masquedman wrote:

Smackles wrote: Though kind of sad that St Louis didn't put force a stellar effort all the way around. I actually like their facilities. Marc Foster wrote: St. Louis wasn't alone in hosting poorly organized national tournaments this year. The T3A tournament wasn't any better, nor was the ACHA D1 Nationals. Were either of you there? If so give your comments not just pile on EZ Dave Streeter's. If not it sure sounds like you were and you owe Kim an appologie.

One person does not an event make - it takes an ENTIRE ORGANIZATION. I've never referred to any individual in this process, and so I don't owe anyone anything. To make this one person's effort as you have done tells me that you don't understand what is expected at these events, and that perhaps the Bandits did not understand this as well.

No, I was not at Nationals. However, I heard plenty of complaints by non-Topeka people who were not only there, but have attended other Gold Cups in the past and thus had something to compare it to. It simply didn't stack up.

A lot of the apologists seem to be taking the stance that "hey, it's only Juniors, it's not a big deal." Well congratulations, you've successfully summed up the defeatist attitude that will continue to keep the NAHL from being what it can be. If you're thinking small, you're going to stay small. You've got to put excellence first.

So what now? My suggestion is that the Mason City folks get their asses up to Kitchener and watch the Memorial Cup. They'll likely pick up a few pointers on how to organize a great tournament.

Jtornado wrote:

Nice response and I agree with a lot of what you say. I think the thing we all need to remember is that the event IS a Junior Hockey Championship. From what I understand; most of the teams that host the event are actually losing money on it. The complaints about having to prepay for t-shirts...if I am a business owner, I do the same thing. I am not goin to have a bunch of memorabilia made then have no one show up and I end up eating even more cost. Personally, I think the league has failed on many levels when it comes to things like this but again, it is JR HOCKEY. I mean what was expected...a freakin parade? Ever been to the Chowder Cup? One of the biggest Jr Hockey events in the country and they dont go overboard. I think the "Topeka Fan" expectation was way too high. I also think the "Topeka Fan" will learn that there truly is a difference between the CHL type fan and the NAHL type fan. If y'all are serious about hosting the Robertson Cup in 2 seasons, the fans (not all but you know who you are) may want to learn how to conduct themselves in a civil manner when others are watching. Peace...out.

What I'm going to do is repost something from Topeka Hockey Talk--it's one of my posts, and the suggestion in part is that if you have the volunteers, you can do a bit more. And I'd be willing to bet we can get the volunteers:


"--The Robertson Cup is an event, not simply a few more hockey games. While it would be nice for the RoadRunners to win it, there are at least two other things to keep in mind about it.

It is an opportunity through local publicity to play up hockey in Topeka and expand the fan base.

It is an opportunity to put on our best face and promote the city of Topeka.

And there is a third--it is to promote the North American Hockey League. Any events sponsored by the League--the Robertson Cup, the Showcase, the Prospects--the League should be using these to build the credibility of the League as a developer of hockey talent. This is an apple the League should always be polishing, just like the first two are apples we should be polishing.

--One problem at Chesterfield is that the Iceplex stands alone at the end of an access road. This raises the question about what people do in down time, if they do not wish to take in all games. This is going to be more a problem for visitors to the city than it will be for locals. Give them the option of seeing local attractions and letting them know where they can eat (not everyone will want a RoadRunner dog.)

At the tent in the lobby where Robertson Cup merchandise was sold there were a few stacks of visitors guides on tables. This is a poor substitute for having someone to ask. Perhaps Visit Topeka (CVB) can help with this; in any case, there should be a table in each lobby of Landon Arena where this information is available. In addition, anyone who volunteers should be ready for the questions of what attractions there are to see or where to eat. If you can't answer the question, direct them to the tables. This is the wrong time for some one to answer the question, "where's a good place to eat," with "Kansas City."

Also with these tables in the lobbies--there should be people to greet people walking in, and not just the ticket takers. Everybody should be made to feel welcome, everybody should know that there are people who can answer questions, particularly if they aren't from around here.

--As you can see, in my mind, we're going to need a lot of volunteers. It's a five-day event so no one should have to work a full days unless they really want to. And there probably should be a session or two with volunteers and security so that everyone knows what is expected of them.

--I would also like to see the NAHL make it obvious as people enter the building that this is their tournament. The tent in the lobby of the Iceplex was turned with its back to the door, and didn't really function as much of anything, except to sell the Robertson Cup souvenirs, hold a silent auction on some jerseys, and the hold the piles of visitors' guides and a few other advertising offers. It would be nice if the League would put a little money into a small, portable panel exhibit telling about the League and maybe some of its success stories for those unfamiliar with the League. Such a panel exhibit could also travel to the Showcase and the Prospects. But that's for the League to come up with that."


