoring a beauty goal not exciting? Is watching Zetterberg skate right into a group of three players, come out with the puck and get a scoring chance not excititng? You obviously have no idea what you are talking about. I would prefer seeing franzen tip in a dirty goal than seeing mccarty fight someone. Even though I grew up watching Don Cherry and I appreciate what he has to say, it is clear that you have been giving him fellatio for quite some time, and have been absorbing his "violence = better hockey" propaganda. Look where hitting and fighting have gotten Anaheim... no where. If you were really a fan you would find that Detroit hockey was the most exciting hockey there is... just because you are fan. Go eat crow when we win the cup you bone head.

Edited May 10, 2008 by stud_defenseman

[Shockwave180 0]

I love Don. I don't always agree with him (especially when he goes into Leaf-homer Mode), but he's always entertaining. I remember during the '02 playoffs when he stated that "Detroit plays with honor, and that's why they're gonna win the Stanley Cup," and he was the greatest thing since sliced bread on these boards. The empty seats frustrate me too, although I don't think it's because of the style of play. This team is far more physical than any Wings team in recent history.

I also take issue with the footage they showed of the Joe (which was obviously about twenty minutes before game-time when the arena was still mostly empty) and the fans chatting animatedly (which was obviously during intermission, not during the actual play). They could've simply shown the empty seats during the game (which were definitely there) instead of making distortive editing decisions.

Edited May 10, 2008 by Shockwave180

[DaKineMaui 8]

I'm still waiting for an answer as to why I should care if there are empty seats.

Yes, I'll ask again next thread too.

[marcaractac 3,963]

My opinion is the fans don't give a s*** what style of hockey we play, we can play the more euro puck possesion style game we play now or play a more aggressive dump and chase hit everything that moves style. I think the fans are happy with one thing no matter how we get their and that is WINNING THE STANLEY CUP!!! As for the empty seats, people can have all the opinions they want, we have a winning team so the style isn't what is keeping some people away from the Joe, it's the economy and the fact that the Joe is an old outdated barn.

Yeah that sure stops the Pens from selling out as soon as the tickets go on sale.

I agree with the economy problems. That is definitely an issue. I'm not denying that. But Don does have some good points. Of course the fans in Detroit want to see some rough and tough hockey. Winning the cup sure is great. But whats a cup if the hockey the entire season isn't as exciting as it can be?! Please explain to me why the Joe is always quiet game in and game out because it's all "class people who can afford tickets" who are the only ones who can afford to go, but yet they all go ape s*** when ever a big hit happens or a fight breaks out. Don Cherry knows what he is saying, whether he is pro canadian or not.

I love the Wings, and I njoy watchinf Dats and Z make opponents look like ass, but at the same time I'd LOVE to see more tha one person on our team (Kronwall) lay out big hits, and to see more than 10 fights in an entire season. Is that too much as a fan to ask? Hell no it ain't. And getting a couple of these players on the 3rd or 4th line won't kill, or drafting a couple big scrappy players with an offensive upside won't kill either.

And no, I have never been to a Wings game yet. But before anyone ridicules me about that, here this. I live in a s*** hole town that costs an arm and a leg just to get out of, and I am saving money like a mad man just to fly out and see a couple playoff games next year (I cant wait!! ). I am the most die hard Wings fan in the entire province I live in, I have no doubt about that. But Don Cherry has a couple good points. Is he biassed towards canadian players? yes, but he is always willing to give the credit to euro players when it is due. It was not long ago he was praising Homer about standing in front of the net and the entire Wings team for being able to put the puck in the net. But i'll admit, outside of some of the highlight goals our team score, we aren't the most exciting team in the world to watch anymore. It is a small price to pay for being a team to challenge for the cup year in and year out. But is it really to much to ask for our team to go after a couple Carcillo type guys who can fight and put the puck in the net? Is it too much to ask for our team to get a responsibly defensive player who loves to flatten people and get the fans rilled up? Hell no.

