Abel to Yzerman
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by IwoCPO on 08/21/08 at 03:34 PM ET
Comments (82)
Nope. I’m not talking about the roster. I’m talking front office.
While the Diggers napped, Craig Custance stirred a little vinegar in your coffee this morning. The Emperor found it at the Sporting News Today (fancy).
Paul broke this Holland quote out, “He’s probably getting to the point where he’s just about ready to run his own team.” If you didn’t click, you might have missed the next line from Tick Tock regarding Steve Yzerman.
“He wanted to come in, spend some time and see how we do it.”
Now that? That would be the first time I’ve read anything, anywhere, indicating The Captain’s tenure in the Wings’ executive suite is--and always has been--considered temporary. The idea that Yzerman’s been getting OJT from Holland, and planning a departure to lead another team? Troublesome.
Oh, it’s always been kind of a tummyache we didn’t want to talk about. I mean, how long could this situation last? Holland as GM, Yzerman as “alternate governor.” Yep, Vice President/Alternate Governor. That’s how he’s listed in the organ-I-zational chart.
And Tick Tock? Well, he’s an “executive” vice president. And he’s a GM and he’s also an “alternate governor.” There’s a few more VP’s, you know. A buttload of ‘em.
Christopher Ilitch Vice President, Red Wings; President & CEO, Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Jim Devellano Senior Vice-President/Alternate Governor
Steve Yzerman Vice President/Alternate Governor
Robert E. Carr General Counsel/Alternate Governor
Ken Holland Executive Vice President/General Manager/Alternate Governor
Jim Nill Vice President/Assistant General Manager
Steve Violetta Senior Vice President of Business Affairs
Paul MacDonald Vice President of Finance
I took a look at a few other teams’ websites, just to see how their top execs are listed. I was curious if the Wings were the only team with a whole bunch of VP’s but no President. Sure enough, of the five I quickly glanced at all had Presidents, Senior Advisors or other glorious titles that separated one guy--like Harry Sinden--from the rest of the suits.
Because I’m wondering. I’m wondering what’s coming down the pike when Yzerman finally decides he’s been Tick Tock’s protege long enough and isn’t it time to, you know, grow up--in an executive sense?
When that happens, and if Custance is on the money as usual, it looks like it may already have; who do we lose?
I’m a Stevie Y guy just like you. But if given the choice between he and Holland? Holland stays. Has to. We can’t afford to lose Bowman and Tick Tock in a short period of time. I know. Jim Nill’s a genius, but...Holland’s still the man.
But would we have to bid farewell to one if the GM office door starts revolving? Not if Daddy Mike decides it’s time Holland dropped the “vice” and was installed as President of Hockey Operations. That’s a position that currently doesn’t exist. Of course, considering Chris Ilitch currently holds a VP slot just like the other 37 members of the varsity front office, placing non-family member above him may not be possible. Ask Tom Hagen, a non-Sicilian.
And how would a president of hockey operations be any different than a GM? Would the responsibilities be that different to allow Holland and Yzerman/Rookie GM to co-exist? I don’t know.
Frankly, I don’t know if it’s worth the effort. If Yzerman’s intent on being a GM, and Holland’s not ready to move out of that job? It hurts me to say it, but I’m thinking it could be Sayonara Stevie.
I’m interested in your reaction to this. If Yzerman feels he’s ready, and the Wings aren’t willing to move Holland further upstairs, who do you keep?
Oh, and Malik? You’re a bastard. Just as I’m about to post this I look at your site and...this.
Filed in: | Abel to Yzerman | Permalink
Comments
I’m not a gambler, and neither is Mr. I. He’d go with the known quantity over the unproven, untested, and that’s why Holland would take it over Stevie.
That being said, Scotty’s vacated a position that you know the organization would love to see filled-- that of Consultant With No Offical Job Title But Loads of Brains. That’d fit Holland to a T if needs be, with Yzerman taking over the GM role. The fact is, he ran his teams with a lot of support from other leaders, and he would do much the same in a management role. He’d have his own braintrust, just like Holland. But that would require Holland to move. If one of your conditions is that Holland doesn’t move, then see above.
But Kenny moving into Scotty’s position is the most likely outcome if Stevie has to be the GM. My own thoughts are that he’s a few years away from that...say, three or so. Just around the time Kenny’s contract is up, isn’t it? 
