As you may know, we here at First Round Bust have an "Open Pulpit" policy, in which we encourage readers, fellow fans, critics,philosophers, poetic waxers, etc. to use FRB as a spot to voice their opinion. If you'd like to do so, don't hesitate to contact us via email or on the Twitters.
Without further ado, this is from Tim Freitag.
Dear NHL owners and NHLPA,
My birthday is coming up this week, and I’ve thought a lot about what I’d like for my 32nd birthday. I have been watching quite a bit of HGTV lately, and have thought about adding flowing hardwood floors to complete the open concept in my home, but that’s not what I really want. What I really want is for you and those you represent to pull your heads out of your collective behinds and get a deal done.
I am not a casual fan. I am someone who eats, sleeps, thinks about the NHL, and more specifically, the Minnesota Wild. As a fervent supporter of your great sport, my concern is that you’re throwing away the goodwill and momentum you have built since the last lockout. I am writing you today to warn you that the current displeasure amongst fans may soon turn to apathy.
After losing an entire season back in 04-05, you have built fans and revenue through rules changes, increased player skill, and the Winter Classic. I couldn’t be any happier for your good fortune, but it seems you are discounting the most important ingredient in this mix… the fans. By not playing, you won’t build your fan count, and you certainly won’t increase revenues. Furthermore, if your labor dispute cuts into the season, you won’t give fans the ramp-up period to get excited for this season. Personally, I’ll be very bummed out by a shortened season after Mr. Fletcher added Suter and Parise.
I understand that the issues you are trying to iron out are not simple, and I also understand it is very important for you to protect your interests. What I am trying to do with this letter is to protect my interests. I grew up as a fan of all four sports, but as a husband, restaurant manager, and soon-to-be father, I don’t have the time or energy to follow all of the local teams. The reason I have chosen to follow the NHL is because hockey is the most exciting game in the world.
Now, after 4 seasons of underperformance from our local guys, we finally have some excitement back in the State of Hockey. Unfortunately, if there is no NHL season, there’s really nowhere else to go as a sports fan in Minnesota. I don’t Morneau how the Twins got so bad. I have no Kluwe how the Vikings are going to win more than 5 games this year. And although I grew up playing basketball, I don’t Kevin Love the NBA game.
I hope you will take my concerns to heart and give me the only thing I really want for my birthday. Please get on the same page with each other and get back to playing the game you all love, so I can watch.
Yours Truly,
Kari Takko
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