Jillian Fisher: Bringing the Thunder: Tampa Bay’s Sticks of Fire

Phil Esposito is the man. Nothing like the Summit series nowadays.

Phil Esposito is the man. Nothing like the Summit series nowadays.
- Rabidduck

Very true. I guess the closest thing in hockey nowadays would be the Olympics (which may not even be the same anymore). Maybe over time the World Cup of Hockey will develop. One thing that would be great is to see supporters groups at these events like you see in other countries.

All these expansion teams have sure come a long way since 1991 when the Sharks joined the NHL. San Jose has had a great fan base since day 1. It took awhile for hockey to become popular in Tampa but ever since they won the Cup in 2004 they've been great. The Ducks won a Cup in 2007 and they're doing well too. Nashville is now a place where players and fans want to be. That wasn't always the case. Florida has a good young team and I hope the fans support them as well. The real test is how much fan support can a team get when it isn't winning. I'm not sure about the Arizona Coyotes long term viability. Atlanta was a colossal failure. My point is that given enough time an expansion team can flourish and become a valuable part of the NHL. It's nice to see these franchises doing well when this was not always the case. The Phili Esposito statue is kind of creepy but anyway...

It could be like that, but ti's hard when you don't have two top teams. It seems like it's Canada plus one at all of these major tournaments. Either USA or Sweden. I'd say it's gonna take a few years, but the US has steadily been getting better (or so I think) and might eventually be able to give Canada a realistic rivalry.

It seems to me like the NHL is just trying to replace the Olympics with the World Cup of Hockey though.

I do like seeing how passionate some of the fans overseas are. I guess since the World Cup is being played a bit closer to home, maybe we'll see something start for team USA. American Outlaws for hockey all the way!

Before someone corrects me, I know Arizona isn't an expansion team. I just hope when they get their new arena they will get more fan support. It reminds me a bit of the Florida Panthers.

Being a Canadian, I've grown up watching the Canada/World Cups, Olympics, etc. I always see how much pressure there is on Team Canada. It's like if they don't win it all, they are complete failures. The Americans are improving and they are in a great position. Their players grow up facing the Canadian players since junior. Not much separates these players. However the Americans do not face that pressure from an entire nation like Canada does. In the 2002 and 2010 Olympics, those US-Canada finals were close. Mike Richter stood on his head in the 96 world cup and beat Canada. Even when Canada won the 2014 Olympics , some people here in Canada said they were too boring. They barely were scored on and didn't lose a game. This World Cup shoujd be exciting, but I've always had the feeling it's more meaningful for Canada and the US than it is for the European countries.

All these expansion teams have sure come a long way since 1991 when the Sharks joined the NHL. San Jose has had a great fan base since day 1. It took awhile for hockey to become popular in Tampa but ever since they won the Cup in 2004 they've been great. The Ducks won a Cup in 2007 and they're doing well too. Nashville is now a place where players and fans want to be. That wasn't always the case. Florida has a good young team and I hope the fans support them as well. The real test is how much fan support can a team get when it isn't winning. I'm not sure about the Arizona Coyotes long term viability. Atlanta was a colossal failure. My point is that given enough time an expansion team can flourish and become a valuable part of the NHL. It's nice to see these franchises doing well when this was not always the case. The Phili Esposito statue is kind of creepy but anyway...
- gergeswillems

Yeah, I definitely agree that winning helps these teams out. There is usually some built in audience that is interested from the beginning (even if it is small), but when they start winning/contending is when you see more interest come. I don't think that is a bad thing though - I think it should be expected. The people I met who started the Sticks of Fire have been there from the beginning, but what is great is how excited they are for the new fans and the ones just discovering the team and sport. Having that type of group is definitely helpful for new fans.

Also, I am a believer that supporters groups are helpful for rebuilding times. From what I have seen in supporters groups, you are not just there for the in game stuff, but for the friendships you build and the connections you make with the team and community.

But, it is definitely great to see franchises doing well : )

Yea, I suppose that there really is no pressure in hockey quite like what the Canadian team faces in these tournaments.

