February 20, 2007

A Matter Of Respect

I'd like to THINK that as a fan my opinions matter, though I am not delusional enough to think that they have any effect on management, the coaching staff, or the players! This does not however hinder me from having opinions, and anyone that knows me knows I do not have a problem expressing them ;)

For example, I think that the officials (in the NHL, but especially in the AHL) this year have taken a lesson from the NFL and have done an excellent job at miscalling the games! There have been several games this season where the first and second stars of the game have been given to the opposing team, and really, I swear I heard them announce "linesman #1" and "linesman #2" instead of players names!

I have many little rants and raves, but the purpose of this post is to address one in particular. Now some of you may think that I am crazy for being as upset as I am. Others may think I am just way too old school and need to enter the 21st century. Others may be handing over the cash to the winner of the "when is Becky finally going to lose it" bet ;) But hopefully a few of you out there will think I still have my wits about me and that my frustration is reasonable!

Growing up I was taught there was a specific etiquette when it comes to the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and the handling of the American Flag. When you say the pledge you face the flag and recite it with your hand on your heart (don't even get me started on the subject of people trying to remove words from it or banning it from the schools). When the anthem is played, you remove your hat, place your hand on your heart and sing along with the music. When handling the flag, you never let it touch the ground.

With that said, I am an all American girl! American history was one of my favorite classes in school. I love the 4th of July, and oh yes, there is an American flag covering the wall in my living room. Despite the fact that I am as American as they come, I want nothing more than to visit Canada, and a few places in Europe. I have respect for other countries and their traditions and enjoy learning about those as well. Here is where my rant comes into play!

In hockey, prior to the start of any game, the national anthem is played. If a Canadian team is playing, they will play the Canadian anthem as well. I believe it was last year... I am going to assume that I have my facts straight.... the game was the Bruins vs. Canadiens in Montreal. When the Star Spangled Banner was played, it was booed by fans in attendance. A few weeks later, the Canadiens came to town and when they played O Canada, the entire Fleet Center (that was the name at the time) erupted in cheers. I cannot begin to express the pride I felt at that moment. When the anthems are played, the players in the starting line up assemble on the ice, remove their helmets and stand in a line demonstrating respect. However, in Boston, it has come to my attention that there is a certain player that feels the need to skate away before the anthem is over. Maybe it should not bother me as much as it does, but to be perfectly blunt, I feel infuriated, disrespected and disgusted every time I see this happen! While this particular player is not American, other non-American players do not feel the need to skate away. People have tried to justify his behavior. Maybe he has ADD or ADHD. Maybe he hates Rene Rancourt. Maybe he is so psyched for the game to get started that he does not realize he is doing it. No matter what the reason, February 13th was my very last straw. I mean seriously, you are playing for a team that calls Boston, Massachusetts in the United States of America home. The team that is paying you is paying you in American dollars. The fans that are cheering for you at the T.D. Banknorth Garden and at home in their respective living rooms (aside from the few that are watching you via Center Ice) are residing in America. So how about you show America a little bit of respect. I am not asking you to put your hand on your heart and sing my anthem. I am not asking that of ANY of the players. All I am asking is that you show me and my fellow Americans enough respect to stand on that line for those extra 15 seconds.

Now I need to mention that all you Bruins fans out there should be thankful for Heather. I became so heated that I may have demanded that Boston trade this player immediately! I know, I know...it has nothing to do with his talent, but still THAT is how angry I am, and I NEVER get angry! Heather however has tried to calm me down and convince me he is one of Boston's better "centers" and a trade for such a reason would not be in our best interest as a whole. So I have a compromise. I don't have to like the fact that "you" are still on my team, but I will respect "you" enough not to boo every time "you" step on the ice. In return how about "you" respect me enough to stand on that line until my national anthem is through being performed! I think that is a fair enough trade. If you need a demonstration of what it is like to show respect during the anthem, feel free to take a trip to Providence, Rhode Island. There is an AHL team that plays there call the Providence Bruins. Every night, those guys line up on that line. Whether from America or not, they stand there, helmets off, until the very end of the song. They do not place their hands on their hearts. They do not sing along with the anthem (at least from what I can tell from where I sit, but if anyone has ever seen it happen, please share because that player will shoot to the top of my most respected list!). But do you know what they do do? They show respect. But seriously sir, if Providence is too far of a ride, please feel free to check in with Mark Stuart. I believe he is enjoying a much deserved stay in Boston right now! He is the PERFECT example! One evening in the stands, as I looked out on to the ice, I saw Mark with his hand on his heart. It looked like he was mouthing the words to the anthem, though I could not tell for sure, but there is one thing I am sure of. Mark Stuart is one classy guy!

So like I said, respect me and I will respect "you"! I ask nothing of "you" but to keep "your" feet on the line until the anthem is complete. I have asked once before that "you" stop skating away and you obviously did not take me seriously. Maybe this time I will try to be a little more direct. "Player", please do not skate away before the anthem has been performed to its entirety. Up until I realized that this has become a repetitive action, "you" were one of the few players I supported wholeheartedly and defended. "You" sir, are currently "on notice". Please address this issue promptly as I would hate to continue to harbor growing disdain for "you" during your stay with the Boston Bruins!

Letters of love, lust, or disagreement can be sent to rlord (at) soveryobsessed.com

by Rebecca | 2:50 PM | 4
filed under: 06-07 season