New fans listen up
Fan Commentary, by Mr. Miller
November 12, 2008
The Chicago Blackhawks have played 13 total games this season in which they're 6-0-2 at the United Center. The importance of taking care of business on home ice cannot be understated and the fans deserve a huge pat on the back for their part making the UC a tough place for opponents to play.
Yet with record crowds consisting of new fans and fans coming off a generational hibernation, I think it's important to once again revisit, and perhaps expand on, the Blackhawkzone.com Top 10 Things to Remember While Attending a Chicago Blackhawks Game.
Let's Go Hawks. Three single words, three simple syllables. The chant is "Let's Go Hawks!". Those who start up a "Let's go Blackhawks" (followed by 5 claps) should be immediately removed from the stadium and be forced to buy a Street Wise outside of Gate 3.
Wait for the whistle. This is probably the easiest concept to grasp, but the hardest for many to follow. If there is play going on the ice, you should not go back to your seat. Many times throughout the game, the referees blow their whistle any number of reasons. Fortunately one of them is to let you know that you now have permission to sit down.
Chirping has a meaning. Whistling three times in row (also known as "chirping") is essentially a form of booing. It's a way to express a sense of dissatisfaction with how the Blackhawks are playing. It's not a back-and-forth game of Marco Polo, it's not a competition to see how loud you can whistle, nor is it a way to impress the puck bunny sitting 4 rows ahead of you. So please, quit embarrassing yourself due to a lack of knowledge over the practice.
Tommy Hawk sucks. No the kids don't like him. No he's not ok because "other teams have mascots". He's a joke and deserves to be treated as such. Other Chicago area mascots think he's creepy and I've even heard some choice words from the ice crew about Woody Woodpecker's long lost love child.
It's ok to cheer during the anthem. Of course this isn't a requirement. How one chooses to show their respect towards our country, it's banner and those who risk everything to defend it is entirely up to that individual. But really, it's ok. The players appreciate it, management encourages it and General Norman Schwarzkopf requested it. Besides, exposing the palms of your hands and hitting them together makes a really neat noise.
The Blackhawks are not bush league. Asking Gene Honda "How much time is left in the period?" at the 1-minute mark is not acceptable. Chanting "Raycroft, Raycroft, Raycroft...you suck!" adds as much to the game day experience as a morning vasectomy. Leave the college antics back on campus and welcome to the big show.
The UC is not Wrigley Field South. John McDonough - along with Rocky, Stan, Scottie and Adam Kempenaar - have done a lot to put the Blackhawks back on Chicago's radar screen. That said, hockey fans aren't like Wrigley fans (a fact McDonough is still grasping). So while we all appreciate those wearing brand new sweaters and thinking they know a little about the sport, real fans see right through that. Put the cell phone down and quit trying to act smarter than you are. Learn first. Then speak.
Leave the play-by-play to Foley and Weideman. Nothing annoys those around you more than having to hear your call of the game for the very sport happening right in front of their own eyes. Oh. And should you refuse that advice, at least learn how to pronounce Huet before stepping off the short-bus and into the stadium.
Trust me. Attending a Blackhawks game can be a very enlightening, almost spiritual, experience. The game, the speed, the hits and the overall atmosphere make for a wonderful night out. All that's asked, of all fans really, is to adhere to the traditions and be respectful of those around you.
Unless, of course, you find yourself sitting in the middle of group of Detroit fans. In that case all bets are off. Cowbells, the Wave, and Thundersticks and anything expected from most 3rd graders is certainly acceptable.
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