First Comes Fandom, Then Comes...?

Thanks to a friend of mine, Melissa (@melissakania on Twitter) for this picture, which illustrates just what is so wrong with some of the merchandise being sold to us female hockey fans.


This is an actual product sold in the Sabres' shop at HSBC Arena. I had the misfortune of coming upon it when I went for the Sabres' draft party, and all I could say was, "HUH?" Because I fail to understand why Reebok makes things like this when we don't even have women's away jerseys available.

Maybe it's an overreaction, but all I think when I see this is that the league assumes there are more puck bunnies in the league than legitimate female fans. That's insulting. The fans I know don't watch games to ogle Ryan Miller or scream sexual propositions at Zach Parise. They may not know all of the statistics, but they know a clean hit or an amazing goal when they see it, and they love the game every bit as passionately as the boys do. The league is a business, yes, and they should try to make money off of whoever comes to games, but don't openly encourage puck bunny behavior, and don't insult the intelligence of the women who come to watch the sport.

They also have a "Marry me, Crosby" tee which I've seen pictures of, and of course the same opinions apply. All I have left to say is, thank God there's no "Marry me, DiPietro" or "Marry me, John Tavares" tees out there, or I would really be annoyed. The Champagne jerseys were bad enough.

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No Pink in the Rink!

Earlier this week, Reebok debuted its latest "jersey" for women, the "Champagne" jersey, and inadvertently started a rebellion among its female fans.

A few days, an email campaign, a few dozen blog posts and a whole Facebook page later, female fans are voicing more and more that they have had it with the way the NHL markets its products to women.

Now, I'll be fair. However much I wish there weren't a market for pink, bedazzled, sparkly and girly jerseys, there is, for whatever reason. If there were more of a selection for female fans who prefer team colors, I wouldn't care quite as much, though I'd still be annoyed.

However.

Look on shop.nhl.com and there is only one jersey in team colors- a home jersey. No away jersey. No player tees in women's sizes (have to be custom made through NHL Shop online, and anywhere else you'll have to buy a men's size). No team tees without curly script and girly colors. And plenty of Champagne jerseys to go around.

Why?

I'd appreciate it if we were given equal options to men in our apparel selections. We're every bit as important and serious as male fans are, and yet much of the time we're treated as though we are second-rate and not as "serious" as the boys, though many of us are dedicated, loyal and knowledgeable. And we're sick of the pink and the sparkles. No amount of (weak) defense from a representative for Reebok will change that.

At this time I'd like to direct you to a Facebook page a friend of mine, Rebecca (@TigerPredsChick) created, and she, Rachel (@RachelAddison), Jennifer (@predsaddict) and I administrate together, called "Female hockey fans who want REAL merchandise." We also have a Twitter account- @NoPinkInTheRink. We would appreciate it if you would join and pass it on if you're just as annoyed as we are about the way the league markets to us female fans.

Link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Female-hockey-fans-who-want-REAL-merchandise/138893456150147?ref=ts

And if you need a moment to decide, consider this monstrosity.

The Islanders "Champagne" Jersey

Thanks. :)

End of the Line for Witt

The Islanders tweeted today that they have decided to buy out the remainder (one year) of defenseman Brendan Witt's contract. Witt had about $3 million against the cap and had been put on waivers yesterday (the third time since the start of this calendar year). He spent last season after February in Bridgeport of the AHL.

This is bittersweet. It gives the Isles a bit more money to play with plus an empty spot on the roster, yet they also lose one of the true heart-and-soul players of this team. Witter was not the fastest guy on the ice, nor the highest-scoring, and he was injured a lot. Yet often he seemed to lead his teammates without even trying, and he played through his pain. In the end, that seemed to hurt him more than help, but you can't deny he loved to play the game, and he loved the fans on the Island. I only wish things could have worked out differently for him regarding the team, but maybe he'll find a new start elsewhere.

You'll be missed, Witter.

Isles Trade for D Wisniewski

The Isles' new-look defense had another member added to its ranks, as yesterday they traded a third-round pick in 2011 to Anaheim for (get this) just-signed defenseman James Wisniewski. Wiz was second in scoring among Ducks blueliners last season with 30 points in 69 games, and while his size- andhis reputation for cheap shots- might hurt his appeal with some fans, his toughness is certainly not to be questioned.

This is a win for both teams. The Ducks, having just signed Wisniewski to a one-year contract to avoid arbitration, unload some cap room to sign forward Bobby Ryan, while the Islanders get a solid blueliner and the means to reach the cap floor. It will definitely be interesting to see how he fares on the Island this season.

Sources: LA Times, Islanders website