Comments on: Word Stricken from the Lexicon: Bandwagon http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/ Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:24:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: hockeychic http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-32014 hockeychic Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:49:29 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-32014 This is an awesome post. The NHL needs fans, bandwagon, casual, and die hard. Plain and simple. The more people watch our sport, the better. That is why I am so bummed that the Caps did not win. How great would that have been for the NHL to have the publicity? I started becoming a Red Wing fan when Yzerman came into the league and was probably more casual (because at that time the Wings stunk and never made the playoffs). I was still watching them when I moved here in 1990 because there was no NHL team in Colorado. When they announced the Nordiques were coming, I vowed to support them and have had season tickets (shared) since day 1. Of course, I had no way of knowing that my beloved Wings would become the most hated rival of the Avalanche. So I still attend Avs games but I wouldn't say I'm really a fan of them. I enjoy watching NHL hockey and I get Center ice so I can see all the teams. My friends say I'm pyscho about hockey but I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm busy converting people one at a time. It is great the number of people I've gotten watching hockey, unfortunately most of them became Avs fans instead of Wings fans, so I must have messed up somewhere. :) This is an awesome post. The NHL needs fans, bandwagon, casual, and die hard. Plain and simple. The more people watch our sport, the better. That is why I am so bummed that the Caps did not win. How great would that have been for the NHL to have the publicity?

I started becoming a Red Wing fan when Yzerman came into the league and was probably more casual (because at that time the Wings stunk and never made the playoffs). I was still watching them when I moved here in 1990 because there was no NHL team in Colorado. When they announced the Nordiques were coming, I vowed to support them and have had season tickets (shared) since day 1. Of course, I had no way of knowing that my beloved Wings would become the most hated rival of the Avalanche. So I still attend Avs games but I wouldn’t say I’m really a fan of them. I enjoy watching NHL hockey and I get Center ice so I can see all the teams. My friends say I’m pyscho about hockey but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m busy converting people one at a time. It is great the number of people I’ve gotten watching hockey, unfortunately most of them became Avs fans instead of Wings fans, so I must have messed up somewhere. :)

]]> By: Americanario http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31885 Americanario Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:52:20 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31885 Difference between a "band-wagon" fan, a "casual" fan, and a "true" fan in my humble opinion. It doesn't really matter how, why or when you become a fan of a team, but more so your devotion to the team and or sport. Badnwagon fan - implies that you are just along for the ride. The team is playing well and you want to be part of the party. So you don a jersey, baseball cap, or some other memorabilia so you can be part of the said party. It's the "popular" thing to do at the time and your are being "popular". As soon as the ride gets bumpy you jump off and go your separate way. Casual fans - are those that are more a fan of the sport, but a drawn slightly more to a particular style of play and/or team. You may have a favorite team in another city, but you are a fan of the game and want to support the local team as well. True fan - (may also be know as die-hard) will live and die with his particular team. Some are more fanatical than others (maybe those that refuse to watch any other team no matter what). The more devote of these can tell you who played center for the (team of choice) when the won the cup in such and such year. Some are younger and can't regurgitate that information back to the bigging of time, but can name most, if not all of the current players and could pick out a few of them outside of the arena. I personally am between the two latter categories. While I can into my Hockey maturity with the Avalanche, I started my hockey puberty with the late Nordiques and the St. Louis Blues. I followed the Nordiques as they moved into Denver and have been with them since. Last year and early this season were tough, but we are getting our rewards for sticking with the team. I am also a casual fan of the Sabres and it started before Drury's stint with them (sorry even with Drury I can't cheer for the Rangers) I am also a fan of the NHL, to a degree. I purchase Center Ice so I can watch the Avs...but since I have the package I am going to use it and I try to watch as many games during the season because I want to see what else is out there. I want to know about the teams in the East more than just those few games the Avs play against them. I want to know why I hate Jagr and Crosby, yet like Malkin and Ovechkin. But as seems to be the consensus, it doesn't really matter what kind of fan you are (though we will continue to pick on those we consider to be band-wagoners), support the sport and have fun while you can. Difference between a “band-wagon” fan, a “casual” fan, and a “true” fan in my humble opinion.

It doesn’t really matter how, why or when you become a fan of a team, but more so your devotion to the team and or sport.

