Hope vs. Hopelessness Revisited · 13 October, 17:13

This weekend brought me back to reality that the Hawks as a collective group are not good enough to win many games. Yes the Hawks have some excellent young players (Troy Rutkowski, Brad Ross, Brett Ponich), worth watching and as good young players will get better as the years go on. But you win games in the WHL with solid 19/20 year olds, solid coaching, and a stable organization that provides some consistency.

Production from our 19/20 year old is nonexistent, coaching seams uninspired like we are on a continuous Hawk training camp try out. Who is not to blame the staff for spending most of their time trying to secure other employment. Management has made the organization powerless, all waiting for the ax to come down.

Ownership with JJJ and company probably have left town with the cash. WHL Commissioner Robison is fiddling while Rome is burning, while Bill Gallacher the potential billionaire buyer of the franchise is being evaluated—hopefully the Wall Street crash has not affected his discretionary spending for the year.

This is what I wrote near the end of last year. I had almost the same conversation with my son after the 4-0 loss to Seattle last night.

Hope vs. Hopelessness revisited:

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As a Portland Winter Hawk fan I find myself talking…mostly to myself these days. My conversation provides a back and forth between hope and hopelessness… and hopelessness is winning.

The season is over for everyone except a few die-heart fans that are left (five home games left). Every game I tell my son,

“Son, there is a reason we are here. Son, this is like a scouting expedition…we are going to help the Hawks uncover the players they need to keep and see if the next group of young players can put our team back in glory.

Son, don’t look at the score…7-2 doesn’t mean anything. This is a rebuilding year. They just need time to gel together.”

My son is part of the younger generation that needs immediate gratification. Futuristic wins are not good enough.

“Dad…how about a close game once in awhile.”

Good I got him thinking that a close game is almost a win.

“Sure son, we have Prince George coming up, I think we got a good chance of a close game. Our own division is way too good this year and they are not going to let down against us and do relish in beating us by as many goals as possible. Unfortunately son, beyond Prince George there is only US Division teams plus Vancouver left.”

“More losses.”

“Son there is always hope.”

Remembering back to last season, I had to use all of my persuasive skills to convince him that it would be different this year. He was the key to more Hawk games and if I couldn’t convince him that this team was better, and he didn’t want to go, my hockey time could be severely limited.

“Son, this team is going to get better. Look at all of the number one draft picks we have. Son, don’t look at all of those players jumping up and down on those other team. I know they shouldn’t be so happy in our building.”

— S. Blanchard

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US Divisional News · 18 January, 16:48

— S. Blanchard

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