Viewpoint

WOOOOT GO RORY
Remember this is the fans choice not some millionare choice. So you don't get what you want?? BOO HOO! btw BUS DRIVER canucks will win one day you maple leaf

There is no way a minor league d-man should make the all-star game because of some computer geeks brilliant idea!!! So Rory, I hope you have 1/2 a brain and don't go if the unthinkable should happen, or maybe you should go and make a fool of yourself.....

Rory going to the all-star game is even more exciting than Patrick throwing fits at last night's party.

This is only a one-time thing. It won't happen next year. So let's all laugh when the P.A. screams out "From the San Jose Sharks, Joooooooooooooooooooooooooooe Thorntonnnnnnnnnnn" right before saying "From the Vancouver Canucks' filler squad, Roryyyyyyyyyy FITZpatriiiiiiccck"

Imagine the scene. Oh so exciting! I can't wait.

I believe that you should be there at the game if your credentials warrent you to be there if not you stay at home and watch like the rest of the players. there are always players not going to go that some people think they should I think it is for the stars to shine and have some fun.

Why do Scott Morrison and others keep pointing out Rory's stats? Its no secret hes not all-star calibre, thats why you're writing the article in the first place...anyway, I kind of laugh to hear people who seem to cherish the all-star game as some precious and prized event that came into existence out of some immaculate love of hockey...pff...its a bunch of millionaires skating around and laughing. I am a die-hard fan of hockey but how can you not just enjoy this. Let Rory play... Articles like this make me want to vote for rory more than anything else. To be honest i never watch the all-star weekend but if rory is in this years game im there with bells on.

Rory Fitzpatrick an all star? Come on people, you've gotta be kidding me!! Someone who's tied for 558th place OVERALL with NO GOALS!!! Come on. This just goes to show that people believe in more gimicks than the actual player. Great players like Robyn Regehr and Rob Blake aren't there because of some washed up joke

Its the fans game, the all star game. The fans choose. That is the essence of interactive voting.

Morrison is wrong. If Rory is voted in, he owes it to the fans who took the time to vote to go and play his heart out.

I DON'T THINK SCOTT MORRISON SHOULD HAVE HIS HALL OF FAME AWARD AS THERE ARE MANY MANY BETTER COLUMNISTS THAN HE AND HE SHOULD SEND IT BACK AND GIVE IT TO A DESERVING PERSON.

"SO FUNNY I FORGOT TO LAUGH" HE WHO LAUGHS LAST LAUGHS BEST.

who cares about hockey anymore;its just like (ping-pong) on skates;the pr arm of (big biz) is always trying to con the peopleinto potential custumers of the wares that they SELL;the skill has gone in hockey since stan mikita bent a blade of a hockey stick;under a dressing room door;resulting in a loss of stickhandling skills;bodychecks below the hips;banned;etc;etc. i no longer am a cash customer of theirs;bye;bye;ping-pong on skates cuz of the loss of skills

Rory will never see a stanley cup and neither will vancouver. This is an all-star game, not pick up hockey. My screen name is bus driver but it'll be crosby, ovechkin and malkin taking rory to school... way to make a sham out of the new nhl voting system. This is retarded, and if any of the voters were real hockey fans you wouldnt be voting a bum into the all start game. attack ads? on some of the best defensemen in the nhl?.. RORY has been on every dirty team there is and has 10 seasons with a - rating on d!!! Including -18 last season, he dosnt even deserve to be mentioned. A discrase to the game, and all the great men that have played it... Taking advantage of the new voting system will only make it harder for the rest of us to vote in the years to come, they (voteforrory.com) have ruined a good thing and even if rory gets to dallas, he wont get a shift. skills compition maybe if they have a 'asking for spare change' challenge or 'how to take city transit' comp.

the nhl gave the people to decide who will participate in this year's all star game. i would hope full well that those who allowed this to happen know that there will be some players, maybe less deserving than others, be voted in. nevermind who knows less or more about hockey. you can say the same thing about other subjects. in the end, the people have spoken, regardless of how wayne gretzky thinks. and that the almost 500,000 people who voted for rory took time out of their schedules to want a great person play in dallas.
we don't immediately realize that it is even absolutely difficult to even make in on an nhl team. rory fitzpatrick must be an exceptional hockey player because of that. given the chance, i'm sure he will have an opportunity to perform exceptionally with his colleagues in dallas and ultimately quiet those who were against this entire thing.

A 0-point scorer in the all-star game? What a joke. It'd a real shame if he got in, because you're insane if you think he deserves it more than the likes or Pronger, etc.

WOW! When was the last time we had this much EXCITEMENT over the NHL "All-Star" game?????

Come on be honest, isn't this great?!?

Why would you attack him for something SOMEONE ELSE put upon him?

Jealous???
Need attention, you're getting it!
Bored???
Nothing exciting this season happening?? What NO broken necks or career ending concussions or life changing head-first-into the board checking to report about????

I haven't given a thought to that really uninteresting, unexciting, nothing-going-on "All-Star" game since I saw my first one on the telly back in the 1980's(can't remember what yr as it was a real bore).

