>>Subj: Re: Minnesota 5, CC 2
 
Dean Barker replied:
 
Pam Sweeney writes:
 
> I was NOT impressed with the Wisconsin fans however.  I certainly have no
> trouble with the sportsmanship of the sieve chant, but when the Gophers
> were leading 5-2 at the end of the game and their fans gave them a
> standing O, the Cheeseheads (having finally arrived, in anticipation of
> the upcoming Badgers game) saw fit to boo this.  And then when the Gophers
> did their traditional celebration (a raised-stick salute of the
> fans at center ice), the fans booed that too.
 
>>Oh come on Pam, you cannot tell me that the Gopher fans in Mariucci
>>would not have done the EXACT same thing to the Badgers if the players
>>in Red & White would have pulled the same stunt. When the Gophers did their
>>little "salute" they were intentionally showing the Badger fans up and
>>rubbing their noses in it. The players knew that, that's why they were
>>laughing it off.
 
Dean, It's very common for a Hockey team to raise sticks in a salute to the
fans at the end of a game... no matter what the out come.  My kids High School
team does this salute after every game... even blow-out losses. The intent is
to thank their fans for the support.  I think it's a nice touch, they tell me
it's very hard to left the sticks when they lose, but if they don't they don't
play next game.  I'm not a Gopher fan or follower, but I assume this is the
tradition I've seen at all levels... except pro.
 
Nick