The Post that Hlog doesn't want to see

A bit of background on yours truly:

I've been an Edmonton Oilers fan since the early 90s. My parents were never big fans so the ability to choose a team fell on my shoulders. I've been actively following the Oilers for about 13 years - Age 12 to present. Like many of the women on this site, my fan-ness verges on obsessive. I work at an Oilers bar (in Vancouver!), I help run an Oilers blog, I have several pieces of memorabilia and an strange overwhelming interest in Marty Reasoner. But my interest doesn't stop at the Oilers. I'm a stats junkie, having written many pieces (that I should publish) about the economics of the nhl (especially relocation) and a thesis paper about women in sports broadcasting. (My first degree was in Economics and now I'm working on a diploma in broadcast journalism.) During the lockout, I went to Austria to see the World Hockey Championships. And my interest doesn't stop at hockey. I love sports, the competitiveness, and the athletic skill. I have played many sports at a high level and none of them were hockey.

So, why the lengthy intro?

Because I want you to understand the background behind someone who doesn't believe in fighting in hockey.

During the locked out period, many ideas flew around about how to improve the game. I think the best one I heard was to decrease bench size rosters by one player. Granted, the NHLPA was never going to agree to that - it would put 30 guys out of a job. Teams would have to allocate their fourth line players differently. With one less person, coaches would arguably want two players that could fill different roles on the team. Maybe a PK and a PP specialist? The "fighter" type would have less mobility in the lineup and would therefore be eliminated.

My biggest problem is the "fighter". If you're just going to send someone out there to drop the gloves when the puck is dropped, you might as well fit Mike Tyson with skates. And you know he'd be a draw to the arena in the US. What's the point of averaging as much ice time as penalty time?

I look at the international, junior and college play. Is anything lost in those games because you don't see the squaring off of two mediocre hockey players?

When I make this argument, usually the counterpoint is that a good fight can change the momentum in the game. I'd argue that a big hit (within the confines of the rules) can do the same thing. I don't condone injuring players on hits, but the effect of Raffi Torres in the playoffs was seen without him ever dropping his gloves. It's similar to a huge hit in football. It's within the parameters of the game and there's no stoppage for it to happen.

I think fluidity is what makes the game what it is. No other game has people travelling with that speed and skill. Ideally, stoppages would be limited to goals (obviously not possible). But the best games just fly by.

With recent rule changes, many teams are going without a fighter in the lineup. If a fight is needed, you see regular player take that role. But if Shanahan breaks his wrist or if (god forbid) Ethan Moreau throws out his shoulder when trying to punch someone, doesn't it seem erroneous? The clock wasn't even running when it happened.

No other sport gets to stop to fight. I think it's just an ancient tradition that has been held onto for too long. A lot has changed since pond hockey.

If purists believe that fighting is here to stay, then my suggestion is to let players fight. If they are that mad, fine. But you're out for the rest of the game and if it happens in the third period, you're also out for the next game. And your team isn't able to bring in an extra body to replace you.

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I loved Petr Klima.

It was Christmas 1990. I begged my parents for Oiler tickets to see Petr Klima. Why Klima? Hell if I know. I was a child. Children are, by and large, nuts.

That year, I saw my first Oilers game AND my first Oilers playoff game. But the Oilers didn't win me over right away. I was still a Canucks fan living in Edmonton. Why the Canucks? Hell if I know. I was a child. Children are, by and large, irrational.

That changed in 1994. As Vancouver lost the cup final, I realized that I didn't care enough about them. There was a team in my own city. A team that was losing more than it was winning and needed my support. Weight, Arnott, Czerkawski, Bobo, a young Smytty...

The underdog complex was born.

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Loxy reprezentz!

Where you're from, what you do - basic things.
Loxy sprung upon the world 25 years ago in Edmonton, Alberta. She was a wakeful child with a an inescapable need to, ahem, escape. No stroller, crib, house, yard was left unescaped. Yet, for over 23 years, she stayed in Edmonton (with 3 and 6 months stints in Montreal and Victoria respectively). Upon returning from a post-University (Economics, boring, I know) trip to Europe, she decided to relocate to Vancouver and pursue a diploma in Broadcast Journalism. In addition to talking in the third person, Loxy likes to take pictures, watch Arrested Development and fantasize about Topher Grace.

Your team and why you like them
I'm an Edmonton Oilers fan. I grew up in Edmonton so it was an easy decision. That said, I wasn't a fan of the "glory-years" Oilers. I fell for the Petr Klima early 90s Oilers. Outside of the 1990 cup win, there were some terrible teams in the lean years. The economic climate changed and the Oil were left on the outside looking in. And that's why I pulled for them. I love an underdog.

Your least favourite team and why?
I hate to say it, considering it's the my new home, but the Vancouver Canucks. Nothing is more frustrating than a fan base which rocks the entire lower mainland everytime they jump on and off the bandwagon. Granted, there are good fans - the blogs are full of them - but those aren't the ones I run into when I wear Oilers paraphenalia.

Your favourite player of all time & now?
I'm Marty Reasoner's biggest fan.

Growing up, I liked Petr Klima, Jim Dowd and Ron Francis. I also had a Pavel Bure jersey.

If you had to punch one hockey player or member of the NHL organization, who and why?
Chris Pronger for recent events that I wish not to elaborate upon.

What you'll be looking forward in this group blog.
It took me almost two weeks to agree to the blog. At first, I declined due to lack of time (which will still be a concern) but realized that there was lots of intelligent-speak I wouldn't be putting out there c/o hot-oil.

What you don't like in general?
imitation watermelon flavour.

What role do female fans play in keeping the game alive?
I think it's less about the role of female fans and more about the different type of fans. With an economics background, I'm a huge analyst of the business of the game. And having played high level athletics, I relate hockey to overall sports understanding. And yes, as a female, I might have some different interests even within my subset of econ-ex-athlete junkies.

What role do female fans play in picking heroes for the community?
As I said before, I think it's less about female-male, and more about individual diversity which is important. Because we're dealing with a male-only league (primarily), we can highlight those athletes with whom we relate - local players, same ethnicity, upbringing, etc.

If you were on a deserted island, which player would you pick to stay with you?
Crosby, Ovechkin or Phaneuf (hey he tried!)?
Ovechkin. Lets be honest, I think he'd be the most exciting sexual partner. And teaching him English would be a good time waster.

The player you'd like to take for a grand night out/a movie/a boring event
I'd take Marty Reasoner for a grand night out. I'm sure he'd be the consummate gentleman.
I'd take Rick DiPietro with me to a movie because... aren't you laughing already? Anything with Rick DiPietro for less than 15 years is funny.
I'd take Mark Bell to a boring event because I hope it'd give us a chance to make out.

If you could make your own team, regardless of whatever players, what would it be called and where will it be/how would it be like?
It wouldn't have any first line talent. It would be comprised of players who have good vision, good hockey sense, some skill and a hella heart. It would be located close to me, but not in Vancouver, because I don't want fans jumping on the bandwagon. It would be terrible for 10 years before we started to get good and if you hadn't been a fan from day one, you'd be excluded from fan-dom. The Victoria Cougars.

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