How about those classy folks in Nashville? What a bunch of disrespectful hicks?

Question

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2804125

Answer 1

I won't go so far as calling all the whole city hicks but I will say that the Predators' PR staff, and GM are absolutely pathetic with their comments after hearing what Dallas' GM Lites had to say about them. Let's all remember that when Mark Recchi scored his 500th goal in Dallas, the game was stopped briefly and an anouncement was made and he received a standing ovation from the opposing fans. (I was there) Nashville's organization fouled this one horribly. Sorry that the truth hurts Nashville.

Answer 2

Disrespectful hicks? You do realize that, as an import sport with no roots in Nashville, most of the orginization comes from elsewhere, right? Owner, coaching staff, etc. On the most part, they are from the northern states, Canada, or overseas.

Personally, I knew before the game that Modano could be breaking a record, and applauded him when he made #503, as did my friends who watched the game. Modano's record is no small feat. Yes, the PR folks screwed up when they did not announce it. However, on the telecast, Weber and Crisp had been talking about the possibility of a record-breaker as soon as he scored #502. While the in-arena folks botched, there was no way Terry Crisp was going to let that one get by. He is all hockey, to the bone.

So up to this point, I do agree with Lites stating that the Predators orginization screwed up. But after that, when he startled rattling about revenue sharing and schedules, this is just worthless ranting that had nothing to do with the original point. Would it have made a difference if Modano had been snubbed at Joe Louis arena? Do they make enough money to ignore it? Does anyone? Of course not. If ANY arena had snubbed Modano like that, they should be scorned for it. But , once he started whining about money and schedules, Lites lost focus on what he had been his point to start. Good rant, though. Never let logic or cohesion stand in the way of a passionate rant.

So, Lites was correct to complain about the lack of attention at the arena for Modano's achievement, but his later ranting had nothing to do with anything. And before someone claims the Preds are a bunch of "disrespectful hicks," they may want to check and see where most of the orginization originates. Even the owner is a northerner.

Answer 3

It just goes to show that the NHL is forcing teams into a market that it is not suited to take them in. I have a difficult time being from a state (NY, Buffalo area actually) whose team is so small market and still succeeds, watching the teams move away to a place where snow doesn't "grow" naturally, ie. Phoenix. What sort of bull crap is that when they can't naturally have an ice rink but they can have a Hockey team? I guess we shouldn't expect fans reared in that environment to appreciate things like the record Modano broke. I can show respect for him and I hate Dallas, I mean hate em. But that doesn't change the fact that he has become the most prolific goal scoring America born player, to which if Nashville's hockey fans won't tip their collective hat then I will. But I still say no goal Dallas, no goal in '99!

Answer 4

I hate it when the Red Wings play there. You never know what foul thing the crowd is going to yell that might come through on the broadcast. It's one thing to support your team but it's another to show respect for your competitor which they rarely do. I thought the fans were cute when they first got a team and didn't know a puck from a stick but they are not cute now. I get SO tired of the "you suck" chant, too. They are gross. They need to take some lessons from some real hockeytowns like Detroit, New York and Boston.

PS NO WAY would Modano's accomplishment been ignored in Detroit. In the first place he is FROM the Detroit area. In the second place, the Wings organization is class.

Answer 5

Actually, the complete irony of all this, is that it's the Stars PR and Management at fault. It is standard protocol to communicate with the home team if you would like something special done as a result of a milestone. The only request the Stars made was for the netting, which was fulfilled gladly. Since the Preds have gotten good - everyone loves to hate on em. Whatever - people need to grow up!

Answer 6

Don't confuse disrespect for lack of knowledge. Tennesseans are very knowledgeable fans. No one gets respect in Nashville unless your a Pred (maybe Gretzky). Not even past Preds get props.
I was at the game and seeing Jordin Tootoo lay out robidas was worth the price of admission. What was Jordin supposed to do keep his back to Stephan so he could get a cheap shot. Stephan got caught trying to hit Tootoo and got knocked out for his trouble. If Dallas wants to protect Madono so bad, then maybe they should put some men on the ice and leave the glass jawed boys on the bench.
GO PREDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

Absolutely they are. How can you disrespect a Hockey Icon like that. Mike Madano has done so much for the sport of hockey and to not even mention that was a landmark goal disrespects the game and the fans. I read the article this afternoon and completely agree with the Stars owner. But still, lets go Buffalo.

Answer 8

Nashville is awful, I'm a Jacket fan (yes we exist) the reason I don't like them is not because they are our rivals, but Trotz can't keep his players in line, and are not keeping them in the sport. I agree, Tootoo is an awful, sloppy, and disrespectful player. He's for sure the most unclassiest person on that team.

The lack of respect for Modano is uncalled for. Congrats to him. Hopefully at the next Dallas home game, they'll make up for Nashville's short comings.

Answer 9

why would you stop the game to honor a visiting player thats dallas 's job. this is not a national thing people its a league so what he became the highest goal scoring american born player whippeeee. Does that mean we should pay respect of Antropov cuz hes the highest scoring Kazakstan player. Records if thats what you want to call it are made to be broken. if you want to celebrate 502 goals which by the way isnt close to any record then go ahead but dont expect the nhl or nashville to honor him.They play as a league not as a nationality

Answer 10

I don't think you can blame the whole city for the mental retardation of the teams PA announcer/PR department. That said, as much as it hurts to agree with you, in this case, Nashville really dropped the ball. I was at a Pen/Flyer game last month and the Flyers had an announcement/video tribute to Mark Recchi for his milestone and that was a few games after he reached it (but his first visit there after he reached it). I know that he used to play for Philly but my buddy (Bruin fan) looked at me and said-that was pretty classy of them. I am sure Madano will get these congratulatory announcements during the next couple of weeks too-IN VISITING RINKS and to not have the visiting rink acknowledge in in THAT GAME is inexcusable. Shame on them.

Iquick k- Any NHLer has some sort of skill and Tootoo is a serviceable NHLer with quite a few years of a career ahead of him. As for the bad karma, I think he has already had his share in life.

BTW-thanks for the article, that was a good read.