The Leafs suck, it's true. Yes they have come leaps and bounds from 4 years ago, at least with the face of the team. But the fact remains they still suck and have some serious work to do before they can become a legit threat in the NHL. But what the Leafs have to do to become a threat is not the reason I'm writing. I'm writing to try to show some compassion to the die-hard fans of a team that always leaves them with their head in their hands. If you're not a leaf fan there is a good chance you are a leaf hater, there seems to be no middle ground. You complain every time you see them on the early game on HNIC, and you make fun of every person who tries to defend their honor. But I ask you this..why? Why are you so hell-bent on trashing the fans of a team who needs no help being made fun of? Is it the bully syndrome? They seem like an easy target so why not?
It seems to me that the Leaf faithful are the only fans in the world of sport who are not allowed to show support for their team without having to face a barrage of insults and stats letting them know when the last time they won a cup. Trust me, the fans know how long it's been, they don't need a reminder. It seems it's almost worse when a Leaf fan tries to defend their team, or themselves. It is rebutted with nothing but monosyllabic caveman talk and insults. It also doesn't seem to matter who is on the team or what changes they make it isn't enough. (on the ice or to rival fans). One thing you rarely see is a leaf fan giving a rival fan the same kind of chops that they get in return. Of course a fan of any team in any sport is going to have beef and trash talk opposing teams, I'm not disputing that there is moronic leaf fans..there are, plenty. I'm also not implying that the leafs and their fans don't deserve a hard time now and again, that's just how it goes. I'd be a liar if I said I don't talk smack from time to time.. I just feel they are more focused on how their team is doing rather than how good or bad opposing teams are doing. Whats most surprising is how western conference fans seem to hate leaf fans more than anyone.
Hockey is a classy sport, from the office, and management all the way to the boys on the ice. Everyone who plays carries themselves with class. I'd like to see fans of all teams follow the same trend and have a healthy rivalry, but do it in a way that is based on fact not just because your following a trend. Because some how it's cool to hate the leafs and their fans as if they have done something personal to you. If you're getting annoyed and angry reading this, good. The truth hurts. I'm not saying don't hate the leafs, feel free. Just give their fan's a break. It's not their fault the team has been in shambles for almost 10 years. If anything commend them for being so faithful. They might just be the most loyal fans in the league.
So true. Remember this Canuck nation we have yet to win a cup. If you are going to trash the Buds at least wait until you have something to back up the trash talk. 40 years and no cup. This is coming from a die hard Canuck fan!
ReplyDeleteChris L.
Good article buddy.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that hockey is a classy sport... fans need to show a bit of class as well from time to time.
That being said, hockey fans are a proud bunch when it comes it their teams. In my opinion Toronto fans face a greater share of the criticism simply because in my experience... there f...ing everywhere... they out number the rest of us. As a Flames fan, I usually have no issue with Leaf fans. However, being in the western conference makes it almost necessary to dislike both the Canucks and the Oilers.
In my opinion, if your a true fan of a particular team, the only time to cheer for another Canadian team is when their players are playing for Canada in the olympics. To be quite honest, id rather the Flames lose to a U16 girls team than to the Oilers or Canucks. Go Flames!