Category Archives: Sports (MC Archive)

Sports columns that appeared on Jason Menard’s previous Web site, Menard Communications.

Sign of the Times

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By Jason Menard

Good for the Air Canada Centre! After all, each of us need to do our part to fight the war on terror and violence, and through their due vigilance they were able to wrest a potentially lethal weapon from the grasp of Brody White.

Of course, Brody’s only 10 years old – but kids today are crafty. Think of the damage he could have done to an unsuspecting usher!

Yes, in yet another example of the old adage that states common sense is not so common, the staff of the Air Canada Centre, under a directive from the powers that be in the NBA and NHL league offices to bring in new security measures, deemed Brody’s hand-made sign a threat to the paying patrons at a recent Toronto Maple Leafs game.

And while the sign may have read “No. 1 Leafs fan” chances are young Brody’s willing to give up that title now.

Increasingly the Five Man Electrical Band’s statement of “signs, signs, everywhere a sign,” is become a quaint reminder of a bygone time. The corporate suits who run the game are flexing their muscle more regularly and sterilizing the sporting environment to the point where blind subservience is becoming a commodity to be bartered for a seat in the nosebleed section.

Look no further down the 401 than Detroit, where the Ford family tried to stifle the fan’s displeasure with the Detroit Lions’ general manager by preventing NFL fans from bringing in signs bearing the message “Fire [Mike] Millen.” While they didn’t go so far as to suggest that carrying a placard was tantamount to brandishing a firearm, they did use the lame excuse of how signs could obstruct the view of the other paying customers.

Oddly enough, I’ve been watching football for years and signage has never been a problem in the past. But in today’s sporting environment, we peons are no longer able to question the powers that be.

Honestly, it’s time for franchises to get a sense of perspective. Sports are an enjoyable diversion in our lives – but they don’t define it. This inflated sense of self is akin to the nauseating spectacle of the increased security measures Hollywood took following the attacks on New York’s World Trade Centre. As if Al Qaeda’s action that caused thousands to lose their lives and one of the world’s architectural icons to tumble wasn’t enough of a statement – damn it, Julia Roberts may be next! And what would the world do without her proficiency in romantic comedies?

I suppose when your sense of the world extends no further than your nose, it’s understandable that you can lose a sense of perspective. But how far is too far? Was ruining the enjoyment of a sporting event for a 10-year-old boy really worth it? Is the negative publicity gleaned from their actions a fair trade for the elimination of such a miniscule threat to public security?

This is not to undermine the legitimate security issues that are out there. One has to only ask Monica Seles whether or not fans can be a threat to athletes. But a sense of perspective must be deployed.

Otherwise why stop at signs? Why not force everyone to drop their car keys into a giant bowl at the gate? I’ve seen Chinatown! I know what those things can do to someone’s nose! What about people with prosthetic limbs? After all, there’s nothing that precludes someone who uses assistive devices from becoming part of a sleeper cell?

Or maybe, just maybe, we should look at 10 year olds as 10 year olds. Maybe sports franchises should be damn thankful that people are willing to shell out their hard-earned money to sit in the seats and announce to the world their love of a team.

So where do we go from here? As fans, do we continue to subject ourselves to the idiocy of overzealous mall cops who patrol our fields of play? Perhaps Toronto fans should make their displeasure known. If exuberance is cause for security concern, then the next NHL game at the Air Canada Centre should be greeted with absolute silence.

If our hands are a dangerous weapon, let’s comply with the intent of the ACC’s restrictive security policies by sitting on them during the game. No applause for the anthem. Greet the arrival of the teams with stone silence. And let the first goal of the game pass with nary a murmur from the fans.

After all, silence can be deafening – and maybe that way the message will get across.

2006© Menard Communications – Jason Menard All Rights Reserved

A Hair-Raising Way to Grow a Legacy

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By Jason Menard

José Théodore, congratulations, your potential for public shame has just turned into the potential for a few extra bucks in your wallet! And considering Théodore’s level of pay lately, he may need to start milking that cash cow sooner rather than later.

The Habs netminder’s agent should be on the phone contacting Merck today, if not sooner, to start angling for an ad campaign. With Josés flowing locks, matinee-idol good looks, and general personability, he’d be a natural in the line of Habs Who Schill.

Yes, the Canadiens franchise has spawned a few players who have gone on and benefited from their on-ice exploits to become lucrative off-ice pitchmen. It is a line that started with arguably the greatest Hab of all time – Maurice Richard.

Who of us of a certain age could ever forget the winsome smile of The Rocket as he glided up to the boards, looked into the camera, and said “I leave a touch of grey on the side – my wife likes it.” As a Grecian Formula pitchman, Richard’s visibility grew amongst an entirely new generation of hockey fans.

