Was Patrick Kane Set-Up or Did He Really Do the Unthinkable?

COMMENTARY | In early August, Patrick Kane of the 2015 Stanley Cup winning Chicago Blackhawks was out on the town enjoying his fame and fortune. He met two women who were interested in knowing him better so they took the party back to his home in Hamburg, NY. Then the stories get a little murky.

One of the women who willingly accompanied Kane to his home in the early morning hours of August 2, 2015 and went into a bedroom with him has made allegations that she was raped by the NHL superstar. There are no reports that her friend, who was present in the home at the time of the alleged rape, tried to help her friend or was even aware that the incident was occurring.

Being a woman, especially a woman who has experienced the terror of an assault, my heart went out to this victim and Kane was pure scum until more and more details began leaking out. Most rape victims are too stunned and horrified by what just happened to them that they either try to conceal it by going home and thoroughly washing themselves because they feel so dirty or they call the police to make a report. This woman did neither of these things. Instead, she goes straight to the emergency room and requests a rape kit be conducted and then the emergency room staff made the call to the police.

sportsmockery.com

There have been few details released in the case. Kane and his family have kept a low profile during this time, including a quiet celebration with the Stanley Cup at his home in Hamburg, NY instead of a large-scale, city-wide celebration. Kane’s lawyers are no doubt guiding his every move at this point even though no charges have officially been filed.

A date for the case to go before the Grand Jury was set. Evidence was gathered, witnesses subpoenaed and the lawyers were ready to battle it out in front of the Grand Jury. Then the big event was delayed because of settlement talks going on between the two parties. That left me scratching my head. A woman is raped and she is willing to take a settlement? That does not sound like a typical rape victim. A rape victim would want justice done and the perpetrator to be given a punishment that suits the crime.

The fact that both sides are willing to sit down and talk settlement makes me really question the validity of this allegation against Kane. Of course Kane would be willing to settle just to sweep this thing aside and get on with the new season. But the victim being willing to accept a cash settlement for an alleged rape just does not sit right. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that similar to prostitution? Accepting money in return for sexual favors is classified as prostitution.

Maybe that seems a little harsh to some, but the facts that have been leaked do not add up to a rape. It sounds like a gold-digger spotted Kane out on the town and saw an opportunity. She willingly went to his home and into his bedroom, her friend did not try to stop the incident, she went immediately to the hospital asking for a rape kit and now she is willing to settle for money. Yes, the victim claims that Kane bit her during the encounter, but let’s get real, a hyped up playboy millionaire gets a woman into bed. He likes it rough. How many of us have had a partner get a little out of hand and leave a scratch or a bite mark? That does not mean that the sex was not consensual.

The NHL feels that it is justified in pushing Kane aside and not allowing him on the press tour, sponsors feel just as justified in pulling Kane from their promotional items. But the fact still remains that Kane has still not been charged with a crime. Am I saying that the NHL should not hold its players to a higher standard? No, I am not saying that. I am simply saying that if the crime did happen and the player is charged and found guilty, like in Slava Voynov’s case, then of course action should be taken. If it turns out that charges are brought against Kane and he is found guilty, then yes, action by the NHL needs to be swift and harsh.

As of right now, the NHL and the Blackhawks are not justified in handing down any punishment to Kane. A woman made an accusation, seemingly for money or to hook a rich man, and now everyone is in an uproar demanding Kane be punished. Think about it Kane-haters, why would a woman go to a man’s house at 2:00 a.m. if not to enjoy some adult company and get to know him better? I am not a Kane fan myself, but everything about this case just seems weird and it does not add up to a traumatized woman who suffered a vicious assault. 

St. Louis Blues Youngest Fans Get Shafted: Coolest Club in Town is a Sham

The youngest fans for any sport are the most important fans. They are the future supporters of a team or a sport. So, what happens when a team treats them like second class citizens? They feel belittled and unimportant to the franchise. The St. Louis Blues have not been known for their child friendly environment and while they host various activities for kids, they do not cater to the young fan.