I think I might take a 5 minute peak this yr because of all this excitement about the vote.

I love Hockey and I think this is just what the sport needs. I mean c'mon folks do you not remember a WHOLE entire year of a lock out? The league needs this, The fans need this and I say that the players do to. Rory may not be a 'all-star' in the perfect meaning of the word, but least I remind you good reader that they are all professionals. Maybe we need more input from the fan base in a National Hockey League that does not always do what is in the best interest of the sport or even the people that love to watch them play.

Rory deserves to go the all star game more than anyone, if not for himself then as a representative for all the hard working league players who would never get a chance. What difference does it make to the career of pronger, lidstrom or phaneuf if they have 1 less all star game??? Its a once in a life time opportunity for a guy who has dedicated his life to hockey and anyone who would deny someone that is a heartless grinch! I for 1 will be delighted if he gets to Dallas!

I could not nod my head in agreement fast enough because seriously, this bullcrap has to end. The Rory supporters defend their position with claims that the All Star game is a joke already, and how it's all about the fans and therefore that is who should decide the players entering this mid season festivity. First off, yes, the All Star game isn't taken seriously by the players but what isn't looked upon lightly, is the fact that they were selected. It is a recognition of the success they've had thus far in the season. It's a honor and an achievement based on what they did on the ice -- NOT what was done on a keyboard by some frantic fans upon discovery of this flaw in the system.

Kudos to all the people in the hockey world who have spoken out against this, and shame on Rory Fitzpatrick for letting the charades get out of hand. I'm a Canuck fan, but sometimes common sense prevails despite my fervor for my hometown players. In addition to Scott's wishlist, what should have happened weeks ago, was for Rory to thank all the fans who've supported him and to annouce that he would not accept the invitation if he was voted in on the basis that he's simply undeserving.

BUT insteaaad, I tuned in to Sportsnet to see Rory sporting a Vote-For-Pedro T-shirt with his name printed over.......

Put Rory on the all star is rediculous. However, this has shown that it is not neccesary that a good player is most welcome.
That can be achieved by an average or even below average player. So, it is the fan's choice anyway.

Accept it! This is the NHL's way of the game!

It is a fan vote. If Rory Fitzpatrick wins the fan vote then so be it. He is an NHL player and should be able to skate with his peers even if he is only a journeyman. Think of all the "journeyman" checkers who play against the "all-star player" every game as his shadow. Maybe Rory can do that role. True he may not be allowed to hit a guy but he may have whats needed to stop the skill guys from getting to the net.

And as many people have said - it is only one game - and a game of pond hockey or shinny at that. One that most years only a handful of the "All-Stars" really show up to entertain anyway.

No harm, no flaw. Leave it alone and watch the World Juniors.

If Stephen Harper is Priminister then Fitzpatrick should go to the all-star game. They are equally the wrong people for the opportunity but democracy has its flaws. At least with Rory its only one game.

(No Name chips & and baby carrots are the bomb-diggity)

How do you vote for Scott Morrison on the all star ballot? Or wait you cant... hope you enjoy watching a boring all star game. Im curious how the ratings would be if Rory went to if he didnt.

Less than a year and a half after the lock-out and the NHL is at it again. If the fans vote him in - let him play -simple. Change the system next year ,if you must, but don't change the rules in the middle of the game.

I didn't know about this push for Rory thing, but as soon as I get home tonight I'm going to vote over and over again for this guy.
Maybe one day I'll win employee of the month...anything is possible thanks to Rory!

An absolute farce to say the least. If he was deserving, sure let him play, but honestly. A 5th or 6th defenseman on the depth chart at best, playing in the all-star game. The man doesn't even have a point yet this year. Luongo has more points. Hopefully the NHL will step in and correct this childish way of voting for your favorite player. One ballot per person it how it should be.

Why not put Gordie Howe back on the ballot. A player like Ryan Whitney on Pittsburgh or Matt Carle on San Jose, who are having great years won't get a look in. Time for someone to put their foot down and stop this mockery.

scott morrison and don cherry should both put a sock in it.

if rory gets the votes to go, he goes. that is how the NHL has structured the all-star game. end of discussion.

i am sure some prima-donna's like pronger or kippersoff would prefer to stay home and rest for the home stretch anyways instead of putting on a display of what can be argued is not hockey at it's best.

Lighten up, its only hockey meant to entertain us!!!

The All-star game has been a joke since the early 80's when they stopped checking and hitting in the game. This voting for Rory is another joke but it does fit in with this joke of a game, so why not?

What do you expect? Time Magazine names "You" their Person of the Year...and NHL fans are basically voting "You" into the All-Star starting lineup. In a way, it's like you & i & everyone else does when they play NHL'07 or any such game...you create a player that represents "You" on the ice. And in Rory, they have their real-life avatar out there!And what's the big deal? Every year, we argue which worthy players get left off the All-Star team...so now there'll just be one more! People aren't really voting for Rory, they're voting for themselves and their own power. Hooray for Rory, and hooray for You!

