A View From A Broad

A Response to Camille

2011-06-20T08:03:00.001-04:00

Addition: Camille edited her post from early today or last night. It must have been edited at some point during the day. I wrote this around 5 am in the morning, Vancouver time, when she still had her original post up. I guess Camille realized how condescending and know-it-all'ish her post came out and decided to delete more than half of it. What you see presently is where she should have ended her original post, but let it be known she deleted what angered many of us in the first place.

Dear Camille:

I just finished reading your apology blog and I have a few things to say in response of your actions during the riots the night of the Game 7 Stanley Cup final. I'm not sure how I was originally going to respond at first, I left a comment on your blog, but I am not sure if it was going to be published. So I decided to blog a response to your 'apology'.

First off, what were you thinking? I understand that you're young, a university student who was looking for some kicks. As a former university student, I remember getting my 'kicks' and 'fun' from seeing if we can get the new students to buy us pitchers of beer at the campus pub, or putting a body of a Volkswagen Beetle on a building roof.

Yes, we're all human and make mistakes, and you somehow got 'caught up in the moment' of it all and decided to loot Black and Lee for some apparel. I also get that you're a young girl who was going with the flow, but if someone told you to jump onto incoming traffic, would you? Even if you were drunk? I'm guessing you would not, but if the mob was doing it, you just might? Is that what you're saying? If that's the case, what a weak-minded individual you've turned out to be. Such a shame, really.

I get all about being in the moment of things, you see, I was there in 1994 when the Canucks yet again lost a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup as a 19 year old girl. I walked the streets of downtown Vancouver, seeing people enjoy the weather, their fellows fans and the accomplishment of their team. The biggest difference between you and I was, when it got crazy downtown and the riots started, I found the quickest way out and just like you I was very intoxicated. Perhaps I was just more mature at 19 than you are at your current age or managed my liquor more, but who knows. All I know is I didn't do what you did.

My hats go off the those that tried to prevent it, to stop it, to try to make it better that night. You, on the other hand, are now whining about your consequences. You should have thought of that before you decided to partake in all the chaos.

I guess it's up to the rest of the wonderful people to clean up after you idiots, and then pay extra in taxes due to your one incident of 'fun'. Wow, thanks. I appreciate myself and other citizens of the Lower Mainland to foot your bill of a night of 'fun'.

Your attempted apology is rather pathetic, and pretty much makes you come off as a whiner. No, dear, you're not the centre of my world, and please stop making yourself more important than you really are. I would like to know if you're going to pay for the damages you did to Black and Lee, and repay them for whatever piece of merchandise you stole? Regardless if you broke the glass to get in the store, the second your decided to partake in looting, you became like anyone who decided to participate, an embarrassment and criminal.

I was mad at the game as well. I even paid good money to be a fan in the arena that night, so yes, I was downtown. But unlike you, I:

1) took my frustrations out on a few drinks
2) didn't watch sports channels for two days
3) didn't pick up after myself around my home moping about the loss
4) didn't partake in a riot that defaced our city, hurt a good number of people and stole from local businesses.

I am not perfect, in fact, I am far from it. I also had a run-in with the law in my day, and I paid my debt to society, but I didn't go blaming external influences. I took it like woman and did my sentence. Also, unlike you, the run-in I had with the law, was to protect my family to the best of my abilities, not to steal a pair of pants from a store that was vandalized and looted.

You're not a hero, you're not a martyr, you're just a selfish girl, who thought it would be 'fun' to loot a store during a chaotic night in her city. You're human, I get it, but you're wrong, so deal with the backlash. It's because of people like you, that all of us Lower Mainlanders are defending our reputations world wide and hoping that we're not painted with the same wide brush along with those of you that participated in such display of idiocy in front of the whole world.

Next time you want to participate in a riot, think twice before you write an apology, because if you were sincerely apologetic, you would do more to rectify the situation than write an online letter to the public and then telling them to 'leave you alone'. If you want sympathy, show some empathy.

Justine Galo

Saturday Night Hockey:Something to be Shared by all

2011-01-06T18:25:00.000-05:00

Saturday tradition at my house usually involves a hockey game or two, either on the tube or in person at the arena. For us Canadians, it's almost religion. Saturday night and hockey go together like pork chops and apple sauce. I was on twitter earlier this morning (I'm on twitter almost every morning) and I came across a tweet about taking Saturday Night hockey rights from CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation). I am not sure if I should put up who put out that tweet, because perhaps I misunderstood. After all there is only so much you can say with 140 characters.

This all started with the fantastic job HBO did with the 24/7 special featuring the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals leading up to the Winter Classic. The special was outstanding and showed a humanistic side to the business and operations of people involved with the two NHL franchises. Unfortunately, a very popular tweeter and blogger, based in Washington, DC, found it important to say that HBO should have a weekly NHL game on their network and that CBC should be reliquished of their broadcasting of NHL hockey on Saturday nights. Here's the quote:

"The next @NHL TV contract should include an @HBO NHL Game of the week. W/ players and refs mic'd. Take Saturday night hockey way from CBC!"

I simply replied that Saturday night hockey shouldn't be taken away from CBC, but it can certainly be shared. After all, as far I as know, only Buffalo and Detroit are the two hockey markets that get that televised on CBC in their markets. It's not like CBC is taking away the television viewing rights of NHL fans in the United States. For those CBC games that feature American-based NHL teams, there is a listed US broadcaster of the game. That's listed on the NHL.com site.

That brings me to why would this tweeter/blogger feels that CBC isn't deserving of keeping Hockey Night in Canada? Isn't Hockey Night in Canada the original and longest lasting hockey broadcast on TV today? In fact, it's been since the radio days that CBC has hosted that show. So why would they have to have it taken away? The show's viewership is loyal, committed, and passionate about HNIC, the NHL and of course the sport itself.

Also, it's highly unlikely the NHL would 'shun' CBC from their broadcasting rights since the network does pay the league an ample amount of money to have exclusive rights on Saturdays for games involving the Canadian based teams. I highly doubt that Mr. Bettman, as stubborn as he appears to be, would relinquish $100 million dollars of TV revenue money from one network to appease a 'maybe' south of the border. It doesn't make sense.

I am all for different broadcasters and networks having national broadcasts of NHL games, but to say that CBC should lose the rights to broadcast the NHL on a non-cable network because a cable network did a fantastic job on small special is not only ludicrous, it's bad business.

This has been A View From A Broad

Justine Galo

Hollywood Hockey: Who Are These F******* Guys?