This season is especially worse for the young fans who desperately want to support their favorite players on the ice and dream of being in the arena when the Stanley Cup is finally hoisted by a player wearing a Blues jersey. But this season, parents better be prepared to shell out more money for their children to belong to the exclusive Blue Note Kids Club. A club that boasted in years past a small welcome pack of some type of cheap memorabilia, two tickets very cheap tickets to a select home game and a chance to take a shot on goal on the ice after a select home game. Wow! Impressive stuff here! The organization must have truly been proud of their offerings to the young fans.

Before training camp has even begun the Blues have been sending out promotional emails and proudly posting on their website that they have the “Coolest Club in Town” and encourage parents to sign their children up. Last season the price for such an exclusive club was $25.00. This year inflation must have finally caught up with the organization because parents can pay $35.00 and their children can be “All-Star Members”. This sounds pretty cool, except for the $10.00 price jump. But when you read what an All-Star Member really is, it does not sound so cool. As an All-Star Member, a child receives a Kid’s Club Membership Pack and access to all Kid’s Club events, but no events are listed. My question would be what are these amazing events that the kids have access to as an All-Star Member?

The kicker, however, was that if parents did not like the All-Star Member choice, they could fork out a whopping $65.00 and their child could then be a “Hall of Fame Member”. That sounds fantastic! Except in reality, it is the same exact deal that kids got last season for the $25.00 price. Hall of Fame Members will receive a Kid’s Club Membership Pack, access to all Kid’s Club events, have a chance to participate in an on ice shot on goal and will receive two tickets, Mezzanine Level, to a select home game. For those who want their membership pack mailed to them, it is an additional $15.00. Surely the United States Postal Service is not charging that much to ship a small package within the St. Louis area and surrounding counties.

To recap, the Blue Note Kids Club All-Star Member must pay $35.00 plus shipping, if desired. That is $50.00 total. Or they can be Hall of Fame Members for $65.00 plus shipping, if desired, for a grand total of $80.00!

The St. Louis Cardinals, who are ten time World Series Champions, do not even charge this much for their Cardinals Kids Club. For $30.00, young Cardinals fans receive two tickets to home game, one-of-a-kind promotional items, access to a members-only party at the stadium complete with games, autographs, snack and the mascot and they get special offers throughout the season. Shipping is available for their membership packs for an additional $5.00 which is much more believable!

How is it that a baseball team who is classified as one of Major League Baseball’s finest be able to offer so much more to their young fans? The Cardinal’s organization has figured out that the young fans are the future of the team. When the young fans feel valued, they will be loyal to the team as they grow and become paying fans. The St. Louis Blues have not figured out that making children feel unwelcome is detrimental to the team and to the sport. This is a team that has yet to bring its fans a Stanley Cup. It is a team that has been ousted ungracefully from the playoffs several years in a row. A team that in the off-season traded a fan favorite player and refused to re-sign another fan favorite player. This is a team that is not in a position to demand $35-$65 for a kids club.

The Blues need a reality check! How many working class parents are going to spend the money they are demanding for a subpar kids club? I wonder if they will ever figure out how to truly cater to the young fan and make them feel like a special part of the organization.

St. Louis Blues Lose Again: Early Exit from Playoffs Could Mean Big Changes

COMMENTARY | As heavy favorites to win the Stanley Cup the past two seasons, the St. Louis Blues have stumbled and once again made an ungraceful exit from the first round of the playoffs. Both years, the Blues have yet to win a series. Blues’ fans felt that this time the Blues actually had a chance to win against the Minnesota Wild. It would be a hard series, but it was predicted that the Blues would eventually come out on top.

Is Hitchcock to Blame?

Fans and commentators have been considering what the future of head coach Ken Hitchcock, who has been with the club for four seasons, holds. Hitchcock has transformed the St. Louis Blues from a team that was unexceptional to a team that is able to consistently win hockey games. Under the tutelage of Hitchcock, the Blues are able to be true contenders for the top spot within their division each season. The Blues and Hitchcock came to a one year contract agreement earlier this month. He will be behind the Blues bench for another season.

Hitchcock’s leadership throughout the season is strong and the players respond well. So, what is it about the playoffs that cause the Blues to lose leadership? Does Hitchcock change his type of coaching during a playoff series? It would be unlikely that his whole coaching approach changes once the playoffs begin. I think that Hitchcock has been a strong leader for the team, working with what he has been given. However, when a team earns a reputation for being unable to win a playoff series, the players go into the series with a little too much to prove and end up falling flat on their face.