I can't wait until Rory plays and he DOESN'T stick out like a sore thumb. I'm voting for him because it is something different, and fun. Good for him.

The only ones embarrassing themselves are the ones tripping over themselves to complain about the system. The only tragedy will be if Rory finishes third in voting and stays home. Then the NHL will be making it ABUNDANTLY clear that this is their game, not the fans' game.

(and we ARE talking about a guy who won the Canucks sharpshooter competition.)

Vote for Rory. Not because he deserves to be there, but because the whole Allstar thing is awful. The game is boring, and don't tell me that Rory is the first guy to be voted to the team without deserving to be there. Sure the Internet has made it easier to stuff the ballot box, but come on, every year the box gets stuffed by guys who don't know the difference between Sid Crosby or Bill Cosby. They vote by name recognition, not who is playing the best THIS year. This just proves it. And since the rules are that whoever gets the most votes, plays, Rory has to be allowed to play. If HE elects to decline, good for him, but only he can make that choice. Besides, this is the most good publicity the NHL has had in years. Why not try and run with it. Make it a big deal and let's have some fun in a boring game.

Back in 1974, Steve Garvey was elected to the National League All Star Team as a write-in candidate. Garvey was having a terrific season for the Dodgers, yet, he was not on the official ballot. For the first time in Major League Baseball History, a write-in candidate was elected to the Alll-Star Team. Of course, in this instance, Garvey was well deserving of this honor.

Today's situation with Rory Fitzpatrick is quite a different matter. The concept of the "write-in" candidate has been changed forever with the power of the internet. Back in 1974 when Garvey was elected to the All-Star Team, a write-in vote was just that; it had to be WRITTEN down on the ballot, as well as the fact that the ballot had to be placed in one of the ballot boxes at one of the (then) 24 baseball staudiums in the Major Leagues. Today's electronic system lends itself to allow a fan to make a "write in" player selection with a minimum amount of effort.

Perhaps the NHL could make it a little more difficult to make a "write in" selection for the All-Star Game. Perhaps a "write-in" candidate could only be voted for by WRITING and MAILING a traditional paper ballot to the NHL offices. While this would still allow for the possibility of a write-in candidate making the All-Star squad, it would make such an occurrence much more of a rarity (as it should be in this case), and would preserve the integrity of the voting process.

Didn’t the NHL want to be entertaining? ZZZZ opps. . . I stopped watching about 2/3 of the way through a St. Louis vs. Toronto snore-fest in the spring of 1993 and haven't seen a game since.

From what I’ve been reading Wayne Gretzky, Don Cherry and Gary Bettmann are less than pleased with the prospect of Rory guarding the all-star blueline.

Relax guys, don't take this too seriously, it’s just a joke, the fans are having a little fun and the all-star game is getting some free publicity. Of course in many minds the whole NHL IS A JOKE and it has
been for a long time.

Here's are some of the best punch lines:
Shoot-outs
Peter Puck
Empty arenas in Winnipeg and Quebec
The FOX network
Eric Lindros
Ice hockey in Dixie, including Atlanta (twice), Nashville and some anonymous city in one of the Carolinas
...and now, the NHL “brain trust” is talking about bigger nets!

How about fewer teams and higher calibre players?

NHL? I don't miss it.

I THINK THE FANS HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF DON CHERRYS RANTING ABOUT TIE DOMI , DOUG GILMORE AND OF COURSE BOBBY ORR, DONT GET ME WRONG I LLIKE DON CHERRY AND HIS FAVORITE PLAYERS BUT HE'S BIASED AND I THINK THE FANS HAVE DECIDED THAT ITS THEIR TIME TO SHOW SOME BIAS. I'LL BET THAT AT THE ALL STAR GAME ROY FITZPATRICK GETS A DESERVING STANDING OVATION AND DON CHERRY WILL GET BOOED FOR KNOCKING A LESS THAN "DON CHERRY FAVORITE" THATS MY OPINION AND I AM INTITLED TO IT JUST LIKE THE FANS VOTING FOR RORY. I HOPE THE PLAYERS AT THE ALL STAR GAME SUPPORT HIM AND WELCOME HIM TO THE GAME. WAYNE GRETZKY SHOULD INTRODUCE RORY PERSONALLY. LEAVE YOUR EGOS AT THE DRESSING ROOM DOOR.

Rory Fitzpatrick going to the All Star game isn't such a huge deal. Check out these "future hall of famers" to play in the all star game:

Bob Probert
Brad Marsh
Darren Puppa
Eric Daze (MVP)
Uwe Krupp
Robert Svehla
Tony Granato
Tom Poti
Petr Buzek
Jocelyn Thibault
Patrick Lalime
...
The list goes on...

bah humbug....it is the hockey fans that are voting....and if Rory is the man...the 2007 Rocky Balboa...so be it, the fans are never wrong, go Rory go!