If nothing changes, I won't complain. I love seeing us have the best team in the league and challenge for the cup every year. But to dis people about their opinions on the lack of physicality on our team isn't right in my opinion. Last year we were the least enforced team in the NHL. This year it is the Habs. Of course, we signed Downey, who was a Hab the year before that, which was the only reason why that stat has changed. But I bet all of you, if management drafted a couple players of the McCarty or Lucic caliber, the Joe would be rockin' like it is 1997 all over again on a regular basis!! Oh my god... Detroit with Lucic... I must go to sleep and dream now

[marcaractac 3,963]

Holy s*** that was a long post... pardon me and my drunken ramblings

[arnoldbuck 0]

They talked about it on PTI today as well. From what I understand, in readings, articles, and the ppl on LGW's who live in Mich, the games generally are sold out correct? Just people dont go. And while some people are enthusiastic, the majority sit quietly as if watching a movie. This isn't something new, it is a trend that has been coming for sometime now, and I really, honestly believe it isn't a tougher, meanier kinda hockey that will put asses in the seats, but it will take Detroit sucking. This team will have to miss the playoffs. People will have to remember what it is like to not have hockey in Detroit come spring.

And why should Detroit fans care if there are empty seats if we still have the winning team?

Well, truth be told, I dont think it matters. BUT ... it adds to the emotion, the feeling, and the excitement of the playoffs. When I watched the Calgary games, Washington games, Pittsburg games, and I hear those fans screaming and they dont shut up and the place is packed, it gets me going. I love seeing it. And, we also have to consider, that eventually players, (despite how well teh organization treats them) may eventually chose to play in a city where they recieve more support.

[DaKineMaui 8]

And why should Detroit fans care if there are empty seats if we still have the winning team?

Well, truth be told, I dont think it matters. BUT ... it adds to the emotion, the feeling, and the excitement of the playoffs. When I watched the Calgary games, Washington games, Pittsburg games, and I hear those fans screaming and they dont shut up and the place is packed, it gets me going. I love seeing it.

Well? Which is it?

Anyways - I often watch with the volume muted. Easier to follow when some guy's NOT telling me what just happened 5 seconds ago.

And, we also have to consider, that eventually players, (despite how well teh organization treats them) may eventually chose to play in a city where they recieve more support.

You win Cups, and guys will play.

[arnoldbuck 0]

Well? Which is it?

Anyways - I often watch with the volume muted. Easier to follow when some guy's NOT telling me what just happened 5 seconds ago.

You win Cups, and guys will play.

Which is it ... well ... I'm saying, if we have a winning product, thats the final word period. But (there can always be a but) maybe I'm alone, but I think most people will agree that the atmosphere definatley can elivate it to the next level.

And I'm not saying players are simply going to say no to Detroit, simply that it is a possibility. just a thought.

[DaKineMaui 8]

Which is it ... well ... I'm saying, if we have a winning product, thats the final word period. But (there can always be a but) maybe I'm alone, but I think most people will agree that the atmosphere definatley can elivate it to the next level.

And I'm not saying players are simply going to say no to Detroit, simply that it is a possibility. just a thought.

I agree then - you're correct. Maybe most people watch games for some rush or something.

I don't own the JLA, or the team. I don't get a cut on concessions or parking - not so much as a peanut stand outside.

If there are empty seats visible on my television during a Wings game you'd hafta walk over to the screen and point to them to get me to notice. That's all.

I'm watching the game. ssshhhhhhhhh

[JackMallory 0]

I'm in a hurry so I've only read the first page of this thread, but I'm wondering what Coach's Corner some of you were watching. Cherry was NOT ripping on Detroit. He said after Boston that Detroit is his next favorite [team] city. He was disturbed (as I am too) by how many empty seats you see in Joe Louis Arena and how friends of his got 12 seats, center ice (up a bit) no problem the day before the game. He wasn't saying, "Detroit fans suck because they aren't showing up." He said Detroit fans aren't showing up because they like a tougher style game ala Probert days, etc. and that Illich needs to give the fans what will bring them out and get them excited. He mentioned how the fans reacted when McCarty first returned to the ice.

Geez, people. Try LISTENING to what someone is saying instead of just thinking you heard what he said. Cherry has always been a big Detroit fan and always compliments them.

ETA: Right before that Coach's Corner I was looking and listening to the fans and thought, "Detroit fans have become the Montreal fans of old at the Forum where they'd sit on their hands, while Detroit fans were loud and rowdy like the Montreal fans are now."

I was at a playoff game a couple years ago and unless there was a goal scored the fans basically made no noise. It was the most ho-hum atmosphere I'd ever been at for an NHL game.

