Where is the Fun?

[smithformeragent]

This discussion may be better suited for the History of Hockey board, but I've been reminiscing a bit about the state of the NHL compared to during my youth, the mid 1990s.

My first memories of watching the Bruins are from the late 80s/early 90s. I remember mostly its and pieces from Saturday nights at my grandparents. Cheers would end and those familiar words would come on "Tonight's regularly scheduled programming will not be seen tonight so that we can bring you Boston Bruins Hockey.".

Then the move to the Fleetcenter, the new building and the uniform changes. I remember being so excited that the team was finally changing its jerseys. In hindsight, it was a major downgrade, but ten year old me didn't know any better. I remember the Islanders changing to the Gorton's fisherman and the expansion clubs with their radical designs. I wore my eggplant and teal Mighty Ducks jersey everywhere, specially while playing NHL on Genesis.

The NHL on Fox with the glowing puck, the robots and the introduction of very flamboyant third jerseys like the pooh bears. The league had a lot of personality. It was goofy for sure. The announcers on Fox and ESPN 2 were downright silly at times.

So where has all the fun gone?
Where are all the personalities in this league?

Stuff like Bear and the Gang was a step in the right direction, but it didn't stick.
Everything feels so generic. It's like the life has been sucked out of the league.

Click to read more...

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

This discussion may be better suited for the History of Hockey board, but I've been reminiscing a bit about the state of the NHL compared to during my youth, the mid 1990s.

My first memories of watching the Bruins are from the late 80s/early 90s. I remember mostly its and pieces from Saturday nights at my grandparents. Cheers would end and those familiar words would come on "Tonight's regularly scheduled programming will not be seen tonight so that we can bring you Boston Bruins Hockey.".

Then the move to the Fleetcenter, the new building and the uniform changes. I remember being so excited that the team was finally changing its jerseys. In hindsight, it was a major downgrade, but ten year old me didn't know any better. I remember the Islanders changing to the Gorton's fisherman and the expansion clubs with their radical designs. I wore my eggplant and teal Mighty Ducks jersey everywhere, specially while playing NHL on Genesis.

The NHL on Fox with the glowing puck, the robots and the introduction of very flamboyant third jerseys like the pooh bears. The league had a lot of personality. It was goofy for sure. The announcers on Fox and ESPN 2 were downright silly at times.

So where has all the fun gone?
Where are all the personalities in this league?

Stuff like Bear and the Gang was a step in the right direction, but it didn't stick.
Everything feels so generic. It's like the life has been sucked out of the league.

Sorry to tell you this but the problem is you. You aren't 10 years old anymore. Everything is all downhill from where you are but don't worry, you have a few years before the hill becomes a cliff. Of course time is really starting to fly for you now, isn't it.

 

[Mount Kramer Cameras]

"Nostalgia can refer to a general interest in or wistful yearning for the past, its personalities, and events, especially the "good old days" from earlier in one's life."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nostalgia

 

[Aeroforce]

Sorry to tell you this but the problem is you. You aren't 10 years old anymore. Everything is all downhill from where you are but don't worry, you have a few years before the hill becomes a cliff. Of course time is really starting to fly for you now, isn't it.

I came here to post this, as well as nostalgia.

It happened to me from my mid to late 30's. I gathered all sorts of reminders of my youth - bought lots of CD's, even of artists I didn't like at the time, DVD's of all the shows I watched, etc. I constantly felt like those were the 'good old days.'

I'm sure there's psychological breakdowns of this. I refer to it jokingly as my 'first mid life crisis.'

Now nearing the end of my 40's, I look at those CD's and DVD's and wonder what the heck I was thinking when I bought them. I'll even try to watch some of them now, and instead of that warm bath of nostalgia, I think 'Gee this show was really stupid!'

It's normal, human development. Look at the old-timers games. Both retired players and nostalgic fans enjoy them even though they are just exhibitions.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I came here to post this, as well as nostalgia.

It happened to me from my mid to late 30's. I gathered all sorts of reminders of my youth - bought lots of CD's, even of artists I didn't like at the time, DVD's of all the shows I watched, etc. I constantly felt like those were the 'good old days.'

I'm sure there's psychological breakdowns of this. I refer to it jokingly as my 'first mid life crisis.'

Now nearing the end of my 40's, I look at those CD's and DVD's and wonder what the heck I was thinking when I bought them. I'll even try to watch some of them now, and instead of that warm bath of nostalgia, I think 'Gee this show was really stupid!'

It's normal, human development. Look at the old-timers games. Both retired players and nostalgic fans enjoy them even though they are just exhibitions.

Been there, done that, twice.