If only they actually selected someone more worthy, like Kristian Huselius, then maybe I would follow. But since I live in Calgary, and they are asking me to do what is listed as #7 on my "Flames Fans No-No List" (which is vote for a Vancouver Canuck for All-Star), I thumb their noses at their pathetic attempt at making a point.

15 years a fan of the Flames; I'm not going to let some punk get in ahead of Kristian Huselius.

VOTE KRISTIAN HUSELIUS!

"One is hard-pressed to understood why the fans are allowed to select the all-star starting team:"

Because the fans pay all the bills, that's why ... The fans should also have a say in which players are signed, traded and released.

It's nothing more than a fun campaign for a fun game. You're off the mark, Scott.

If Rory excepts the result of the fan voting it will legitimize the fact that there isn't any respect for the traditions & rules that govern the all star selections.This, unfortunately is clearly evident in all areas of our society & is negatively impacting us all. Sounds abit alarming I am sure, but just think about it.

I lost respect for Don Cherry. Why? The comment he said about Rory Fitzpatrick was just ridiculous. I seriously do not blaim the people that have been voting for him multiple times. What Don Cherry should blaim on is the NHL all star ballot system for letting fans vote as many times as they want.

I have been voting for him too. I have no problem with Fitzpatrick being at the all star game. There are other things that Don should consider for an all star. Not just scoring goals and play great defence. He should take account for dedication to the game, leadership in the dressing room, passionate about the game of hockey. Things like that.

If the system allowed only one vote per fan. This would not have happened. Don, you blaimed the wrong people. Blaim Gary Bettman. Say sorry to Rory Fitzpatrick and their fans!

I agree with JimmdGreek, this makes a good story for the American media. This isn't Hall of Fame voting, it's a bonus game during the one break in the season to show the world how much fun hockey can be and one player that can't deke like Sidney Crosby or shoot like Dion Phaneuf won't ruin anything.
And don't forget, Rory isn't a slouch, he's a world class athlete. Any one of us would pick him for a our shinny game any day of the week. Sure he's bad by comparison to his most elite peers, but he did work for a lifetime to get where he is, give him a little credit.
Is the voting system flawed? You bet, fix it for next year but as for this year let's just have some fun. In 50 years this will be another cool piece of hockey lore.

I've read too many comments and I need to add my own two cents. For those who say Rory Fitzpatrick is a "bum" and other degrading comments, you only put him down because you yourself are insecure. He is a hockey player. He has accomplished in making the NHL. He's not the NHL's finest, but don't go and call him a names if you don't know the guy or what he's thinking. It's not his fault that he is being voted in, its the fans that are doing it. If you want to get angry, get angry at the fans, not Rory.

This phenomena has garnered a lot of interest that has given the NHL some life. The NHL was struggling as the NFL, MLB, and NBA garner the most attention from the mass media. This is a hilarious situation that puts the NHL on the map in many areas that didn't or wouldn't care otherwise. If the fans want to vote for Rory, and the fans want to see him in the all-star game, and the fans will actually sit down and watch the all-star game because of Rory, this is in no way a bad thing for the NHL. If anything, it will help their ratings and gain more attention. Its not a bad situation, and it doesn't have to happen next year, but for this year, enjoy the fun fans because the NHL exists because of you.

I disagree with Scott. Rory has the *obligation* to go if he collects enough votes, unless he is prevented to do so because of injury. This is what fans want and we keep being told it's our game, it's "My NHL", it's all about the fans.

The game is irrelevant, it's a collection of millionaires figure skating for their own pleasure. No one with any hockey sense can say this resembles the other 82 games in the season. So what if Rory goes?

What the fans should expect is a recount of what his experiences.

I have to disagree with you. It is not like the fans are voting for what teams are in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The outcome of this only sees a player get voted into a game of no significance. And I hope he agrees to go. How many "deserving" players will politely decline the offer to play in the all star game so they can have a weekend off? So why not let him go. The All Star Game is just a fun thing, it give the league more exposure... and one last point: How many NHL players have said they voted for Rory???? Quite a few have, so it is not just the fans Mr. Morrison.

Fitzpatric is a hard working defenceman that has obviously caught the eye and hearts of the fans. A great hockey player, especially a defenceman, is not one that accumilates points game after game. It's the player killing penalties, covering the opposing player, working the puck out of his zone, ect... You get the idea.

So many people are saying voting Rory into the all-star game is what fans want, but I disagree. It seems to be what a group of fans want. These fans sit by their computers constantly to vote for Rory over and over again. Yes, I know that many fans from all different teams sit around and do the same thing, but by reading the Canuck message boards, you can see this is being pushed very hard. So many people have posted such things as, "I have voted for Rory today 200 times," or, "Do this and you can beat the system and get Rory tons more votes." If having Rory Fitzpatrick in the all-star game was what "fans" wanted then it wouldn't take people trying to find loop holes to vote over and over in one day.

