Recently one of my fellow writers took to the blogosphere to rail against fantasy hockey and the use of analytics that are so prevalent in the NHL today and how it’s killing the “real hockey fan.” We could not confirm if he used his 56K dial-up modem to connect as he did everything but yell “get off my lawn” to those who enjoy fantasy and analytical side of the game.
The emergence of fantasy sports and analytics has helped create a new type of hockey fan today, and in my opinion, a more intelligent fan. These genres have forced fans to become more involved and understand the game in ways they probably never would have before. It tends to lead to these fans having more informed opinions when discussing the game whether at the arena, home, or on the internet. Again, I don’t see how this is a bad thing.
Additionally, someone who may not have had an interest in the game previously, or perhaps lives in an area with no NHL team in the vicinity, now can have a vested interest in watching the game and rooting for “their” players. So maybe there’s a kid in Montana who otherwise wouldn’t care much about the NHL, but now is a huge fan because every night he follows his fantasy team on the Center Ice package. Growing the game is a positive, even if the interests of those new fans diverge from the traditionalists’ rooting interests.
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As someone who is a die-hard Islander fan and an avid fantasy hockey participant, I can personally attest that the two interests have been mutually beneficial to me. Whereas I used to just follow my team, know the players’ statistics, and only concern myself in the Islanders own little world, fantasy hockey has helped me become more knowledgeable about the league as a whole outside of the Nassau Coliseum (I’m sure there are plenty readers who would say it still hasn’t helped me, but I digress.) Now if I “own” Taylor Hall in one of my fantasy leagues, I’ll scour the internet for any information on him and updates on his injury. When he has a big game for the Oilers, yes, there is a big part of me that is happy too even if I’d have a tough time finding Edmonton on a globe. And if he scores a goal against the Islanders? Well, I still want the Islanders to win, but if they win 4-1 instead of 4-0 now, I’m okay with it.
It’d also be irresponsible if I didn’t mention the money that goes into many people’s fantasy hockey teams (not mine of course, just in case the IRS is reading this.) If people plunk down $100 to play in a league and the reward is $1,000, can you blame people for having a rooting interest in the players they drafted to do well? The Islanders have given me misery and heartache for the better part of the last 20 years…you mean I shouldn’t be root for a few extra bucks in my pocket? If the Islanders win a Stanley Cup, are they sending me a playoff share?
Listen, fantasy sports and analytics are here to stay, whether someone likes them or not. I believe that more information, the better. If you’re not on board with them, that’s cool. But to me any one who spends their time watching a game, or spending their hard-earned cash on a ticket or sweater, or spends time on a message board arguing about their favorite team is a “real fan,” whether or not they prefer their fantasy team to succeed over their “real” team.
Now let me get off the grass before I’m yelled at again.