Badnwagon fan – implies that you are just along for the ride. The team is playing well and you want to be part of the party. So you don a jersey, baseball cap, or some other memorabilia so you can be part of the said party. It’s the “popular” thing to do at the time and your are being “popular”. As soon as the ride gets bumpy you jump off and go your separate way.

Casual fans – are those that are more a fan of the sport, but a drawn slightly more to a particular style of play and/or team. You may have a favorite team in another city, but you are a fan of the game and want to support the local team as well.

True fan – (may also be know as die-hard) will live and die with his particular team. Some are more fanatical than others (maybe those that refuse to watch any other team no matter what). The more devote of these can tell you who played center for the (team of choice) when the won the cup in such and such year. Some are younger and can’t regurgitate that information back to the bigging of time, but can name most, if not all of the current players and could pick out a few of them outside of the arena.

I personally am between the two latter categories. While I can into my Hockey maturity with the Avalanche, I started my hockey puberty with the late Nordiques and the St. Louis Blues. I followed the Nordiques as they moved into Denver and have been with them since. Last year and early this season were tough, but we are getting our rewards for sticking with the team. I am also a casual fan of the Sabres and it started before Drury’s stint with them (sorry even with Drury I can’t cheer for the Rangers) I am also a fan of the NHL, to a degree. I purchase Center Ice so I can watch the Avs…but since I have the package I am going to use it and I try to watch as many games during the season because I want to see what else is out there. I want to know about the teams in the East more than just those few games the Avs play against them. I want to know why I hate Jagr and Crosby, yet like Malkin and Ovechkin.

But as seems to be the consensus, it doesn’t really matter what kind of fan you are (though we will continue to pick on those we consider to be band-wagoners), support the sport and have fun while you can.

]]> By: OrderedChaos http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31835 OrderedChaos Tue, 22 Apr 2008 04:42:53 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31835 Preach on, Brother Tapeleg! Though Adam makes a good point -- we should welcome new fans, but scorn those who turn their backs on their newly-adopted team when the goings get rough. Not from a TV perspective, of course; the NHL can use all the viewers they can get, fair-weather or otherwise. But from a team perspective, if one adopts a team, well then stick with 'em for a few seasons at least before allowing loyalties to falter or fade. Preach on, Brother Tapeleg! Though Adam makes a good point — we should welcome new fans, but scorn those who turn their backs on their newly-adopted team when the goings get rough. Not from a TV perspective, of course; the NHL can use all the viewers they can get, fair-weather or otherwise. But from a team perspective, if one adopts a team, well then stick with ‘em for a few seasons at least before allowing loyalties to falter or fade.

]]> By: Greg http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31820 Greg Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:00:40 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31820 Great post. Nothing more to add, as you and I have discussed this issue many a time, except to say preach it, brother. Great post. Nothing more to add, as you and I have discussed this issue many a time, except to say preach it, brother.

]]> By: adam http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31793 adam Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:19:16 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31793 I define a bandwagon fan like this... someone who never cared about the team until they were hyped up and in the hunt for the championship, then goes out and buys a jersey and acts like they're Top Fan, but then abandons them the moment they're not on top. It would be like me becoming a huge Arizona Cardinals fan after they win their 9th straight and it looks like they're finally for real (yeah, right!), after years of mocking my friends for supporting a team who's ownership spits in their face. There are CASUAL fans that pay more attention come playoff/success time. I might qualify as a casual fan of the Phoenix Suns. I am a die hard Red Wings fan because I'm from there originally and was once a casual fan - in the mid-90's, specifically that Conf Final against the Hawks, I got converted overnight. I've never had to confront a bad season, but certainly suffered through some embarrassing playoff runs. I am a casual fan of the Coyotes, because I live out here and can go to their games. But I now consider myself just a big fan of the NHL and have watched most of the playoff games, or at least good chunks of them (I do have a life!), and have gone as far as tivo'ing games that don't even feature the Wings. I'm looking forward to watching Boston attempt the improbable tonight in their Game 7, and hoping Ovechkin can finally lead his team and stay in the hunt. I don't think moving from Casual Fan to Crazy Fan is the same as bandwagon though. The worst bandwagon fans, from what I hear, are Lakers/Kings fans, and I've heard USC got their share of bandwagoneers since their reign began. Must be something about LA. When the Wings bow out, I tend to stop watching hockey. And it pisses me off. I love the sport, but my heart breaks a little bit and it's just too damned hard to watch! You probably wouldn't understand that level of devotion being an Avs fan (ha ha). I define a bandwagon fan like this… someone who never cared about the team until they were hyped up and in the hunt for the championship, then goes out and buys a jersey and acts like they’re Top Fan, but then abandons them the moment they’re not on top. It would be like me becoming a huge Arizona Cardinals fan after they win their 9th straight and it looks like they’re finally for real (yeah, right!), after years of mocking my friends for supporting a team who’s ownership spits in their face.