Edited May 10, 2008 by JackMallory

[Donaldjr2448 43]

Cherry did mention that the Tigers, Pistons and Lions are all selling tickets and setting attendance records. Yes that is true, but you can get a Tiger ticket for $8 and even sit close to the field for $35. Not at a Wings game! Pistons tix are pretty cheap as well, and the Lions are sold out due to corporations, has anyone tried to buy a single game Lions ticket lately? trust me if the Lions keep going they way they are, Ford Field will be just as empty as the Silverdome use to be! The columinst need to do further research before they start pointing the finger at the fans! The Redwings is by far the best event in Detroit, and the Wings know that, therefore they can charge more! If Mr.Illitch drops ticket prices, then that place will be packed!!!! I do love Cherry!! I always respect his thoughts!!

GO WINGS!!

[BAFGA 0]

I've always liked what Don Cherry has had to say, but I will disagree with some of what he had to say. Grapeswent on to say that the style of hockey is boring and passive, and a turn-off for the fans. The style of hockey is not boring, but it is the ticket prices keeping people away. In a depressed economy, Red Wings tickets are a bit steep, especially in the playoffs. I thought he would have mentioned that with the way our economy has gone. I guess that no one outside this market has a clue.

Depressed economy leaves little for the fan to spend on. Coupled with the Pistons doing well and the Tigers selling out every game practically, the fans are probably making choices on what to see instead of spending to see them all.

[Wingsor 2]

if they tried to make it seem like the crowd didnt go nuts with kronwalls hit, then theyre lying. i was 4 rows back from the ice going nuts most of the game...and the place erupted when kronner slammed that guy...it was one of the loudest moments of the game. they must have viewed in on one tiny little section..how typically misrepresentitive of the situation. i got out of my chair, waved my t-shirt, poms, and screamed like nuts, and the entire section around me did the same.

[Jwo 7]

Cherry did mention that the Tigers, Pistons and Lions are all selling tickets and setting attendance records. Yes that is true, but you can get a Tiger ticket for $8 and even sit close to the field for $35. Not at a Wings game! Pistons tix are pretty cheap as well, and the Lions are sold out due to corporations, has anyone tried to buy a single game Lions ticket lately? trust me if the Lions keep going they way they are, Ford Field will be just as empty as the Silverdome use to be! The columinst need to do further research before they start pointing the finger at the fans! The Redwings is by far the best event in Detroit, and the Wings know that, therefore they can charge more! If Mr.Illitch drops ticket prices, then that place will be packed!!!! I do love Cherry!! I always respect his thoughts!!

GO WINGS!!

Yeah I never get why people don't mention the prices of Pistons and Tigers tickets when they argue they sell out, so it should be no problem for the Red Wings.

By their logic, a Ferrari (being the Red Wings = the same price as a Ford Focus( Being the Pistons and Tigers)

Edited May 10, 2008 by Jwo

[Dawgs 0]

Empty seats are a combination of factors converging into the perfect storm.

Corporate owners hold a large percentage of those lower bowl seats that are the only ones seen on TV. They are there entertaining clients who rarely have any vested interest in the actual game let alone the team. Ive been to two games this playoff year with my two brothers and we were willing to pay the 200+ bucks per ticket but have problems finding 4 seats together in the lower bowl unless we go to a broker or scalper meaning we pay even more than face value. The upper bowl is pretty much full even though they have to be the worst seats in the entire NHL.

Its the economy stupid. The U.S. economy is bad but not nearly as bad as it is in Michigan. We are in a one state depression and have among the highest gas prices in the nation. Want to take your family to a game? For just the tickets you will be paying 400+ dollars for four. And thats for nosebleed. The seats ya see on TV will cost 900 bucks for 4. Add souveniers like a hat or tee shirt maybe a program and then concessions and your looking at a 500 or 600 dollar night for nosebleed and 1000+ for lower bowl. The choice becomes pay 100 dollars to fill up my tank so I can get to work or blow a weeks income on a 3 hour night of entertainment.

Competiton for the entertainment dollar. The Pistons are in the playoffs and the preseason hype surrounding the Tigers have definately taken a large chunk of the fans who would usually attend the Wings playoffs. The Pistons ticket prices are much more family friendly and you can get a family of four into a Tigers game for less than 100 bucks. Not to mention the draw of three casinos in the city now.

