Chris Lund

Media trends are fascinating. In the 21st century where there are constant innovations in how to bring a message forth to your audience, the way the best of the best opt to tell a story is very interesting when you’re cognizant of what’s going on.

Sports media is inherently compelling. Covering an intrinsically emotional topic does half the job for you whereas, for example, captivating North Americans with the story of how Blackberries are still super popular in Indonesia requires a little bit more tact. You have to create that tie and set it alight.

The problem of a lockout affecting the major player in a sport is obvious. You lose that natural bond between an outlet and its readership by scorching the middle ground. And coupling that with an audience that is confused by what it wants under the circumstances only serves to exacerbate the difficulties.
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Hockey Canada is set to announce its selection camp roster today for the 2013 World Juniors. Soon to follow that will be a careful dissection of each name, every possible lineup iteration and much talk over whether or not they will break “the slump” this year. Nothing out of the ordinary for a Team Canada squad, but this year the hype machine will be turned up to 11.

The 2004 lockout afforded Canada its best WJHC team ever. A top line of Crosby – Bergeron (who was coming off a solid rookie season) – Perry up front and a top pairing of Weber – Phaneuf in the back were the tip of the iceberg. Four lines deep, and three pairings strong, they were a menace. The guy who really sticks out as “never making it”? Jeff Glass, the goaltender. He plays for Sibir Novosibirsk in the KHL, and not because there’s a lockout in North America.

The 2013 World Juniors will draw the inevitable comparisons to this lockout bolstered squad. They will be expected to head off to Russia and win the first gold medal in three years. I pity every single player who has to wear that jersey this year. They are about to walk into national bedlam.
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This cartoon served as Mel Blanc’s obituary

On November 29, the sports world lost one of its most prolific public address announcers as David Courtney passed away. He had been the Kings PA man for 25 years in addition to his work with the LA Clippers. Courtney also served as the announcer of the Houston Rockets, Astros, Pac-10 basketball tournament, USC football, UCLA basketball, the USFL’s Gamblers, the Raiders, Lakers, Dodgers at various points in his career. For many people, several sports memories are tied to his voice.

It’s remarkable how something as simple as that voice filling in the atmosphere can add so much to a sporting event. Be it in a stadium, on the radio, on television or now, on a computer, that vocal interpretation of the events before us add a whole new layer of emotion in victory or defeat.

David Courtney didn’t wear a jersey or have linemates. He didn’t do post game pressers or pre game warmups. He did, however, finish his career as a Stanley Cup champion. A fitting accomplishment for a voice that impacted many, and one of many voices who have shaped our memories as fans.
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It wasn’t that long ago — roughly a year — that the rough and tumble side of hockey was in a public state of crisis. Strong terminology, but fair. After the deaths of active and former players Derek Boogaard, Wade Belak and Rick Rypien — which many tied directly to their propensity for fisticuffs — we’ve all had to take a long hard look at the role of fighting in hockey.

There certainly doesn’t appear to be any strong movement to abandon fighting outright. Many folks have been vocal in their criticisms, but it appears as though the NHL and NHLPA may be unified in one way — neither party wants to oust fighting. Yet, the status quo won’t do much to ease the concerns generated by fighting in the first place.

Luckily for the pro ranks, the Ontario Hockey League may have done the solving for them.
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