Saluting the fans

[Hack & Whack Rule! 160]

Hey all.

I've been trying to figure out if Leafs fans are becoming whinier than normal, or if it's just becoming more visible. This garbage about the Leafs not saluting the fans after one game has me confused. I thought that the raising of the sticks in a salute was reserved for the final home game of the season...kind of a "thanks for the support this season" dealio. When did it become necessary for teams to do this after every game? Or is it just after a win? For the record, geography and timing has only allowed me to go to one game in the last twenty years, and that was in Edmonton. I turn off the tv as soon as the clock is done, so I never see if this actually happens now.

By the way, a big shout out to the Oilers fans that booed the Oilers on the way to the dressing room (or whatever that was), and trying to make the Leafs fans look classier than they really are.

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

The Wings started doing this least season after a win and it's about time. I like it and it shows that the team appreciates the fans and recognizes that they are in attendance.

Edited November 24, 2014 by Hockeymom1960

[kipwinger 8,521]

The long suffering Maple Leafs' fans ought to be saluted each and every game for being the most fickle, arrogant, and entitled group of fans in all of professional hockey. Hard to imagine why a guy like Phil Kessel wouldn't be interested in saluting a bunch of folks who were calling for his head after a 37 goal, 80 point season. Ditto for Kadri. And Reimer.

There's only one salute these s***birds deserve, and it involves something other than a stick in the air.

Maple Leafs fans, you are the problem.

[Internet.Unknown 422]

I'd be pretty disgruntled after not having won a Cup since 1967.

[kipwinger 8,521]

I'd be pretty disgruntled after not having won a Cup since 1967.

Then they should stop buying tickets and put pressure on the organization to make some fundamental changes. They're like Lions fans. If you're sick of losing stop giving them money.

[vladdy16 2,154]

Is it the fans really or is it the media blowing it out of proportion? Either is possible - even likely! Throw a dart, it's the right answer.

I don't think saluting should be done other than at the last home game of the season, win or lose.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Is it the fans really or is it the media blowing it out of proportion? Either is possible - even likely! Throw a dart, it's the right answer.

I don't think saluting should be done other than at the last home game of the season, win or lose.

Agreed.

If you do it every game or after every win, it becomes more of an obligation than something actually meaningful.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

Then they should stop buying tickets and put pressure on the organization to make some fundamental changes. They're like Lions fans. If you're sick of losing stop giving them money.

You know that isn't a realistic idea, right. There's so many hockey fans in and around Toronto they would still sell out even if a large amount of fans stopped buying tickets in some kind of protest.

With that in mind, maybe it's a little more understandable why leaf fans use their own stupid forms of protest (paperbag masks, jersey on ice, general douchebaggery)

[kipwinger 8,521]

You know that isn't a realistic idea, right. There's so many hockey fans in and around Toronto they would still sell out even if a large amount of fans stopped buying tickets in some kind of protest.

With that in mind, maybe it's a little more understandable why leaf fans use their own stupid forms of protest (paperbag masks, jersey on ice, general douchebaggery)

Then they're doomed to always be as bad as they are. Good. I don't care, I'm not a Toronto fan. But I do find it hilarious that these goobers think they deserve a salute after each game. For what? Being too dumb to recognize a bad investment?

Edited November 24, 2014 by kipwinger

[frankgrimes 1,836]

Not all of their fans are that stupid, loud and annyoing just the attention hungry ones. This whole thing is a gesture and nothing else I still can't believe how bothered the Torontomedia is by that. If I'm Phil Kessel I'll come out and tell them:,, you still don't understand that I'm shy so be it, from now on I won't reply to questions from Simmons, Feschuk or other Toronto Star? writers..and sorry to Mr. Siegel was a bad time to ask me I'll still reply to you.."

The way some of the players are getting scrutinized there is beyond ridiuclous it's like 24/7 all the time, also if a 30 + goalscorer (best player on the team) gets boo'ed or finds himself in every trade-proposal on their board I'm not surprised that the team decided enough is enough. Personally I couldn't care less if the players are saluting the fans after a meaningless game, if its the first/last game of the season I can understand it but man they are making an elephant out of a fly there.

Also I'm absolutely stunned how Carlyle can defend this crap from the media how about standing up for your players, they are the ones who will decide about your jobfuture..not the obnoxious reporters. Toronto really is something else in terms of pressure and media-hell wow.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

Then they're doomed to always be as bad as they are. Good. I don't care, I'm not a Toronto fan. But I do find it hilarious that these goobers think they deserve a salute after each game. For what? Being to dumb to recognize a bad investment?

The only problem is now Shanahan is part of the organization so I can't take as much pleasure in watching them struggle and the resulting media circus.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

The only problem is now Shanahan is part of the organization so I can't take as much pleasure in watching them struggle and the resulting media circus.

