Re: Ohio State Buckeyes - Coach Rohlik - First Year in the Big Ten
I could deal with the loss, the difficulty was the Miami fans around us. I will fault no one for cheering and rooting for their team but these people were rude and obnoxious to the extreme and were ignoring the usher's orders. I was assured that next time we host a game against Miami they will be more forceful in maintaining order with unruly fans.
I treat all opponent's fans with courtesy as I expect the same when in their house. Some it seems since they were here in large numbers felt they could take some liberty's.
I'm definitely with you on this. They, not all...I've met some really nice Miami fans and look forward to seeing them at games...but there are quite a few that are obnoxious and rude. I didn't encounter any of that tonight in Miami. Obviously being one OSU fan in a sea of Miami fans, (HockeyBuckeye did I see you last nite in the Boardroom and tonite while in line at the coffee shop?) I expected to take some ribbing in the concourse...a few comments, but nothing crazy. All good humored ribbing, which I am totally fine with as I do the same when we are at home in the Schott. When they were screaming "Let's go Red Hawks", I am yelling "Pluck a Red Hawk". Let's go Bucks!
Our problem is the Schott itself. It's so big, so there are always tix available which enables teams like Miami to bring their 6 chartered fan buses up. Try getting tix to a Miami game in Miami in their 2,300 seat arena! Come to think of it, Miami is less than two hours away, why weren't people on this board at the game? We could have 10,000 people yelling and screaming in the Schott, but because it is built for concerts and sound deadening in the ceiling, you can still hear a pin drop. We can only hope that teams like North Dakota and Denver come into the Goggin and knock them off their pedestal. That Czarnik and Barber line is so dominant. There's a reason they are #2 in the country.
We as fans and an OSU community make it way too easy. The Schott is not intimidating for opposing teams at all. It seems OSU fans want to sit on their hands during the game and remain quiet. Hell a woman in front of us Friday night was crocheting and could care less about the game. We need to be LOUD and PROUD in the Schott, make it as uncomfortable for the opposing team as possible. The Knucklebucks do a great job, but fans need to join in. If you think not, go to a Miami game IN Miami, go to Michigan State, go to Michigan, go to Notre Dame...go to some of these other arenas and just see how intimidating their fans and environment is for OUR boys to play in when they are on the road. Once you do, you'll roll your eyes at what we do at the Schott to make it so easy for opposing teams to come in and take over our barn. This nice, mamby-pamby stuff needs to end. OSU fans have vocal cords, it's time to use them.
I understand "family friendly" which is what the Schott promotes. I get it, as does every other barn that we play in on the road. However this is hockey. Our team can only do so much on the ice, it's up to the fans to create the environment and make it uncomfortable as possible for the opposing team and their fans while supporting and promoting OUR boys. Bring your friends, family and co-workers to games. Do your part as a fan and help get MORE people in the Schott!
We do need to get our Booster group back. We do need to get fans together and travel with the team. It was refreshing to see so many OSU fans at the Joe last year for CCHA finals. We need a way to coordinate and organize! If you think Miami is horrible, just wait until Minnesota and Wisconsin come to town. Those folks are organized and travel on the road with the team to every game. It's going to get worse before it gets better. If you're tired of that **** "sieve, sieve, sieve, you let your whole team down" cheer, let's get our act together, as I absolutely despise it.
A few fans have created a Facebook group, The Scarlet Liners.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/354826271290389/. They are trying to rally and coordinate! At least a few fans are trying to do their part. Their Mission Statement: "This purpose of this group is to create a strong and unified group of fans for Ohio State Men's and Women's hockey. Let's stop allowing The Schott or the old barn to be easy places to come into. Let's get loud, let's stand together, and let's support our boys and girls in scarlet and gray. The initial goal is NOT to become or act in the capacity of a booster group. Sexist, racist, homophobic talk/chants/cheers/etc will not be tolerated. This group is open to anyone who wants to support our hockey Buckeyes no matter their age, race, sex, sexual orientation, or even if they went to Michigan. If you're a fan that just wants to sit in your seat, be quiet, clap every once in awhile, you probably won't fit in. If you're the fan that likes to jump on their feet, cheer till you've lost your voice, and hate Michigan...you'll fit right in. Go Bucks!" Sounds like a group that I can get behind and hopefully start turning this thing around!
Send an email to Chris Schneider and/or Gene Smith and let your voice be heard. Let's get our traditions back. If you need their email addresses, PM me. Let's get our traditions and our barn back!
Please do something to help make change happen, other than to sit back on your keyboard and b**ch about it. B***ching about Oz, or what coulda, shoulda happened doesn't change anything. This is where we are today and we must deal with it. And for the eye rollers, yes, I am one that wanted a change in leadership away from Oz. I am willing to stand up and own it. So far, I am happy with the results. Are you?
