There have been very few sports organizations that seem to place themselves in positions that make their fans happy. Today, a decision the NHL made quite some time ago, manifested into something special. Luck, a large stage, and superior talent has more than likely added to the fan-ship of the league.
For the very first time, millions of Americans (including myself) got a chance to witness what is to be appreciated about the often maligned sport of hockey. The gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada was a masterpiece and a joy to watch. Those who didn't know what "icing" was (when a player shoots the puck passed both red lines), as well as the other seemingly foreign rules ignored them to watch a game played with passion and intensity.
This game, thankfully, included the best players in the world, all of which play in the NHL. the NHL decided to shut down its offices to allow their players to play and represent their respective countries. Thank You NHL! You got it right where so many organizations have not. You put the game first where so many leagues have failed to do so. For this instance you pass with flying colors (A+). So lets see how the rest of the sports did:
BASEBALL: The baseball classic occurs every three years at a time when very few care. It starts almost a month before opening day and almost none of the players have hit their strides (which doesn't happen until about June). Essentially it is a glorified spring training with a trophy. It's hard to get excited about a mistake prone, mediocre tournament where 3 or 4 teams have a chance to win it, and maybe 1 or 2 play like they actually want it. Here level of play does these in. D+
BASKETBALL: The World Basketball Championship is extremely difficult to watch, as not all of the world's best participate. The lack of the U.S.'s superior talent, dampens the spirit of the entire tournament. The sheer lack of desire to win from every team in the tournament as well as from Team America in the summer Olympics hurts the fan fair surrounding it. Both the international basketball tournaments occur after the NBA season during a time when players are recovering from injuries, training, and are for the most part at least several months removed from actually playing a meaningful game. Bad timing and disinterest does these in. B-
FOOTBALL (SOCCER): Provided that the MLS can get their act together, they could capitalize on the efforts of the World Cup this June, while tired members of the Premier League file into South Africa. Most of that never seem to matter anyways because this tournament is a joy to watch and might rival the Superbowl for ratings this year. A-
FOOTBALL (AMERICAN) As of yet there is no current international American football tournament. There also doesn't seem to be one in the works, nor is there a loud desire for there to be one. Although this would seem interesting to see, as violent a sport that football is, this could not possibly last very long if it ever once begins. Not, atleast without second-rate players being primarily used. Due to there being no tournament, i have no choice but to give American football an I for incomplete.
That gold medal game is a very different game with: second rate players, quasi-physical play, passable defense, and average goalie play. Fans aren't stupid; we are not interested with a second rate product. The NHL allowing their players to be seen on a ridiculously large scale, has gained so many potentially new fans; so, why can't some of the major organizations get this right. I hope that they continue to get this right and allow their sport and league a chance to grow.
