Am I a Fair-weather Fan? I Think Not, But You Decide.

A short background to my hockey history 1st.

I have been a hockey fan since 1996. I have been a Blues fan since 1998. I have been an AVID & Die-Hard Blues fan since 1999 or 2000. 1999 is when I discovered the Game Night Revue produced by Jeffio. The GNR was the predecessor of the current rag produced by our own Sean Gallagher, Brad Lee and many others.

Considering that I became a full season ticket holder in 2000 (after splitting the two previous seasons with another fan), I think of myself as a committed and devoted fan. By no means do I think I have ever been a fair weather fan.

After the jump, I will provide some back ground into my question, and ultimately, my defense, of being called a fair-weather fan. (click for Urban Dictionary definition or Wikipedia article talking about fan loyalty)

 
                            Is DanGNR to be compared with these guys?

 
                            Or is DanGNR to be compared with this guy?

As I stated above, I first discovered, and have loved the sport of hockey since 1996.  In 1998, I moved from Washington D.C. to St. Louis and immediately split season tickets with another fan for two years. After those two years, I convinced my wife to let me get my own full season tickets and split the seats with a friend.

My account records show that I have been a season ticket holder since 2000.  But that isn't entirely true.  For two reason actually.

• 1) During the 2005-06 season, I attended a Master's program in Redlands, CA (Hey Spectr17) for an entire year. (August '05 to August '06).
• 2) During the 2006-07 season, I actually canceled my season tickets. Only to renew them again about halfway through the season. (more on this later)

During both of these years, I also stayed active in my Blues discussion email group (not really supposed to talk about that, a la Fight Club) to keep in touch with what the Blues were doing during the season while I was in school, as well as the year after when I didn't renew my season tickets.

I think the 1st reason is a valid reason not to attend Blues games wouldn't you say? After all, I attended at least 4 or 5 Ducks games at Honda Center.  Two of those games were to see the Blues. (for the record, I didn't want to venture too far into LA and go to the Staples Center, plus I was in school and had a shitload of classes, homework, projects and... oh never mind.) 

While away though, I kept my account open, paid for my tickets, then sold them to my neighbor (who graciously helped me keep my seats).  He either used them or sold them throughout the season.

Now the 2nd reason above requires a bit more explanation.  I am sure that most of you remember the 2004 season.  If you don't, look here. But the season after that, ya know, the one where we gave away Chris Pronger for half a robot operating with outdated software?  The owners then sold off other players while driving the team into the ground?  Well, during the LP days and the ownership (the NBA wanna Be's) days, I became increasingly frustrated with the management and finally had enough.  I told my ticket rep after the 2005-06 season, that I cannot spend my money supporting an organization that doesn't try and better the team for the future instead of preparing the team for sale.

So during the 2006-07 season, I attended the home opener.  Do you remember the Pepsi Fan Can and the many other 2 for 1 promotions and specials?  I took advantage of those and STILL went to almost half the games that season. When I wasn't in attendance at Kiel  er  Savvis  er  Scottrade  the Drinkscotch Center, I was watching the Blues at home on HDTV.  Yep, I still watched every game that was on TV that season.

You know what happened?  The new ownership started taking action.  They fired the coach, obtained better players through trades and the waiver wire.  The Blues finally starting caring about the team (and their fans). I then finally cared enough to pay money to see them again.

I called up the Blues and said, "I am willing to pay Season Ticket Holder price to come to games again."  They accepted.  I returned as a "Full" Season Ticket Holder and retained my "Season Ticket Holder Since 2000" seniority (or whatever).  There were 15-20 games that season that I attended sitting in my usual seats as a season ticket holder.

In summary: I have been a full season ticket holder since 2000. But during the 2006-07 campaign, I wasn't an official season ticket holder until February or March, 2007. But still went to as many games as I did as a full season ticket holder (in other seasons). I also watched all the Blues games on TV.

Sorry, but that was a long winded attempt at providing background for what transpired early this year.

I sent a friend an article about one of my SLGT exploits (this one).  He saw my old signature line "You can't call me a fair-weather fan."  He quickly retorted: "Weren't you the guy that canceled your season tickets a couple of years ago?"

So GT Nation, I ask you. Do YOU think I am a fair-weather fan?