2010-11-23T18:31:00.004-05:00

Remember the movie "Major League"? Remember when a die-hard Indians fan looked down the list and said, "Who are these f***ing guys!?" He was saying them because he has never heard of members of the team that were listed. The fictional group that made up MLB's Cleaveland Indians were a team struggling to get some attention and some wins in their own hometown. Like the Indians, the Los Angeles Kings struggle to get attention in the City of Angeles, or anywhere in the league for that matter. Unlike their movie counterparts, the Los Angeles Kings aren't struggling to win. Where did they come from? Who are they? Are they for real?

Stud Defence
Like any team with a shot at the playoffs, you must have a stud or two on your blue line. The Los Angeles Kings already had two young one in Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty. Johnson had an incredible junior career and really starting to develop into a fine defensive player. In fact, he is at the top of the depth chart out of all the Kings' US born defensemen. He has won World Jr Gold, and won Olympic silver and now getting his NHL career on track.

Drew Doughty, A Natural

Drew Doughty is a young defenseman from the OHL's Guelph Storm. He is a 20 year old defenceman who plays like 10 year veteran with patience, and proper positioning. He won Olympic gold with Team Canada in Vancouver and was Canada's best blueliner in the tournament. To compliment the two young studs comes to them via free agency, Willie Mitchell. Mitchell brings leadership, and a steady (and long) stick to the fold. Although he is on the LTIR right now, he will be a welcomed addition after he heals his wrist.

Drafting Wisely
From 2003 and on the LA Kings management and scouting team have been doing their homework and drafting such guys as Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Bernier and Brayden Schenn to name a few. A good consistent amount of blue chip players already in the lineup or on the brink of making it.

Drafting Anze Kopitar was the best thing to happen to LA in 2005

Veteran Leadership
With additions like Willie Mitchell, Ryan Smyth and Michael Handzus now present, the young guns have guys to look up and to help them hone their skills.

Captain Canada makes LA his home

Despite all this, a lot of people who are just casual hockey fans only get to hear of the Ovechkins, the Crosbys, the turmoil of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I believe it's because they play in a hockey market trying to get back their fans; they play in the Western Conference which doesn't get a lot of coverage from the rest of the heavily eastern based hockey media; they are a team trying to forge a new identity post-Gretzky and doing it, for the most part within their system. Impressive for a bunch that don't get much press outside of the traditional hockey world or much press in their own neck of the woods.

The LA Kings no longer have the fan fare of Wayne Gretzky and the scarily accurate trigger of Lucky Luc, but once again, the Kings have managed to win a game here and there and lead the Pacific Division and are just two points behind for the Western Conference lead.

So who are these f******* guys? They are the Los Angeles Kings, and they're winning.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

Sundays are for the Church of the Grid-Iron

2010-11-15T04:26:00.002-05:00

It's late, I mean really late. Late enough that the sun is about to come up in a few hours, but I can't sleep and have sports on my mind. Something has been bugging me as a North American Football fan and I think I am going to have to voice it out or else it's going to bug me for the rest of the CFL and NFL seasons.

So readers, I unload on you...

Hockey Fans Who Only Love Hockey

I get it, you don't follow other sports unless it's played on an ice surface. I'm a big curling fan myself. I completely understand. However, I do get a laugh at some of you when you put down football, because either:

you don't understand it
you have a personal vendetta with football
you only like ice

Now I am a person who will give every sport a chance. I am not a big MMA fan but I gave it a chance for a few years, and I'm sorry MMA people, I can't get into it but I get it the passion for the sport. So I won't mock it or belittle it in any way. What I am asking as a football fan, but more as a true sports fan is you hockey fans to give it a chance and some understanding, like my friend Karla.

You see, around summer time last year, my good friend, Karla went to her first football game. She went to watch the BC Lions take on the Calgary Stampeders. She knew nothing of how the sport was played and was an avid hockey (Canucks) fan. She didn't even really like the first game we went to together, but she embraced the experience nonetheless.

In fact, due to our mutual friend John being a big Cowboys and Lions fan, Karla started to get more into the game. She started to diligently watch more NFL on Sundays and catch a Lions game live here and there as well as catching it on TV. Now as she enters her second year of being a football fan, Karla was asking if I wanted to join her at a game at Empire Field or head down to Seattle to watch some NFL. She gave it a real chance, and now enjoys a good Sunday on the couch watching a march down the field or two.

The Canucks are still #1 on her sports priority list, but she wasn't so close-minded about football and found out she actually liked it. Maybe, just maybe some of you hockey fans can learn to at least appreciate it.

Karla, on the left and I, at her first CFL game back in July '09

Football Fans of a Different Kind

I think it's great that we can call this sport North American football, I think it's a fantastic alternative to watching guys run up and down a field for 90 minutes and scoring one or two goals. In fact, I love it more than the other game with the same name. Unfortunately, world wide, this game has its haters.

As a North American football fan, I had to deal with a lot of 'pot shots' to the game I love from lovers of soccer that aren't native to North America. They feel that our version of football is a 'poor man's' rugby and that if they were 'real' athletes, they'd play it without pads. Fine, we're all entitled to our opinions but the sources usually won't even give the 'poor man's' rugby a chance because of their prejudice towards the sport. Some even went as far as calling the players 'wimps and bitches' because of all the padding they were wearing.

I found a lot of foreign opinions a bit snotty about the whole concept of football and I'm not exactly sure why, but it has the highest selling sports video game franchise in the world (Madden) and over 1 Billion people tune in each and every year the Superbowl is on TV. So what gives? When does this game get global respect from 'football' fans of the other kind?

You see, I am a huge hockey fan, but I love and appreciate other sports. In fact, I dare say I am a pretty complete sports fan. But don't go dissing a sport you don't understand without giving it a legitimate shot of appreciation. Find out why we football fans love it so much, and see if you can get into it too. Sports at times are already snubbed by other groups. Why do it to each other?

I found this year that I liked curling, and even went out to try it. It just taught me that if you don't know it, don't dis it because it just might be something you could like, or at the very least appreciate down the road.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

Loyalty Goes a Long Way

2010-10-21T15:44:00.001-04:00

So I am not having the best of sports seasons this fall, in fact, I believe at times it's been down right ugly. The thing is, I have had friends and colleagues tell me that it's time for me to switch teams. Cheer for someone better, cheer for a winner! I've been a fan of these teams and I'll be honest it's hard for me to jump ship and change allegiance. After all, cheering for a winning team seems to be all the rage these days? Not to me. True blue... thick and thin...for better for worse..I'm a sucker...etc etc.