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from The Topsy-Turvy School of Man-Management on 08/21/08 at 03:05 PM ET
Here’s my succession plan:
Within the few (4-5?) years, Jimmy D retires or accepts some type of “emeritus” title. Then, Holland is kicked upstairs to Senior VP and either:
A.) Yzerman becomes GM with Nill staying in his current role or
B.) Yzerman and Nill become co-GMs.
(Nill is sharp enough to get the value of Stevie Y having the GM title, even if they actually share the duties.)
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 08/21/08 at 03:11 PM ET
The whole thought of all of this makes me want to throw up. I have always thought to myself “what if Andersson and Nill bail for bigger/better things?"… now bowman leaves, and stevie is almost done with his internship? gives me gas. I think as long as Nill and Haaken Andersson are still around that our drafting will be superior, so I don’t care which of Stevie and Holland are here, we’ll be fine. Oh, and at some time doesn’t Devallano have to be done? he is like 900. Then can Holland move up to his spot maybe? I don’t know, I’m rambling now, stop stressing me out in August.
Posted by TZilla on 08/21/08 at 03:16 PM ET
At this point, the bastard thinks that Yzerman may very well be placated by the fact that Bowman and McCammon’s roles as consultants and pro scouts are unfilled, allowing Stevie to become a “senior adviser” with much more clout and more responsibilities.
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 08/21/08 at 03:35 PM ET
The idea of Stevie doing anything for any other organ-I-zation is tough to say the least. He is the reason I became a Wings fan in the very late 80’s… same story for oh about 19 of us.
I hope the bastard is right, as usual. Stevie isn’t quite ready for Kenny’s spot & Kenny is not ready to leave Kenny’s spot. Jimmy D will be around til he wants to be put to pasture, it’s Jim Nill whom I wonder how long before he wants a promotion per say. I have a hard time thinking if any of these guys move on it’s to “better” things, just sooner as opposed to sticking it out with the organ-I-zation.
Stevie stuck it out with the Wings for a looooong time when he could have moved on to better things, me thinks he’ll stick around awhile longer.
I said goodbye to Stevie once on 01/02/07… so I’d rather not have to say it again. And I’d have to redecorate my man cave where I watch games in, cause it’s 100% Wings stuff of which is about 85% Stevie memorabilia.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/21/08 at 03:57 PM ET
Stop talking about Yzerman as a GM of another team! I can feel the puddles of drool from an envious Toronto already. 
I wonder if when he thinks he’s ready to run his own team he would be thinking of Ottawa? They’d probably love to have him there.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/21/08 at 04:16 PM ET
I’m mostly ok with Stevie in as GM. But the thing that concerns me most is his ability to negotiate contracts. Does he have the mindset to do it even close to as brilliantly as Holland has managed things?
I hope The Captain has been directly involved in player negotiations the previous years. Even better if he’s been solely responsible for some of the minor contracts. Sure, he’d learn quick, but if left on his own it could result in a year or two of some not-so-good signings/non-signings.
Posted by Nate A from Dark side of the moon on 08/21/08 at 04:18 PM ET
Easy, guys.
I think Kenny’s remarks are his way of promoting Yzerman to be GM of Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics.
Posted by w2j2 on 08/21/08 at 04:34 PM ET
I do know Stevie was around for much if not all of negotiating Pavels last contract, ergo he’ll be involved with Hanks & probably the Mule’s this season too.. both will be good almost hands on training.
Thinking on this a little more now I really like the senior adviser idea so long as it’s heavily involved with the roster management. But his last name isn’t a Mc, McC or Mac something....LOL
Mr I has often referred to Stevie as a son, Scotty leaves to be closer to his son.... hmm. The “school boy trying to please his parents” isn’t leaving.
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/21/08 at 05:00 PM ET
I don’t know how long ago he signed it, but I thought that Illitch essentially told Yzerman and Nill “I’ll pay you like a GM, but no interviews anywhere else”, and promptly signed them both to 4-year deals. But I can’t find any link to confirm…
Posted by Cliff on 08/21/08 at 05:17 PM ET
Easy, guys.
I think Kenny’s remarks are his way of promoting Yzerman to be GM of Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics.
Exactly. Running a team does not necessarily mean running another NHL team. I can envision Stevie being involved in Team Canada operations on a regular basis.
Also, Nil has been ready to run his own team for a while and he hasn’t left. In the article, “the timming hasn’t been right” according to Kenny, and it’s a worthy reminder that a lot has to fall into place before anyone just leaves. Scotty’s situation is another good example.
