About this Coyote fan..

Good game on Saturday night. Keep at it Doaner, it'll come. But, is it me, or did it seem like 'cheap shots on Uppy and Belanger' night with a side of sticks flying everywhere? I mean I saw more sticks flying through the air and across the ice than I have all season. Athough I have to say, the look on James Neal's face when his stick got slapped out to center ice as he was trying to pick it up was priceless.

Anyhow, over the past month and half, I put out a few fanposts basically airing out my bitterness about something that ground my gears, whether it be about some coyotes-related article or fan behavior at the previous night's coyotes game.  I thank those who've told me commented to me personally about those posts. I've been quiet for the last two weeks (personal issues) and in that time, I've been asked a couple questions and been commented to on a few things that I'd like to air out here in this forum, as they pertain my status as fan and why I do some of the things I do.

This first one came to me from another forum user (I won't name names because I just don't do that):

Question/Comment: "...you live in Mesa, right? The drive to Glendale must be horrendous. And you wonder why people don’t go to games."

Long-winded Response: Yes, it is an extremely slow and grinding drive through rush-hour traffic for weekday home games. I do not enjoy leaving home (or work) between 3:30 and 4:30pm for a 7:00pm game. But I do it to support my team and watch hockey because those are things I do enjoy! Yes, I could watch the game from the comfort of home or in some sports bar closer to home on TV (most of the them anyway), but for me, supporting the team means I'm coming out to the game whenever I can (notice the emphasis on the first-person).  Besides, I paid for season tickets in the lower bowl, and I will damn sure make it my mission to use them. 

As for wondering why more people don't show up, I have never asked this question, mainly because I can think of 10 million reasons/excuses why people don't show up. Okay, maybe not that many, but I can think of a lot of them. Point is, I never asked the question, and even if I had, I would've provided a list afterwards. 

These next ones come from friends/associates of mine who have read some of my posts:

Question/Comment: I read in one of your posst that you respect the fact everyone has a right to enjoy the game in their own way, but then blast other people when they do something you don't like. Aren't you being a hypocrite?

Long-winded response: Maybe. Maybe not. I do know that OTHERS enjoyment of the game, shouldn't come at the exspense of MY enjoyment. And no, I'm not talking about fans of the visiting team celebrating a goal. I'm talking about drunken idiots or arm chair hockey players whining constantly as to why this player did or did not do something or inconsiderate people who just stand in everyones way so that others can't see the game or anyone else who shows up and makes life miserable for everyone around them. I'm not saying we all need to sit together, hold hands and sing Kumbaya. I'm just saying be a little considerate to the others around you. So if you carry a huge bag over your shoulder to the game, and you happen to hit the fan in the next row down with it in the back of the head while he's drinking his hot cocoa, apologize. He may not be so bitter that his lips were scalded and his Coyotes jersey stained. Then again.. he might be mad at that last one no matter what.

Question/Comment: What is the point of all this? Are you trying to be a funny commentator?

Short response: I'm not trying to be funny, I'm just saying what I feel. If people find it humorous, informative, or entertaining, then so be it. If not, then so be it. It's an open forum for Coyotes fans. Just so long as we follow the rules.

Question/Comment: Do you consider yourself a 'Die Hard' Coyotes fan?

Short response:  Yes, in terms of my defintion of a Die Hard.

I'd like to close with a little more expansion on the first question. Not coming to every game doesn't make you less of a fan or supporter. Some people just can't. I've been lucky that I have a job (until Dec. 31st anyway)  that allows me to make my own schedule and move things around so I can afford to have season tickets and go to every game.  Even some other people I know who I consider more of Die Hard fan than myself can't make every game.

I know attendance could be better, but you know what? For the most part, that's out of my control. All I can do is encourage people to come to the games in person. And if they can't, at least watch it on TV or listen to Bob Heehuis call the game on the radio. But at least try to make the effort to come out and see what I believe is the Best Sports Team in the valley right now.

Anyone have anything to say? Want me to shut up or keep em coming? Let me know..