The New York Yankees

Yankees getting into it against the Braves

Now here is a team that isn't always one people in the world necessarily like, but you got to love the fact they are willing to do what it takes to win. If it means 'buying' championships, so be it. There is nothing in the MLB rules to say any different, and the Yankees will use those guidelines to build a team to their liking. I won't forget guys like Billy Martin who were at the very least 'entertaining' to watch on the sidelines. Guys like Reggie Jackson and Don Mattingly got me into baseball in the first place. It was so great to see veteran Hedeki Matsui be the first Japanese born player to win the World Series MVP. Despite all the haters out there, they are still my team, and I will wear Yankee blue with pride. They are on the brink of elimination at the hands of the Texas Rangers, but I still have faith.

The Denver Broncos

Broncos Head Coach, Josh McDaniels

Oh it's been a long time since the Broncos seen post season play. Long gone are John Elway, Ed McCaffrey, Steve Atwater, Karl Mecklenburg, Terrell Davis etc. etc etc. the list goes on. Now there is Kyle Orton and a non-existent running game. Still, I can't help but cheer for them. Despite a losing record and a coach that is only perhaps a few years older than his players, I still keep the Broncos as my team. Ah there is always next year.

"Hair Canada" Steve Nash going up-court

The Phoenix Suns

After basketball was abruptly taken away from Vancouver and Seattle, my team became the Suns. But before I get on that case, let me tell you all I am first and foremost a Sonics fan. The reason I cease in cheering for that franchise is because I refuse to cheer for a team in Oklahoma City that had no business being taken away in the manner that it was. Now back to the Suns. How can you not love a team that has an amazing Canadian player on it and of course once employed a coach named "Cotton".

The BC Lions

Wally Buono letting Paris Jackson know he's not happy

Now if there was ever a team to test your loyalty, this one would be it. Wally Buono and his merry men have been nothing short of a roller coaster ride over the last few seasons. First we get rid of Casey Printers, and then we bring him back and we waive the guy? We've had capable QBs with a fine receiving core but nothing ever seems to work! Someone is always injured or someone special (ahem Cam Wake) went to the NFL! Despite it all I will never forget winning Grey Cup at home in 1994 and being on the field as a part of it. Not to mention the "Snow Bowl" against Doug Flutie and the Stampeders. I'll see ya back at BC Place and will be cheering you on next season. "Roar oh Lions roar!"

The Vancouver Canucks
Did you actually think I would let these guys slide? Did you actually think after investing 30 years of my heart, my guts, my anguish, my joy and my pain I would forget the team that jerks my emotions the most? I remember 1982 but I was seven years old and I was just getting to know the team and the sport of hockey. Still it was amazing to see our team in the finals. They did it with a bunch of "no names" and no real 'talents' and then got swept by the then amazing New York Islanders. Did you expect any less? Mike Bossy, enough said.

Captain Henrik, can he lead us fans to a championship?

After many years in between of mediocrity and bad drafting, 1994 came and saw Cinderella go to the ball but was one goal away from a glass slipper. Thanks Trevor, you've solidified your place in Canucks history, and you too Nathan Lafayette..*cough* GOAT BOY *cough*. I will never forget that run for as long as I live. I think it was then and there I learned what being a true fan was all about. I learned that this team really captivated me and pretty well owned my loyalty. Now I am just yours, for better for worse.

Now we got the talent, but can we get the cup? Answer me that Canucks! So I'll fasten my seat belt and will enjoy the ride.

The Gist of it All

A picture taken and given to me about being a true blue sucker, er I mean fan.

Although at times our teams let us down, frustrate us or even down right piss us off, remember why we chose them as our teams. It's like getting into a marriage and not knowing what you were really in for (unfortunately happens more often than not). Before you decide "This is my team!" know why, be loyal and read the fine print.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

The NHL Great Arena Tour

2010-09-27T15:18:00.000-04:00

During the hockey season, each and every year I do a couple of things. One: I follow my Vancouver Canucks on their Eastern Canadian Road swing (Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto). Second, I make a trip to an arena I have yet to visit. Each building has their own character traits (or lack of) and their own unique charm. Now that I am nearing the end of my full tour of NHL arenas, I can honestly say I can give some feedback of what I think of the arenas around the league.

THOSE STILL TO CONQUER

I have yet to be in Atlanta to watch a game at the Phillips Arena, and if things work out accordingly, I could see my Canucks there on March 25th. Coincidentally, it is my boyfriend's birthday. Let's not forget to mention that he's a big Canucks fan. Wouldn't that be a great birthday gift? At least I know we can get tickets.

Although we had a trip planned for Phoenix last season, due to an medical emergency, we had to postpone it. I guess I will have to see Jovo-Cop at some point this season in the hot Arizona sun. With all the controversy in Phoenix in regards to the Coyotes, I could very well be watching those boys back in Winnipeg at the MTS.

Although I've watched games in Pittsburgh and New Jersey, with their new arenas erected, I think it's time to pay them a revisit. I will be in Pittsburgh this year to watch the Canucks take on Sid and the Pens. It should be exciting and I am looking forward to their new modern arena. However, I did love The Igloo for it's old school charm.

THE BAD AND THE UGLY

So not all NHL arenas are built equal. In fact, there are some that shouldn't be NHL worthy any longer. In Uniondale, NY stands the old Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. It's outdated, it's the smallest of all arenas around the league, and instead of knocking it down and building something new. The community of Long Island has to deal with another redevelopment of this old building. It's no longer nicknamed, "Fort Neverlose" but rather "Fort NeedANew".

Calgary's Pengrowth Saddledome is not the worst arena I've watched the game, but definitely not the best. You have to be in the lower bowl to get some good views. Once you hit the upper decks, unlike its more modern counterparts, it's very hard to see and in some areas, missing parts of the ice and not being able to see the play.

NOW THAT'S A HOCKEY ARENA

Hands down (or until I head to Pittsburgh, maybe) the best arena to watch hockey is the Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota. The minute you hit that concourse, you see ice. You know you're going to go there and watch one thing and one thing only, hockey. It's great that the patrons of the arena are knowledgeable fans and love their hockey. I felt like I was in the depths of the Canadian Prairies watching a WHL game with the way the fans conducted themselves. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do an arena pilgrimage. It's worth fighting the -30 Celsius cold.

GOOD VIBES

There is no doubt in my mind that one of my favourite places to watch hockey is in Detroit at Joe Louis Arena, home of the Redwings. What a fantastic atmosphere and great fans from both sides of the border. It's to be said, that Wings fans are probably the most passionate about their team throughout the continent. I'm sure they are, I've been, I've seen, I've experienced. Le Centre Bell can be deafening whether their Habs are winning or losing. It's also been a great enjoyment of mine to 'debate' with the Quebecois in French, an experience I don't get anywhere else (well maybe Tampa Bay).