There are CASUAL fans that pay more attention come playoff/success time. I might qualify as a casual fan of the Phoenix Suns. I am a die hard Red Wings fan because I’m from there originally and was once a casual fan – in the mid-90’s, specifically that Conf Final against the Hawks, I got converted overnight. I’ve never had to confront a bad season, but certainly suffered through some embarrassing playoff runs. I am a casual fan of the Coyotes, because I live out here and can go to their games. But I now consider myself just a big fan of the NHL and have watched most of the playoff games, or at least good chunks of them (I do have a life!), and have gone as far as tivo’ing games that don’t even feature the Wings. I’m looking forward to watching Boston attempt the improbable tonight in their Game 7, and hoping Ovechkin can finally lead his team and stay in the hunt.

I don’t think moving from Casual Fan to Crazy Fan is the same as bandwagon though. The worst bandwagon fans, from what I hear, are Lakers/Kings fans, and I’ve heard USC got their share of bandwagoneers since their reign began. Must be something about LA.

When the Wings bow out, I tend to stop watching hockey. And it pisses me off. I love the sport, but my heart breaks a little bit and it’s just too damned hard to watch! You probably wouldn’t understand that level of devotion being an Avs fan (ha ha).

]]> By: Tapeleg http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31783 Tapeleg Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:50:25 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31783 Shane - I could say something witty, cool, and cliche, such as "you don't pick your team, your team picks you," but I'm not going to do that.... wait... J.P. - There are plenty of teams out there (min included) who need the fans. I love talking about the Avs (obviously), and can't wait to tell new fans how great they are, or the sport of hockey is. "Converted" is a great way of putting it. Shane – I could say something witty, cool, and cliche, such as “you don’t pick your team, your team picks you,” but I’m not going to do that….

wait…

J.P. – There are plenty of teams out there (min included) who need the fans. I love talking about the Avs (obviously), and can’t wait to tell new fans how great they are, or the sport of hockey is. “Converted” is a great way of putting it.

]]> By: J.P. http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31779 J.P. Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:58:13 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31779 As you may or may not have noticed, we in D.C. have had quite the influx of new/returning fans over the past month or two, but they're not bandwagoners... they're "The Converted." And they're always welcome. As you may or may not have noticed, we in D.C. have had quite the influx of new/returning fans over the past month or two, but they’re not bandwagoners… they’re “The Converted.” And they’re always welcome.

]]> By: Shane http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/comment-page-1/#comment-31777 Shane Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:48:14 +0000 http://jerseysandhockeylove.com/blog/2008/04/21/word-stricken-from-the-lexicon-bandwagon/#comment-31777 "None of us were sprung from the womb wearing a hockey jersey and singing a fight song.' Except for kids born into a Francophone family in Canada. Then, you come out with a Habs jersey whether you like it or not ;) But great post and I couldn't agree more. I got into this argument after explaining to my uncle about how I went from being a Habs fan to the Kings, then the Sharks before finally settling on the Avalanche. He told me "true fans" hate people like me. I asked him to define a "true fan" to me and he couldn't other than to pull the old "through thick and thin" reasoning. But I didn't abandon those teams b/c they were losing - the Kings made the SC finals that year - it was because those teams didn't feel right. He's a Leafs fan though so I don't pay much attention to his hockey talk ;) “None of us were sprung from the womb wearing a hockey jersey and singing a fight song.’

Except for kids born into a Francophone family in Canada. Then, you come out with a Habs jersey whether you like it or not ;)

But great post and I couldn’t agree more. I got into this argument after explaining to my uncle about how I went from being a Habs fan to the Kings, then the Sharks before finally settling on the Avalanche.

He told me “true fans” hate people like me. I asked him to define a “true fan” to me and he couldn’t other than to pull the old “through thick and thin” reasoning.

But I didn’t abandon those teams b/c they were losing – the Kings made the SC finals that year – it was because those teams didn’t feel right.

He’s a Leafs fan though so I don’t pay much attention to his hockey talk ;)

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