I don’t think that Kenny is done being a GM by any means, so moving him to an ‘advisory role’ (i.e. without final say) is not happening. Not even in a few years. Then again, I didn’t think Scotty was done and I was basically right; that brilliant bastard is still hanging around but not in the way I thought so...we’ll see.
Posted by Osrt on 08/21/08 at 05:35 PM ET
Easy, guys.
I think Kenny’s remarks are his way of promoting Yzerman to be GM of Team Canada for the 2010 Olympics
Bingo. GM of Team Canada is a bigger position than Prime Minister.
Posted by HockeyJoe from NY on 08/21/08 at 05:38 PM ET
i thought the plan was that when Nick retires, then TickTock will. StevieY moves up. Everything else stays the same.
Posted by cowboycoffee from San Francisco, CA on 08/21/08 at 05:38 PM ET
This could go so many ways. MAybe they wouldlike him to actually GM a minor league team for a bit. Gain some experience being THE MAN. You can learn alot from being part of “the braintrust” but its gotto be ALOT different when your butt is on the line, and you are the one making all the final decisions. That experience could come in real handy 2,3,4 years down the road at which time he could take his place as the wings GM.
Im certainly not looking forward to holland leaving, but nobody is saying this is immediate. I mean think about it. Suppose holland finds a way to get hank franzen and hossa all signed longterm, IF lidstrom ends up staying, you are looking at 4 more years of kronwall, 4 more of rafalski, 6 more of datsyuk 5 more for cleary, 4 more on stuart 3+ with lidstrom, 5 more on flip, hossa Z and franzen longeterm. A boatload of prospects etc. The only thing left for yzerman to do will be replace homer draper and maltby with the likes of helm abdelkader and.. mursak? This roster is locked and loaded for years to come. Pretty good time (next year) to come in as a new GM.
Personally though, ill stick with holland.
Posted by aTTicA on 08/21/08 at 05:51 PM ET
color me lazy, i didn’t read the other comments, mostly because what i say is going to be more important.
anyway, i’m of the thinking that stevey takes a job with a minor league team, and gets to run his own organization just like we (I) run countries in Risk. He then comes back, takes the GM job with the wings, then knocks bettman out with a headbutt. obviously.
Posted by rwingscup19 from dallas on 08/21/08 at 05:54 PM ET
....then knocks bettman out with a headbutt. obviously.
I must admit, the logic does have some appeal.
Posted by Rumbear from Rum, more than just breakfast food. on 08/21/08 at 06:53 PM ET
He coulda taken more money in any of the last several years of his playing career to go somewhere else. Eff any of the other pretenders or posturers - Steve Yzerman IS Detroit. Somehow the Powers That Be will make it work.
Posted by Cal on 08/21/08 at 06:55 PM ET
I would be shocked if Yzerman is given GM consideration before Nill, kinda like I would have been if Zetterberg was given the captaincy before Lidstrom. Just not the Red Wings way…
Posted by yawt from norcal on 08/21/08 at 07:52 PM ET
...then knocks bettman out with a headbutt. obviously.
No way. Not a headbutt guy - tisn’t sporting.
Check him into the boards and let McCarty beat him up.
(Although that might deprive me of the opportunity of approaching Bettman on the street, innocently introducing myself as a hockey fan, and then kick him so hard that his inseam increases by about nine inches.)
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/21/08 at 10:28 PM ET
Nill does have a non-competition clause (i.e. not only can he not be interviewed without the team’s permission, but he’s also not allowed to seek out other jobs) in his contract, and he’s paid bloody well as part of the bargain. I don’t have any figures, but every indication has suggested that he receives GM-level compensation.
KH has suggested, half-jokingly, that he’ll retire when Nick retires, but the reason that no one in management has a contract for longer than three years is that Holland’s contract expires in three years.
If he wishes to continue--and, keep in mind, folks, these guys all want to stay around for their kids’ high school years, and each and every one of Holland, Nill, and Yzerman have kids that are either in middle school or high school, so we’re not talking about anything sooner than three years, and that’s ditto for Babcock--at that time, he’ll probably allow everybody to re-assess their options and go forward from there.