A little nostagia is a good thing. Too much could push you over the edge. Nothing is as good, as bad, as big, or as orgasmic as it used to be. Especially orgasms. But you'll find that out too if you are lucky enough to live that long.

 

[Gee Wally]

Billy Joel, smart man. Now that I'm on the cusp of 60 he makes even more sense as my time goes by.


"You can get just so much
From a good thing
You can linger too long
In your dreams
Say goodbye to the
Oldies but goodies
Cause the good ole days weren't
Always good
And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems"

 

[Aeroforce]

Been there, done that, twice.

A little nostagia is a good thing. Too much could push you over the edge. Nothing is as good, as bad, as big, or as orgasmic as it used to be. Especially orgasms. But you'll find that out too if you are lucky enough to live that long.

I call it my first mid life crisis because I'm fully expecting another one in the next year or two.

As for the 'Big O' I've been OK in that regard but I do know what's coming. At least if I'm to believe the Viagara commercials played during all the games.

But then I'm skeptical of those to begin with; I just don't see how guys with the ladies in those commercials would need a little assistance.

But kidding aside, I totally agree that nothing is as 'orgasmic' as it used to be. I think that's why you see some guys trying to rekindle that by purchasing sports cars, etc.

 

[Mortimer Snerd]

I call it my first mid life crisis because I'm fully expecting another one in the next year or two.

As for the 'Big O' I've been OK in that regard but I do know what's coming. At least if I'm to believe the Viagara commercials played during all the games.

But then I'm skeptical of those to begin with; I just don't see how guys with the ladies in those commercials would need a little assistance.

But kidding aside, I totally agree that nothing is as 'orgasmic' as it used to be. I think that's why you see some guys trying to rekindle that by purchasing sports cars, etc.

I'm about a generation ahead of you but so far life is still good. Just different.

 

[ODAAT]

I'm about a generation ahead of you but so far life is still good. Just different.

was banging my head against too many hard objects trying to think of why your nick, Mortimer Snerd came from, sounded too familiar, then I had to just give in and google it. I recall Mum/Dad watching this too often. Great nick, might be one of the best here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkrzFQc3BgA

Might be an interesting thread actually, while some here post something with their names, others come up with things like you did, bravo

Now, back to the fun, it left the game once the instigator rule introduced and waaaaaaaaaaaaay too much video/systems/Corsi

 

[sarge88]

I don't think it's nostalgia.

The game of today is both poorly officiated and over officiated.

The players either lack personality or are too afraid to offend anyone by showing their personality.

The rivalries and as a result physicality aren't what they used to be either.

It's a watered down version of the NHL I grew up watching.

Just my .02.

 

[Tampbear]

Hockey stopped being fun when the ducks stopped being Mighty. I think it is kind of a back and forth, the NHL was relentlessly made fun of for the more flamboyant designs, it will become more fun when the fans find the current setup boring. Also it used to be Canada's niche sport that the northern us would get into and Bettman is not trying to make it a top National sport, and to appeal to more audiences the game naturally gets cleaned up a little around the edges.

I don't know that it is less fun but it is less silly. Jagr bringing back the mullet, what more can be hoped for.

 

[Tampbear]

Also what are you Joey Ramone, going to bring the fun back.

 

[Kate08]

I don't think it's nostalgia.

The game of today is both poorly officiated and over officiated.

The players either lack personality or are too afraid to offend anyone by showing their personality.

The rivalries and as a result physicality aren't what they used to be either.

It's a watered down version of the NHL I grew up watching.

Just my .02.

I have to agree. I think it's pretty in line with how society is these days. Most people are so worried about being offensive that they live life as if it was a sound byte instead of being authentic.

IMO it's a big part of why guys like Shawn Thornton, Luongo, Paul Bissonette, etc are well liked (at least by fans). Relatable, down to earth, and has a personality.

Add to that, the game has changed, and not for the better. Scoring is down, the speed/flow of the game isn't as smooth, penalties are called for everything, and that on-ice justice system that made hockey so unique is going away. I won't stop watching, at its core it's still the same game and I love it, but I do wish that things were more like they were back in the day.

Back in the day for me as a fan coming of age was late 80s - mid 90s, so I know I missed out on a lot in the 70s/early 80s, too.

 

[EspOrrsito]

I have to agree. I think it's pretty in line with how society is these days. Most people are so worried about being offensive that they live life as if it was a sound byte instead of being authentic.

IMO it's a big part of why guys like Shawn Thornton, Luongo, Paul Bissonette, etc are well liked (at least by fans). Relatable, down to earth, and has a personality.