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Although the name has changed, the Garage (Rogers Arena, formerly known as GM Place) is like a pair of old jeans you just feel 'right' . It's like having grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup on a cold and wet night. To me, it's comfort. I love knowing where section this or that is located and what your vantage point would be in those particular seats. I love knowing that Gate 2 is my entrance to my seasons tickets. I know that Gate 16 is the way to the media level via the elevator and that as I get off the Skytrain, there is the hustle and bustle of tickets being bought and sold all around me. I love seeing the TEAM 1040 vehicles out on the plaza pre-game and that there officially three hot dog vendors on that side of the arena. This is my arena and although I visit them all, the feeling I get in Vancouver is that of no other: Home.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

Sports and Miss Prissy

2010-09-16T15:33:00.000-04:00

I was asked by a female friend of mine why I was so much into sports but love fashion, especially shoes, all at the same time? I said, "Why not?" Why can't someone who doesn't look like she lives in football, hockey, basketball jerseys etc etc, and hasn't seen a hairbrush since 1989 not like sports? She said, well it's mostly the ugly girls that like sports or those that just don't have any sort of feminine traits. Really?

I was quite offended that she thought all female sports fans were, for lack of a better term, 'butch'. I looked at myself in the mirror. I am well dressed, I am properly accessorized and I am 'made up' (not like a clown) accordingly but I will get into my sports like someone, maybe say, "The Schwab", just a lot more girly. I was the great debate settler amongst my male friends, pre-internet days. I settled debates of who hit what and who scored what from a certain game or a certain sports era. Even with the internet at their disposal in the palm of their hands, some of my guy friends still ask me to settle a sports debate.

So continuing my conversation with my girlfriend who thought all female sports fans all looked like Rosanne Barr during her tenure on prime time television, I had to defend myself and my sisterhood of female sports fans. She actually believed we were all beer guzzling (okay so maybe that part is true), plaid wearing, no combing, socially inept tailgaters! I tailgate, but hardly fit her description of what of a female sports fan entailed.

Let's look at some celebrity female fans. Alyssa Milano, for instance. Beautiful, funny, knows her hockey and her baseball down to the little last shot on goal and runs batted in. How about Julia Roberts and her huge love for the game of basketball? Could her love for the three pointers sway my friend's opinion?
Of course I got the argument, "Well, they are celebrities." I guess only celebrity female sports fans can be hot.

So I decided to have her look at some of my lady sports friends in my Twitter world. She was surprised that so many attractive ladies could be such big sports fans. One of her personal favourites, and mine, @canucksgirl44. She said, "Wow, she's not only good looking, but she seems witty. I just can't believe how much she loves the Canucks." Bingo. I proceeded to show others like her, and finally my friend might have finally clued in.

You see my non-sports loving friend, we're not all lumberjacking, beer swilling, crude she-men! In fact, there are many of us out in the universe that love sports, are presentable and attractive, and shop at Holt Renfrew with the best of them.

Well now that that's settle, I'm going to take care of my Christian Louboutin's that have been collecting dust in my closet and give them a little exercise before the Yankees game comes on.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not to distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine.galo@gmail.com

Irreplaceable- Thank you, Tom Larscheid

2010-08-06T16:55:00.000-04:00

The TEAM 1040 announced this week that Tom Larscheid, long time Canucks colour man, will be replaced by Dave Tomlinson after the home opener against the Los Angeles Kings. Tom Larscheid has been part of that broadcast for 33 years of the Canucks 40 year history. He himself is an institution within Canucks hockey.

I know it's been a few days since the announcement of Tom Larscheid calling it a career. In fact, it took until now for me to finally feel it sink in. I'm very sad about all this, probably because a good chunk of my childhood, and many of the other Lower Mainlanders' childhoods were entwined in the radio broadcast of the Vancouver Canucks.

As Larscheid has said he felt he has worked with three of the best play by play men in the business: first with the legendary, Jim Robson; the current NHL broadcasting king-pin, Jim Hughson; and of course with the current Canucks play by play announcer, John Shorthouse. Tom had been there.

One night after a Canucks game, my boyfriend, Chris and I, had the pleasure of sharing an elevator ride down with Shorty and Tommy at, known then as, GM Place. It was after a game the Canucks should have won, but didn't. We said to Shorty and Tommy, "It was a hard game to watch." They in turn chimed, "It was a hard game to call." and then we all chuckled a little before parting ways.

Tommy looked as disappointed as any fan would have been to see his or her team lose. In fact, I don't think there was a colour man in the league that was in love with his team as much as Tommy. This is the precise reason why he was always so entertaining and so memorable over the years.

Some of his calls have been so memorable (good or bad), we gave them a name.

We called them "Larscheid-isms".

We all have our favourites, but I'll have to say mine was when Roberto Luongo made this incredible save and Tommy said:

"That was highway robbery, somebody call the law!"

When I was old enough to 'critique' the broadcast team, I remember saying that Jim Robson painted the perfect picture and Tom Larscheid gave it the perfect frame. He never attempted to steal the spot light from whomever he worked with in the broadcast booth. For him it was easy to have two or a really big one set on both guys.

Tommy had a way with words. He was like a walking, talking thesaurus who had some comedic timing to boot. No matter what he said, he was always entertaining. For me, listening to him was Canucks hockey. I am not sure how I am going to do without it. All I know is I am going to have to live without it and adapt.

Thank you Tommy for all your years of hard work, dedication, love and passion for your craft. You're one of a kind and to this fan, you'll be dearly missed.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective. *wiping my tears away*

Justine Galo

An Open Letter to Flames Fans

2010-04-07T11:05:00.010-04:00

Dear Flames Fans:

I know it's a difficult morning for you. I know it's hard to fathom that your beloved team has missed the playoffs. It sucks doesn't it? I distinctly remember the feeling when the Canucks missed the a few years back and we missed it not by having less wins (we actually had more) but by virtue of the loser point (that's another story). Not to the Flames, just for the final playoff spot. I remember the open ridicule you, as Flames fans, unashamedly, decided to point out to us, Canucks fans. You, as fans, however this season, do not have the loser point excuse are your reason for missing the playoffs. Your team, simply put...failed.

Over the course of this season, I was told by a very ardent Flames fans that the Canucks were (and I quote), "...Shit and will be missing the cut." Yes, the NW Champs, that being the Vancouver Canucks...suck. As your Captain, Jarome Iginla, will be teeing off at Kananaskis next week, our captain will be looking to put on his playoff game-face. I remember being online in a Yahoo hockey chat room and a smug Calgarian told me after only 20 games in, the Canucks were done and will be missing the post-season. I hope crow tastes good. MMmmm Mmmm.