Now I'm not the organizer of anything at this point. These are just suggestions made to my fellow fans in Topeka, to help point out just what the Robertson Cup tournament could entail.

But I agree with Marc and his response to "Hey, it's only juniors." Sometimes the biggest roadblock to improvement are sentences that begin with the words, "Hey, it's only . . . "

Now as for the comment about our fans realizing that CHL fans and NAHL fans are different and should act accordingly--well, I come out of a rough and tumble sports tradition in Western Pennsylvania. I like the spirit of our Topeka fans, and you're leaving me with the impression that NAHL fans are "country club" fans, holding their pinkies in the air . . . I think we need a little more than that.

Topeka Blade wrote:

But I agree with Marc and his response to "Hey, it's only juniors." Sometimes the biggest roadblock to improvement are sentences that begin with the words, "Hey, it's only . . . ".

Sure, and it is really easy to spend other people's money, isnt it.

Topeka Blade wrote:

Now as for the comment about our fans realizing that CHL fans and NAHL fans are different and should act accordingly--well, I come out of a rough and tumble sports tradition in Western Pennsylvania. I like the spirit of our Topeka fans, and you're leaving me with the impression that NAHL fans are "country club" fans, holding their pinkies in the air . . . I think we need a little more than that.

I really don't care where you came from. There is a difference. Most fans know it. It has nothing to do with acting like you are at a golf tournament. Hopefully you will be smart enough to figure out what is meant by that. Oh yeah..I will take my "country club" over a life in Topeka anyday.

Seems the fans have decided that the best defense is a good offense. The actions, spoke for themselves.

Jtornado wrote:

Topeka Blade wrote: But I agree with Marc and his response to "Hey, it's only juniors." Sometimes the biggest roadblock to improvement are sentences that begin with the words, "Hey, it's only . . . ". Sure, and it is really easy to spend other people's money, isnt it.

It's not always about spending money. It's also about organizing volunteers to take care of little things. Often, the difference between a good event and a great event can be something as simple as doing a half a dozen little (not expensive, not difficult) things over and above the call of duty.

Marc Foster wrote:

Jtornado wrote: Topeka Blade wrote: But I agree with Marc and his response to "Hey, it's only juniors." Sometimes the biggest roadblock to improvement are sentences that begin with the words, "Hey, it's only . . . ". Sure, and it is really easy to spend other people's money, isnt it. It's not always about spending money. It's also about organizing volunteers to take care of little things. Often, the difference between a good event and a great event can be something as simple as doing a half a dozen little (not expensive, not difficult) things over and above the call of duty.

Doesn't sound to me like that would make it a prestigious event that can be included in the extravaganza range.

Marc Foster wrote:

masquedman wrote: Smackles wrote: Though kind of sad that St Louis didn't put force a stellar effort all the way around. I actually like their facilities. Marc Foster wrote: St. Louis wasn't alone in hosting poorly organized national tournaments this year. The T3A tournament wasn't any better, nor was the ACHA D1 Nationals. Were either of you there? If so give your comments not just pile on EZ Dave Streeter's. If not it sure sounds like you were and you owe Kim an appologie. One person does not an event make - it takes an ENTIRE ORGANIZATION. I've never referred to any individual in this process, and so I don't owe anyone anything. To make this one person's effort as you have done tells me that you don't understand what is expected at these events, and that perhaps the Bandits did not understand this as well. No, I was not at Nationals. However, I heard plenty of complaints by non-Topeka people who were not only there, but have attended other Gold Cups in the past and thus had something to compare it to. It simply didn't stack up. A lot of the apologists seem to be taking the stance that "hey, it's only Juniors, it's not a big deal." Well congratulations, you've successfully summed up the defeatist attitude that will continue to keep the NAHL from being what it can be. If you're thinking small, you're going to stay small. You've got to put excellence first. So what now? My suggestion is that the Mason City folks get their asses up to Kitchener and watch the Memorial Cup. They'll likely pick up a few pointers on how to organize a great tournament.

Marc great, you weren't there but have comments from people who were and aren't associated with the complainers from Topeka... Ok I can accept that it wasn't the best ever Robertson Cup put on ever. Kim had plenty of help but she is the first contact for and the face of the Bandits front office. So if you want to continue with "I don't owe anyone anything" how about you be part of the solution. You aren't updating your blog and tornado season is coming to an end so how about you put some of those complaints in writing and then give us the Mr. Know It All solutions. I would expect something better than "go watch the Canadians do it."

masquedman wrote:

You aren't updating your blog and tornado season is coming to an end so how about you put some of those complaints in writing and then give us the Mr. Know It All solutions. I would expect something better than "go watch the Canadians do it."

It's called "best practices," and is an accepted business technique.

