Why I’m going to The-Rink
About the last thing Blackhawk fans, and hockey fans in general, need is another “blog.” But there’s something different about this one—and it’s what made me want to end an 8-year run at HockeyBuzz and come here to write.
Around 2010, when the Hawks won the first of their 3 recent Stanley Cups, and thereafter, hockey blogs sprung up like mushrooms in the forest. Since then, a lot of great insights have been shared—some great friendships have been formed.
As well as a few unfortunate pissing matches: blogs and bloggers assuming their personal likes and dislikes—and grudges against eachother— are more important than the content they set forth.
But through the hard work of many, both the “craft” and the perception of hockey blogging have, in my opinion, been elevated. Today, the better blogs compete with traditional media for stories and readers. Fact.
All that said, hockey blogging needs to keep getting better. And there are clear areas for improvement.
I wouldn’t presume to say The-Rink will lead the way. But I was attracted here by the founding principles of the brand—guidelines that I think are hard to argue with:
A commitment to honor the game—and players at all levels, as well fans, coaches, and parents
The-Rink will not cover baseball, soccer, football, or basketball It’s all about hockey—and it will go as deep or deeper on hockey than any other media entity out there.
NBC announcer Doc Emrick said something about 22-23 years ago that has always stuck with me:
“Hockey can be very hard on those whose hands are in it—but whose hearts are not.”
Whether you’ve been a parent—schlepping your kids across the Great Lakes to tournaments in the dead of winter—you’ve driven a Zamboni or sharpened skates for a paycheck, you’re a player, or just a fan—hockey is a true and consuming passion. You’ve sacrificed for the love of this game.
That’s why my work, and that of the other writers here, is dedicated to you.
Regular, relevant coverage
The-Rink is not just going to provide recaps of Hawk games, but we’re also going to offer in-depth prospect evaluation, trade and free agency rumors from legit hockey sources, analytical breakdowns, cap implications, and coverage of college, junior and AHL teams.
The-Rink podcast is going to seek out the best possible guests—to elevate the entire discourse of the game for those who listen.
And The-Rink is actively recruiting writers who share a true love of the game, if not also the experience of playing and coaching at some level. If you’re interested, and you share the vision, contact them. There are all kinds of opportunities for the right people.
Above all else, a relentless, passionate hockey focus—and respect for everyone associated with the game
Readers shouldn’t (and mostly don’t) care about hockey bloggers’ opinions on politics, nor should they tolerate any attempts at humor that marginalize or degrade women, minorities, the disabled, etc.
No one’s perfect.
I think, knowing the people involved here, we’re going to have fun, and not take ourselves too seriously. But the stated standard of The-Rink and its writers, at least, is to set an example all of us can be proud of—and that none of you will be offended by.
Finally, I can’t start this chapter without putting a proper close on the last one. I would not be able to make this move today were it not for the opportunity given me 8 years ago at HockeyBuzz. Eric and Ek have been nothing but good to me and I will be eternally grateful to them—and to my predecessor there—my good friend Al Cimaglia—for recommending me at the time.
Thanks guys, cheers. And all the best.
JJ