Reader feedback Pt. I
By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com
Space issues didn’t allow for every single comment from you readers to make it in the paper. But there’s no space issues on the blog. So here is what some of you sent to me in the first couple of hours following the announcement:
“I have never been more disgusted with a city, politician, radio station, newspaper, etc. as I am today. Ninety-nine percent of this city, its mayor, The Oklahoman, the Sports Animal turned your backs on this team the minute Mr. (David) Stern offered us an NBA team. For 17 years, the Blazers were the show around here, and it means nothing. I hope the Air Force gets me out of this city ASAP!” — Keith Burgdoff, Oklahoma City
“I know a lot of people will view this as a bad thing, but it’s not. It’ll be sad to see some of those guys go, but I’m excited about the chance to see a higher level of hockey in Oklahoma City. That’s what we should all want in the end.” — James Mixon, Edmond
“This is truly a sad day for hockey fans in Oklahoma City. It will be a shame to see the CHL’s Blazers go. I have been a season-ticket holder since the Blazers returned in 1992. In fact, I had season tickets when the old Blazers and Stars were in Oklahoma City in the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. If the Blazers return in some AHL form, I will support that team as well, but this may be a case of you don’t know what you’ve got until it is gone.” — Mark Hedrick, Oklahoma City
“I had been a season-ticket holder for 11 years, and throughout those years, I have attended many away games as well as making many friends who shared my passion for hockey. I am now raising a son who lives and breathes hockey. He attended his first game at 6 days old and has been to every game since. We are shocked and disappointed by the news, and we wish all the players continued luck and success.” — Leigha Kelsey, Oklahoma City
“I have been a season ticket holder since the 1990-1991 season and have supported the Blazers through good times and bad. The friends I have made at the games, as well as some of the players and families, have enriched my life in many ways. I stood beside Bob Funk and got petitions signed and handed out t-shirts that said “Save Our Blazers” when then mayor Kirk Humphries wanted to get rid of the Blazers and bring in a higher league team. This team has had top notch attendance and very dedicated fans since they came to OKC, offering a venue that a man and his family could afford to attend. I think it is a shame that OKC is not doing more to support the continuation of the Blazers, a team that has brought the focus on hockey to so many. The hope of big bucks shouldn’t override a proven venue! Thanks to the team for all the years of great fun and best wishes to everyone. So many of us will miss you!” - Diana Holladay, Norman
“It was sad to here that the Blazers are gone. I understand that there are going to be a lot of unhappy fans. Some that I have talked to today just can’t believe what’s happened. Oklahoma City is growing up and with it so are the citizens of OKC, with the NBA Thunder in town people want a new form of sports entertainment. The citizens want a sport that the family can go to and have a good time without worrying about there kids hearing some guy next to them cussing and being a jerk. If you have ever been to a Blazer hockey game you know what I am talking about. I’m sorry to see the player go the ones with a house and family here in OKC and I hope the best for them where ever they go. I will miss Tyler Fleck the most, he was the type of player that would give all he had to the game and his teammates. He was a leader on and off the ice and any team that gets him will be getting one of the best players in hockey today.” – Bill Briden
“I think this is great news for Oklahoma City and is just another sign that this city is moving up and onward for the better. While losing the Blazers is sad, as a hockey fan I’m excited about the opportunity to see a better level of hockey in Oklahoma City. The AHL is the AAA of pro hockey and the players at that level are on their way to the NHL. In the CHL, most players weren’t good enough to advance and stayed in the league for years. I realize a lot of people will see this as a horrible thing, but in the long run it’s great for OKC. We could possibly host the next Sidney Crosby here for a year or two and then see him go on to greatness in the NHL. Where’s the bad in that? I had Blazers season tickets in my high school years and had a blast. As I aged, however, I got bored with the quality of the action and haven’t been to more than a handful of games each season. With the AHL possibly on its way, I will definitely attend more and am excited about the product we could see in the future.” – Justin Wilmeth, Oklahoma City
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I am from OKC but now live in Corpus Christi. When OKC came to town I was always there to cheer for the Blazers. It is to bad that I can not do that anymore. I will miss the Blazers. Just remeber OKC sometimes growth is not always the best thing.