Yes, I am sure now, you fans are blaming us for your misfortunes, and frankly, yes, you're right. If our Canucks won, your team could still possibly be vying for that very last playoff spot in the Western Conference. But ask yourselves...is it really the Canucks' fault your team just couldn't get it together all year long? Is it our Canucks' fault that your GM, Darryl "God" Sutter, traded away a blue chip blue liner to the Maple Leafs and in return, took their trash? I think Brian Burke knew exactly what he was doing, and "Milbury'ed" Sutter. So how are we to blame for those misfortunes?

I know how much you loathe us Canucks fans, and trust me the feeling is mutual. I find it funny how no matter how much better our team is than yours this year, you still cannot give credit where credit is due. The Canucks clinched with four games left in the regular season. Last year, the Flames lost a 16 point lead down the stretch to lose the division title to the Canucks in the last two games of the year. Our first line is top three in goal production this season in the league. How does your first line match up?

Our best player this year happens to be a guy you Flames fan affectionately call a "sister". Yet he's leading in the points race (for now), and has a chance at being the MVP of the league. Not bad for a 'sister'. Heck, he's not even our leading goal scorer! In fact our leading goal scorer is some walk-on, un-drafted nobody with 35 goals. Yes, our team is crap and we should have nothing in the hockey universe for us Canucks fans in which we should be proud.

The fact is, we are proud. We are proud that our management and ownership have a plan to build a good culture of winning from within. Bringing up our youth from the farm and hoping they pan out with the vets on the big club. We managed to solidify a pair of consistent point per game players for the next six years, the number one goalie for twelve years, and Ryan Kesler, a born leader for another six. Let's not forget that workhorse, never say 'quit' attitude of our leading goal scorer, Alex Burrows.

I'm proud, as my many fellow Canucks fans are proud of the six players we have that have scored 20 or more goals, and our two (almost three) scorers that managed to get 30 or more. Roberto Luongo (as much as you all mock him) is going for win #40 this year as well to go along with his gold medal. I'm sure it looks nice beside Mikka's bronze.

Do we have more to prove? Absolutely. I'd love to get further in the playoffs and vie as a contender for the Stanley Cup. It has eluded us twice up close and from a far in our 40 year history in the NHL. It doesn't mean I should be ashamed of being a Canucks fan. It doesn't mean our team is "shit". It simply means we have yet another chance to go for it and maybe, just maybe the Hockey Gods are smiling down on Vancouver. Remember that when you see Mikka and company tee off next week down in Hilton Head, South Carolina for that early "team retreat".

Good luck next season.

Until then,

Justine Galo

"This has been a A View from A Broad...a not too distant perspective."

Rick Reilly Riling up The Broad

2010-02-18T11:18:00.015-05:00

So I just finished reading a column that ESPN's Rick Reilly wrote about Vancouver and the Winter Games in my fair city, my fellow Canadians and in general our 'eccentricities'. Was Mr. Reilly trying to be humourous? Or was he merely putting a twist of his disdain towards us northern neigbours? I am not quite sure, but I am leaning towards the latter.

So point and counter point is the only way I can approach this rebuttal to Mr. Reilly's refusal to say anything 'nice' and especially knowledgeable about Canadians and particularly, Vancouverites. (Seems like I am defending Vancouver from an awful lot these days from ignorant reporters.)

For those of you that have not read Mr. Reilly's Column, here it is. Now my fellow Canadians, don't throw your monitors or laptops across the room, it's really not worth it. It's just another ignorant American rant from a once great writer who has passed his prime.

Reilly first pointed out how much it has rained here in Vancouver and that athletes were pruning at the fingers. Yes, Mr. Reilly, it does rain Vancouver. We're in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, like Seattle, it rains. What a concept, eh?

So Reilly tells his fellow Americans here are ways to be nice to Canadians.

He talks about it being 17 years that a Canadian-based NHL team hasn't won a Stanley Cup. Yes, it's true. In 1993 The Montreal Canadiens were the last Canadian based team to win the Stanley Cup. He then takes an unnecessary shot speculating if there were any Canadian teams left. Classy. Please don't forget that league that is predominantly in the United States is predominantly Canadian with over 65% of the players being Canadian.
He later brings up we haven't won a hockey gold medal in the Olympics since 1952. Really? Is your memory so far gone you just wish to erase the 2002 Olympic Gold Medal game in which Canada defeated the USA 5-2 in Provo, Utah? Or was that just a dream? Check your facts, sir.
Yes we recycle and try to be a greener country with cities like Vancouver leading the charge. Why? Because we're not wasteful individuals who want to keep our beautiful city, beautiful for many years to come.
Speaking "Canadian"? English or French, choose one.
Vancouver has a nickname, "Van City" much as Chicago is "Chi-town" or Los Angeles is "LA" or New York is "The Big Apple". Kettle met pot yet?
Yes the RCMP is an acronym for Royal Canadian Mounted Police, your point? American acronyms for law enforcement don't happen? What about the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or as the vast majority of the United States Citizens say "FBI" and at times "The Bureau".
"O Canada" is our national anthem, so what? You have yours and we have ours. I rather like both. Get over it.
You just commented about the 'endless' rain in Vancouver, why the hell would we need to plug in our engine block? If I were you, Mr. Reilly, I'd ask your compatriots on the eastern seaboard of your fine country how they feel about plugging in their engine block with their severe snow storms they have had.
Tim Horton's is our Dunkin' Donuts, but better. Enough said.
Yes we have 'funny and unique' sayings but don't all regions of the world? At least I can proudly say my country didn't invent "ebonics".
Our health care as is the one of Great Britain, one of envy. So is our mandatory one year maternity leave for mothers to raise their infant child before having to go back to work, PAID!

So before Mr. Reilly decides to write yet another bullshit column about what Canada and Vancouver, and Canadians are like, I just want to say to Mr. Reilly that if you're going to write such an article, you better be ready for the backlash.

I have lived on both sides of the border for decent amounts of time. I will not deny my love for Canada, for it is the nation that provides me with the life I live. I don't find it necessary to have to tear down the United States because I happen to like the US. But I reiterate, I love Canada.

In closing, Mr. Reilly, in my most polite Canadian way, I am telling you in the words many of your countrymen have said in the past, "Love it or leave it!" No one is asking you to stay.

On a sunny Vancouver morning, this has been A View From A Broad.

Justine Galo
justine.galo@gmail.com

Passion of the Canucks Fan

2010-01-27T13:36:00.003-05:00

I have been a Canucks fan for about 30 years of my life, not once have I ever apologized for it, nor will I ever. Yet, Mr. Dan Tencer of Edmonton's 630 CHED blog, yes that is correct, an accredited member of the media, decided to attack Vancouver, the Canucks, and their fan base. He had the audacity to question my basis of being a Canucks fan? Why because we have yet to win Lord Stanley? So do the Buffalo Sabres get that same courtesy? From what I am reading, no, Buffalo get a get out of jail free card.