As far as what I'm doing with my spare time, it's really none of your business (BTW, I haven't been out on a chase in over five years). I'm still very active in the hockey world, it's just off the radar for the moment. Metaphorically, I'm like Ben Franklin with his kite, waiting for the lightning.

Marc Foster wrote:

I'm like Ben Franklin with his kite, waiting for the lightning.

Oh good Lord, that was sooooooo, transparent....

Jtornado wrote:

Topeka Blade wrote: But I agree with Marc and his response to "Hey, it's only juniors." Sometimes the biggest roadblock to improvement are sentences that begin with the words, "Hey, it's only . . . ". Sure, and it is really easy to spend other people's money, isnt it. Topeka Blade wrote: Now as for the comment about our fans realizing that CHL fans and NAHL fans are different and should act accordingly--well, I come out of a rough and tumble sports tradition in Western Pennsylvania. I like the spirit of our Topeka fans, and you're leaving me with the impression that NAHL fans are "country club" fans, holding their pinkies in the air . . . I think we need a little more than that. I really don't care where you came from. There is a difference. Most fans know it. It has nothing to do with acting like you are at a golf tournament. Hopefully you will be smart enough to figure out what is meant by that. Oh yeah..I will take my "country club" over a life in Topeka anyday. Seems the fans have decided that the best defense is a good offense. The actions, spoke for themselves.

Sure, it's easy to spend others money. But money doesn't necessarily have to be spent to make things better. And if those who had the money had spent it at the appropriate time, it would be cheaper in the long run. And quite likely things would be more solidly in place.

I don't think you caught my drift on what I meant by "country club." It has nothing to do with attending a golf tournament. It's more about attitude--an attitude that could be defined as "stodgy," "living in the past," or "unwilling to change." An attitude that confuses conservatism in action with no action at all.

This has been attributed to many thinkers in history, most notably Einstein...

"The definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing over and over, and then expecting different results."

Jtornado wrote:

HockeyFamily wrote: the special event that it was billed to be When was it "billed" to be a huge extravaganza?

I believe you are the one using the term "extravaganza." More of us are using the term "special event," or even just "event," as opposed to "just another series of hockey games."

Lets review the article and it's complaint.

Lets see, its a bad event because 1.5 hours before the event they didn't hand you a press pass? How did that ruin your week asshole? Did it prevent you from fulfilling your big powerful job of being a sportswriter in Topeker? I didn't think so, but in the true tradition of the trailer trash Topkerins, you whine.... or better put WAAAA!

Complaining that 1 hour before no tickets were being sold. Did anyone not get in??? That is just another whine or WAAAA!

Rink was too cold for the Topeker games. Well your right, that rink isn't warm. It is a hockey rink. Sorry if putting on a wind breaker ruined your day. Another whine or WAAAAA if you ask me.

Visiting teams didn't get prime media locations in the rink you say? Well it was a better location if you ask me, and because of the Television coverage they got top priority, not a newspaper with 24,000 distribution. Some more WAAA!

As far as security putting the "No Touching the Glass" signs up after the first period of the first Topeker game, this was done because of your idiot fans who don't understand that climbing on and banging and hitting the glass isn't acceptable here in civilization. And yes, there was a double standard, it needed to be enforced each Topeker game and not a single issue with other teams. More WAAAAAAA!

As far as the signs, how many huge banners do you want? What about the beer garden set up especially for the event with a live band? WAAAAA!

Other WAAAAs and whines on here like....."you could have had someone tell us where we could eat" as stated by the retard Topeker Blade. Jeez, did you open your eyes at all? Look directly accross the highway and notice over 30 eating establishments from fast food to steaks, seafood, chinese, bbq, sports bars and the list goes on and on. Sorry if the Bandits didn't realize that retards were attending and needed to point out the obvious. WAAAAAAAAAAA!

But in true Topeker crybaby form, they don't understand the reality of the world. It amazes them that all the other who attended were excited, followed the normal decorum of attending such an event, found excitement in all of the extras like the beer garden, the live band (notice only Topeker fans got into it with the band).

I find it interesting that this writer didn't discuss the press conference the day before with all the necessary information needed for the individuals from the press to do their jobs at the event. Hmmmm, bet he just didn't show up. Or the fact that the tournament was able to get TV news coverage each and every day plus cable broadcasts of the game. More people watched this than your entire population. I find it interesting the dinner for the teams wasn't mentioned. Did he not attend? He was invited. Did he not know about the fine dinner with great speakers including John Davidson GM of the Blues or Yan Stastny emotionally speak about his Jr. A Championship when he played at Omaha? Oh, funny that he didn't mention those things.

All Topeker did was whine and complain all week. That must be a miserable little town there in the middle of no-where to live in.

And for those who weren't there, (read this marc foster brooks) your way off base about this event stacking up. I'll leave it to those from MV who were in Fairbanks last year who I talked to. They said this event was very well run. The rest is simply BS or Topeker WAAAAAAAAA's

Ez Street wrote:

Yes, roll those eyes because you don't have anything else of substance to say.

