New Look, New Start, Same Sport ?

So here we have it. No more Iowa Stars. No more Green & Gold, no more chanting "Go Stars Go."

I attended the press conference a few days ago that announced the new name. As they played a video that was building up to the great announcement, I could feel the crowd thinking, "Ok already, just tell us the name!"

And then it came. Welcome the Iowa Chops.

There wasn't a thunderous applause, nor was there any obnoxious boos. Rather, a polite clapping filled the room. I wondered why there wasn't a bigger reaction (either good or bad). Then I came to this conclusion. Who wanted to risk the "wrong" reaction. What if the guy in the 3rd row heard "Iowa Chops" and felt his life long dream had been met and stood on his chair hooting and hollering about how awesome it was. Meanwhile the lady next to him had the reaction of "Oh, a screaming pig with fangs, how clever.....not."

Nobody wanted to give any indication of how they felt in fear of what others around them thought. I was one of those.

I like the name. It didn't hit me at first, but my opinion has always been that any name would give the same reaction. Its a new name that nobody is used to, so unless you were crossing your fingers during the build up thinking "C'mon, be the Chops, please be the Chops", your reaction should have been one of surprise.

After a few minutes of it being announced, I heard the grumblings of "You know, I kinda like it" or "the more I see it, the more I hate it" or "Why are we a knock off of the Ice Hogs". Again, I have no problem with opinions, suggestions, comments, etc. Its discussion about a new team coming that is exciting and should be discussed. Here is where my problem lies.

I read countless comments on the Des Moines Register's website about the name. I'm glad we live in a country where we can freely express our opinions, but I personally don't like when comments are made behind secretive screen names. There are too many negative comments about not only the Chops name, but also negativity about hockey in general, the AHL, sports, the state of Iowa, etc.

Basketball is not a favorite sport of mine, but when the Iowa Energy was announced, I didn't spend my days (and nights) bashing a bad name, bad level of talent, unintelligent fans, etc. Who am I to judge another person's passion. As long as it does not hurt me, why rain on someone else's parade. This is especially directed to those who commented about not going to watch hockey because the name was "dumb" yet they still proclaimed themselves as hockey fans. Are you kidding me? The team could have announced that the new name was "The E85 Corndogger Flood Relief Tornados" and I would still go to every game (although it would be an awfully long cheer). Hockey fans don't care what the team is called...they enjoy the game.

I do agree with one aspect of the negativity. Many commented on the Chops name giving Iowans a bad name, and others would associate us with dumb hicks, farmers, pork, etc. This is true. I would never visit Albany, NY. Their AHL team is the River Rats. Have you seen their logo? A sickly beat up rat carrying a hockey stick. Can you imagine what the people in Albany look like? I would be afraid of the diseases I would contract if I visited there.

Then you have Lowell, Massachusetts. The Lowell Devils. Ouch. A town of satan worshipers that would try and convince you that evil deeds are the right way of life. How dare the Devil Dawg mascot go to the library to promote reading to kids, or to Hascom Airforce Base to welcome back the troops. There must be evil intentions behind that demonic city.

Lastly, look no further than our own backyard. If you think people from other cities, states & countries will look down on Iowans because we have a hockey team named the Chops, what about the Buccaneers? According to my research, I found the following: "The buccaneers were pirates who attacked Spanish, French, and Dutch shipping in the Caribbean Islands during the late 17th century. Among the leaders of the buccaneers was a Frenchman named Daniel Montbars, who destroyed so many Spanish ships and killed so many Spaniards that he was called "the Exterminator" Personally, I'd rather have people think we have pigs & pork chops, then to think we pillage and steal and attack the Spanish, French & Dutch.

My points are just my opinions. I'm not asking anyone to love the name Chops, or to become a hockey fan because of the name. If you like the name, great. Wear the gear proudly, eat a pulled pork sandwich and enjoy. If you don't like the name, but still like hockey, go cheer them on. Whisper "Go Stars" or "Go Thunder" under your breath, but don't leave the game and become a fan of spelling bees. But most importantly, make your opinion mean something. Don't hide behind the name "ChopsHater08" or "E=mc2" especially if you are against hockey. My mom taught me if you've got nothing nice to say, don't say anything.....or move to Albany, NY you lousy River Rat.