I really don't even think that Rory's story is an "underdog" story as one put it earlier. An underdog is someone who pushes and strives to beat someone who was favoured to win. Rory does not qualify for this. Is he pushing and trying harder as a player to prove that he deserves a spot on the team? Not so much. He is still playing the game like he has always done, which is less then all-star deserving. Just because a bunch of fans with too much time on their hands got together to vote him into the game does not make Rory an underdog, or an all-star for that matter.

I agree and disagree.

Rory didn't sign up for this. He's now reading titles of articles which read "Rory Fitzpatrick an all star? So funny I forgot to laugh" and thats just not fair! He didn't do anything to deserve his name to be shed in negative light. He show ups every night and puts forth his best effort. When has he ever been suspended? Before all this have you ever seen his name in bold letters?

Rory is inbetween a rock and a hard place and people like Morrison are the hard place.
He can accept like an exact number of people want, or decline and give 100,000's of people an opportunity to dislike him. It's not fair to put him in the situation he's in.

Despite the title and a majority of the content, I agree with Scott in what should happen. Refuse to save face for the NHL and be rewarded by it from the NHL to maintain a postion in the lineup.

After all, it is the NHL'S idea to let the fans vote who they want in. They want Rory... so let it be for gosh darn sakes!

Go Rory go,I finally have someone to cheer for, on our Canuck team.

Thanks for all your votes and I think it's an honor to represent all the fans that have voted for me so see you all in Dallas!

R.F.

I belong to the site that started this whole fiasco. (I'm not absolutely sure that's true, but at the very least the site in question got the ball rolling.)

It's comical to see many others here claiming that choosing Rory on their ballots is a legitimate choice. Fine. Vote ONCE, and move on. But these kids are voting numerous times.

It started as a joke, and now these mostly under-21 kids are trying to justify it by making wild claims that they're diehard fans of Rory Fitzpatrick. They are claiming that they're huge fans and deserve some input in the process. Fine. But they'll the first fans crying next year when they have no input.

Thanks guys! Your dumb joke is destined to backfire.

I recently read an article, that stated Rory, an all star, what a joke, and went on to say
"In the end, what should happen is that Fitzpatrick does the honorable thing and declines the invitation because, regardless of what the vote totals say, he hasn't earned it"

What the Joke is, is that they still call this an all star game. Players come out and skate around, there is rarely a good hit, I mean they mine as well kiss each other out there.

A hard working player like Rory, would probably put on a good show. To call him a player that dosent deserve the right to be called an all star is obsurd. He has worked hard and earned his spot, and is a better role model to young players than many other players that will be there.

Kelly Hrudy should be a bit embarrassed of his comments, beacause when the all star game starts, it definately will not be the best game of the year, and it probably wont even rate in the top quarter of games played.

So why even call it an all star game, call it, the touchy, feely star game.

Later,

Art

That's really an original thought, Scott. Rory's ploy is both legal and within the rules. Or do you have a problem that a "Hockey TV Insider" like yourself can't decide along with your cohorts, who is "worthy" to participate in the All-Star game? Welcome to the internet, which, by the way, is helping you keep your job. It's the fans, not you, who get to decide. But thanks for your establishment position, which was perfectly parroted by Kelly Hrudey tonight. Are you sharing notes?

Time magazine has recognized that the people like you and I are having an impact on what is being reported on in the news through blogs or internet surveys. Cherry and Kelly think Rory does not belong in the All Star game, we the veiwer or audience should have the ultimate say. Rory should stand tall and take this opportunity to have the game of his life in the All Star game. We are the ones that make the NHL profitable and our decision should be respected

If the NHL is stupid enough to let the fans decide who is going to the Allstar game they should live with the decision. How many times has a player from a large market made it to the Allstar game when players from a small market team was more deserving. This is just a gross example of what has been happening for years. Let Rory go - the fans voted him there - he should get to go.

So the fans want to see Rory play in the All Star game. Well not this fan.

Dan F." I think the vote for Rory stunt has been a great experience, and I hope he does go and play in the All-Star game. Something like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and there are thousands of hockey fans that share my feelings about All-Star games, but will watch this one simply because Rory is in it. (Conversely, they will purposely avoid it if he doesn't play). Perhaps we will see something that will incite us tune in next year."

Sure Dan, like watching the best players in the league isn't enough of an incentive. Unfortunately, in reality, that is probably true. The All Star game as it is presented really has no meaning for fans. Zero checking and half hearted effort from most participants and the game gets old fast. I'm sure there will be some sick dekes and maybe a lacrosse style or between the legs goal but who cares?

I was dead set againt this Rory thing but when I actually think about it I really don't give a rats butt, whether Rory makes it or not.

But don't kid yourselves here people. It isn't hockey fans voting our man Rory in. It's just a bunch of cybergeeks who see an opportunity to mess with something simply because they can. 12 year olds absolutely love this stuff.

So hey if we care little enough about the game that we will let any tom, dick, or harriet decide who will play then so be it. I just think it is sad though. It's more than about entertainment, it's about the tradition of a great game and that is being tossed aside with this stunt, IMO.

I usually love Coaches corner but tonight Don was way off base. If I want to vote for Fitzpatrick then I have every right to do so. I wonder if there would have been such an uproar from Cherry if Fitzpatrick was a Leafs player? I think not.

