Recent playoff disappointments for Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets fans mean Canada’s drought for bringing home the NHL’s coveted Stanley Cup will stretch to 26 years, or does it?
The teams may all be out, but Canadian content is still alive and kicking. Although the numbers have dwindled over the past few decades, approximately 47 per cent of NHL players are still Canadian; not the number it once was but still nearly double the next country’s (USA) total at 25 per cent.
We still dominate the player pool. In any general election garnering 47 per cent of the vote would be considered a huge win.
Where a team is based is no longer significant. The cup visits Canada regularly with members of the winning team, who each get a day with the trophy to do with it as they please.
St. Louis Blues, who ousted the Jets, have 18 Canadian players on their roster. Their second-round playoff opponent, Dallas Stars, has 12. How is that for Canadian content?
New York Islanders (15) are also loaded with Canadian players. Carolina Hurricanes (13), San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche (11 each), and Columbus Blue Jackets (nine) are well represented, too. Boston Bruins (four) drag the average down, and offer less incentive for Canadian bandwagon jumpers.
Series losses by the Flames, Jets and Maple Leafs came on the heels of Team Canada’s shocking semi-final loss to Finland at the women’s world championship earlier this month, our country’s earliest ever exit from the tournament. Defeats such as this shatter the confidence of Canadian hockey fans who expect nothing but championships and gold medals.
Calgary was a heavy first-round favourite, Winnipeg was a slight favourite and the Toronto/Boston series was considered a toss-up, which provided optimism for a lengthy playoff run for a least one or two of those clubs. Prior to the losses, jumping on a Canadian team’s bandwagon for the sake of ending the drought may have seemed appropriate for casual fans, but for diehards, it was never an option.
Do Montreal and Ottawa fans cheer for Toronto? How about Edmonton and Vancouver fans? Do they cheer for Calgary? Not likely. Casual fans can enjoy the ride while it lasts, but for devoted followers of certain teams a rival losing is almost as important as their own team winning.
Fret not, Canadian hockey fans, whichever team wins the Stanley Cup has no bearing on our country’s status within the game.
We have an unmatched passion for hockey, that’s why we still watch American-based teams vie for the Stanley Cup, and also why kids are still playing three-on-three hockey in late April at Powell River Recreation Complex when the sun is out and outdoor activities beckon. As long as we have that, hockey is still our game, regardless of where it is being played and which team wins.
For those seeking more Canadian content, the under 18 world championship semi-finals and final take place this weekend, and Canada is still alive, and the men’s world hockey championship starts on May 10. There is always room on that bandwagon.
Shane Carlson is a Powell River resident and editor at Powell River Peak.