And it’s that return to relevancy that can take icons to immortal status. Legends are only as legendary as the level of reverence that the current generation holds for the individual. As time passes, subsequent generations are quick to dismiss the exploits of our forebears as evidence of a poorer quality of play, less-athletic competitors, and a lack of technological savvy.

A player like Maurice Richard continues to be relevant in large part due to his on-ice exploits and the oral history passed on from one hockey fan to another. But the impact of the visual representation through these advertisements can’t be diminished. Still not convinced? Two words: Bob Uecker.

Uecker is known more for his Miller Lite acting prowess than anything he did behind the plate. Which brings us to our next Hab to grace the small screen – Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion.

A Hall-of-Famer in his own right, Geoffrion often gets lost in the discussion of great players from his era. Arguably the originator of the slap shot, his accomplishment is frequently overshadowed by Bobby Hull’s proficiency and role in popularizing the shot. But what can’t be forgotten is Geoffrion’s Miller Lite commercials appearing in the late 70s and early ‘80s. His brand of humour and accessibility resonated with an audience that was far too young to consider drinking.

Is it fair to say that Geoffrion’s star shines brighter than even his own father-in-law, Howie Morenz? While Morenz remains an icon to hockey historians and enthusiasts, the average fan is more familiar with Boom Boom than the Stratford Streak (or Mitchell Meteor – we don’t want to engage in any municipal favouritism). Why? The power of advertising, that’s all. For a man who was once known as the Babe Ruth of Hockey to be overshadowed by his formerly beer-shilling son-in-law, accessibility has to be a significant component of the equation. The demographic that grew up watching Bernie and Maurice on the small screen selling product instead of firing pucks at wary goaltenders is now the one that’s defining the direction of hockey. Those between the ages of 25 and 40 are the demographic that the networks cater to – and, in large part, we are the demographic that’s the caretaker of our legends’ statuses.

Obviously, this is not just a hockey issue. Look at the NFL’s John Madden. His fame arguably has exceeded that of the legendary Vince Lombardi, not because of his coaching exploits, but due to the fact that millions of money-earning (and spending) fans grew up and continue to play the video games that bear his name. Media makes superstars – and the savvy athlete knows when to strike while the iron is hot.

Which brings us to Théodore. With a Vézina Trophy behind him, he’s already proven his prowess between the pipes. Although struggling through a tough season now, there’s no reason to believe that he won’t return to his former glory. And, when he does, his legacy can be cemented with a few, tongue-in-cheek, self-referential advertisements, the memories of which will live on long past the time that he hangs up his skates.

Now’s the time Théo – after all, you know what they say, hair today, gone tomorrow.

2006© Menard Communications – Jason Menard All Rights Reserved

Expansion End Zone Lies East

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By Jason Menard

While the Village People may have implored us to Go West, when it comes to CFL action the sun – and the setting – rises in the East.

In light of Tom Wright’s recent meeting with Windsor mayor Eddie Francis regarding the possibility of the border city becoming the 10 th Canadian Football League franchise, and the fact that the league seems to be enjoying resurgent popularity, naturally discussion will arise about expansion. This, along with Wright’s professed desire to see a 10 th franchise in place by the end of the decade to balance the notoriously complicated schedule, shows that the time is now for interested cities to make their move.

Unfortunately for Windsorites, their city isn’t the best choice — in fact, it’s only the third-best option in their province. And the best two choices reside farther east than Ontario. And when it comes to making a decision with both one’s heart and one’s head, Halifax emerges as the clear front-runner.

There are a number of factors that the league must consider when choosing an appropriate venue for expansion. Once bitten, twice shy doesn’t apply here – the league was devoured by the experience that was then-commissioner Larry Smith’s foray south of the border in 1993-1995. Fortunately for the league, they have a surplus of worthy locations from which to choose.

Halifax makes sense on a number of fronts. Insiders have long whispered their desire to see a franchise based in Nova Scotia to take advantage of an untapped market and to fulfill the league’s wish to be a truly Canadian entity. Geographically, the team will also help balance out the divisions without requiring realignment or disturbing traditional rivalries.

The biggest problem – and this is the same for all potential locations – is the lack of a suitable stadium. While the region has long supported university pigskin, there is no location currently capable of meeting the needs of a CFL franchise long-term. Local ownership would either have to build a stadium or enter into a Montreal Alouette/McGill-like agreement to upgrade St. Mary’s facility.

And while Halifax falls behind other expansion candidates such as Quebec City and London in terms of population, the team would absolutely have to be marketed as a regional representative – akin to Regina’s Roughriders adopting the Saskatchewan moniker. A team under the Atlantic brand would be embraced by all the Eastern provinces.