This whole thing is one big joke. The allstar game is also a joke. A game designed to make more cash for owners and an on the ice show that very seldom comes close to an average "real hockey game". Good luck Rory!!

Every time I here a member of the media complain about the fans voting him in I go to the website and cast another vote for Rory! Stop crying and enjoy the show!

I remember a while back when John Garrett played in the all star game, he wasn't voted in (didn't have voting then), but was elected by proxy when Richard Brodeur got injured, he was the Vancouver Canucks lone participant in the all star game...did he deserve being there? probably not but no one complained. However, he played a great game while there and many believe he should have won the vehicle and not Gretzky...but I am getting off track.

Everyone should lighten up on this, yes it has the name all star game, but the NHL has allowed fans to vote. Now the fans pick an underdog and everyone is calling foul, I am sure most of the NHL players attending would rather have the weekend off to rest and ramp up for the playoff runs. If they want "certain" status players to be invited because of their name and past stats...some, I am sure are having crappy seasons but are fan favorites all the same...what makes them anymore special than a hardworking PK defenceman?

It sure is sad and discusting to see a whiney sports writer like Scott Morrison so jealous of Rory Fitzpatrick's accomplishments. I only wish that Scott was man enough to get on the ice so I could take of my gloves and mercilessly pummel him .

All these know it alls in the media are suddenly hating Rory. Rory asked a bunch of so-called all-star players if he should go when he's voted in in case they don't make it. So far, they all said go for it.

Why? Because they could care less.

The media is calling for Rory to "do the right thing" and saying this is an embarrassment for the NHL.

Gary Bettman and the league are telling the fans to go for it. This is exactly what the league wants.

Is it because Rory doesn't play on your team? Rory is an everyman and that has fan appeal.

And has been said, there's a lot of players that go that don't deserve it, year after year after year.

If we want to talk about problems with skewed balloting why don't we talk about the Hart Trophy and how phony that is?

If we must watch hockey games that are being contrived by the ref's and the NHL as to who will win any given game.. Then we should be allowed to put fun back into the game by taking the power out of the hands of the NHL
While the NHL may have allready decided who they will penalize to death to assure victory goes as they choose ...lets at least have players who will work like the game means something..other than a skate

Is Rory Fitzpatrick an all-star ?, I think not
will he ever be an all-star ?, no way.
Fans want to see the BEST players in the All-star game,not players that don't deserve to be
there. Maybe Rory will do the right thing and
opt himself out of the voting.

Living in BC, I'm a big Canucks fan, and yes, there are defensemen more deserving of the opportunity than Fitz, but the fact of the matter is, some people take things WAY too damn seriously sometimes. If this is what the fans want, then I say just chill and let the fans be their own voice and vote for their players of choice. After all, that's what the voting system encourages you to do: Vote for your FAVORITE players, regardless of whether or not they have All-Star calibur stats or not. Voting for who you want makes it FUN The canucks team are being supportive of Rory and, like the fans, are chalking it up to good, clean fun. So if you can't see the value of fans getting together and making a difference (regardless of what that may be) then keep it to yourself. Yes, Rory is an underdog, but he is a hard-working player who , if the recipient of enough votes, deserves to be given the invitation just as much as the next guy.

Oh yeah, and I voted for Rory!

This notion of one player being more "worthy" than another on a fan ballot is nonsense and condescending. The game, the league and the sport itself as a commercial entity is about the fans. If the fans, for whatever reason, decide they want to vote some guy you're not a fan of into the all star game, all the power to them. Get off your high horse, Scott.

maybe this whole situation has more to do with peoples disenchantment with the product, the officiating, and the overall lack of entertainment in "the new NHL". it is actually refreshing to see some fun being put back into what is really just a game.

Guys, especially you Scott, lighten up.

A few things we should remember here: 1)The players get little money to show up for this game. 2)According to the new CBA, All-Star selections can't be tied to financial incentives in contracts. Which means that going to the all-star game, aside from the tiny, insignificant pool of money that goes to the winning team, is worthless. We all knew that right?

So Rory going to the all-star game doesn't hurt anyone's pocketbook, which is what players and agents really care about when it comes to these kinds of events.

Another thing. Has anyone ever heard of viral marketing? Look it up. When was the last time ANY all-star selection, be it a superstar or someone who supposedly didn't deserve it, a pick or a snub, got this kind of attention? It never has. Everyone who's been expected to go to this game has gone at one point or another. You know Ovechkin and Crosby are going to be there. Big deal. This selection is the one we're talking about. Even the very fact this column exists is a testament to the hype this campaign is generating. If it weren't for Rory, I bet this column would be devoted to the intricacies and ramifications of a balanced East-West NHL schedule. How fun! I'm sure NBC Sports would jump on a story like that! (note sarcasm). Frankly, the league should be begging Rory to go to Dallas because he's generated far more attention to this game than it otherwise would have gotten. What's wrong with that?

