Watching the Leafs for Free vs. Watching the Leafs for Free

by general borschevsky on Jul 18, 2008 1:41 PM EDT

I like the idea of being able to see a Leaf game and not have to think about the expense. I don't have any money so even going to a bar for a beer or two involves complicated logistics and serious financial planning. Finding the cash to actually see a Leaf game live would involve more hard work then I've ever been accustomed to doing, and ever since I started living on my own, Santa stopped coming by for Christmas for some reason.

So I watch most Leaf games at home on TV. Because I have no money, and haven't yet figured out how to steal cable, I only get CBC, which means (usually) I only get to see Saturday night games and have to listen to the rest of the season on my radio. So when I heard the word "free" at a Leafs' press conference, oh boy, was I interested.

The Leafs have added a PRE-SEASON game (yes!) that will be free to everyone! Well, not quite. It won't be on TV, as far as I know. If you wanted a ticket simply handed to you at the ACC, I think you already missed your chance. Now the remainder of the tickets, which is basically all of them minus a couple hundred, need to be acquired through a series of unique promotions and contests. How unique? Will it be dangerous? Do I have to drink Crappy-Cola? Will it wash the bitter taste of "sucking dirt" out of my mouth?

Then comes the news that not one, not two, BUT THREE, Saturday nights this season will be absent of any Leaf hockey. Three cold, lonely nights this winter where I'll have nothing but my wife and kid for solace and comfort. I could go up to 14 days without actually seeing Leaf-action on the TV this winter. 3 times! I'm not sure my wife can take it.

I guess the point of this piece is that I think it's ironic that fewer and fewer (REGULAR SEASON) games will be freely available to the Buds' biggest fans on TV (and each year that number is likely to continue to decline), while soft-drink companies can essientally purchase an entire, albiet PRE-SEASON, game, for their promotion and grandizing. Spin-artists sell the game to us as "free", but there's a cost to everything, including loyalty. Mine is to suffer for it, theirs is to hear about it from me, when I do.

Finally, I can't imagine anyone sitting in those lucky seats for that first ever "free" PRE-SEASON game, taking a deep swig of soda-pop without sugar in it, and thinking to themselves "wow, this doesn't taste awful! Not having to pay to see hockey is like not having sugar in your soft drink! There's no buzz at all. It's like the opposite of getting high. Mmmmmm.... that's deflating!" Enjoy it, indeed.

PensionPlanPuppets.com is a fan community that allows members to post their own thoughts and opinions on the Toronto Maple Leafs and hockey in general. These views and thoughts may not be shared by the editor of PensionPlanPuppets.com.

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Nice Post

I found myself in the same boat when I was at Queen’s because Kingston was ‘sens region’ (never) so I only caught the Saturday night games but it was a staple of every Saturday night.

I hate the idea that the Leafs are heading towards putting all mid-week games on LeafsTV (because that will make them the most money) because while some have it as part of their cable package other areas of Leafs Nation have to pay a few dollars a month and bars are apparently charged outrageous fees for the service.

I would say that common sense would stop MLSe but that ship’s sailed…

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 18, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

I have to say I love going to a leafs dominated school. Every teacher who talks about hockey, talks about the leafs. It’s mostly negative but it’s never as negative as when they talk about another teams.
Sens fans who are in my program tend to get destroyed verbally on a post game day basis. I do love that about my school.

by OMGWTFTML on Jul 18, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Huge

Not having to deal with teachers ribbing you or being the only Leafs fan is a blessing. I went to a school with quite a few British teachers and they were all Manchester United fans and coached the soccer team so I caught a lot of flak for that.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 18, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions

My school was pretty Leafs heavy. Though we did have some turn coat Sens fans. That and my French Canadian dram teacher would pull the old “i may be the only one whose seen his team win a cup”. He mostly sparred with the one Bruins fan is school.

The Ballad of Wendel Clark - The 11th Best Leafs Blog Around

by Frost_ on Jul 18, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

LeafsTV is a nightmare, and the inspiration for that post.

by general borschevsky on Jul 18, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions

LeafsTV

1. Needs way more content. Too many great games aren’t being used
2. Better content. Games in an hour are awesome. Interviews with marginal players are not.
3. Improve the normal signal. Sure, HD exists but the normal signal is crap
4. Better hosts. Get Jody Vance a freaking babysitter and get her back on the air.

Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.

by PPP on Jul 18, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Coke Sucks!

I’m all about the heroi….I mean Pepsi

Because Taking The Leafs Seriously Is Not An Option

by JaredFromLondon on Jul 18, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

Usually I listen to the games online, but it’s nothing like actually watching a game. At least I know where to get a security system if I’m ever around Toronto (“Call 1-800-267-2001 ALARMforce!”)

by loser domi on Jul 18, 2008 6:27 PM EDT reply actions