St. Lou wrote:

As far as security putting the "No Touching the Glass" signs up after the first period of the first Topeker game, this was done because of your idiot fans who don't understand that climbing on and banging and hitting the glass isn't acceptable here in civilization. And yes, there was a double standard, it needed to be enforced each Topeker game and not a single issue with other teams. More WAAAAAAA!

Why weren't the Bandits fans that banged and climbed on the glass instructed not to do it? There were lots of Bandits fans that were both banging and climbing on the glass during the Friday night game against Topeka. I know this because I was there to witness it. So did the security guy that was telling us not to do it. You want to about double standards? At an event like this there should be only one standard excellence! Something that was lacking during this event.

Lastly, Welcome back to the board. I was hoping that during your break from the board you learned how to spell, but I guess you can't teach a St.Louis fan.

Last edited by HockeyFamily on Mon May 12, 2008 10:46 am; edited 1 time in total

St. Lou wrote:

Ez Street wrote: Yes, roll those eyes because you don't have anything else of substance to say.

What else do I have to say?

I've clearly stated my opinon take it or leave it.

Personally I've moved on, as should you, from this. It's over, your Bandits won (rightfully so) and we can all look forward to next season.

Too many other things to talk about rather than what I wrote about MY expierence.

I would suggest not reading my articles and blogs if you don't care for them.

I wish everyone a great summer and hope next season is as fun as this season was.

St. Lou wrote:

Ez Street wrote: Yes, roll those eyes because you don't have anything else of substance to say.

Just out of curiousity.....how come you have not answered the questions about the supposed "Walk-Out" by Topeka fans?

bp

HockeyFamily wrote:

St. Lou wrote: As far as security putting the "No Touching the Glass" signs up after the first period of the first Topeker game, this was done because of your idiot fans who don't understand that climbing on and banging and hitting the glass isn't acceptable here in civilization. And yes, there was a double standard, it needed to be enforced each Topeker game and not a single issue with other teams. More WAAAAAAA! Why weren't the Bandits fans that banged and climbed on the glass instructed not to do it? There were lots of Bandits fans that were both banging and climbing on the glass during the Friday night game against Topeka. I know this because I was there to witness it. Lastly, Welcome back to the board. I was hoping that during your break from the board you learned how to spell, but I guess you can't teach a St.Louis fan.

The only thing I can't spell correctly is Topeker, cause I spell it the way you say it. Which you haven't figured out isn't the way it's actually spelled. As far as the Bandits fans, I saw it happen once and the security stopped it and it was over. You couldn't see it because you were on the exact opposite end of the rink. But in your little Topeker pea brain, I am sure you felt justified at the ignorant behavior of yourself and your trailer trash fans. Your writer just proved how much a crybaby town Topeker is. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

BorderPatrol wrote:

St. Lou wrote: Ez Street wrote: Yes, roll those eyes because you don't have anything else of substance to say. Just out of curiousity.....how come you have not answered the questions about the supposed "Walk-Out" by Topeka fans? bp

Thanks for asking that question BP. We have been wondering about that also.

St. Lou wrote:

HockeyFamily wrote: St. Lou wrote: As far as security putting the "No Touching the Glass" signs up after the first period of the first Topeker game, this was done because of your idiot fans who don't understand that climbing on and banging and hitting the glass isn't acceptable here in civilization. And yes, there was a double standard, it needed to be enforced each Topeker game and not a single issue with other teams. More WAAAAAAA! Why weren't the Bandits fans that banged and climbed on the glass instructed not to do it? There were lots of Bandits fans that were both banging and climbing on the glass during the Friday night game against Topeka. I know this because I was there to witness it. Lastly, Welcome back to the board. I was hoping that during your break from the board you learned how to spell, but I guess you can't teach a St.Louis fan. The only thing I can't spell correctly is Topeker, cause I spell it the way you say it. Which you haven't figured out isn't the way it's actually spelled. As far as the Bandits fans, I saw it happen once and the security stopped it and it was over. You couldn't see it because you were on the exact opposite end of the rink. But in your little Topeker pea brain, I am sure you felt justified at the ignorant behavior of yourself and your trailer trash fans. Your writer just proved how much a crybaby town Topeker is. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

AGAIN as I said there were kids hanging and banging on the glass right next to the Bandits bench. There was a security guard behind the Bandits bench and he NEVER instructed them to stop doing it. Even when it was pointed out to him. Also I don't know of anyone who says the name of our city the way you say it. Are you sure you aren't talking to a St.Louis fan that wishes he was from Topeka and doesn't know how to say it correctly?

Lastly, Any info on the group that "walked out" on their bill. Many of us are still waiting for you to post this information.