Ken Hitchcock has experience that has proven effective during regular season play. He has been a rock-solid coach behind the Blues bench and has earned the respect of his players.  Fans are still sounding off about bringing Hitchcock back for another season. Personally, I think it was a solid move on the part of the Blues.

Forwards Not Producing

Many people are contemplating the potential dissection of the backbone of the team. David Backes, team captain, and TJ Oshie, Olympic hero, are both exceptional players during the regular season. When it comes to the playoffs though, they are not able to produce for their team.

Backes is a shrewd player who does have the ability to motivate his team and lead them through a successful season as their captain. But, once the playoffs begin, he begins to fade away and his lacking leadership ability becomes problematic. Backes has become a strong personality within the St. Louis community. Fans of every demographic love him and give him their devoted support. Many of those fans are now asking could it be time for him to part ways with the Blues.

Oshie is without a doubt a fan favorite, especially the female fans, and is very active within the St. Louis community. He won over the hearts of fans around the country during the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He has been riding on that high ever since. Oshie is a player who has the know-how to set up plays and make things happen on the ice during the regular season. Oshie is a strong leader within the locker room and his many of his teammates look to him to lead them to the all-important win. Oshie, like Backes, fades away during the playoffs. You have to wonder if Oshie has grown as much as he can as a player while in St. Louis. Would he succeed on a different team under different leadership or with the Blues with a different head coach?

The Goaltending Question

Jake Allen, the Blues rookie goaltender, came into the playoffs with poise and had a team in front of him who protected him well. By the end of Game 5, his poise was shaken. There had been little offense and a defense that was no longer giving him the protection he had come to rely on. The blame of losing the first round has been placed on Allen’s shoulders. But that is not a fair assessment. While Allen showed big cracks in his confidence, it was his team that failed to produce offense. Then there were the empty-net goals that Allen could do nothing about.

Simply Outplayed

It is sometimes hard to face the fact that the Blues faced a better team. All the analyzing plays and second guessing decisions are not going to change that fact. There is no definitive way of saying which team is the better team. The better team is the one that was able to create offense while staying with a proven and effective defense. Not taking unnecessary or just plain stupid penalties is also key to becoming the better team.

The Blues had a great, winning season that allowed Hitchcock to showcase several of their young guns: Vladimir Tarasenko, Alex Pietrangelo , Kevin Shattenkirk, and Jake Allen re a few of the younger players who will be the building blocks of the team in the future. The playoff series against the Minnesota Wild highlighted the Blues’ weaknesses; Steve Ott is a weak link while on the ice and has not contributed much to the team. The entire defense was a puzzling jumble most of the season. The Blues are in the process of evolving and building a Stanley Cup worthy team. 

St. Louis Blues Sticking With Jake Allen

COMMENTARY | St. Louis Blues’ head coach Ken Hitchcock has officially said that he is putting his trust in the young backup goaltender, Jake Allen, over Brian Elliott, the seasoned netminder. This is Allen’s first season as a regular back-up goaltender with the St. Louis Blues. At just 24 years old, Allen is showing that he does not buckle under pressure. Is this a wise move for the St. Louis Blues?

Experience

Brian Elliott has playoff experience, with that experience comes maturity and the ability to handle the pressures of a strong playoff run. Even though the Blues have been shaky at best during the playoffs the past couple of seasons, the goaltenders have gained valuable experience playing in the high intensity games. Allen has only had a taste of that intensity whereas Elliott has been thrown off the deep end and immersed in it.

Brian Elliott

Elliott is hungry for the chance to prove himself, as is Allen. But both are essentially backup goaltenders trying to be worthy of the number one position. Elliott has played in the NHL longer, but his mentality seems to still be stuck in the roll of backup. When he was given the number one spot at the beginning of the year, it was speculated that he would not be able to handle the everyday duty required for his new elevated position. He was out to prove them wrong and even ended his vacation early to appear in the All-Star game when he got the last minute call.

