Perverts.

Put down the dictionary and start livin
- Just5

I'm a law student... the dictionary is my life.

As an anecdote: I go to some of the road-watch parties that the Blackhawks throw and they will often bill the events as having ice girls. This affects the social demographics of who shows up, and has a broader role to play in setting the tone of "the product" of NHL, in this case Blackhawks, hockey.

A different product appeals to a different consumer and in that sense the presence of ice girls draws in the bud light drinking bros over the folks who value hockey for hockey. This impacts sponsorship, events (from roadwatch parties to 'event games,'" and the spirit of the sport itself. The adoption of the ice girls was assuredly a Bettman promoted step towards more closely modeling the NHL off of the NFL and drawing in that viewership. I think this association is of great detriment to what has long been a unique sports sub-culture in the United States, one of heightened integrity, to my mind.
- WJDiedrich

They may bill the events, the Isles do so also, as having the ice girls there but I think you would be hard pressed to say that a large percentage of the people going to said party are going mainly because of the ice girls. You could argue to the contrary that those parties are populated by the loyal fans that love hockey for hockey, so much so that they're willing to go out on a weeknight and spend money to watch their team with other fans of a similar nature, rather than the bud light drinking bros.

The ice girls are likely viewed as an added bonus for most, but I just don't think their presence anywhere what is driving any sort of real revenue for NHL franchises. They're just a sideshow.

They may bill the events, the Isles do so also, as having the ice girls there but I think you would be hard pressed to say that a large percentage of the people going to said party are going mainly because of the ice girls. You could argue to the contrary that those parties are populated by the loyal fans that love hockey for hockey, so much so that they're willing to go out on a weeknight and spend money to watch their team with other fans of a similar nature, rather than the bud light drinking bros.

The ice girls are likely viewed as an added bonus for most, but I just don't think their presence anywhere what is driving any sort of real revenue for NHL franchises. They're just a sideshow.
- eichiefs9

In and of itself the "icegirl issue" really isn't a driving force behind much of anything, you're right; nonetheless, it is at least an element of a shift in values for the NHL, a shift motivated by $$$. It used to be that hockey was enough, now it's going the way of "prime-time spectacle" and I think it is for the worse.

BTW, I haven't said much to the essence of the problem, so here's the last necessary word on that: The women who perform this job are absolutely invested in the sensation of being oogled. This is precisely the cheap satisfaction that academic feminism pins the endurance of professional and social inequality between the genders on. Women being considered "professional" for skating around in underwear is not a testament to the progress of women and their breaking into the workforce in a meaningful way, it is testament to the reworking of the concept to include oppressive occupations. This is really not something that anyone should be proud or supportive of if they claim to value intellectual merit and hard work, it's a shallow job, bordering on pathetic and it is laughably out of place in the NHL.

In and of itself the "icegirl issue" really isn't a driving force behind much of anything, you're right; nonetheless, it is at least an element of a shift in values for the NHL, a shift motivated by $$$. It used to be that hockey was enough, now it's going the way of "prime-time spectacle" and I think it is for the worse.

BTW, I haven't said much to the essence of the problem, so here's the last necessary word on that: The women who perform this job are absolutely invested in the sensation of being oogled. This is precisely the cheap satisfaction that academic feminism pins the endurance of professional and social inequality between the genders on. Women being considered "professional" for skating around in underwear is not a testament to the progress of women and their breaking into the workforce in a meaningful way, it is testament to the reworking of the concept to include oppressive occupations. This is really not something that anyone should be proud or supportive of if they claim to value intellectual merit and hard work, it's a shallow job, bordering on pathetic and it is laughably out of place in the NHL.
- WJDiedrich

breaking news...sex sells.

also, the whole idea of judging an entire gender and for all intents and purposes HALF THE WORLD because some decide they want to prance around half naked is not an issue with women or the men who enjoy watching that; its more an indictment on those who have a sense of entitlement and superiority and believe THEY are the one to decide what is right and wrong.

if someone has a problem with ice girls or burqas than THOSE people should be taught what it means to respect other peoples decisions; if it isnt harming said individual than keep your comments to yourself (not directed at you)

As an anecdote: I go to some of the road-watch parties that the Blackhawks throw and they will often bill the events as having ice girls. This affects the social demographics of who shows up, and has a broader role to play in setting the tone of "the product" of NHL, in this case Blackhawks, hockey.

A different product appeals to a different consumer and in that sense the presence of ice girls draws in the bud light drinking bros over the folks who value hockey for hockey. This impacts sponsorship, events (from roadwatch parties to 'event games,'" and the spirit of the sport itself. The adoption of the ice girls was assuredly a Bettman promoted step towards more closely modeling the NHL off of the NFL and drawing in that viewership. I think this association is of great detriment to what has long been a unique sports sub-culture in the United States, one of heightened integrity, to my mind.
- WJDiedrich

Such a detriment to such a unique sports sub-culture, that said sports sub-culture sorely lags in TV viewership and revenue to that of the NBA and NFL.