The first Canadian team in this era to lose to the US will probably not be allowed back into Canada again. Something like when the Canucks lost the Cup recently, and the city rioted. Us Americans just go, eh, we came closer and we'll get better.

I think that Expansion teams need to experience success on ice before they can be considered a success off the ice. There's nothing like a Cup to do that. But even so, having a decent team goes along way.

I know that as a Devils fan, if we didn't win three cups in the 90-00s, we probably wouldn't still be around given the Flyers-Devils-Rangers-Islanders logjam of a market we're in. And we're not in Canada, so there is no expectation of the market being there because the team is, like you'd probably get in Hamilton.

Yea, I suppose that there really is no pressure in hockey quite like what the Canadian team faces in these tournaments.

The first Canadian team in this era to lose to the US will probably not be allowed back into Canada again. Something like when the Canucks lost the Cup recently, and the city rioted. Us Americans just go, eh, we came closer and we'll get better.

I think that Expansion teams need to experience success on ice before they can be considered a success off the ice. There's nothing like a Cup to do that. But even so, having a decent team goes along way.

I know that as a Devils fan, if we didn't win three cups in the 90-00s, we probably wouldn't still be around given the Flyers-Devils-Rangers-Islanders logjam of a market we're in. And we're not in Canada, so there is no expectation of the market being there because the team is, like you'd probably get in Hamilton.
- Rabidduck

I recall 2006 when Canada failed miserably in the Olympics. They basically went with the same team which won the 2004 World Cup. The entire country wanted to jump off the CN Tower. I love the passion us Canadians have towards hockey but I think it gets taken too far sometimes.

You mention Hamilton...it was this city that was thought to be getting an NHL expansion team back in 1993. But for some reason Ottawa was awarded the franchise. Rumour has it that it was the Leafs who blocked the move. Hamilton had an NHL ready arena in Coops Coliseum. Ottawa had no arena ready yet.

Anyway, winning definitely helps for an expansion team. Other than the 2 Cup runs in 2002 and 2006, Carolina really hasn't had the lasting fan support. I know they were the Hartford Whalers. They reminded me of an expansion team given their hockey market. Tampa at least had 2 big stars in Lecavalier and Stamkos. I think this helps too. The Ducks had Kariya and Selanne.

I'm still bitter about 1995 being a Wings fan. I recall hearing the Devils won their 3 Cups with no stars on the team. Brodeur, Stevens and Niedermayer. Yeah right!

I'm still bitter about 1995 being a Wings fan. I recall hearing the Devils won their 3 Cups with no stars on the team. Brodeur, Stevens and Niedermayer. Yeah right!
- gergeswillems

I hate to say it, but that's pretty much when my love of hockey started


I have a VHS of the cup run from 95, and I have to say, there is nothing better than sweeping an octopus. Except maybe beating the Rangers in the ECF.

And don't forget about Elias, Arnott, and Lemieux!

You mention Hamilton...it was this city that was thought to be getting an NHL expansion team back in 1993. But for some reason Ottawa was awarded the franchise. Rumour has it that it was the Leafs who blocked the move. Hamilton had an NHL ready arena in Coops Coliseum. Ottawa had no arena ready yet.


- gergeswillems

Hamilton's mentioned almost every time someone talks about expansion. But the Leafs don't want to share and nobody likes Jim Balsillie. It's a shame, because they could use another team up there.

I hate to say it, but that's pretty much when my love of hockey started


I have a VHS of the cup run from 95, and I have to say, there is nothing better than sweeping an octopus. Except maybe beating the Rangers in the ECF.

And don't forget about Elias, Arnott, and Lemieux!
- Rabidduck

Man I'm dating myself but...true story...

I'm in a hockey playoff pool in 1995. This was the 48 game shortened season because of the lockout. So the Wings are huge Cup favourites . Me and my buddies are picking our fantasy teams for our hockey pool. Of course I take mostly Red Wings. My one buddy is a huge Devils fan. In 1995 he is like the only Devils fan I know. Die hard since day since day 1.