Sure, I rip on other teams fans, on my Facebook, amongst my friends, on my twitter account, and of course at hockey games. I am not a member of the mainstream media, I'm just a self professed Canucks fan blogger. Mr. Tencer took it upon himself, as an accredited member of the press, to talk trash not only the Canucks, but their fans in his blog. Classy.

Is it so wrong to be passionate about the present and future we have Canucks fans, as my friend Richard Loat of Canucks Blog, has stated? Let's not forget to mention my friend, Brian's response on the front page of Canucks Corner, to your so called 'journalistic' approach about us as fans, and the Canucks as an organization.

I do not know anything about the Edmonton Oilers presently except the product on the ice makes me want to drive my face to my palms, if I were a fan. I feel sorry for the Edmonton fans. In fact, I feel their pain. I know, the Canucks have been there, but yet, as a fan, I stuck by those mediocre Canucks. Isn't that was a sports fan supposed to do? Stick by his/her team? Would you like it if everyone at Rexall decided to jump ship and become Flames fans? What would you say about that?

You are right, Mr. Tencer, as a franchise, we have yet to win Lord Stanley. In fact, in our two appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, our team has failed. So does that give you the right to say we're not allowed to be proud of our team presently? Because we haven't won a championship? Does that mean we haven't accomplished anything? I guess so.

So presently, as a Canucks fan, I should shut my trap because:

Henrik Sedin is only the NHL's points leader, ahead of Ovechkin, by six points?
In the last seven games, Alex Burrows has scored as many goals as the mighty 1989 (yet they act like there were more) Stanley Cup Champion, Calgary Flames?
Speaking of Burrows, both him and defenceman, Christian Ehrhoff are second and third, respectedly, in+/- in the league.
Roberto Luongo is tied for third in wins by a goaltender.
The Olympian count on the Canucks is eight, only second to San Jose who boasts nine members as Olympic bound players.

Let's not forget the Canucks are one of the hottest teams in 2010 so far, yeah, we have nothing to be happy about. Nothing at all, we have yet to win a cup. Canucks fans, we suck, and should shut up because we have yet to win a cup.

Mr. Tencer, you were born in 1986, at that point I was already a full fledged Canucks fan at the tender age of 11. You were a baby when the Oilers were winning cups and attending nursery school when your team won their last one in 1990. Do you even know who Grant Fuhr and Bill Ranford were? How would you know anything about the "Glory Days" of Edmonton, let alone comment. You weren't old enough to recall anything from that era of the Oilers.

You sir, are nothing but a whiny, belligerent member of the Edmonton media who is still waiting for your team to win a game in 2010. I on the other hand, am a happy, fun loving, Canucks fan who can't wait for her beautiful city to host the world during the 2010 Olympics. I wish you good luck, Mr. Tencer, sincerely I do. I have respect for the Oilers fans, who are in agreement with me, your comments and your opinions about us Canucks fans were out of line and unprofessional.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

PS, did you and Ron MacLean go to the same school of journalistic integrity?

Gotta Love that SOB-Shane O'Brien, that is!

2010-01-05T19:59:00.004-05:00

Over the last couple of seasons, I have not been the biggest supporter of Canucks defenseman, Shane O’Brien. In fact, I would openly be in the camp calling for his head whenever he made a bonehead play on the ice, chirping off at referees, or just acting like a jackass in general. Yup, you guessed it, Shane was my whipping boy.

He had joined that echelon of heckling from yours truly,that rivals the verbal whippings of the: Sopel’s, Plavsic’s, Antoski’s and Strudwick’s of the past. I hated these guys so much I even gave them nicknames that are not rated PG13, and unacceptable to put into this blog.

I got on Shane so much that I was mocking his post-game rituals. It became public knowledge that he would do a dance to Lady Gaga’s “Pokerface” last season and this year it’s to “Calle Ocho” by Pitbull. I would say that Shane should become at Go Go Dancer at Brandi's and quit his day job. Yes, I had a huge crush on O’Brien (oodles of sarcasm). But now that I looked back, with my sudden change of heart, maybe I did have a crush. Nah, I think I just didn't see his potential then, like I do now.

So here I am writing an open letter to Shane O’Brien. He has played much better as of late and his discipline on the ice has been much better than that of the ever so steady, Sami Salo.

No time to waste! Here we go!

Dear Shane:

I am begrudgingly writing you this letter because I am an ass. I have dogged you and your abilities on the ice during your tenure with the Vancouver Canucks; although I believe, with some validity. I gave the hardest time every single time you got yourself in a little penalty trouble. Openly I admit there were a couple times I even cursed the day you were signed.

To be perfectly honest, I hoped you’d fail miserably and got sent down to Manitoba. It didn’t happen, you found a space in Vigneault’s heart and you managed to stay up with the big club. I know, I’m really endearing myself to you right now, but I just wanted to say, I take MOST of it back.

In the last month and half or so, you have played extremely well for our 5^th ,6^th ,7^th defenseman. In fact, you played so well, I couldn’t help but be happy for you when you finally scored you first as a member of the Vancouver Canucks. I even gave the guy who inspired me to write this, a kiss.

I just wanted to let you know, you have made me a fan. I appreciate what you bring to the table and hope to see more of your potential turning into a reality. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely your newest fan,

Justine Galo

PS: Did I mention that you have the best nickname in hockey? S.O.B. rocks!

So I hope that suffices you Shane O’Brien fans out there, you made a believer out of me. The kid has heart, plays with passion, and has just enough edge to rival any pest in the NHL. Next time I dog SOB, I will have to catch myself and see if my rant is warranted.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Dedicated to “Some Dude”: Thanks for the inspiration.

October: My Favourite Sports Month Of the Year

2009-10-13T15:50:00.007-04:00

October is such a great month for sports. For some fans, it could mean spending a good 8 hours or more in front of the television keeping up with all the action. The NFL is in full swing, NHL hockey is gearing towards a long and exciting season, MLB playoffs are underway, and the NBA is just around the corner. Exciting times indeed.

So far this October, I'm pretty satisfied. My Yankees are in the ALCS. Ready to go for another world series birth. Their big guns are playing clutch, even the dubious usual post-season blues of Alex Rodriguez seemed to have left him this season. Could the Yankees bring a World Series Championship to their new home in the Bronx? It's possible, but their potential opponents are what is going to make that series more exciting. Yes, I realize they must pass the LA Angels first, but I am hopeful. This year is a year of four really good teams vying for the grand daddy of baseball titles.

Then there are my beloved Broncos. So far Kyle Orton and the rest of the Denver Broncos are defying realism. How can this team have a 5-0 start? I'm not sure. Many were calling the Broncos lucky in the victories prior to last Sunday's win over the New England Patriots, but now that they are 5-0, some people are starting to believe. It may not last, it may be a season of destiny, but I am so happy seeing some Mile High Magic present when the Broncos most needed it.