Jake Allen

Allen is just as hungry to prove that he deserves to be in the NHL. His role as the backup to Elliott, and for a short time during Elliott’s injury to Martin Brodeur, has given him time to grow and learn. Does he have the maturity, stamina and ability to carry a team that tends to fizzle in the first round of the playoffs? I think that given more time and conditioning Allen would be the best choice over Elliott. Right now, with Elliott wavering and having difficulty stopping the puck, I think Allen is right for the end of season games. Will he wear out early in the play offs and not be able to deliver?

I’m sure these are all the questions running through the coaching staff’s minds as they determine the best course of action. Should they stay with the backup who may not be able to deliver in the long run or go with the goaltender who earned the number one spot only to begin to fray as the playoffs approach? Blues fans are divided. There are those who believe that Elliott can rebound and carry the weight of the team. But then there are others who remember Elliott’s playoff flops and are pinning their hopes on the young Allen.

Either way, Hitchcock has stated that he is sticking with Jake Allen for game 1 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Will that decision be a mistake since the Blues do not know yet who their opponent will be, we will have to sit back and watch it all unfold. 

St. Louis Blues Fans Not Feeling It

**Also posted at http://www.nhlnfa.com/blog/?p=47625

While fan appreciation week is in full swing at Scottrade Center this week, the St. Louis Blues organization has fallen a little flat when appreciating its fans. With a less than stellar record at home, Blues fans have cheered their team through the year in a building that is not overall fan friendly. Being a steady presence at Scottrade Center throughout the season, I have had opportunities to speak with fans of every age and demographic. Fan appreciation needs to be a yearlong event, not just an end of the season week.

Young Fans Disappointed With Blues Bookworm Club And Junior BlueNote Club

The St. Louis Blues unfortunately share a city with a Major League Baseball team that really does value their young fans. The St. Louis Cardinals offer a wide variety of activities for young fans and even teen fans can get in on some of the fun with their Cardinals Kids Club and Varsity Club. The kids are treated to their very own VIP party where players take the time to do “meet and greet” and sign autographs. The St. Louis Blues on the other hand offer a small prize package and two tickets to a select home game as well as the chance to shoot the puck on the ice after the game.

The kids are helped on the ice by the St. Louis Blues Blue Crew. This is a group of young men and women who are there to clean the ice, for the most part. I have no problem with the outfits that the male Blue Crew members wear. Where my problem lies is with the female Blue Crew members’ attire during Kids Club and Bookworm games. Why is it necessary for the midriff and cleavage to be highly visible when there are so many impressionable children at the game? The pants that they wear are also inappropriate because there is not a shirt or jacket that covers their spandex stretched behinds. There was one little boy that I overheard ask his mom why those girls on the ice were not wearing any underwear. The mother was so flabbergasted at the comment that I wanted to laugh!

The select home games for the free tickets are not on a weekend, but a weeknight when kids have to be up for school the next morning. By the time the kids get through the line and onto the ice, it is well past bedtime. Why, I wonder, do the Blues not think this through and offer a pre-game party where the kids can shoot the puck on the ice and have some fun activities for them. Maybe a Blues player or two could take a few minutes to interact with the kids during this time. Many of the young fans this year felt neglected by their hockey team.

Different Experiences For Different Fans

I have discussed this before, but I am touching on it again. Fans are given different treatment by the staff at Scottrade Center. While this is not technically a problem for the St. Louis Blues organization, it does directly reflect on the team when fans are treated poorly. A young couple brought their daughter to Blues game a few weeks ago and were treated so horribly by staff that they left part way through the 2^nd period. The woman, who is a bigger lady, was told by staff that she shouldn’t sit in the middle of the row – that is where their tickets were located – because it was uncomfortable for the other fans to have to squeeze in by her. Another staff member was seen mocking her and making fun of the man for being with her.

Three young men went to a Blues game and were followed by security everywhere they went and made to feel like criminals. I was at this game and personally knew these men. I witnessed the disapproval of the security guards and ushers during the course of the game. Another couple who try to go to a few games each season has a very enjoyable time. This is a middle-aged couple who dresses in casual dress. They have never been followed by security or mocked by ushers. Their only complaint is the quality of refreshments that Scottrade Center offers.