Failing that, the league should turn its attention to Quebec City. Canada’s seventh-largest metropolitan area, the capital of la belle province boasts a potential market of almost 700,000. As well, amateur and collegiate football enjoys a passionate support that markets Ontario-west could only dream of. One only has to turn to the support that Laval receives in the CIS to see that the market is starved. And, despite the loss of the NHL’s Nordiques, the region has proven that it will support professional sports. Add to that the built-in rivalry with the Alouettes and you have a recipe for long-term success.

While Windsor is getting the press, two other Ontario markets are more deserving – London (10 th largest) and Kitchener/Waterloo (11 th), with the Forest City coming out in front. London, with its metropolitan population of 416,000 sits in the middle of southwestern Ontario. Within a comfortable two-hour drive, the team could pull fans from Windsor, Kitchener-Waterloo, Hamilton, and Toronto. Again, facilities come into play at this location, but the recently built TD Waterhouse Stadium should be able to be upgraded to meet the needs of the team – of course, with the participation of the University of Western Ontario.

And finally, the blossoming Kitchener/Waterloo region is also an alternative, offering a short drive from Toronto, London, and Hamilton, and a blossoming economy. Both London and the K/W region would create intense regional rivalries with the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and, again, create balance in the divisions without disturbing existing arrangements.

Financially, some of the risk has been alleviated with the league’s recent acceptance of a hard salary cap. With the ever-popular buzz-word cost certainty established, it allows the league to be a little more risky with its expansion choice. By enabling the decision to be partially emotionally based, as opposed to strictly financially motivated, Wright has the opportunity not just to make the safe field goal attempt – he can be bold and score a game-winning touchdown.

The clear choice is Halifax. Wright’s legacy can be one of creating a league that pans the country from the Atlantic to the Pacific. And, finally, we will have a league that truly deserves to bear the designation Canadian.

2006© Menard Communications – Jason Menard All Rights Reserved

Rewinding the Soundtrack of Our Game

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By Jason Menard

Who knew that from the ashes of the organ would rise, Phoenix-like, a much more obnoxious beast? And, like the guy who recycles the same stable of jokes each time you meet him, it’s time to say enough is enough!

The majestic organ interludes of our past have been replaced by a far more insidious beast – the arena DJ who is overly self-impressed with his own wit. Anyone who’s attended a hockey game recently knows that the musical interludes during a game can be painful. Like a bad schoolyard pun, the music selections elicit more groans than grins and can, in fact, take away from an otherwise-improved product.

It was bad enough that hockey arenas were the last bastion of ‘90s dance-pop. While Pump Up the Jam and Get Ready 4 This long stopped echoing off the dance floor and from the radio airwaves, they are in regular rotation at any arena across the continent. By all rights, 2 Unlimited and Technotronic should have faded into Behind-the-Music-esque obscurity, but their continued existence is validated by these faceless few manning the soundboards.

And it’s not enough to simply rehash the less-than-classics. Perhaps resentful of the fact that all those in attendance are there to watch the on-ice action and not appreciate their disc jockeying talents, these self-same few seem to enjoy inflicting aural pain on their captive audience. How else can you explain the repeated playing of Cotton Eye Joe, a song that sticks in your brain in much the same manner – and with a similar effect – of a tumour?

But all of this sadistic musical torture could be excused if not for the indulgence of their alleged wit. A phenomenon that I would like to refer to as Situational Song Styling is growing in popularity. You’ve probably experienced it first-hand: from the playing of War’s Why Can’t We Be Friends? during (or after) a fight to Eric Carmen’s All By Myself when a player finds himself alone in the penalty box, these stadium DJs attempt to dazzle us with their ability to reference song lyrics to on-ice situations.

The list just goes on and on: Carl Douglas’ Kung Fu Fighting after a scrap; Kenny Loggins’I’m Alright following an injury; Supertramp’s Waiting So Long during a stoppage in play or while the referees are reviewing a play. These songs – and the artists – have earned their rest and their rightful place in the back of the discount rack. And that’s where they should stay.

Bad music just cheapens the game and we as fans do nothing about it. While we could never imagine replacing Flight of the Valkyries with the Theme from Greatest American Hero (Believe it or Not) during that climactic scene in Apocalypse Now, we have no problem tarnishing an exciting hockey game with a rousing rendition of Mambo #5.

There’s something to be said for paying the game of hockey the respect it deserves. Yes, the game’s supposed to be exciting, yes it’s supposed to be fun, but the music is supposed to enhance the on-ice product. It’s not supposed to detract from it, or, worse, attempt to steal attention away from it.

That’s why it’s time to bring back the organ to our beloved game of hockey. PlayingY.M.C.A. does nothing but distracts the fans from the on-ice action and removes them from the game. However, a few notes on an organ can ramp up the fans’ involvement in the action. An organ fanfare leading to an enthusiastic, “Charge!” increases the shared experience. No matter what your denomination, Havah Nagilah is the perfect tune to build up a fan’s enthusiasm to a rousing crescendo.