North of the border we have the CFL and the lowly Lions are looking to make a comeback for a playoff spot in the west. Geroy Simon has taken it upon himself to be Superman again and show just why he is one of the premier receivers in the league. It's also nice to see a long time CFL man in Wally Buono make some history. Good job Wally.

Since moving to Toronto, I have also started to watch the NBA once again. My taste for the NBA soured when the Grizzlies were abruptly hoisted out of my hometown of Vancouver. I am not a Raptors fan, but I do wish them well. In fact, I do not have a favourite NBA team per say, but I have found some love again for basketball.

Last by not least are my beloved Canucks. Their crazy west coast schedule and their potentially promising prospects have many of us fans in a tizzy. Sure they stumbled out of the starting blocks going 0-3, but it looks like they have settled down and are ready to show why they are one of the favourites in the west to vie for the Lord Stanley. I for one just have to make sure I get in the appropriate nap time so I can watch without dozing off.

For an avid sports fan, this is the best time of year. This is when we can really focus on our favourite teams from the four major sports. This is sports fan bliss. So get out your PVRs( T-vo for you Americans) your VCR's or revamp your sleep schedule. it's time for our favourite past times to consume your viewing pleasure. It's something I like to call "The October Factor". Popcorn anyone?

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo

justine@justinegalo.com

Hockey Heroes Retire

2009-10-02T13:44:00.010-04:00

So it's official, Mats Sundin, Theo Fleury, and Joe Sakic are retired from the NHL. After watching Sakic's ceremony last night it finally hit me. We have now lost three of the best players of my generation to the wonderful world of retirement.

The love for Joe Sakic from this writer runs deep. Sakic is from my hometown. He's a good kid from the Lower Mainland who had extraordinary abilities to put some pucks in the net. he also had the best wrist shot I have ever seen. He is also one of those rare cases in the NHL that stayed with the organization that drafted him. The Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche organization knew he was special and as fans of the NHL we got to see Burnaby Joe show us what he had in his repertoire.

The only thing I think I will not miss about Joe Sakic is his ability to score at will against the Vancouver Canucks. Other than that, he was a joy to watch and an honour to meet. Good luck Burnaby Joe in life after hockey. Your amazing talent was a gift to all of us Lower Mainland kids.

Meanwhile, another Quebec Nordique draft pick also called it quits this year. Mats Sundin has finally decided to go the retirement route and leave as the greatest Swedish player in the NHL (arguable for you Forsberg fans). He has set sail into married life and left an incredible Viking Swan Song in the NHL, especially in Toronto.
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I will always remember Mats Sundin single-handedly, returning from injury, leading the Leafs oh so close to the playoffs one year. Captain Clutch was his nickname in Toronto. I was also there when Mats scored that shoot out goal as a Canuck to win against his old team and got nothing but a standing ovation at the Air Canada Centre. You were loved and will be missed Mats.

Despite his personal demons that he has openly battled in front of fans, media and peers alike, Theoren Fleury was an exciting little pack of dynamite to watch and will be missed by many. He will be remembered more for NHL fans as a Calgary Flame, but to me, I will never forget his heart on the 2002 Gold Medal winning Olympic team.

Usually, guys like Fleury would never make it in the NHL, or get that first call up from the farm, but he went above and beyond what small men do in a big man's game. Theo Fleury was the exception to the rule. His heart was bigger than the Saddledome many nights and it was reflected in the way he played on the ice. I am surprised the Flames did not keep Theo around, but at least he can retire from the league more or less on his own terms. He has nothing left to prove. He's won as much as you can at the highest level. He is truly "The Little Engine That Could".

As exciting as the new generation players are, it's saddens me today to realize all the guys I grew up watching are almost nearly out of the NHL. Who is next? Who is left? The changing of the guard is nearly complete if it hasn't already happened. Despite my sadness today, I will be happy and smiling when I watch these three men get inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. I'll see you on Front street Mats, Joe and Theo. Until then, best of luck to all three of you.

This has been A View from A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine@justinegalo.com

Van Fan in Leaf Land: A Slightly Distant Perspective

2009-09-23T03:07:00.008-04:00

Being a Canucks fan in a 'foreign' land has been an interesting journey in the past 13 months. I had to get used to watching the Canucks play the 'late' game. That meaning, although it would be 7pm evening start in my home town of Vancouver, it was 10pm Toronto time. I'd be sacrificing my Saturday night to watch my beloved boys play, win or lose. It was definitely something I had to endure if a self-proclaimed die-hard fan as myself wanted to continue being a self-proclaimed Nucks die-hard fan.

I also had to realize that the Air Canada Centre didn't house my team, but the team which their fans have proclaimed a "nation". I became accustom to the people that surrounded me, who bled blue and white. I didn't see a lot of "Luongo"; "Linden"; "Sedin";or "Bieksa" jerseys being worn by the natives. Instead I viewed a lot of "Sundin" "Stajan" "Clark" and "Schenn" ones. For the first time in my hockey fan life, I was not comfortable in my surroundings as a Canucks fan. I was truly immersed in hockey foreign territory. I was a Canucks fan in Leaf Land.

One thing that was truly hard for me to get over was the lack of Canucks memorabilia to be available for purchase in Toronto. I remember trudging up and down Yonge Street, Queen Street W, and some of the shops on Bloor only to find disappointment in the selection of Canucks stuff for sale. I found it odd you get a 2 for 1 Doug Gilmour Flames and Leafs jersey, but there was no 2 for 1 Sundin Canucks and Leafs jersey. Hmmm. A little resentment built in my heart towards the sports shops in my 'new hometown'. I just wanted a stinking Canucks touque! Luckily for me, my mate gave me one for my birthday. Thanks JEL.

There are positives in living in Leaf Land as a Canucks fan as well. It's not all bad. It was awesome to boast about how well the Canucks were doing down the stretch to your newly found Leaf fan friends. My good friend Jason and I had a blast rubbing it in some of their faces. Now I know this isn't always going to pan out with that type of ending, but it was a good year to have it happen.

Another great thing was following the Canucks on their Eastern Canadian road trip in Ottawa, Montreal, and of course Toronto. I actually just hopped on the train or a quick flight from the downtown airport to either of those two cities and watched my Canucks play. For those Canucks fans out east in either Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto, I highly recommend you do it at least once. It's a great experience.

