Sunday, May 20, 2018

What Were They Thinking?

I wouldn't even call myself a casual NHL hockey observer. I haven't been a fan for probably close to 20 years, not since one of the strikes drove me away. However, I do tune in occasionally during the playoffs, which is what I am doing as write this commentary.

I sat down to watch the fifth game between the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Knights. Vegas is leading the series 3-1 and they can finish off the Jets and earn a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals with a win. So, let me set the pre-game scene for you: both teams are introduced to a sea of white-jerseyed Winnipeg fans eager to cheer on their Jets. I guess they do this every home game, so this is nothing new. Now, these fans are also furiously (fanatically) waving towels (a PR stunt started in the 1970s by the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and their Terrible Towels). Unfortunately, these Jets towels are white. The last time I checked, if you want to show a sign of surrender, you wave a white towel at your opponent. Can you see where I'm going with this? 40,000 white-clad people waving white towels greeted the Vegas Knights as they skated onto the ice.

The final nail in this PR nightmare: because they are the opposing team, the Vegas Knights are dressed in their away color, which is . . .you guessed it: WHITE. So, it kinda looks like the whole arena is supporting the Knights, and if they aren't, then they're at least offering to surrender on behalf of their hometeam.

I know we Canadians have a reputation for exhibiting extravagant politeness, but this is an #EpicPRFail   
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