Big Sticks, Small Pucks: NFL Ice Hockey and Other Sports Obsessions
Where Athletic Support Comes In Many Shapes and Sizes
The Pain Is Finally Over
We can all breathe a sigh of relief now that the Stanley Cup playoffs are over.
Yes, the dreaded New Jersey Devils took the cup so that's a major negative for Shark's fans but on the upside, like an irate elephant's pregnancy, the whole detestable gestation is finally over and done with and Shark's fans can now start looking forward to next season.
There is something, not much of course, but something to be said for not making the playoffs. Unlike the Ducks and the Devils, the Sharks are already enjoying some well deserved time off; the business infrastructure is in the process of being rebuilt/shored up and the Sharks organization is busy getting their hockey house in order and ready for a new season.
Alright so we are really stretching on this one.
However, the draft is coming up in less than two weeks. The outcome of which should enable fans to see how the team is going to shape up for the fall.
Meanwhile, fans can content themselves with tid bits of news; who has been resigned (where's the news on Surly's contact?), who is moving on to where (it will be no surprise if Selanne surfaces again in Anaheim), who might be coming back or which player is in the throes of behind closed doors negotiations. Oh and if Selanne thinks the freeways of Southern Cal are going to be a better drive for all those sports cars he covets then he's been wearing his helmet way too tight.
One thing we do know for sure is that the Shark's organization will be shadowing the overall current economic conservatism of Silicon Valley. Lean times call for prudent financial decisions so don't expect to see any headlines touting phat six million dollar contacts for 'star' players. The Sharks will be watching the bottom line very, very carefully and making prudent financial decisions that can be justified to the owners. Can the new GM Doug Wilson say: ROI (Return On Investment)?
Gee, welcome to the world the rest of us have been living since the economy crashed like an Iraqi tank.
Given this budget minded approach, it will be interesting, from a pr and business standpoint, to see how creative the organization gets with their publicity and promotional activities.
Also, given this bottomline mindset, expect to see a lot of youthful talent; young guns fresh on the ice, invading Sharks waters this season. This makes for an exciting phase in the Shark's history; rebuilding a team and shaping a new vision is always a time of anticipation and controversy. And it will give the announcers loads to talk about. God knows some of them need some fresh material.
If nothing else, the upcoming season should be good for morale because nothing brings out staunch loyalty in a Shark's fan like change.
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