Add to that, the game has changed, and not for the better. Scoring is down, the speed/flow of the game isn't as smooth, penalties are called for everything, and that on-ice justice system that made hockey so unique is going away. I won't stop watching, at its core it's still the same game and I love it, but I do wish that things were more like they were back in the day.

Back in the day for me as a fan coming of age was late 80s - mid 90s, so I know I missed out on a lot in the 70s/early 80s, too.

All the above hits it right on.

I used to live and breathe hockey, now I'm just glad to still be alive and breathing.
The most recent lockouts/strikes really sucked the enjoyment out of the game.
I still check the Bruins scores and transactions. I rarely watch an entire game these days, I mostly just look at the highlights.
I still read up on all of the Bruins players and prospects but there are so many players in the league now that I have never heard of.

Hockey was the best for me in the late 60's and through the 70's.

 

[missingchicklet]

This discussion may be better suited for the History of Hockey board, but I've been reminiscing a bit about the state of the NHL compared to during my youth, the mid 1990s.

My first memories of watching the Bruins are from the late 80s/early 90s. I remember mostly its and pieces from Saturday nights at my grandparents. Cheers would end and those familiar words would come on "Tonight's regularly scheduled programming will not be seen tonight so that we can bring you Boston Bruins Hockey.".

Then the move to the Fleetcenter, the new building and the uniform changes. I remember being so excited that the team was finally changing its jerseys. In hindsight, it was a major downgrade, but ten year old me didn't know any better. I remember the Islanders changing to the Gorton's fisherman and the expansion clubs with their radical designs. I wore my eggplant and teal Mighty Ducks jersey everywhere, specially while playing NHL on Genesis.

The NHL on Fox with the glowing puck, the robots and the introduction of very flamboyant third jerseys like the pooh bears. The league had a lot of personality. It was goofy for sure. The announcers on Fox and ESPN 2 were downright silly at times.

So where has all the fun gone?
Where are all the personalities in this league?

Stuff like Bear and the Gang was a step in the right direction, but it didn't stick.
Everything feels so generic. It's like the life has been sucked out of the league.

This was me by the mid 90s when it came to MLB and NBA. Was a massive fan of baseball and the NBA from the mid-70s to the mid 90s. Knew about every player, could tell you roughly their stats no matter which team, spent countless time engrossed in watching the games. It seemed I lived and breathed the Celtics and Red Sox. Then something happened and the leagues became boring to me. Not as much personality. Too much of a corporate feel to things. In the case of the NBA the officiating got so bad I didn't even enjoy the games any more because they seemed too managed. Really sucked because I loved watching the Celtics.

Fortunately this still hasn't happened to me regarding hockey. Been a fan sine the 1970s and still watch every game and still watch a lot of non-Bruins games and love the sport.

 

[WestCoastBruinsFan]

Hockey does a terrible job of marketing itself. You try to watch your favorite team on television and it's blacked out. Really? You listen to out of town games and the play by play is one sided, they don't know the rules that well and are just not entertaining. You watch a game streamed on gamecenter with very high speed Internet and it often, very often, locks up. The refereeing is poor at best. Terrible most of the time and very inconsistent. They lock the game out as a matter of principle every five years or so. They bring in rules for video review and utilize terrible cameras and camera angles to judge, not to mention the review tablets.

It's almost like they don't want you to commit to a favorite team or even watch most of the time.

Am I missing something?

 

[Kate08]

I think the constant realignment has lead to an overall dulling down of the product too. 2 home games a year v Montreal? It's harder to build up hate/passion when you aren't seeing the same teams over and over again. Hockey is a passionate sport, and fanbases are passionate. Seeing the Panthers at home more than the Habs doesn't really get the blood pumping. With the rare home and home "series" there's usually the promise of some emotion and that's always fun.

The NHL has done a great job of having an amazing product and shooting itself in the foot with a lot of the decisions it's made.

 

[Gordoff]

The big problem is honesty... The NHL isn't honest with itself or its fans. Rule changes like the instigator stops a lot of the spontaneity from happening. The poor officiating which is never owned up to by the league as I guess it isn't owned up to with any other major sports league. The nasty hits between the numbers and into the boards make pro hockey seem barbaric but the real barbarism will happen when someone loses their life on the ice to a slash to the head or loses an eye to the stickwork that sometimes doesn't get "noticed" by officials. Instead of coaches challenges why isn't every coaches challenge checked by Toronto instead of the on ice buffoons in stripes? Why does an unintentional clear in a defensemans own zone HAVE to be a delay of game? Why, when there's a modicum of physicality that a ref doesn't care for it gets called but then the same altercation happens by the other team on the same night and nothing?
Why can't two men square off and have it out in a sane fashion? Why does Adam McQuaid get his wrist grabbed while the other guy is punching him in the face?
The NHL is an unfunny joke. Next year there will be a couple of regular season games (can't remember the teams) played in China FFS! Does Gary Betman expect that little Chinese kids will be hanging Crosby's posters up ? What about kids in North America that can't watch their hero's because the league is so chintzy with the product that they have blackouts in certain area's?
Where is the fun? Where have you gone Phil Esposito, our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
But lets start with the officiating....