If you look at the fact that Yzerman has suggested that Holland and Nill are still “young,” that he’s not in the mood to usurp power (a la Mark “Make Me Your GM Because I Said So” Messier), and add in the fact that Yzerman has four teenage daughters, I’d suggest that he’s going to stay put for a while, and even after that point, he might end up as a sort of “second assistant GM,” filling a role very similar to that of Jimmy Devellano, who’s still very active in the decision-making process on both hockey operations and corporate levels.
Yzerman’s stated that he’d like to be a GM one day, but I think that it’s pretty presumptuous by the press and the rest of us to assume that he’s got his dinghy all packed and ready to launch off the S.S. Detroit Red Wings for the next opportunity. Yzerman seems to be pretty content at present, and if that changes, he’s not going to hide his agenda, but he’s not going to demand anything, either.
Posted by George James Malik from South Lyon, MI on 08/21/08 at 10:38 PM ET
Ah, sanity speaks again.
Sweet, now we, like Stevie himself, are all worried about the time his daughters turning 18.
Posted by Osrt on 08/22/08 at 12:38 AM ET
but I think that it’s pretty presumptuous by the press and the rest of us to assume that he’s got his dinghy all packed and ready to launch off the S.S. Detroit Red Wings for the next opportunity.
George J., if I may, nice nautical reference the on the cusp of the boating season in ole Detroit. I just want some clarification that the Chief did not name his “yacht” S.S. Detroit Red Wings. I would hate to call in the services of Andrew Bourne to prevent such a tragedy. Danger being his business and whatnot.
Note to Andrew… did I ever mention my stint in marketing??
Stanley. It’s summer. Carry on.
Posted by Rumbear from Rum, more than just breakfast food. on 08/22/08 at 02:23 AM ET
Good point about their families - reminds me of what Babs said earlier that even if he wanted to leave, his wife and kids told him they weren’t going anywhere - and besides, I would think winning Cups together is, you know, a pretty fun thing to do, regardless if you’re merely a “vice” president, “alternate” governor, or “assistant” GM.
Posted by yawt from norcal on 08/22/08 at 03:13 AM ET
This is strictly gut instinct, but I see Yzerman becoming Wings GM in three years, Nill moving on to another team, and Tick Tock taking over the Bowman role. Holland is the oldest, yes? I would think maybe he’ll be closest to taking a role with less work. Nill played for the Wings for a while in the 80’s, but something tells me his ties to Detroit are less strong than Stevie’s.
Posted by TDeters on 08/22/08 at 09:10 AM ET
I believe Yzerman has three daughters, ranging in age from fourteen to nine.
Posted by shep from california on 08/22/08 at 10:20 AM ET
I believe Yzerman has three daughters, ranging in age from fourteen to nine.
Hands off ‘em. Go chase after Patrick Kane’s sisters.
Actually Rumbear, Danger is my middle name. Completely different, my business is international espionage, covert black ops, and chicken sexing.
Not that any of those would help keep the Chief from naming his boat whatever he wants. That duty falls to the militant wing of the Marina Club. Besides, I don’t think you have anything to worry about-- I expect the good ship S.S. Block O’ Cheddar is sailing the fair waters of the Potomac as we speak.
So, Rumbear, tell me about your stint in marketing. You wheedling cajoling weasel you.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from The Dark Side of the Barn on 08/22/08 at 12:26 PM ET
I think Yzerman is young enough to wait out Holland and keep learning. Isn’t Holland’s contract up in a few years? Can you really see Yzerman wanting to lead another team? He bleeds Red. (Ok, I know we all do, but you know wtf I’m trying to say)
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 08/23/08 at 01:33 PM ET
My spouse and I purchased a Red Wings Banner to fly off the front porch. The thing is we live in Roanoke, VA. It is beautiful here but as far as hockey wisdom,well, there is none! Not only that, my neigbor is a real hick type of guy who lives in the Civil War period. And there is is, a big DETRIOT banner flying proudly in the South!
GO WINGS!!!
Posted by dwingsrock on 08/23/08 at 03:32 PM ET
It is beautiful here but as far as hockey wisdom,well, there is none!
I was pulling out of a parking lot yesterday in a strip mall, and this old German guy with a huge beard, dressed all scruffy, says “are you an ex-biker or did you just put that sticker on there for show?” or something like that. at first I was confused. then I told him “um, no, that’s hockey.” he says “what kind of hockey, ice?”