There was something majestic about the pairing of organs and hockey arenas. And with the death of the arena in Chicago Stadium in 1994 that era passed. We’ve moved from a time where arenas bore symbolic names to where a team’s home is nothing more than a commodity to be sold. That commercialization has entered into the on-ice realm as well, with this cheapening of the musical experience. The grand ol’ game of hockey is in danger of devolving into a basketball-like spectacle, where every stoppage of play must be obscured by mind-numbing, pulse-pounding music. But fans have more of an attention span than that and it’s time to take back our game – and its soundtrack.

As it stands now, the ambiance of our game is overwhelmed by the ego and alleged wit of a faceless DJ. And perhaps they remain cloaked in anonymity because they know that if we as fans could, just once, face the music – or at least the person behind the music – there’d be hell to pay. While I’m not advocating violence, there are, in fact, fates far worse than that.

Yes, as punishment, we could subject these arena DJs to an endless loop of Who Let the Dogs Out and That’s the Way I Like It. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a copy – after all, we know these DJs have them in their library!

2006© Menard Communications – Jason Menard All Rights Reserved

CFL Needs to Put a Cap on Its Success

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By Jason Menard

For the Canadian Football League to remain viable for years to come, the owners have to come to their senses and realize that long-term prosperity comes from putting a cap on their success.

The CFL hasn’t been this healthy for years, which is a remarkable recovery for a league that just a decade ago arguably was on life support. Solid ownership across the league has transformed shaky franchises into cornerstones for the league. New ownership groups in Hamilton and Ottawa offer hope – and deep pockets – to build for the future. Heck, even in Toronto, despite its terrible venue and fourth-sport status, the Argonauts are starting to draw.

And while the league’s owners may be content to keep riding the gravy train, they have to realize that unless someone’s controlling the direction and keeping the speed regulated, they could end up crashing in the not-too-distant future.

The CFL is plagued by two problems: competitive balance and financial stability. However, the two are inexorably intertwined – or at least the latter directly impacts the former. Right now the number $2.6 million is floated around – but in true CFLian fashion, there’s not even a consensus as to whether that’s a cap, a suggested competitive balance threshold, or just a proposed spending guideline to use as a starting point.

As such, some teams adhere to the $2.6 number religiously, while other franchises find ways around the number by offering personal service contracts, guaranteeing ancillary income through radio or television shows, or finding other perks to inflate the value of a contract without it showing up on the team’s payroll.

In the end, the fans lose. Certain teams are able to spend seemingly at will to stock their rosters, while other clubs have to scrimp and save – and even in an eight-team league there are franchises that right now have no hope of raising the Grey Cup.

A hard cap just makes sense for this league. And that’s why the Board of Governors should leap at the suggestion when and if Commissioner Tom Wright brings it to the table at the league meetings in Phoenix.

By enforcing a hard cap across the clubs, you’re ensuring a level playing field and curbing the inflationary impact that inflated salaries can have on the league’s finances. And, if some form of revenue sharing is not included in the formula, then those teams with the extra finances can leverage that advantage for their most important customers – the fans.

Extra money that would have been diverted into payroll could instead be funneled into stadium improvements, enhancing the fan experience, and more aggressive sales and marketing plans. And for a league that’s driven by gate revenue, a salary cap offers owners the security of a defined expenditure amount around which they can budget accordingly.

And what the existence of a stable cap could mean is the addition of franchises to a league built on a solid foundation. Instead of the haphazard, grab-the-American-money-while-you-can expansion orgy of times past, a hard cap could entice investors from other parts of Canada who are looking to get into the league. The league has long floated the trial balloon of franchises in Quebec City and somewhere in the Atlantic provinces. A cap could make these dreams a reality.

By putting a cap on its current success, the league could open an opportunity for even greater prosperity in the future. Think of the possibilities of a league that stretches ad mare usque ad mare. Imagine the instant rivalry forged between the Montreal Alouettes and a new Quebec City-based franchise. Think of the potential revenue that can be exploited by those football-mad Maritimers who have shown so much support for the university game.

And, for the players, think of the extra guaranteed jobs. A cap may put a ceiling on their immediate earnings, but it could allow for the creation of extra positions – either through new franchises, or more immediately through the addition of another import and non-import roster spot.

Enforcement is always a question, but those that exceed the salary cap could face an immediate loss of a draft pick in the Canadian amateur draft. More than the imports, Canadian players are the lifeblood of any successful franchise due to the existence of the Canadian player ratio – so the threat of losing out on young Canuck talent should be enough to keep even the most adventurous owner in line.

The idea of a hard cap just makes too much sense for the league – let’s just hope the owners don’t drop the ball on this one.

2006© Menard Communications – Jason Menard All Rights Reserved