So he picks all these unknown Devils players like Bill Guerin. I'm like who the hell is Bill Guerin?
So he ends up beating me by like 10 points thanks to Brodeur, Niedermayer and Guerin! Never underestimate the underdog!

Man I'm dating myself but...true story...

I'm in a hockey playoff pool in 1995. This was the 48 game shortened season because of the lockout. So the Wings are huge Cup favourites . Me and my buddies are picking our fantasy teams for our hockey pool. Of course I take mostly Red Wings. My one buddy is a huge Devils fan. In 1995 he is like the only Devils fan I know. Die hard since day since day 1.

So he picks all these unknown Devils players like Bill Guerin. I'm like who the hell is Bill Guerin?
So he ends up beating me by like 10 points thanks to Brodeur, Niedermayer and Guerin! Never underestimate the underdog!
- gergeswillems

hahahahaha

You were just ahead of your time with taking the entire Red Wings team hahaha. I have a deep seated resentment for the organization solely because they are everything you hope your organization could be. I was out in Denver for the Stadium series, and there were Red Wings fans everywhere. I mean, they were almost outnumbering the Avalanche fans. I only wish I could've made it to the game at the Big House.

And, for many years, the only Devils fan was a die hard Devils fan. Not sure what it's like now since I moved away.

Dating myself back even further...back in 1982 when Mike Illitch bought the Red Wings, they couldn't draw flies to their games. They used to give away cars at home games to get people to go to the games.

So even an original 6 team like the Red Wings had trouble drawing fans. I became a Red Wings fan as a kid when Stevie Yzerman was drafted by them. They actually wanted Pat Lafontaine but settled for Stevie Y . Lafontaine was an excellent player in his own right.

The team basically built around #19 and improved over time. Each season brought the fans back. The bandwagon fans came with the Cups but they are all gone now. I'm still bitter the Wings traded Randy McKay to NJ for Troy Crowder. But at least Lou gave us Larionov back for for Yan Golubovsky.

Now the bandwagon fans are gone and the real fans remain. Such is sports. Yeah Wings fans travel well. They usually are louder on the road in most US cities than the home crowd is.

I wonder if the Denver Broncos fans still yell " Red Wings suck!" At Mile high stadium? That was a good time. My girlfriend at the time asked me if it bothered me they were yelling that. I said ofcourse not! To be hated means your team is good!

Lol that group of fans are certified morons.

Sorry I hijacked your post, Jillian.

It's true that its important to have the die hard groups of fans for any non traditional hockey market. Case in point...I got a chance to fly out to Dallas back in 1995 when the Stars were just starting to become a good team. They had of course been the Minnesota North Stars and were relocated to Dallas. They had Modano in his prime and Nieuwendyk who led the way...

Anyway, when watching the Red Wings-Stars play in Dallas, I met a very nice group of Stars fans. They were just excited to have an NHL team to cheer for. They saw me wearing my Red Wings Yzerman Jersey and they were curious...

They didn't know much about hockey then but we're willing to learn. Fast forward to now and I am still good friends with this original group but it's much bigger now. Plus their hockey knowledge has a grown exponentially. I was happy for them when their team won the Cup in 1999.

I love seeing new fans being introduced to the game and then becoming die hard and loyal fans especially with expansion or relocated teams. What starts out as a small group can lead to a large group. And you're right in that the friendships you form with other teams fans is special. I have friends who all hate the Red Wings from Colorado, Chicago, St. Louis, Toronto, etc.

I personally wear my Devils jersey to hockey games. No matter who is actually playing. I once saw a Flyers- Habs game in Montreal, and everyone was a bit confused. I always want people to know where my loyalties lie. And, it's a great icebreaker for both teams.

I also went to a Devils- Habs game in Montreal, and all of the traveling Devils fans were buying me drinks and high-fiving each other as we walked around.

I wish I had friends in other cities to visit and see games. Would be great if I had somewhere to crash in Chicago or something.

I personally wear my Devils jersey to hockey games. No matter who is actually playing. I once saw a Flyers- Habs game in Montreal, and everyone was a bit confused. I always want people to know where my loyalties lie. And, it's a great icebreaker for both teams.

