If you follow the Avalanche closely, you may have heard that long-time Denver Post reporter Adrian Dater recently deleted his Twitter account. His actions not only caused more than 1,200 followers to lose a valuable resource for daily Avalanche news and notes, they also reflected negatively on traditional media journalists. On top of that, this has also frustrated some of his other newpaper comrades.
On the topic of quitting Twitter, I have no comment. Dater is free to do as he wishes.
On the topic of his reporting regarding the Flames’ post-game locker room discussions, however, every writer has to know that players get yelled at all the time, especially after a tough loss. Why Dater even considered this a “story” is beyond comprehension. As a long-time goaltender and a current private coach, if I ever wandered by a locker room and heard a coach and player yelling at each other, I would never publish it in the media because it wouldn’t matter.
In fact, as a player, I would actually consider it a good thing. It leads me to believe there’s a lot of energy, enthusiasm and passion in there. I would be reminded of my old High School hockey coach that cursed all the time, even if we taped our sticks wrong. What makes “yelling” or “screaming” at each other after a tough loss a bad thing, anyways? Am I missing something? I could just as easily argue that the the Flames will come back “fired up” and ready to actually play a full 60-minute game because of this whole thing. I’m pretty sure this sort of thing is called motivating.
To be honest, the entire online hockey community is comprised of many talented and insightful writers, especially in Canada. We are fortunate to have quality analysts from NHL.com and TSN.ca tweeting about situations taking place throughout the league. But why is this growing community a perfect reflection of the phrase, “Quality over Quantity” compared to most other sports?
Because most of us are also players. Current and former coaches and scouts dominate the new-media platform of Twitter, which does more to inform me than it does to annoy me. Therefore, I use it frequently.
Onward and upward to the Twitter and new media hockey revolution, I say! If it’s raising our hockey intelligence level, bringing fans and followers closer together, raising money for foundations and good causes like Hockey Fights Cancer, then I am going to support it…regardless of twitter blunders or a journalist quitting because of drama.
On a night like this, I hope all Avalanche fans will realize that, more than fans of most teams, we need to work together to promote the team and game we love. This team doesn’t have the largest fan base in North America and they don’t have the sellout streak or the Hall of Fame players anymore, either. But this team does have incredible class, a rich past and some really amazing players on the current roster.
The actions of a traditional media journalist is all the proof we need that Avalanche fans will continue to thrive on new-age media to obtain information, discuss the team we love and enjoy the Avalanche Experience. Besides, hockey is just a game, and if we don’t get busy loving it, we get busy hating it. And that’s not on any sports fan’s agenda.
To be honest, we are blown away that there are such thankful, kind, appreciative hard-working hockey lovers on Twitter. From the consummate pro player like former NHL goalie Kevin Weekes to the fan-favorite Dani, the Hockey Mom of Twitter, these people dedicate their time to promote the game we love and they are appreciative of the opportunities they have.
When I see all of these passionate people coming together (fans and pros alike), I’m only left to wonder how can some people be so thankful for their fans, followers and supporters, while others can just give up and allow more than 1,000 fans to have a bitter taste left in their mouths.
When a candle’s flame is blown out and the wax fully dries, the next flame becomes stronger & brighter right before our eyes. That was a tweet I sent out after reading a number of posts and tweets today from Avalanche fans and bloggers, including one of our closest comrades, Grant Beery from Hockeyism.
From now on, if you run an Avalanche blog, enjoy covering the team and writing, you are free to post something here, on The Avalanche Guild. When it comes right down to it, that’s the true essence of a Guild. We all have a voice, we all have the passion and we all have the means.
Also, if you have a minute, please check out the website PICK MY NHL TEAM for a second. As you will see, a new-found hockey enthusiast is asking one fan from every team to convert the game’s newest follower. The Avalanche Guild has been chosen to represent Avalanche fans everywhere.
On Saturday afternoon, our post will be presented on John Meyer’s website and posted here as well. It’s a quality read we hope will motivate you to get involved and celebrate the game of hockey in the best way we know how – through the glory that is social media. Vote for the Avalanche and our post and let’s convert a new Avaholic!