Shanahan has no experience at being a VP or defacto GM at all, the guy is still learning and so is Kyle Dubas, the only one with experience is Dave Nonis there but after a while I think this trio could work very well. Shanahan has the player experience, Nonis knows the in and outs of the business side and Dubas has some new ideas.

[kipwinger 8,521]

The only problem is now Shanahan is part of the organization so I can't take as much pleasure in watching them struggle and the resulting media circus.

I will. I love Shanahan but I don't feel bad for anybody who leaves the third most scrutinized job in hockey for the second most scrutinized job in hockey.

We get it already Shanny, you aren't afraid to be in the hot seat. Geesh! Lol.

[VM1138 1,921]

I hate the salute. It's forced and meaningless and fans already demand it. If they do something because they have to, it doesn't mean anything. I doubt the players are thinking 'gosh I love these fans.' It's muscle memory by now. Like wearing an American flag pin on your suit.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

I hate the salute. It's forced and meaningless and fans already demand it. If they do something because they have to, it doesn't mean anything. I doubt the players are thinking 'gosh I love these fans.' It's muscle memory by now. Like wearing an American flag pin on your suit.

Wearing the flag on a suit, jacket, sark is not the same as the stupid saluting the fans because it actually has a meaning: it means having national pride, loving the fatherland and showing respect to those that risk their lifes by trying to protect each and every day. That's why I'm having one of all of my suits, car and of course backpack

[Son of a Wing 1,644]

I like the idea of it just being at the end of the season. It just feels hollow at the end of every game.

Players show their thanks by volunteering and donating time and money to people who need it.

Much like the comparison to buttons and stickers to show your pride. Its fairly hollow in my opinion. If you're proud and thankful give back by volunteering your time (or money if you have it) to benefit what it is you're thankful for.

[frankgrimes 1,836]

Gregory Campbell, Patrice Bergeron are perfect examples on how to salute the fans: one broke his foot and still finished the shift, the other played through a ton of injuries just to help out his team.

Gestures like that at least to me would mean much more than a stupid stick-saluting

[Internet.Unknown 422]

Then they should stop buying tickets and put pressure on the organization to make some fundamental changes. They're like Lions fans. If you're sick of losing stop giving them money.

If only the collective "they" would listen to you!

[kipwinger 8,521]

If only the collective "they" would listen to you!

Again, I don't care if "they" do or don't. I'm not a Leafs fan. However, it would be nice if "they" shut the f*** up about getting saluted by the team, since "they" don't deserve it.

[Internet.Unknown 422]

When a team hasn't won in almost 50 years, everything associated with it ends up under the microscope and then broadcast on a jumbo-tron, including sweaters tossed on the ice, saluting/not saluting, or asking why a star player looks like a middle school shop teacher instead of a pro hockey player.

Fans are fanatics. I can't blame them for continuing to attend Leafs' games. The Wings hadn't won in 42 years before '97 and attendance remained high. Now the Leafs haven't won in nearly 50 and fans still go to games. Shocker! The fans aren't to blame for a team's success or failure.

[Hockeymom1960 5,107]

I can't believe some of you bitching about a salute. I happen to like how our team recognizes the fans after winning. Sheesh!

[kipwinger 8,521]

When a team hasn't won in almost 50 years, everything associated with it ends up under the microscope and then broadcast on a jumbo-tron, including sweaters tossed on the ice, saluting/not saluting, or asking why a star player looks like a middle school shop teacher instead of a pro hockey player.

Fans are fanatics. I can't blame them for continuing to attend Leafs' games. The Wings hadn't won in 42 years before '97 and attendance remained high. Now the Leafs haven't won in nearly 50 and fans still go to games. Shocker! The fans aren't to blame for a team's success or failure.

Really, attendence doesn't have a significant effect on success and failure? Is that why small market teams around the league continue to have such great success? Owners who are accountable to their fan bases (through ticket and merchandise sales) work to improve their teams. Owners who are going to turn a handsome profit regardless of their on ice product don't. Why bother to spend money revamping your scouting, drafting, and player development (all noticeable weaknesses of the Maple Leafs) if you're going to sell out every game by throwing a bunch of goons on the ice and occasionally overspending on a free agent?

[Hack & Whack Rule! 160]

Good discussion, folks. I gotta admit that I'm falling in the "If it comes at the end of every game, it's hollow" group. I always thought it was a nice thing for them to do at the end of the season.

My guess is that the Leafs fans an the Toronto media are both to blame for this one. Fans bitched a bit...media reported it to be bigger than it is...fans latched on and bitched louder...media reported the growing snowball...you get the picture.

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Leaf fans being Leaf fans. You'd think they'd won a Cup in the last few decades.

[RedWingsRox 614]

Once at the end of the season is enough.

They don't shake hands after every game do they ... should we start that tradition because players respect each other?