Finally, as others have posted, this game is not for the players. It's supposed to be for the fans. If the fans want Rory, and if the fans want to expose a flaw in unlimited online voting, so be it.

So, to borrow a phrase from Hockey Canada: Relax, it's just the All-Star Game.

What would be the point of having the vote in the first place? Can someone explain this bit of esoterica to the rest of us? Either we vote, and it counts, or we don't and it doesn't. Comprende?

thanks for buyng the beer with an unearned paycheck,
sh

Lighten up Scott.You are getting to close to the establishment.The NHL is in the entertainment business supported by the fans.If the fans can have a little fun,so be it.The all-Star game for all intents and purposes is general skating with uniforms,a side -light to the skills competition which is generally much more entertaining.Go Rory

It is too bad that many fans of hockey have such bad things to say about a guy who represents everything that is great about hockey. Rory Fitzpatrick is a great hockey player in his own right. He doesn't have the appeal of superstars like Pronger or Phaneuf, yet he is a valuable hockey player and does the job he is asked to do day in and day out. Instead of calling this an oversight in its fan balloting process, the NHL could probably use this opportunity to give those players like Fitzpatrick a tiny bit of recognition by allowing him to represent every player that bears the title "role player".
Whether he accepts the honour or not Rory deserves to represent the overwhelming majority of players who are just like him and never receive the recognition they deserve.

It goes without saying that the "Journeymen" Players let the stars shine!

Let Rory play if he has enough votes and we may be in for a big suprize!

This may be his only time in the "All Star" game but it will be a great rally point for all the other players, who are the backbone of many a team.

I say let him play as the fan's have spoken!

To all the self-proclaimed know-it-alls of the media...

1.) I don't believe anyone asked you for your opinions.

2.) The fans are the customers/consumers of the NHL product, not YOU!

3.) You are paid sycophantic hangers-on of this game.

4.) You're just mad, b/c nobody asked for your opinions, which DON'T MATTER anyways!

Do you not remember the British Ski jumper
at the Olympics, (Eddie the Eagle)? He captured the hearts of all the fans from around the world. Scott, I think that you have forgotten the people that keep you in a job. If the fans want another Eddie, who are you to say no to them. I think that the NHL should be greatful to anything that will make more fans watch their game, than bowling for dollars. Get with it, maybe even you could enjoy the fun.

I feel that is what is wrong with the NHL! Keep changing the rules so the fans hate the game. They created the voting process, they live with the results. If Rory ends up the silent runner, then he should be able to play. This is not his fault and the fans (even if it is one or two who are sitting for 7-10 hours out of the day to vote for him) should be able to see him play. Heck, he might even learn a thing or two while at the game. I agree with an earlier comment that the media have lost their focus. Have a little fun and criticize the NHL for how they have made this game BORING!

One is hard-pressed to understood why the fans are allowed to select the all-star starting team: this allows too many irresponsible and/or uninformed voters to participate. The appropriate starters would be chosen if the coaches were voting exclusively.

Aside from the FitzPatrick nonsense (and, I think this whole business must be rather embarrassing to Rory), I know of a fellow with well below-average hockey awareness who has voted over 300 times already this year: by contrast, another who was very well-informed voted only once and chose a single player from his home team roster: Martin Saint Louis.

People who know little about hockey are captivated by this story. The NHL will modify the rules next year so only the studs go to the game, but until then vote for rory is a great way to get people re-interested in hockey. I bet half the people voting don't even know who or what a defensemen was until now. So vote for Rory and you will have a story that keeps the NHL in the media way beyond anything else...at least in the USA

If Stephen Harper is Priminister then Fitzpatrick should go to the all-star game. They are equally the wrong people for the opportunity but democracy has its flaws. At least with Rory its only one game.

Seems to be Rorygate is about making a point. Stop giving us a ballot with a set number of players, because although you can vote for anyone in the blank area, players with their name on the ballot will always get more votes than others. This makes the process unfair. All ballots should be blank. If someone knows their hockey, they don't need a multiple choice ballot.
Go Rorygate!!!!!!!

Absolutley right, this guy is a bum and doesn't deserve any consideration for the All-Star game. I hope the NHL acts accordingly and tells him to take a hike.

This whole vote for Rory thing was funny at first. Now it's turning the All-Star game into a joke. Being named an All-Star used to be an honour and a great accomplishment. The only way Rory should be at the All-Star game is if he buys a ticket. There are goalies who have more points than this guy. Don't vote for Rory.com.

Hey Scott, please lighten up. The NHL game has been nothing but a glorified game of pond hockey for at least a decade. Most of the players go because it is their duty to represent their team. Those same players, while publicly will say what an honor it is to be there, would probably rather be playing with their kids at home. So it is nice this year to have a reason to get excited about the game and, more importantly for the sponsors, have a reason to watch.