The only time I had any feeling of unease at Scottrade Center during a Blues game was when the three young men were there and we stopped and chatted on the concourse for a few minutes. Security was so close to us that I felt as if I were doing something wrong. The ushers have been pretty good; there are a few who lack people skills and social graces necessary to work with the public. One usher, Scott, is absolutely wonderful. He is attentive and very much a people person.

I can understand about wanting to keep the fans safe during the game, but to actually target certain people and make them feel as if they had truly done something wrong is ridiculous. Also, having staff members who feel that it is okay to make fun of the fans during the game is not right. I felt sorry for that young couple.

Blues Don’t Win At Home

The St. Louis Blues are ranked 11^th in winning at home. Some people say that you cannot win them all, but the Blues seem to struggle when it comes to playing in their own house. Fans pay big money for tickets only to watch their team choke during a game. The fans would really like to see the team step it up and start winning at home.

Yes, the Blues have logged wins this past week and pushed into the number one spot, clinching the division. They have not however, been consistent. They do this every year. They lose several near the end of the season and then push hard and pick up a few last game wins. This is typical Blues fashion and the fans absolutely hate it. There is so much speculating and nail-biting that many times the Blues are counted out of the play-off before they even start.

St. Louis Is A Sports City

Within the Greater St. Louis area there are about 2.8 million residents. These residents have their choice of professional sports teams to cheer on. The NHL, MLB and NFL are all represented in St. Louis as well as number of college teams to cheer for. The St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Rams both offer a variety of activities for their fans to enjoy, even their young fans. They seem to understand that the fans are extremely important to the morale of the team and the support of their city.

The Blues, this season are ranked 14^th overall in the NHL for game attendance. Their attendance record is not as bad as the Florida Panthers, but there is still much room for improvement. The Blues are losing fans who are feeling disenchanted with the idea of going to Scottrade Center to watch a game.

Overall, the Blues organization needs to step it up and figure out how to make their fans feel appreciated all season long, not just the final week of the season. Winning more home games would be a start. Learning from the other professional sports teams in the city would also help. By showing the young fans that they are wanted and appreciated will encourage the parents to bring the kids out to the arena to enjoy the experience of a live hockey game.

Fan Experiences at Scottrade Center Sadly Lacking

Many fans were excited with all the changes that were taking place at Scottrade Center. In my previous article, St. Louis Blues Make Changes To Improve Fan Experiences, I conveyed my hopes that the Blues' organization was finally going to make the fans feel important. How wrong I was!

The experiences of the fans is actually very similar to that of last season. The food is over-priced and absolutely tasteless, the in-game experiences are lacking and completely mundane. The "Blue Crew" is nothing but a ploy to insert sex into the game of hockey. Those who sit in the first 4 rows off the ice are given the exclusive access to the BlueNote Lounge. It is a jam packed bar where free food and drinks are the only allure. The food and drinks this season, just like last have been sadly lacking. The food is sparse and without taste and the drinks are watered down. There was no coffee to be had because the Blues' organization had not seen it necessary to replace the broken coffee pot that is used in the BlueNote Lounge. I am sorry, but I was not about to pay $4.00 for a 12 ounce cup of basic coffee at the concession stand when I had glass seating.

Furthermore, the Kids' Club experiences this season are exactly the same as last season. It is obvious that the young fans are not thought of as important. At least the St. Louis Cardinals offer an exclusive party for their Kids' Club members. The Blues' Bookworm Club was just as disappointing. Young students read for the chance to win tickets to a select home game, but there is a catch, each student only received one free ticket and then other tickets have to be purchased. What happened to each student received two free tickets and then the offer to purchase more if needed??

To add insult to those kids who support the Blues and come out with their families, they are bombarded with half dressed women displaying their skill at cleaning. I have an impressionable 9 year old daughter. I have to explain to her during every Blues game that we attend why these women are walking around in skin tight pants (that show every dimple and divet) along with belly-baring tops that emphasize their breasts. The men on the Blue Crew wear outfits that are much more appropriate for their job description. When the St. Louis Blues are hosting family nights, kids' club games or bookworm games is it too much to ask that the ladies on the Blue Crew be required to cover up?

