Interesting. I believe the author of that piece also writes for HockeyBuzz?

Strange.

Posted by James Mirtle from Toronto on 04/04/08 at 09:47 AM ET

While I generally agree with this article, this tidbit had me shaking my head:

According to sources at Honda Center Friday morning, some prominent NHL players and writers were stunned by the piece.

I find it hard to believe that (a) any players who are aware of Eklund’s site view it as anything other than a joke, and (b) they would be “stunned” by comments from a Sharks beat writer working for a paper that nobody’s heard of (all due respect to the Vallejo Times-Herald, but there are at least five--and likely more--larger newspapers in the SF Bay Area).

Posted by shep from california on 04/04/08 at 09:57 AM ET

The blogs that I’ve read by legitimate journalists would never call for injury to another player.  The writers seem to have internalized their ethics, as though instead of thinking “is this going to embarass my paper” they seem to be thinking “is this going to embarass me personally.”

I think if that is the way they view a blog, and they view themselves as journalists instead of hysterical fans, they don’t say anything they might regret later, even if the blog is more personal than a column for their paper.  Whenever they write they are aware of the way they present themselves, even if it is a short bit they dashed off quickly or a silly anecdote they want to share with readers, it comes through in the professional tone of their paragraphs.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/04/08 at 10:00 AM ET

I’m always impressed when blogging gets a bad name and it isn’t my fault. 

JM: Yeah, Brewster definitely wrote for HB, though I haven’t followed it in a while.

Posted by Earl Sleek from Los Angeles, CA on 04/04/08 at 10:00 AM ET

From Josh Brewster:

Hi, yes, in 2006 I was Eklund’s Anaheim blogger for a couple of months.  I now blog for The Hockey News.

Note that I’m not trashing blogging at all, and in contrast to Ek, look at what THN or this site does with blogging. Good stuff.

I’m just disgusted with Eklund, really, and I think if you read my column, I’m clear that it’s about Ek and Garner, not blogging.  I’m not a fan of Eklund, that’s all.

Nothing against blogging.  I quite like it.

--Josh
Hockeytalk.biz

Posted by Hockeytalk on 04/04/08 at 10:20 AM ET

I guess I am probably the only one thinking this, but who cares?  I actually thought it was refreshing anyone from a “real media” perspective would actually say what is on their mind and I think that’s what a blog is for.  Sure Garner took things a little too far, but even David Pollack at the Mercury News made several mentions of that Kunitz cheap shot and how it had not been forgotten, that players, coaches, and front office types were not at all pleased about it.  Garner got into more of an opinion but isn’t that what a blog is for?  It’s his forum to speak, not yours, not mine, not Josh Brewster’s.

I also think it’s hilarious that the Ducks can feign outrage when it comes to on ice shenanigans.  In the last 3 weeks they’ve had not one but 2 different players use their equipment as weaponry.  Obviously Pronger and the skate blade while Kunitz used the butt of his stick to take out Cheechoo.  Regardless of which team you cover, when they play the Ducks don’t you have to address the physical side of the game?  Isn’t that likely to be the big story, especially given the circumstances of that second game in 2 weeks?  I don’t think it’s a great precedent for a writer to be calling for heads in such explicit terms whether its in a blog or newspaper forum, but honestly who is worse?  The guy who writes about it for a small audience or the guys who actually commit the acts on the ice?  I understand if what Garner wrote makes you uncomfortable or makes you cringe, but save the genuine outrage for the guys on the ice trying to hurt people.

Posted by Aaron from Boston on 04/04/08 at 10:36 AM ET

The only time to fear bloggers is if they carry knives or you get between them and the pressbox buffet table.

Posted by Hockey1919 from Montreal on 04/04/08 at 11:43 AM ET

“The only time to fear bloggers is if they carry knives and you get between them and the pressbox buffet table.”

Now that would be terrifying. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 04/04/08 at 11:54 AM ET