Now, I'm not saying putting ice girls out there puts the NHL on the same plateau in TV revenue as the other major sports, but it's a step in the right direction. The NHL is branding themselves to be more like the other sports. Chicks draw guys. OK, fine. Now the NHL has to leverage off of it.

The whole road-watch gimmick is sponsored by the beer guys. Makes sense. Name a better advertising executive's dream of generating cash flow besides beer and sports. OK, perhaps: wings beer, sports... as such the moniker we're all familiar with I would imagine.

The Ice Crew is an attempt to broaden the fan base, just like that silly goal song at United Centre. OK, it' just a song, but it's now closely tied to the Blackhawks brand. And branding is the name of the game.

WIN!!!!!!!

The downside to that is that you have to let her out of the kitchen AND give her shoes.
- Artyukhin76

Finally something you posted I agree with!!

XxNYIxX

Finally something you posted I agree with!!

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

What's your opinion on Hedman?

But that is a rumor and of course I'll be the last person in hockey to know.
- Dee Karl

Fact!

XxNYIxX

What's your opinion on Hedman?
- Cptmjl

XxNYIxX

Fact!

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

"and of course I'll be the last person in hockey to know".


Finally. We agree on something.

Such a detriment to such a unique sports sub-culture, that said sports sub-culture sorely lags in TV viewership and revenue to that of the NBA and NFL.

Now, I'm not saying putting ice girls out there puts the NHL on the same plateau in TV revenue as the other major sports, but it's a step in the right direction. The NHL is branding themselves to be more like the other sports. Chicks draw guys. OK, fine. Now the NHL has to leverage off of it.

The whole road-watch gimmick is sponsored by the beer guys. Makes sense. Name a better advertising executive's dream of generating cash flow besides beer and sports. OK, perhaps: wings beer, sports... as such the moniker we're all familiar with I would imagine.

The Ice Crew is an attempt to broaden the fan base, just like that silly goal song at United Centre. OK, it' just a song, but it's now closely tied to the Blackhawks brand. And branding is the name of the game.
- blackhawk24

The NHL does not gain leverage by succumbing to the models of other sports, they are being levered by the model and being commodified.

Nothing said here contends with my argument, you are assuming that this discussion presupposes that capitalist growth/consumption is appropriate for sports, I personally do not see capitalism as more ironic than when it attempts to consume one of the supreme venues for actual FAIR competition in our society, athletics. It is not an acceptable argument to say to me that "broadening the fan base" aka "selling more stuff people were already buying but now with your logo on it" is justification for belittling side-show nonsense. IDC about budweiser profits, IDC if cardinals fans are aware that they have another obnoxious team to support during the "off-season," IDC if the Arizona Coyotes are able to attract an extra 1000 old farts on golf holidays to the average game, IDC that the NHL is trying to eliminate the regional charm of the sport by hosting "slush hockey" games in SoCal, I superdooperly do not care if the cap goes up and allows the ridiculous inflation of millionaire players and hundred-millionaire ownership incomes. I want excellent facilities and excellent teams, that is more than sustainable without any revenue other than ticket sales. The NHL should take a note from Led Zeppelin, stop with gimmicky singles and 45s, produce awesome LPs and you'll get more than enough support to keep making more without pledging compromising allegiances.

Such a detriment to such a unique sports sub-culture, that said sports sub-culture sorely lags in TV viewership and revenue to that of the NBA and NFL.

Now, I'm not saying putting ice girls out there puts the NHL on the same plateau in TV revenue as the other major sports, but it's a step in the right direction. The NHL is branding themselves to be more like the other sports. Chicks draw guys. OK, fine. Now the NHL has to leverage off of it.

The whole road-watch gimmick is sponsored by the beer guys. Makes sense. Name a better advertising executive's dream of generating cash flow besides beer and sports. OK, perhaps: wings beer, sports... as such the moniker we're all familiar with I would imagine.

The Ice Crew is an attempt to broaden the fan base, just like that silly goal song at United Centre. OK, it' just a song, but it's now closely tied to the Blackhawks brand. And branding is the name of the game.
- blackhawk24

Your challenge to me calling the NHL a "sub-culture" is to point out that it is not as popular as the popular culture... ummmm, thanks for agreeing? Why do you care how many people with mild interest watch the games? You don't make any money off of it, the money that is made is used to make more money and distract from the actual game and I hope that half-hearted "fans" don't deepen your experience of the game. The song is silly, but it also bears memory of victory and tradition, it is an iconic cornerstone of the resurgent Hawks and has the power to create human empathy, Chelsea Dagger does not draw in consumers, though, it is just a fun tradition, the ice girls are meant to alter the appeal of the sport, Chelsea dagger is part of the sport.