 

[bobbyorr04]

I think it's pretty in line with how society is these days. Most people are so worried about being offensive that they live life as if it was a sound byte instead of being authentic.

I think you're talking about the dreaded "Political Correctness".

"Political Correctness" is responsible for sucking the fun out of many things in life nowadays.

PC has also changed some of my friends, co-workers and family members to the point were I hardly recognize them anymore, and they don't even realize what has happened to themselves....and now, if I tried to mention something to them regarding their change of attitude over the years, they will become easily offended.

A good joke at work, that would've been very funny about 20 years ago, may not only get me dirty looks now, but might also get me a visit from the HR dept., so nowadays, I have to be very careful what I say and how I say it, and what I do, and how I do it around certain people.

What does this have to do with hockey? I'm not exactly sure, but thought it was worth mentioning.

...as long as nobody is offended.

 

[Aeroforce]

I agree the PC mindset has infiltrated the NHL product, but that may be another discussion, and may involve things we aren't supposed to discuss.

I will say my least favorite era of hockey was the Dead Puck Era. Endless trapping, clutching and grabbing, dump and chase where the goalie was allowed to play the puck in the corners and defenders could interfere, first goal almost always won, dangerous predatory hits, etc.

The other team I follow, the Dallas Stars, are a prime example. An offense boasting Modano & Hull took a full game and three overtimes to win the Cup 2-1 in '99, and on a controversial goal at that. In 2000, Game 5 against NJ went three overtimes and ended 1-0, and they lost in double overtime Game 6, 2-1.

The league took steps to improve after the lockout, but they have slipped again. I don't like Bettman's forays into places like Vegas and China. I don't think he and his cronies realize how much they are turning off their loyal fan base.

I think he believes since we all came back after two lockouts, we'll always be suckers. He may be in for a rude awakening.

 

[Mantis]

Jack Edwards catchphrase is "Who has more fun than us!?"

 

[Thrive]

I think you're talking about the dreaded "Political Correctness".

"Political Correctness" is responsible for sucking the fun out of many things in life nowadays.

PC has also changed some of my friends, co-workers and family members to the point were I hardly recognize them anymore, and they don't even realize what has happened to themselves....and now, if I tried to mention something to them regarding their change of attitude over the years, they will become easily offended.

A good joke at work, that would've been very funny about 20 years ago, may not only get me dirty looks now, but might also get me a visit from the HR dept., so nowadays, I have to be very careful what I say and how I say it, and what I do, and how I do it around certain people.

What does this have to do with hockey? I'm not exactly sure, but thought it was worth mentioning.

...as long as nobody is offended.

*Currently contacting the cyber police.*

Me: Hello?!? HELLO?!?! THERE WAS AN OFFENSIVE POST ON HF AND IM DEEPLY OFFENDED!!!!

 

[bobbyorr04]

*Currently contacting the cyber police.*

Me: Hello?!? HELLO?!?! THERE WAS AN OFFENSIVE POST ON HF AND IM DEEPLY OFFENDED!!!!

 

[LouJersey]

I don't think it's nostalgia.

The game of today is both poorly officiated and over officiated.

The players either lack personality or are too afraid to offend anyone by showing their personality.

The rivalries and as a result physicality aren't what they used to be either.

It's a watered down version of the NHL I grew up watching.

Just my .02.

Amen. I like football and baseball better than when growing up (games played wise) so it's not nostagila for me. You hit on everything.

 

[LouJersey]

I have to agree. I think it's pretty in line with how society is these days. Most people are so worried about being offensive that they live life as if it was a sound byte instead of being authentic.

IMO it's a big part of why guys like Shawn Thornton, Luongo, Paul Bissonette, etc are well liked (at least by fans). Relatable, down to earth, and has a personality.

Add to that, the game has changed, and not for the better. Scoring is down, the speed/flow of the game isn't as smooth, penalties are called for everything, and that on-ice justice system that made hockey so unique is going away. I won't stop watching, at its core it's still the same game and I love it, but I do wish that things were more like they were back in the day.

Back in the day for me as a fan coming of age was late 80s - mid 90s, so I know I missed out on a lot in the 70s/early 80s, too.

Great post. This should hold a lot of water since you're younger than the crocthety guys on here.