Concessions and bathrooms. If youve ever been to the Joe you know how bad the lines are. Alot of fans arent in thier seats until theres 5 minutes gone in the period and they begin trickling out with 5 minutes left, so you have a full looking crowd for the middle ten minutes of each period.

Seventeen years of continued excellence has eroded the excitment of the bandwagoners. True hockey fans still go to the games in droves. Its the older monied set who used to go to the games to be seen more than to watch that no longer show up. And alot of these people still hold season tickets. Give em a s***ty team for 5 years and youd see the unbridled enthusiasm seen in cities that do not have the Wings record over the past two decades. The bandwagoners would jump back on.

Mr. Illitch and his marketing staff have also missed the boat. They should have reduced ticket prices when payroll was reduced 50% after the lockout. They need to do more promotions that encourage families to attend. The Pistons have a 99$ family special. You can get your family into a Tigers game for less than 100. A hundred bucks can be justified in a families budget, 600 to 1000 dollars cant.

With that said Ive been to 2 playoff games this year and the Joe has looked pretty full to me but when I watch on TV it looks empty.

[HadThomasVokounOnFortSt 878]

Yeah, he says he loves Hockeytown and the only reason why they aren't coming is because there is no fights?

[tazzer82 0]

It's a redneck town? Yikes. I think he got Detroit confused with Nashville there.

[motorcitykid 42]

Please don't hold up Don Cherry and anything he says as positive or good.

He's a ignorant, old school, redneck who is OUT OF TOUCH with today's game.

For Christ sake's he still PURPOSELY mispronounces Euro's names, even guys on the pathetic Maple Laughs - a team he indeed does cheer for.

As for his ignorant comments on Coaches Corner, what he said was, "look at Holmstrom, "he takes punches in the nose", [twice! he shrieked!] and doesn't do anything about it. Nothing. What is he thinking?", he asks.

He also went on to say Babcock has our guys ignoraing ANY and ALL types of contact after whistles etc. Even if they get cheapshotted, the Wings DO NOT respond. He went on to also say - which was PRETTY DAMN IGNORANT - that nobody goes to Joe Louis and how it's really a shame. Why not? Cherry feels the issue is we do not have any Bob Probert types on this team. Ass kickers. If we did, THEN the fans would be back. This team is soft, was the implication.

Buy a f***in' clue Cherry. Who the hell is paying $200 for hockey tickets when the MI economy is one of the WORST in the U.S.?

Please DO NOT mistake his bulls*** line that he began with, "Hey, I love Detroit. Best city in the USA, outside of Boston" crap. He's an angry, old man, well past his prime, who only seems to entertain those as ignorant and shallow as him.

Entertaining? Hardly, considering he throws out borderline racial remarks on the regular, then flips switches and ends his shows all boo-hoo'ey with images of fallen Canadian soldiers. Give me a break. It looks so insincere and insulting to those of us who have military family members. And, IT IS!

Edited May 10, 2008 by motorcitykid

[jim3033 1]

IMO, Cherry is a jerk for making the empty seats an issue. His half arsed reasoning is the game we play isn't entertaining. I've been to a predators and avs playoff game and the atmosphere was rocking. A lot of our fans are a tamer croud than say, Montreal. You can't watch one game, go on TV in front of millions and say what he said.

I know how he's thinking. He's avid about Canadians and he'll rationalize anything after that. TSN had a clip against europeans. Maybe the Illitches told Toronto off for trying to beckon our front office. I don't blame them if they did that, they built the Wings from scratch.

You can't put idiots on air in front of millions of people. I watched super troopers alone a long time ago and thought it sucked. But then I watched it with a bunch of people and that s*** was funny as hell. Don Cherry doesn't understand this effect. Melrose feels the same way as Cherry. My ears hurt after game 2 of the Avs series. I watched the regular season Ottawa game on the CBC too and all they did was whine and run down the Wings in there pre-game program.

People really listen to what Don says and it's quite aggravating. Sugar coating it is more of an insult because it grabs Wings fan's attention. Just watched the ESPN rant. He's a baby.

People shouldn't have enough to say about how amazing the Wing's play is. They beat Colorado 8-2.

Edited May 10, 2008 by jim3033