To read the reactions left only here related to the Caps’ plans, announced over the weekend, to introduce SpiritBabes to the team’s home games next season, you’d think management announced that Verizon Center was hosting 41 brothels next winter.
It’s too warm in there for brothels anyway.
Would that the peasants took up pitchforks and torches in these numbers when the league bleep-canned hockey jerseys for Reebok’s tuxedo vests a year ago.
Count me among those with a more inclusive spirit — one who will approach the scheme with an open mind. I take the owner at his word (“I am a family man with a wife and daughter“).
I was all prepared to write about my first one-on-one chat with Hershey Bears’ head coach Bob Woods on Saturday when this fracas broke out later that day. No wonder Washington is consistently regarded as a sex-appeal-less city.
In reality, though, all the NHL is doing is catching up — modestly, I might add — with football’s spirited sidelines. Or Fox News. In a culture of seriously foxy FoxNews, is this really anything to get all that worked up about?
But by late yesterday we’d received pointed clarification from the Capitals on the matter: “The squad won’t be ice girls in the traditional sense . . . It’s also not a dance squad, a la the NBA. It’s more of an evolution of the entertainment team we have had in the past” [the one that most in the stands thought was remarkably annoying -- I'm all for evolving that].
Still, I found it riotously funny to learn that Bruce Cassidy had contacted the team’s sales department Sunday seeking a full plan for next season. And Smoken Al Koken — has he been revived since Saturday’s news?
Actually, you can make a compelling argument I think that hockey, particularly in markets like Washington, is much more in need of some sultry spirit than is the NFL. Mr. Leonsis, in defending the move on Sunday, noted that it was with new revenue in mind that the team pursued the idea. In case you hadn’t noticed, television ain’t exactly throwing mad dough at the NHL’s 30 clubs these days. Meanwhile, the league’s salary cap has mushroom-clouded by more than $15 million in just the three seasons since the lockout.
It’s swell that we’re all in love with this rockin’ garage band called hockey, but the band still has to be paid, and if Hooters-Lite (not Hustler) wants to underwrite the Friday night jam session, I think the beer will still taste cold. Count me as one who wants a hockey team’s practices, scrimmages, and camps to remain free and open to the public, year round.
Anyone remember the millions the NHL spent on its post-lockout relaunch television advertisements — you remember the ones, the “My NHL” spots featuring the hockey locker room beefcake, rather shirtless, massage-motivated by a Fox News anchor in the pre-game? I remember thinking the first time I watched it, ‘My, how shirtless this hockey player is, and my, how little I now want lunch.’ Now that was profane, and brought to you by Bettman & Co. I’m confident that Ted doesn’t have quite that in mind.
I’m not sure what revenue the Washington Redskins’ cheerleaders bring in to the team, but whenever they make community appearances you seldom hear of Puritanical protests accompanying them or of anyone having a real lousy time at them. In fact, once in a while, the tight end marries the babe. Maybe the SpiritBabe will marry the bachelor blogger.
The Capitals, and hockey in Washington, need increased exposure (if you’ll pardon my word choice). If the Caps’ SpiritBabes are going to be out and about town during and after seasons hence, perhaps toting along a few congenial players with them, it’s bound to improve the team’s visibility, as well as that of the sport.
And in our recessionary times, where is the acknowledgment of the idea’s job creation ???
There’s been all manner of hyperbole associated with this past weekend’s high-pitched hue and cry reaction. For instance, some have alleged that the aisle ladies in their shimmer and shake will distract from the play on the ice. On nights when the Caps lay an egg, I agree — and let’s hope so. On those nights especially I’ll be glad for Verizon Center’s new state-of-the-art, high-rise, high definition, center ice scoreboard. But really, if the Alexanders are barreling down the ice on a two-on-one scoring chance, how many men’s and women’s eyes will be fixated on tight fannies in the stands?
And what of the selectivity of outrage in this instance? When it’s Mites on Ice, all are quiet, despite the fact that with that exhibition the laughter is generated at the expense of really, really short people. But raise the specter of pretty girls prettying up the District’s rink, and all hell breaks loose.
The only genuine harm that can come from this scheme is if, to quote the wit of one of the few in this town with a sense of humor, who imparted it in the maelstrom of message board madness yesterday, “they come down to the Johnny Walker Club after the game and are attracted to out-of-shape middle-aged men.”
