The handshake. It is the most honored and respected of traditions in the National Hockey League. The handshake proves that men can be at war with each other for seven grueling nights. Hitting each other for 420 minutes. Wanting nothing more than to beat the other man and leave him in your dust, and then turning around and congratulating them on a hard fought series. It is the one moment of every hockey playoff I make a point to show my children, the moment which I try and teach them that the value of being a good sportsman is as important as being a champion.
The St. Louis Blues failed miserably at this on Monday night as they eliminated the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 7 of the opening round series. While this criticism isn’t directed at the players or coaches or possibly even the general management, it is pointed at the organization for souring one of the greatest traditions in all of sport.
During the handshakes a very familiar song to Blackhawks players and fans alike began to be played by the Scott Trade Center organist. With “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis began playing, Blackhawks players were shaking the hands of the men who beat them and in a mockingly manner, the Blues organization belittled what is supposed to be the most honorable part of a series and really showed their true colors.
The #Blues organist just played a few lines of Chelsea Dagger in a minor key, trying to mock the #Blackhawks and their 3 Stanley Cups. #COOL
— Bill Wilson (@ivwilsoniv) April 26, 2016
No, no it isn’t #Cool. Perhaps this is a “get off my lawn” moment for me, but I don’t take kindly to act of unsportsmanlike behavior, especially when it was done just after sending a team home for the summer.
Hopefully this makes it’s way to the Blues’ organist, or whoever signed off on this garbage, and they learn from their actions. But hey, we are talking about St. Louis here… so probably not.
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