I also went to a Devils- Habs game in Montreal, and all of the traveling Devils fans were buying me drinks and high-fiving each other as we walked around.

I wish I had friends in other cities to visit and see games. Would be great if I had somewhere to crash in Chicago or something.
- Rabidduck

Are you that guy, David Puddy, face painted in red and green screaming Devils! Devils!...In that 1 Seinfeld episode?

Lol that group of fans are certified morons.
- Feds91Stammer

Nothing says "douche" like belittling a part of a fan base.

Lol that group of fans are certified morons.
- Feds91Stammer

If you have any constructive criticism, please feel free to PM me and I will be happy to pass any feedback along, as the leadership actively seeks feedback. If you are here to attack a group of people who are simply trying to have fun, then thanks for stopping by. 👋👋

Are you that guy, David Puddy, face painted in red and green screaming Devils! Devils!...In that 1 Seinfeld episode?
- gergeswillems

Yea, Except I'm usually lost, confused, and nowhere near a Devils Game when I do that

Sorry I hijacked your post, Jillian.

It's true that its important to have the die hard groups of fans for any non traditional hockey market. Case in point...I got a chance to fly out to Dallas back in 1995 when the Stars were just starting to become a good team. They had of course been the Minnesota North Stars and were relocated to Dallas. They had Modano in his prime and Nieuwendyk who led the way...

Anyway, when watching the Red Wings-Stars play in Dallas, I met a very nice group of Stars fans. They were just excited to have an NHL team to cheer for. They saw me wearing my Red Wings Yzerman Jersey and they were curious...

They didn't know much about hockey then but we're willing to learn. Fast forward to now and I am still good friends with this original group but it's much bigger now. Plus their hockey knowledge has a grown exponentially. I was happy for them when their team won the Cup in 1999.

I love seeing new fans being introduced to the game and then becoming die hard and loyal fans especially with expansion or relocated teams. What starts out as a small group can lead to a large group. And you're right in that the friendships you form with other teams fans is special. I have friends who all hate the Red Wings from Colorado, Chicago, St. Louis, Toronto, etc.
- gergeswillems

no worries! I love being able to have these types of conversations.

It is always fun when you make those types of connections that last. It was probably even harder before social media lol.

I am always trying to convince people to watch hockey. I often find myself trying to convert soccer fans .

no worries! I love being able to have these types of conversations.

It is always fun when you make those types of connections that last. It was probably even harder before social media lol.

I am always trying to convince people to watch hockey. I often find myself trying to convert soccer fans .
- Jillian Fisher

I used to be frustrated trying to teach new hockey fans about the game. But it's easy for me because I grew up watching and playing it. But I soon realized that it's like me trying to understand soccer or basketball. I'm completely lost.


When I introduce new fans to hockey I usually am asked things like "what is icing? Or what is a power play? What does short handed mean? What is off side? How come the one player will have to skate backwards?" But if you explain it to them in a clear way a few times, eventually they will understand it. Well most of the time. One guy in Dallas wanted to know why kicking the puck into the other teams net wasn't worth 3 points.

I used to be frustrated trying to teach new hockey fans about the game. But it's easy for me because I grew up watching and playing it. But I soon realized that it's like me trying to understand soccer or basketball. I'm completely lost.


When I introduce new fans to hockey I usually am asked things like "what is icing? Or what is a power play? What does short handed mean? What is off side? How come the one player will have to skate backwards?" But if you explain it to them in a clear way a few times, eventually they will understand it. Well most of the time. One guy in Dallas wanted to know why kicking the puck into the other teams net wasn't worth 3 points.
- gergeswillems

HAHA that guy in Dallas was probably so confused. I guess it makes sense given how much Dallas loves football. I did like Dallas when I was there two weeks ago - seems like hockey has really grown in that area. I don't usually get frustrated trying to explain sports... trying to teach my mother how to use her phone on the other hand

Have you ever had to try to explain how superstitious hockey players and fans are?