October 16th, 2008

Slumps, Bumps and few more things
... now that I have you attention

Garrett Skinn; WinghamIronmen.com Staff
(Note: the views expressed are those of the writer and do not reflect to the Wingham Ironmen or its management, players and coaches...)



First thing is first. WOW!
Talk about some good feedback.

I told you at the start of the season that I would post some of your feedback, good or bad. So here is some of the highlights of my inbox...

"I think it’s great that you take the time (whenever you can) to post the updates.  I’m a new fan to the Ironmen Website this year and just wanted to say “thanks, you’re doing a great job”.  I really enjoy checking out the site with the stats and the updates from the weekend.  I’m sure there are more fans out there that appreciate your efforts and remain silent than those that are negative and vocal.  Keep up the great work!" - Sharon T.

"Just read your blog Garrett, and I have to say in my limited time covering the Ironmen for the local newspaper (this is season #2) your site has been great with updates and getting all the information online. I'm sure it takes a lot of time and effort to keep it running, and your willingness to keep it going even after the executive decided to shut it down, PLUS bringing your laptop to parties and stuff like that  shows your commitment to the team and the league.

I live in Waterloo/Listowel and it's not easy to keep updated with something that's an hour away. People do have lives outside of their job and we all do our best. Keep up the good work." - Terry Bridge


"Suck it up princess! You get paid to do a job on the Ironmen site, so do it. If not, shut up and give the job to someone who will." K. Ford

Correction. I do not get paid.

Thanks to all the others that emailed in as well.


* * * *


Slumps.
The boys are in one.
Five games without a win.

They started the season off on the right foot, going 2 and 0. Since then, they haven't put up another W.
This is by far, the youngest Ironmen team we have seen in a long time. But it is the fastest team I have seen. They have the work ethic. They have their core guys. Guys like Cline, Doig, deVos, Murray and Moose. Guys that talk in the room, and everyone listens.

What are they missing?
Is it a name like Underwood, Roelofsen, Dwinnell, Amyot or Tremble?
Some say yes. Some say no.

Me.
I say yes.

Three/Four years ago, when playing the Ironmen, you had to be worried about O'Krafka, Stewart, Corbett, Chester, McGuire, Williams, Anderson, Walker, Filsinger... guys that you HAD to worry about if they had the puck. You knew you had to have a guy covering them at all times.

I'm not taking anything away from this crop of Ironmen. Cline is one of the best playmakers in the league. Higginson is without a doubt one of (if not) the fastest skaters in the league. Hopkins and Chapman are two of the hardest hitting d-men in the league too.

Now, I may get in $h!t for saying this part... Some people are against paying players. Some people are not. I am one of those who are not. This is junior hockey, but it is also a business. Team needs to make money. If the team isn't winning, they aren't bringing in fans. No fans = no money.

Fork over some money. Bring in a high profile player or two. Imagine if CC-16 was back in the Ironmen line-up playing with Cline. That would be a dangerous combo right there... or if Grog was back in Wingham (where he should have always been)... We may be talking about a whole different Ironmen team.


Injuries come and go. Once the team has a few key players back in the line-up, things may turn around.


PS. We Miss D-Murr.

Let's hear what you got!
Hit me on the BlackBerry - garrett.skinn@winghamironmen.com
If you want to have a say, email me your rant, and see it posted here!