When Messrs. Vogel, Parker, Rucki and I were taking in the World Championships in Moscow in the spring of 2007, we had no shortage of aisle-jiggling accompanying our blogging endeavors (see photo above). I think I can speak for the four of us in saying that we got our work done just dandy. In point of fact, the real distraction in terms of Moscow hotties diverting our gaze came with the middle-of-the-night trollop parade through our hotel’s lobby (where we were blog drafting), aided and abetted by bellhops on the cash take.
Baltic beauties in boas and hip-high black boots. Naughty, naughty Nikitas! Sorry, that was the indulgence of reverie.
Anyway, over in Moscow, we learned that NHL scouts were in favor of off-ice girls.
!
Perhaps since Alexander Ovechkin has to spend the next 13 seasons skating here we should let him be the arbiter in the matter.
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22 Comments
Oh, pucks…always on the lookout for a little skin. At least you’re consistent
Frankly, cheerleaders are stupid and idiotic in any sport (yes, football, too – you won’t win my vote by saying we should be more like that disgrace of a league that is the NFL, even if they DO generate more money). I’m just always a little insulted by the idea that I have to be told when and how to cheer. But I agree that if they’re tasteful and help keep practices free, ticket prices lower and payroll high, they’re fine. Whatever. I give. Who cares.
However, if they have to be there, give me some good-looking guys alongside the good-looking girls. Is that so much to ask? I said it in my own post – sex sells, sure, but it’s not just men who buy it. Equality is a good thing. I’ll be happy (or less annoyed at least) if the squad does indeed turn out to be coed.
…or, you know, they could just put out a calendar featuring shirtless members of the Washington Capitals and we’ll call it even. Ladies? Who’s with me?
I think my big problem with this is the target audience they are going for. As a long time hockey fan, I always wanted to see hockey succeed on a level on par with the NBA, as far as popularity and fan base go. I want everyone to love and appreciate hockey. And I want them to go to the games for, well, the game. Management all but saying that they are putting these girls out there in the hopes that some otherwise disinterested guy will spend the money to go to a game is both insulting and ludicrous. There has to be a million other gimmicks/marketing ploys you can come up with besides having half naked women throw t-shirts at leering men.
I know, that sounds like a night of fun, doesn’t it? Honestly, you can go watch some girl named Amber dance around a pole for less than it will cost you for a Caps ticket and a couple of beers. You’ll get a closer view of her and you won’t have to pretend she knows anything about hockey in order to enjoy her performance.
Even as a female myself, I have nothing against scantily clad women. I go to Hooters. I’ve been to “gentlemen’s” establishments. I just have something against them being a part of my hockey experience. I’m irritated every time I go to an Islander game. And I’m embarrassed when I bring my 15 yr old son to a game and he’s presented with some jiggly chick practically sitting on his lap to ask him a trivia question. Maybe I’m just a purist when it comes to hockey.
Just to add – I see that in the comments on the previous post, Cathy notes that the job description and the description of what the girls will wear has changed dramatically.
That’s all well and good, but just keep in mind we were told on the island that the ice girls would be wholesome entertainment and they all look like they’ve stepped out of a Girls Gone Wild video.
I’m all for the coed aspect. Not a bad idea. I mean if we’re going to objectify women you might as well objectify men as well. Sounds fair. But seriously this MAY bring in more men to the games although I doubt it but it’s just going to alienate the potential women fans. I don’t see any need for them and I don’t know what their role is going to be. Sounds dumb to me…
I don’t care if they are there….except when they block my view of the game. In my experiences with cheerleaders at hockey games, that is all they ever do. The bad thing is that if you aren’t in the lowest level of seats, your view will be blocked by cheerleaders at various points during the game.
Anyone who has this happen should immediately bring it up and remind the management that you don’t have sideshows blocking the main attraction, especially when you pay a good sum to watch hockey in person.
Eh…I don’t think they’ll be telling us when the Cheer. The “entertainment squad” from the previous season didn’t tell us when to cheer. The only thing that really comes close to telling us when to cheer is the HD board and the PA announcer.
If this brings in more revenue to the team and keeps ticket prices down somewhat, I am for it.
If it helps promote the team during player appearances and events around the city, I am for it.
If they aren’t in the way during play, and only come out during TV time outs or between periods like last year’s entertainment squad, I am for it.
If they dance in the aisles DURING play, and if they actually try to rally cheers DURING play I’ll be the first person leading the protest outside the Caps offices in Ballston…and frankly I don’t think it will come to that.