It is a bit lonely here in Toronto being a Canucks fan. The sports news surrounds the Leafs, Habs, Sabres and Bruins. You have to make sure you have digital cable or satellite if you want to see the majority of the Canucks games, tv insights and shows. Otherwise, you're going to have to watch Leafs TV. When you look in a shop window, expect to see Leafs jerseys and toques and all other memorabilia instead of what you're used to seeing on Granville or Robson Street.

Also the chill in the winter time tells you that you're not in Lotus Land anymore, so dress warmly. Yeah it's lonely walking through Dundas Square and the talk is about what Brian Burke will do or who else wants to supposedly play in Toronto next. But every now and then you see someone flash some Canucks colours as they walk by. A smile would be exchanged as well as a nod of acknowledgment to each other. Another fellow Canucklehead is around! A little bit of home comes my way when I see anyone wearing Canucks stuff. I feel less alone and alienated. I feel ...a belonging.

This has been A View From a Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine@justinegalo.com

St. Michael Resides In Vancouver?

2009-09-02T19:10:00.005-04:00

Mike Gillis: Miracle Worker?

Just as things were starting to look 'bleak' for the Vancouver Canucks in Round 2 of the playoffs last year against the Blackhawks, Vancouver GM Mike Gillis goes out and makes some pretty aggressive moves to improve his hockey club. He signed the 'Wonder Twins', Henrik and Daniel Sedin to multi-year deals keeping them in Vancouver until retirement; he then bolsters the Canuck blueline with the additions of Mathieu Schneider via free agency and worked out a trade with the Sharks for the services of Christian Erhoff and Brad Lukowich. Gillis was not yet done.

The grand-daddy of them all was the 12 year contract extension of Captain Canuck, Roberto Luongo. It was for $64 million over 12 years. Which means, Luongo will finish his career in Vancouver like the Sedins. That is not a bad way to start training camp, Mr. Gillis, not bad at all.

Mike Gillis has now put his stamp on this team. This is his team now, make no mistake about it. So what is next for Mighty Mike, or as some have dubbed him, "St. Michael" in Lotus Land. My guess would be to extend Ryan Kesler's contract before season's end and to make a good run at Lord Stanley.

He has now shown me and others he is committed to putting a competitive franchise on ice. He has shown me he has ready to make a real run. Gillis is not here to make silly trades at the deadline for sake of making trades, he is not going to throw away 2nd round picks to make those silly trades. Mike Gillis values his team and has put a practical realistic approach into making a winning franchise.

I remember many disgruntled fans not knowing what the then rookie GM had in mind when he offered up Mats Sundin a 10 million dollar deal. Heck, he had me wondering. I look back and I see that Gillis does not want to wait six years to win, he wanted to show his team could win and win now. I believe Mike Gillis has made his commitment to his team, his players and the fans. He wants the cup.

So I am asking you to all say a prayer to the Hockey Gods and thank them for "St. Michael". We may be able to map out that parade route...or at least take steps in the right direction.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
justine.galo@gmail.com
justine@justinegalo.com

Planes, Trains and Taxi-Cabs

2009-08-10T01:11:00.007-04:00

Chicago Blackhawks forward, Patrick Kane,was arrested and charged with robbery and assault, along with his cousin in Buffalo, NY. He is being accused of allegedly beating up a cab driver over a matter of $.20 cents. As reported on various sites, papers and television news programs, Kane has plead 'not guilty' to these charges.

I do not know the circumstances of what has happened and I do not know as to why Kane allegedly acted so violently, but I do know, this does not help the NHL's image in the eyes of the American public. You see all throughout the USA, for those that are not avid hockey fans, hockey is already, in their minds, a violent sport. It is also viewed as a sport that 'sanctions' fighting in the game.

The NHL has had a hard time selling their product in non-traditional markets. The league has already gone through a work stoppage in the last five years and dwindling attendance in some of their arenas. They went through a PR disaster with the Bertuzzi incident involving Steve Moore, the junior hockey fiascoes with sons of famous and legendary goaltenders, and to mention the Heatly incident involving the death of Dan Snyder. This is just another black eye to the sport I love.

For example, when the sucker punch that rocked the hockey world happened, the accused and charged, Todd Bertuzzi, was made an example for the world media to hang. Bertuzzi was characterised as a "monster" in the eyes of many in the public, many of those either casual hockey fans or non-hockey fans. I remember statements on TV, emails, and calls into radio stations asking for a life-long ban on Todd's ability to play hockey. That was an on-ice incident. The NHL ended up making an example of Bertuzzi and many of us know how that has affected Todd's play on the ice and his demeanor towards talking to the media.

This alleged incident with Kane, happened off the ice, with a regular civilian and a man that Kane and his cousin hired to provide them for a service. There was no referee, there was no arena full of people to watch Kane exhibit his skills as a hockey player. He is being accused of beating a man and then robbing him over a dispute of change for cab fare. So is it okay for Patrick Kane to get off on charges here and be allowed to continue to play hockey? I honestly do not know if I can say, 'yes' and pass it off as a mistake. After all, Kane is human just like the rest of us. I am not sure if it is, if we are going on precedent of how NHL players should behave and how they are punished.

I will even throw in the punishment that Sean Avery received for saying disparaging comments about his ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend. It was a calculated move on Avery's part, sure, but it was just words. In the Kane case, the alleged victim was merely a guy who picked him and his companion and was beat up for not giving Kane back the whole $1.20 he owed him for change.

So what's worse in your minds? A guy in a game going beserk and sucker punching? A guy shooting his mouth off to the cameras talking badly about a former flame ? Or a star hockey player assaulting and robbing an average joe trying to earn his living? Think about it.

I know one thing, if that was any of us, we would be held accountable for our actions. Some of us might even get convicted for this. So will Patrick Kane get the same treatment? I do not really think so, but stranger things have happened. What if that cab driver was any of you? Me? A friend or family member of yours?

So what does the NHL do if Patrick Kane is found guilty to these charges? Does he lose his right to play for a certain amount of time? Does he go through anger management courses like Todd Bertuzzi and Sean Avery for their "crimes"? Does he do jail time like some of us would if we were in this predicament? Will and should he still be able to represent his country in the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver?

I am going out on a limb here and say, if these allegations are proven true, I think Patrick Kane should lose his right to play hockey for an indefinite amount of time. This is disgusting behaviour for a public figure. Allegedly, he also uttered, "Do you know who I am?" Yes Patrick, I know who you are... you're a spoiled, self-centred, self over-estimating prick, who thinks because he s a professional athlete, the world outside revolves around him.

I am not sure what was going on through Patrick Kane's head during this alleged incident, but if that was me, I would have let the cabbie keep the 20 cents and wished him a good night. As I see it, this mess is going to cost Mr. Kane more than just cab fare.

This has been A View From A Broad, a not too distant perspective.

Justine Galo
Toronto, ON
justine.galo@gmail.com