Tough times for Flames, Oilers fans....

Why are some Oilers and Flames fans are having trouble cheering Vancouver's run to their first Cup? There are three reasons for this... let's break it down.

1. Jealousy
2. Divisional Rivals
3. Good Reason

OK- that said... let's dive right in.


Topic ONE:
Jealousy... an ugly word, but quite applicable in this situation. The Canucks are close to winning their first Stanley Cup... Flames and Oilers are not close to winning any Stanley Cups right now. Case closed. Granted Calgary has already won it once and the Oilers have won it fives times... but this is NOW... and that's all that counts.

Topic TWO:
Divisional Rivals... hard to suck it up and cheer for any team when you grow up 'hating their guts'. The rivalry has always been great between the three cities and I totally understand why it's tough to put away the hate and exchange it for love... when you really don't. It's just like asking Eskimo or Stampeder fans to cheer for the Riders in the Grey Cup or vice versa. It's simply not in our DNA.

Topic THREE:
Good reason... whether they know it or not, or care, Vancouver has quickly become 'Toronto West' for many on the prairies. And we all know how much fun it is to hate on Hogtown. The enthusiastic bashing is almost considered a sport unto it's self for many Canadians. The biggest thing I've heard the past few weeks from many is-- "they're too cocky and arrogant for a city that really hasn't won anything".

Well, that is about to change so you better get used to it. Now you'll have TWO cities to hate.

Topic BONUS:
BTW- it's time for the CFL to dump the East-West thing at Grey Cup. See Topic TWO for details as to why. Once Western teams get dumped in the playoffs, it seems damn near impossible to cheer on your bitter rival. Am I wrong? Also, I'd rather see the top two teams clash instead of regional winners. Especially when a fourth Western team crosses over because they were far better than the third place team in the East. Just seems dumb to me now.



I'm outta here!