On the other hand, I just told my girlfriend about this and she got really irritated. I think if a Poll were to be conducted, the vote would be split primarily among gender lines, with a few on each side crossing the line.
One final comment…
I can’t see this generating more ticket sales, or being a ploy to generate more ticket sales. If guys want to check out attractive women, they certainly don’t need to spend $50 on a hockey ticket to do so.
Like Pucks, I’ll take Ted at his word.
Ditto, CapsChick, ditto…
I know this is completely against everything the Internet stands for (rampant, unfounded speculation), but we could actually wait and see how the squad is dressed, their function during games and their use in the community before screaming about sexism/moral turpitude/sign of the apocalypse.
My initial reaction was “Why are they letting girls into the Boys club?!” How dare they!
I am guessing that the Caps Media/Marketing people are reading this quite heavily, and judging by the initial responses, that they will definitely approach this matter methodically, carefully, and tastefully…
I went to a game in Raleigh, NC last year, and their “Storm Squad” was dressed appropriately and was primarily stuck in the zamboni entrances or in the lower bowl of the arena and generally did not have an impact on my experience of the game. They came out during TV time outs to throw out freebies and picked up the ice shavings. It wasn’t that bad. Maybe these Spirt Squad people will eventually replace Slapshot’s Handlers?
Imagine the leering and cavorting that would have ensued if this was the Caps Centre circa 1983. Whatever outrage this move has evinced, we’re still living in a relatively PC era. By the time we’re 30 games into the season (sitting atop the Eastern Conference, hopefully) I doubt this will raise much of a stink.
And in addition to Mites on Ice, I think the Caps should let ADULT LEAGUE hockey players do shootouts. I’d pay for my ticket, I’d get 25 of my nearest and dearest out to the game, and I’d entertain the masses by stepping on the puck and belly flopping through the slot. Jeez, I should be on the Caps marketing dept. payroll.
I don’t really care if they have this squad or not, but if they do, I expect quality T&A and not a bunch of obnoxious high-school band types.
I’m JR and I approved this message that offended everyone.
Quick, somebody put up those pics that were on Deadspin of the Islander’s goalie ogling the ice chicks. They were priceless.
Man the spirt squad hoopla is hilarious. Hockey is the only sport that can have fighting but for some reason cheerleaders/dance squads are a no no?
JR, I like your spirit; how about a beer together later this summer?
Usiel, as usual, your radar for uproarious irony is spot on.
Now that the description has been modified:
Upon reading the requirements more closely, they really haven’t changed (aside from attire). Wording has been altered so it’s not gender-specific, but the previous version was advertisement shorthand, the new version puts some definition to it, but it’s pretty much the same description.
It’s all pretty much a more formal version of the entertainment crew that was there for the past several years which was an unofficial version of the Caps Crew from eight years ago.
And whether it be half-shirts or long pants, just about anything is better than those blue jumpsuits were in 1999.
Besides some people who attend games wear half-shirts and shorter skirts than the squad would have had on. And let’s not forget all the people who paint their chests (or stomachs for the ladies) with letters (even if they stand in the wrong order).
It all seems like a big to-do about not much at all.
I continue to be amazed at the insanity of this! Really why don’t people get this enraged and passionate about really important things like actually going out and voting EVERY November? This is really getting amusing, and I feel it’s only heating up…can’t wait to see where it ends! God bless Cap fans Mass Hysteria and internets!
First of all, the Spirit Girls logo looks like Charlie’s Angels…
My question is why? I care about hockey, plain and simple. It seems like in this age of sports, we got to have an “experience”, as if the game itself is not enough.
The Washington Nationals are really into the “experience” thing.
I would really prefer 1) A good team (we got one!) 2) A good facility (we got one, except for the ice surface) 3) A good announcer and PA system and scoreboard to let me know whats happening that I can’t see for myself. Oh yeah, reasonably price food and beer is definitely appreciated.
I see other things, including “Spirit girls or spirit boys” as a distraction. A good organist can do more to psych a crowd than a bunch of paid to be psyched bimbos or boytoys waving pom poms.
They are a distraction and just get in the way.
Pucks, where did you have in mind? Good Guys? LOL.
Abba performas at hockey games – who knew!
I find nothing wrong with any of this.
just look at nashville: http://predators.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&bcid=goalgirls
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