Hey TSN, Don’t Mock the Blenheim Blades
Three Blenheim Blades celebrate in front of a packed house in Dresden – CKSN.ca File Photo
But, and this is a big but, the panellists, including host, and self proclaimed “Quizmaster,” James Duthie also felt the need to make light of the level of hockey Clarke plays. Sure, Junior C isn’t the OHL, KHL, or NHL. It isn’t even our local GOJHL Junior B loop.
It also isn’t a league to laugh at, particularly when it comes to the Blenheim Blades. Let’s look at some facts, and let’s stay current to keep this relevant.
Matt Martin led the NHL in hits last season, setting a new NHL record with 374 hits while playing for the New York Islanders. He also played for the Blenheim Blades in 2005-2006 scoring 11 goals and adding 12 assists in 40 games.
Ryan Jones of the Edmonton Oilers, who scored 17 goals last season, 18 the year before, played for the Blenheim Blades in 2001-2002.
Call me crazy, but NHL teams spend ridiculous amounts of money each year scouting Junior leagues in places like Switzerland, Germany, Norway, and Austria, that are filled with teams that haven’t produced as many NHL players ever, as the Blenheim Blades have in the last decade. I could definitely make the same argument for a large number of Junior B and A teams across Canada, and other European loops.
If you look behind the Blenheim Blades bench, you’ll find NHL 4th overall pick, and a veteran of nine NHL seasons, Todd Warriner. He also won an Olympic silver Medal for Canada. That’s a resume many Junior teams across the globe would love to have as a part of their coaching staff. Oh, and he also played for the Blenheim Blades in 1988-1989. He was also a teammate of TSN panellist Mike Johnson with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Small world eh Mike?
I bet a lot of those more important, “better,” Junior A and B teams would also love the 800 fans that packed the Blenheim arena last season. Trust me, if there were more seats in the arena during the playoffs, there would have been more fans.
So TSN, the next time you show a highlight from a kid in Junior C. Don’t laugh, and don’t mock the level. Better yet, don’t diminish the game at any level. After all, he made no money for that, while you got paid to make fun of his league, and while greedy NHL players sit out the season.
These kids are proud to play for their teams and towns, and our fans love the game here.
Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled to see Tyler Clarke and the Blenheim Blades get their moment on TSN, but your panel could have done it with a little more class. It’s not like you directly stated that the Great Lakes Junior C Hockey League was insignificant in the hockey world, but the way you said things was in jest, and mocking our league and players.
After all, if it wasn’t for Tyler Clarke’s incredible goal, you really wouldn’t have had that much to talk about on your most recent, “The Quiz,” unless you count voting for the scariest hockey related Halloween costumes as a legitimate topic of discussion.
Oh, and if you want to mock the Blades or Junior C again Mr. Duthie, I’m sure we can arrange a little game of shinny. I tried to find your playing career, but couldn’t locate anything online. We’ll line you up against Clarke and put Matt Martin and Ryan Jones on his wings. You can bring Bob McKenzie and Mike Johnson with you. You’ll need Johnson, but even he said he never scored a goal like Clarke’s in his career.
Let the games begin.
This is flat out an EXCELLENT treatise of the Junior C level of hockey and a well-earned defense of the caliber of Blenheim Blades hockey over the past decade or so. I am a Wallaceburg Laker fan, but also appreciate giving credit where credit is due, and Ian Kennedy has done just that.
Good points Ian. Junior C is what it is. A chance for guys 16-20 to play competitive hockey in their communities.
Don’t lose sight that it’s also a developmental hockey league for guys like Ryan Jones, Brad Staubitz and Matt Martin to learn some skills and improve on the ice, instead of on the bench in Junior B.
A long list (I started to list players but it was long) played Junior C before a year or two of Junior B and then went to OHL or NCAA college.
Also, every team in the league has 2-3 guys, (Belle River might have 5-6) that are good enough to play Junior B or higher, but prefer Junior C to focus on fun, friends and probably most importantly their education.
It is what it is, but you’re correct, it’s not fair to knock Junior C hockey. It’s a lot better than what people give it credit for.
Remember that time Tie Domi worked at TSN for like a month before they parted ways? Remember that time Tie Domi played Junior C for the Belle River Canadiens?
I saw the clip and I agree they were making light of Junior C. I bet they wouldn’t if Tie was on the show.
Not that I need to, but considering Mr. Duthie just stated this was one of the worst editorials he’s ever read via Twitter, I’ll clarify a few points here.
First, it wasn’t what they said. I got the context of Mike Johnson’s comments. It was how it was said. It was an incredible goal, and I am thankful that TSN showcased it.
Second, this editorial stemmed from conversations with several locals who completely agreed with my read of the broadcast. Maybe we’re a little sensitive and defensive of our local hockey. After all, it’s all we have right now.
So let’s agree to disagree, and all go back to the good old days of bashing Gary Bettman. After all, if it wasn’t for him, we’d all be arguing over great goals in the NHL.
Junior C hockey, where players pay to play hockey for the love of the sport and their fans. And don’t have a lockout!
No doubt the Blenheim Blades have produced some fine NHL talent
in Warriner, Jones,and Martin. The Blades have also
helped develop young men who became Doctors, Lawyers,
Real estate Agents,Grain Merchants, Farmers, Etc,Etc.
Young me who have produced something. Professional
hockey is great entertainment , but that’s about it.
Go Blades.
Go Matty Martin