You Had Your Say: 2013 in Polls
What local hockey player has been the biggest surprise this season?
Here is a look at what you had to say from six selected polls this season…and we’ll critic how correct CKSN’s readers were.
Q: Would you accept a tax increase to see a new arena in Chatham-Kent?
A: 60% of respondents said no. Judging by the fact that CKSN’s readership are sports supporters, this number is likely low. Had the general public been involved, and this poll been narrowed to only include those who pay property taxes in Chatham-Kent, it’s likely the citizens of Chatham-Kent would have made this a resounding no. Unfortunately, taxes will go up and we still won’t get a new arena…it’s the best of both worlds.
Q: Which local team will finish highest in the Great Lakes standings?
A: It seems hometown pride took over this vote. The Dresden Kings, Wheatley Sharks, and Blenheim Blades came in neck and neck, splitting 26% and change each. For the record, and by the record, it looks like local voters should have clicked in favour of the Wheatley Sharks. Even more of a surprise, was the support the Wallaceburg Lakers received. 21% voted for the Lakers. You’ve got to give it to Lakers fans, they’re faithful to their team.
Q: Do you think it was wise to remove scores and standings from Minor Soccer in Ontario?
A: Overwhelmingly, decidedly, lopsidedly, ridiculously, NO! We hate this decision too. Kids needs to learn to win, and to lose. Sports is a safe place to teach that. 92% of our readers said they disagree with this decision. Then again, we didn’t ask any 7-year-olds what they thought, however, we doubt the Ontario Soccer Association did either.
Q: Do you agree with Hockey Canada removing body checking from Peewee hockey?
A: This one wasn’t as cut and dry as the soccer discussion. Still, 63% of respondents stated they disagree with the decision. Again, we’re with them. Teach kids how to check properly before they’re big and strong enough to cause serious damage. Otherwise, we’ll have boys entering puberty throwing their bodies around with reckless abandon, and no skill development to back it up. It will be interesting to see if the 37% are right, and this really will be safer and better for our young hockey players.
Q: Which local hockey player has been the biggest success story this season?
A: Dane Fox is the man! Of the 535 votes in this poll, Fox took home 345 votes, for 65%. Sitting among the OHL’s scoring leaders, you’re right, he’s a massive success story, and has skyrocketed his stock in the eyes of professional scouts. Wallaceburg’s Seth Griffith came in second with 17%, while Clachan’s Travis Konecny was the third place finisher with 8% of the vote.
Q: What sport do you think Chatham-Kent is best known for?
A: 44% said hockey, but we’re not buying that. Yes, it’s the most popular, but are we really renowned for it across Ontario? If last year’s OHL draft becomes a trend, rather than an anomaly, then we’ll print this page and eat it. The second vote getter, volleyball, grabbed 21%. With teams in OFSAA every year at various levels, this makes sense at the high school level. If you look at the OUA, there are exactly zero Chatham-Kent products playing, and only a handful in the OCAA. So how are we measuring success. Regardless of how you voted, Chatham-Kent produces a huge number of elite athletes for a community of our size. However you spin this, we are producing athletes and excellent teams, and that’s overall, what us at CKSN think we’re known for.
Disagree with something we’ve said? Have your say one final time by commenting below!