They tried to drown out the 300+ that came out for CBJ Fan Protest by pumping up their own volume on the outside speakers just as CapnCornelius kicked off the event.
They tried to drown us out by "coincidentally" announcing the All Star Game the morning of the protest.
The tried to placate us by sending out a fluff filled "Letter To The Fans" pronouncing change but failing to acknowledge the message.
What they, and the PR firm they hired out of Chicago to deal with this protest (fact), failed to recognize is when you have a solid message, it will slice a diamond. Quite frankly - the Jackets should ask for their money back.
That message is we LOVE this team, HATE the direction. That there is a losing culture that has embedded itself in this franchise that isn't cured from coaching or player changes. It isn't swept aside because of All Star game announcements, hot liquids or 'letters to fans'. The cure starts with sweeping changes at the top of this organization.
The Columbus Dispatch, 10TV, FOX28, NBC4, ABC6, 610 WTVN, 97.1 The Fan, Edmonton Sun, Vancouver Sun, The Star Phoenix, NBC Sports, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, Sportsnet, fans from all across this league, and right down to the commissioner himself in Gary Bettman -- heard the message.
Ask yourself this question - why did the news of this particular protest spread to so many places so quickly? Why did a radio station like 610 WTVN give us 15 mintues of total air time to their audience of 300,000 to 500,000 listeners?!
Because it is justified and it is correct. These things don't grow legs UNLESS it's a strong message that resonates with the masses.
But the question remains is if the owners, specifically majority own John P McConnell, heard the message? We know he received it. He doesn't have to tell us because over the next few months his actions, and the actions of the franchise, will tell us if he heard it.
If we the fans still aren't satisfied with the action/inaction, then if nothing else, this protest has proven that we can come together and quickly organize to show our disapproval.
As for the All Star Game. Ownership/Priest must have called in a huge favor on that one. Not only the timing, but getting awarded the game all together. Coincidence? I wouldn't buy that with free money. I'm sure Ottawa couldn't have been overly pleased with the attention it took away from their event. Remember, what comes around goes around.
But, chew on this for a second....
1. We will be getting arena upgrades. Don't be surprised when you see significant upgrades to the arena made for next season. Things such as a upgraded jumbo-tron. Additional "ribbon" around the arena. Better graphics. Better logistics. Upgraded flat panels throughout the arena so that when/if we lose, at least we'll look good.
2. Maybe if we protest next year around the Winter Classic, we can get that too!
But as for Columbus getting awarded the game -- regardless of what strings were pulled to get it (and I fully believe there were strings pulled), that is terrific news for the franchise, the city and the state. But if they honestly think they will get a season ticket renewal out of me because of some All Star game they are once again sorely underestimating me, and based off what I saw yesterday, this fan base.
The All Star game is about the future. This protest was about right now. And right now, despite their best efforts to deflect it, the focus must remain on accountability and bringing in an All Star management team. Because right now, this current group couldn't turn pro.
Thanks once gain to all of the CBJ fans for coming out and showing your tremendous support for this message. Thanks to all of the media outlets for giving us a microphone to help make our voices heard. This goes nowhere without any of you and regardless of what changes may or may not occur, our message was sent. Pretty amazing what can happen in just 6 days when folks come together to deliver a unified message.
What a country we all live in. One worth fighting for and one that allows you to fight no matter the cause or the odds.
-LTL