For the record, these "fans" who are generated during this "broadening of appeal" would buy into pro jai alai if it was promoted with young women literally dressed in less clothing than many hookers in Amsterdam's red light district, why would you want them around? I don't want to share big games, glorious triumphs or even heartbreak with these sorts of knuckleheads...

breaking news...sex sells.

also, the whole idea of judging an entire gender and for all intents and purposes HALF THE WORLD because some decide they want to prance around half naked is not an issue with women or the men who enjoy watching that; its more an indictment on those who have a sense of entitlement and superiority and believe THEY are the one to decide what is right and wrong.

if someone has a problem with ice girls or burqas than THOSE people should be taught what it means to respect other peoples decisions; if it isnt harming said individual than keep your comments to yourself (not directed at you)
- LetsGoIsles

The relation between this... "series of words" and my OP eludes me. Regardless of substance I didn't make any generalized claims about gender, the closest I got was saying that ice girls enjoy being oogled and that this reality is unfortunate because it creates satisfied women who haven't used either their minds or elbow grease to reach that level of fulfillment. The struggle to reach heightened professional and personal levels of success and enlightenment is the struggle that egalitarians have fought for the individual woman to be able to undertake. This is a weird and irreverent form of cop out and I find it embarrassing. Ice girls are like smack addicts: They "feel" happy, but it is very shallow, fleeting and down right illusory at the end of the day; furthermore, it costs them deeper contentedness because they are not driven during their formative years in the way that they would be absent the allure of being an ice girl... to use them for profit and weird repressed sexual purposes is vicious and shameful.

I think the whole objectifying women argument is silly. Woman choose to do these jobs, no one is forcing them to do it. I'm pretty sure most women would love to be able to have a job where all you did was look pretty.

I think the whole objectifying women argument is silly. Woman choose to do these jobs, no one is forcing them to do it. I'm pretty sure most women would love to be able to have a job where all you did was look pretty.
- SolGoode

IDK about "most," but women loving to be able to have a job where all that they do is look pretty is a massive societal issue. Ice girls do not invent anything, cure anything, progress anything or stimulate enlightenment... what a waste if "most" of 1/2 of humanity doesn't have drive to do anything other than look pretty. The forces that reward that mentality are by definition repressive because being an ice girl comes nowhere near the capacity that human beings have and is therefore a waste of human ingenuity, which is far and away the most precious resource in existence.

What another waste of blogging. Don't bother to tell us about what the Isles are pursuing with Grabner because of course....you would be the last to know....about hockey.

Instead, an entire blog about ice girls and still nothing about the actual team. Here is a suggestion for you...next blog topics

1- what are the holes the Isles still need to fill (HINT- Jt's wing + top 4 dmen)
2- what is available either in the form of trade, fa or within our own system to fill those holes.

For what its worth, ESPN magazine does the "body issue", not Sports Illustrated. SI does the swimsuit issue.

Also, proofread...Middle East should have the M and E capitalized as it is a proper noun.

Finally, write about HOCKEY and stop being Garth's unpaid intern shill. You won't be in the blog box for the next owner anyway.

The relation between this... "series of words" and my OP eludes me. Regardless of substance I didn't make any generalized claims about gender, the closest I got was saying that ice girls enjoy being oogled and that this reality is unfortunate because it creates satisfied women who haven't used either their minds or elbow grease to reach that level of fulfillment. The struggle to reach heightened professional and personal levels of success and enlightenment is the struggle that egalitarians have fought for the individual woman to be able to undertake. This is a weird and irreverent form of cop out and I find it embarrassing. Ice girls are like smack addicts: They "feel" happy, but it is very shallow, fleeting and down right illusory at the end of the day; furthermore, it costs them deeper contentedness because they are not driven during their formative years in the way that they would be absent the allure of being an ice girl... to use them for profit and weird repressed sexual purposes is vicious and shameful.
- WJDiedrich

1st bold is silly...so of these ice girls arent doing this to necessarily put on their resume but bc its something to do at night thats fun and makes them a few bucks while experience a setting that more than 99% of americans & canadians dont experience. they arent prostitutes or strippers; relax.

2nd bold is is exactly my point, who are you to say whether or not they are "happy"? why are you so considered about others peoples emotions but so unaware of your wildly inappropriate judgments on how people feel or should feel considered accomplished.

i also find it ironic that you think ice girls are so offensive bc they are using their god-given looks to get by professionally but in the same breath youre talking how its hurting a game that involves men who use their god given talent and physicality to play at a level that is entertainment worthy. double standard?