[sigh]
Posted by PaulinMiamiBeach on 08/24/08 at 12:25 PM ET
Good lord Paul amazing !!! My husband and I put up with s--t like that all the time here. I am waiting for someone to stop and notice the banner but it will be a long wait, this I am sure of. Funny, VT has a hockey team here and hardly anyone knew about the team until we helped spread the word around. They don’t even put it on the sports news here. It costs three measly dollars to get in to see a game. I am not prejudice towards the South (yea right!) but when it comes to hockey they just don’t understand or want to, for that matter. Funny story though! LOL!
Posted by dwingsrock on 08/24/08 at 02:10 PM ET
dwings
I know what you mean by the hockey knowledge. I played many a hockey game in Roanoke while at VMI, until they shut down that rink by the airport. At which point we were forced to drive to Lynchburg to play at Liberty’s brand new rink. Which was ridiculously nice for being in the middle of nowhere in Virginia.
Posted by rwingscup19 from dallas on 08/25/08 at 09:53 AM ET
You wheedling cajoling weasel you.
Flattery .... is over rated!
Yet, the chicken sexing comment has my curiosity piqued’. You mean you just don’t pick em up, flip em over and check out the uh, em, undercarriage? Baroque, help me out here!
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo, on 08/25/08 at 12:42 PM ET
LKinda like the Wendys (I think it was Wendy’s anyway) commercial shows… guys in lab coats looking the the “undercarriage” and saying… “nope, no nuggets here. we’ve looked over the whole chicken and don’t find any nuggets”.
Me thinks we’re all going a little batty this time o summer… with nothing but the pending return of the Diva from Toronto being about all that’s left on the NHL front......
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/25/08 at 03:13 PM ET
I know what you mean by the hockey knowledge. I played many a hockey game in Roanoke while at VMI, until they shut down that rink by the airport. At which point we were forced to drive to Lynchburg to play at Liberty’s brand new rink. Which was ridiculously nice for being in the middle of nowhere in Virginia
Well, my friend I am a big 10 fan PSU, LOL! No Hockey in thier (like MU hockey!) University, so I will attend all VT home games and hopefully the Wings and Capitols in DC! The thing is VT Hockey, an ACHA team that is not sanctioned by Varsity sports...they are attempting to do this though. Not a bad team at that level either....of course they are All Northern Boys.
Posted by dwingsrock on 08/25/08 at 04:32 PM ET
...nothing but the pending return of the Diva from Toronto being about all that’s left on the NHL front......
Madonna’s in Toronto?! Shut UP!
Surely she will fill some seats at the olde Air Canada Centre.
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo, on 08/25/08 at 05:08 PM ET
Madonna’s in Toronto?!
The creative spin of the marketing background coming up again?
Posted by MOWingsfan19 on 08/26/08 at 07:52 AM ET
Great, now the gloatfest extends to the entire front office. It’s getting mighty sticky around here ... you guys may want to tone down your little cj before someone goes blind.
Posted by rwhater on 08/26/08 at 10:43 AM ET
you guys may want to tone down your little cj before someone goes blind
Or before someone has his fill and goes trolling.
Posted by Gabriel from San Diego, CA on 08/26/08 at 04:53 PM ET
Great, now the gloatfest extends to the entire front office.
Now? We, and a large part of the hockey community, have been talking about this for over a year now.
At least be an informed troll...oxymoron I suppose.
Posted by Osrt on 08/26/08 at 07:06 PM ET
My spouse and I purchased a Red Wings Banner to fly off the front porch. The thing is we live in Roanoke, VA.
Awesome- I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Thank the gods for Center Ice....
Posted by monkey from Gary's World, setting fire to McCrimmon on 08/26/08 at 08:12 PM ET
Now? We, and a large part of the hockey community, have been talking about this for over a year now.
Certainly since JFJ was fired in Toronto - and I think the “Scotty Bowman to Toronto” talk was even before that.
@ Rumbear:
Remember the talk about penguins? No externally visible genitals - most birds are like that, although poultry (and a few other groups) have a rudimentary copulatory organ in the males. A chicken sexer has to flip the chicks over and check just inside the bird’s vent for it - it isn’t easy to see because it isn’t much more than just a little bump. Most birds it isn’t even that - thank goodness for secondary sexual characteristics like plumage. That’s why in birds mating is so tricky, with a lot of awkward positions and a lot of thrashing around in the attempt to get the sperm inside the female.