My sister with our regular usher, Scott

The only positive experience that I have had this season at Scottrade Center is knowing that the usher (I sit in the same section when in attendance) is there and is willing to go that extra mile to make sure that I am comfortable while in my seat. I send out a great big "thank you" to Scott the usher for section 126. He is always there with a smile and remembers who you are and asks how you are doing. You can tell that he truly cares and listens. I think that the St. Louis Blues could take a page out of Scott's book and listen to the fans as well as show some true caring and compassion!

The St. Louis Blues need to figure out what they are doing wrong on the ice as well as the organization and Scottrade Center need to figure out why fans are feeling disappointment after experiencing their hospitality.

Can The St. Louis Blues Finally Bring Home The Stanley Cup

I ask this question in my latest article for IceNationUK.com. There are so many factors that go into creating a winning team. Keeping that team winning also takes effort and a certain understanding of not only the game but also of the players and their opponents.

The St. Louis Blues has been fighting, since the very first game played back in 1967 for their chance to hoist the Stanley Cup for their fans. Last year fans swore that it was their year. That was until the Ryan Miller trade that sent the team into a tailspin and ultimately out of the playoff race.

Read more of my thoughts in my article:

IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF: ST. LOUIS BLUES BEGIN TO STUMBLE IN HOMESTRETCH

Did Martin Brodeur Use the Blues to Stick It to the Devils

I speculated on Brodeur's leave of absence from the St. Louis Blues to think about his future. Many say that he is planning on retiring and then working in the New Jersey Devils' front office. They are claiming that he knew he was holding the Devils back and moved aside graciously to make room for a young and talented goalie.

Others are saying that he came to St. Louis to prove something to the Devils and to the fans. Now that Brian Elliott is back from his injury, Brodeur's future is not so certain. Find out my thoughts on the Brodeur situation at IceNationUK.com.

Did Martin Brodeur Use The Blues To Stick It To The Devils? 

Blues Sending Shattenkirk and Tarasenko to 2015 NHL All-Star Game

Tarasenko & Shattenkirk 

It will be an interesting All-Star game this year. How do I know this? Take a quick peek at those honored with an invite. It is not your usual crowd and many are speculating why so many new faces will be at the festivities.

I have analyzed the St. Louis Blues and why only two of their players found their way on the roster. Check out my thoughts on  IceNationUK.com and see if you agree with me!

St. Louis Blues’ Represented by Shattenkirk and Tarasenko at 2015 All-Star Game

2015 All Stars Announced

2015 All-Star Jersey

When the 2015 NHL All-Stars were announced earlier today, the line-up looked a little odd. Where were the greats such as Pavel Datsyuk, the Sedin twins, Henrik Lundqvist and Henrik Zetterberg? Okay, let’s go a little further and ask where is Joe Thorton, P.K. Subban, David Backes or Erik Karlsson? It is not surprising after seeing the amount of snubs this year that only two St. Louis Blues’ players made the list. Both of them are young, but definitely deserving of making the trip. However, are they the most deserving of the Blues players to have been chosen as All-Stars? Maybe everyone but Shattenkirk and Tarasenko got a sneak peak of the jerseys and let it be known that they would  not mind having a weekend off! These jerseys are truly bizarre and extremely ugly!

Kevin Shattenkirk and Vladimir Tarasenko will don the ugliest NHL All-Star jersey yet and represent their team in what should be an interesting skills challenge and All-Star game. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that Shattenkirk and Tarasenko are not worthy of being All-Stars, of course they are. What I am saying is why was David Backes, TJ Oshie and Alex Pietrangelo forgotten? All three of these guys have been on fire lately and have shown themselves to be worthy of being called All-Stars.

That being said, the big question is how will Shattenkirk and Tarasenko stack up against their fellow 2015 All-Stars? Shattenkirk has proven that he can stay cool under pressure. He was an Olympian last year so he is used to the glitz and glam that comes with being called an elite athlete, therefore, he should not become star-struck over his fellow teammates. The same can be said for Tarasenko. He was also an Olympian and although he is younger, he has a demeanor on the ice that speaks of maturity.

Both players should represent their team and their city well and they are two players that St. Louis should be proud to send off to Columbus. Congratulations to Shattenkirk and Tarasenko for a job well-done!