IDK about "most," but women loving to be able to have a job where all that they do is look pretty is a massive societal issue. Ice girls do not invent anything, cure anything, progress anything or stimulate enlightenment... what a waste if "most" of 1/2 of humanity doesn't have drive to do anything other than look pretty. The forces that reward that mentality are by definition repressive because being an ice girl comes nowhere near the capacity that human beings have and is therefore a waste of human ingenuity, which is far and away the most precious resource in existence.
- WJDiedrich

couldnt disagree more...everyone is given different talents and qualities in life. some are intellect, some are looks, some are kindness. if everyone had the same qualities than not only would it be a really boring world but we would all be robots.

I'm not even sure what's the point of Ice Girls. Besides the obvious shoveling the ice part. Maybe for the few people in the lower seats that can see them it's some minor bonus. But you can barely see these people in the first place and even then they are shoveling up some ice, it's not exactly an exciting thing.

Doesn't really matter who does it. Seems goofy, but if teams want to do it...they can.

1st bold is silly...so of these ice girls arent doing this to necessarily put on their resume but bc its something to do at night thats fun and makes them a few bucks while experience a setting that more than 99% of americans & canadians dont experience. they arent prostitutes or strippers; relax.

2nd bold is is exactly my point, who are you to say whether or not they are "happy"? why are you so considered about others peoples emotions but so unaware of your wildly inappropriate judgments on how people feel or should feel considered accomplished.

i also find it ironic that you think ice girls are so offensive bc they are using their god-given looks to get by professionally but in the same breath youre talking how its hurting a game that involves men who use their god given talent and physicality to play at a level that is entertainment worthy. double standard?
- LetsGoIsles

The fact that "ice girl" has "value" on a resume is piece and parcel to the other pieces of evidence that I cite for my argument that the "profession" is ridiculous. This job has no value for society so any purported value is backhanded. Individual value is what I discussed with my "smack addict" analogy, they may feel fulfilled but it is by something vacuous and vain and I don't respect it exactly because it is beneath every single human being to be so friggin complacent.

Whether or not a particular talent or bone structure was "God given," and let's drop the goofy language, there is no God and even if "he" does exist, "he" certainly didn't decide to endow anyone with good looks so that they could be a professional performance ice shoveler... Furthermore, to compare a constructive skill with physical appearance is dismissive of the EFFORT that goes into becoming a professional hockey player and the PRIDE that is earned by that accomplishment. As dismissive as your suggestion is, the idea that someone should take pride in the particular genetic accidents that went down in their mother's tummy takes the off-base cake, come on!

Ice Girls aren't "offensive," that carries too much of an implication that they have done something editorial, a mosquito isn't "offensive." What they are is obnoxious.

couldnt disagree more...everyone is given different talents and qualities in life. some are intellect, some are looks, some are kindness. if everyone had the same qualities than not only would it be a really boring world but we would all be robots.
- LetsGoIsles

It is for the worse that we allow ourselves to pretend that intelligence and kindness are intrinsic in some people and not others, these things are conditioned. German people are not born more intelligent than the Polish people on the other side of a 60 year old arbitrary border, and yet the average German's IQ is 10 points higher than the average Pole's.

Including "looks" in the discussion is nonsense that was used against first-wave feminism and it has been so debunked that I'm not even going to address it. It's tantamount to telling a woman that she is as valuable as a doctor because she cleans a doctor's house and cooks his meals. Bull! That is what you tell a woman that you want to dissuade from becoming a doctor. Considering "looks" in that triumvirate of human qualities is an excuse for "hot people" to be stupid and mean.

The only people complaining are fat older women that cant even fit into the uniforms. Their husbands probably don't give them attention any more cuz they let their bodies go. Believe it or not, some chicks like to look sexy and be objectified. They like the attention. I know a few NFL cheerleaders, they work their butts off to stay in shape and they love it. They get paid pennies, but they would do it for free. This is nothing more than fat feminists that don't get any attention anymore.

Grabner available huh? What from the Pens would make it happen?

The relation between this... "series of words" and my OP eludes me. Regardless of substance I didn't make any generalized claims about gender, the closest I got was saying that ice girls enjoy being oogled and that this reality is unfortunate because it creates satisfied women who haven't used either their minds or elbow grease to reach that level of fulfillment. The struggle to reach heightened professional and personal levels of success and enlightenment is the struggle that egalitarians have fought for the individual woman to be able to undertake. This is a weird and irreverent form of cop out and I find it embarrassing. Ice girls are like smack addicts: They "feel" happy, but it is very shallow, fleeting and down right illusory at the end of the day; furthermore, it costs them deeper contentedness because they are not driven during their formative years in the way that they would be absent the allure of being an ice girl... to use them for profit and weird repressed sexual purposes is vicious and shameful.
- WJDiedrich

you are a jackass..my daughter was any ice girl for 5 years.hated the ogling, had stalkers follow her to her car..she loves skating still teaches at the Isles skating facility, college grad, now married, ....you have NO concept of how hard the girls work just to make the team. grow up