It probably isn’t all that difficult to learn how to sex chickens, but I can think of many things I would rather make a living doing than looking at baby chicken butts.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/27/08 at 05:12 AM ET
I can think of many things I would rather make a living doing than looking at baby chicken butts.
Although you have to admit it is tempting. 
Posted by YzermanZetterberg on 08/27/08 at 07:55 AM ET
That’s why in birds mating is so tricky, with a lot of awkward positions and a lot of thrashing around in the attempt to get the sperm inside the female.
sounds a lot like my thursday nights…
Posted by rwingscup19 from dallas on 08/27/08 at 09:12 AM ET
I can think of many things I would rather make a living doing than looking at baby chicken butts.
What Baroque said.
Hence my diversifying into global intelligence and surveillance, and clandestine manouvers on a mercenary basis. Generally you get a lot more takers for your services if you pack a high-powered Barrett rifle and night-vision scope rather than messy feathery hands and the vague odor of infant poultry. Goes down better with the ladies, too.
Anyone else see Hank’s sponsorship deal with Easton? Twelve million Kronor over five years. Along with his clothing line and assorted other takings from being the Swedish David Beckham, this ought to soften the blow of signing a long-term deal for a hometown discount. Or at least I hope it makes that more likely.
George has it on Snapshots if you haven’t seen it yet.
Posted by AndrewFromAnnArbor from the chicken coop, aiming a round downrange on 08/27/08 at 10:32 AM ET
That’s why in birds mating is so tricky, with a lot of awkward positions and a lot of thrashing around in the attempt to get the sperm inside the female.sounds a lot like my thursday nights…
I knew it.
As soon as I hit “submit,” I thought: hanging curveball.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/27/08 at 12:12 PM ET
hanging curveball
Indeed!
Ahhhh, dear Baroque, the penguin lectures...I remember them well “small flightless birds with no externally visible genitals that play hockey” or something like that. Certainly more quantitative than our discussion on odd and even toed ungulates of months gone by. Yet, here we are in the fall of 2008 on a hockey blog discussing chicken sexing courtesy of Andrew from Coop deVille. Life does have it’s twists and turns.
Nevertheless, there must be money in it lest the skill would have no interest for our international man of mystery, diversification notwithstanding. Offsetting the costs of ammo for a Barrett can be a daunting task. (Even the .338 Lapua Magnum)
Posted by Rumbear from Sandy Eggo, on 08/27/08 at 03:32 PM ET
Knowledge held by fellow posters:
Animal biology - General
-Chicken Sexing - Specific
--how to
--career possibilities of
--jokes stemming from
High powered Rifles
--makers of
--cost of
--ammunition necessary for
Alcohol
-Beer
-Liquor
-Sicker
-Life’s problems
--Cause of
--Solution to
Interesting combinations we have going
Posted by Osrt on 08/27/08 at 03:53 PM ET
Interesting combinations we have going
Indeed.
Alcohol, firearms, and chickens. Sounds like the start of a really bad country song - especially if you toss in a pickup truck.
Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 08/27/08 at 04:54 PM ET
Thank the gods for Center Ice....
Yea! Could not live with out Cener Ice!!!!!! Worth every penny!
Posted by dwingsrock on 08/27/08 at 04:59 PM ET
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"I actually like the Detroit team and have a sh&% load of respect for them, but their fans are the biggest douches next to Canadians."
--KStewy, PensBlog Commenter
"Just when it looks like we have bottomed out, the 19 hit a new low."
-A2Y legend, Hockeytown Todd
"And for the record, I don't hate the Red Wings, I hate their fans."
--Douche Bag at Puck Daddy who isn't Wyshynski
"You’re nothing but a douchebag ****, c3po. Go f**k yourself, and learn something about hockey in the process. Nothing ruins my day more than seeing your byline on the kk page."
--Hector, A2Y fan, statesman, Pittsburgh Chapter of Jonas Brothers Fan Club President
"I can just imagine the kindergarten teacher’s reaction when the tyke blurts out 'Mommy says Gary Bettman is a f*cking f*ckface! He wants to give ‘Rosby the bad touch.' ”
--Bella, of the 19
Head to Hockeytown
Blogs the Chief Likes
I became a very loyal Wing fan when the Captain was drafted....played against him as kids..his team smoked us!!....anyhow I am a Redwing fan due to Stevie Y the player....not the Executive...Holland stays.
Posted by GanWingFan from Gananoque, ON on 08/21/08 at 02:44 PM ET