This has nothing to do with a flawed voting system. It has to do with the golden rule. The fans drive the sporting industry. No fans, No NHL. ...no sports writers either. The fans of the NHL have sat through a strike and a huge change in the rules that the officials are still trying to find parity, so it is nice to have a chance to effect the game we love so much. Fans love a story of the underdog and Rory is that great shining story of something thought impossible that could happen. Be happy he is an NHLPA member. What if some radio personality tried to submit Cuba Gooding Jr's name?
I have to say, I hope he gets the votes. He will have to accept. If he doesn't it will be a big slap in the face to all the fans that voted to get him in. Remember this isn't 10 or even 100 people doing this. It is many, many more.

Relax Scott, enjoy the show. Remember, we as fans watch hockey because it is ENTERTAINMENT.
Here's to the underdog. Good Luck Rory, I hope you score 3 and win the truck for MVP!

I disagree with your points because of a key principal: the All-Star game is a showcase for the fans. Owing to the nature of the fan voting, it's fairly clear that a significant number of fans WANT to see Rory Fitzpatrick play. I, for one, wouldn't likely care about the All-Star game - but getting the chance to see Rory play makes me want to watch. Yes, Lidstrom and Phaneuf and Pronger are fantastic players. And yet... my guess is that they won't be crushed if one of them is not invited to play the game for a year.

I agree with you totally Scott with regards to the Rory Fitpatrick thing but that is not the only flaw in All-Star voting. The best players are not always there as there has to be a player from each team. Secondly, the All-Star voting is a popularity contest as many a times the best players are not the ones at the game.

If the NHL wants to get it right they need to come up with some sort of scnario where players can be rated and the best players go, like the Quarterback rating in Footbal. There are many a mathmetician that could take all the stats compiled and come up with a formula, thus having the best players there.

This would elimate the people aspect and this siutation with Fitzpatrick and many others to come won't be a factor in the future.

Thanks

Given he continues to push higher and higher in the voting, my guess is we'll be hearing about him all the way until late January when the game takes place.

As for the "proper defencemen" being named to participate, who's to say Fitzpatrick doesn't fit in this category?

Sorry Scott, I usually appreciate your insight, but you're dead wrong on this one.

I am a huge hockey fan, but I haven't watched nor cared about the All-Star game since I was only a child. Now there's actual hype around the game, and a feeling that's been lacking from the event in the past: fun. And fun is what this event, and really the game of hockey, is supposed to be all about.

Since it's what you do to pay the bills, maybe you've lost sight of what matters to the regular viewer. Most sports journalists end up disconnecting from the sport, not having a favourite team, over-analyzing virtually meaningless details, etc... But the average fan doesn't get anything back from hockey, rather, they spend a lot just to go to a single game. Why? Because of the entertainment value. It's fun! ...at least, it's supposed to be...

I think the vote for Rory stunt has been a great experience, and I hope he does go and play in the All-Star game. Something like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and there are thousands of hockey fans that share my feelings about All-Star games, but will watch this one simply because Rory is in it. (Conversely, they will purposely avoid it if he doesn't play). Perhaps we will see something that will incite us tune in next year.

Ha. This is a bad thing? Who cares if one deserving player may get left out from the all-star game? The great thing about this is that fans are coming together and doing something. Sure, it may not be the most productive thing to come together and do, but it is something fun and positive, unlike this article. Rory Fitzpatrick may not be the greatest player on earth, but from what he has shown, he is a hard working and light hearted player who is well worth the recognition.

You take things way too seriously if you can't step back and see the beauty of the Rory Fitzpatrick votes. It is something fun, something the fans can all be a part of, and a way that fans can make a difference. It is a great thing and only a negative psychopath wouldn't be able to see that.

I think it's quite hilarious that Fitzpatrick is 2nd in All Star voting. Granted, he is an average player of average skill playing on a team that needs to revamp most of its entire defensive system. Fitzpatrick is a number 3 or 4 defenceman (on the depth chart) for most teams, and probably doesn't make the squad on a few defense-rich teams like an Edmonton or Anaheim. This is just a scam by blue-collar guys looking to get a blue-collar player some recognition for being a good stay at home defenceman that, when he's not injured, can play a wicked PK. This simply isn't fair to those great two-way players that have demonstrated - beyond any shadow of doubt - that they deserve to represent the best in the world on a world stage.

Ok,I see the point, though it doesn't say vote for the "best" players but vote your "favourite" players. The NHL should either fix the voting system or accept the fact that Fitzpatrick might be in the All-Star game next january. In the end it should be the fan's decision as the "new" NHL is always trying to make us feel like it's all about the fans. Plus, like every year there will be players saying no thank you to the invitation because of whatever reasons. I am sure Rory wouldn't.

Thank God somebody said it. Everyone's so excited about this mediocre "journeyman" player, failing to realize this is the ALL STAR GAME.

Imagine NASCAR voted on which cars to use at Daytona? Sure the VW Beetle is cute, but it'd be way out of it's league.

If a player can muster enough support, whether or not you think he is "unworthy," then he should be allowed to start.

The NHL devised this system and they should honour it, regardless of its flaws.

Who are you to say the fans have made an incorrect choice?

if he gets the votes, he deserves to go.

How lame. The well-intended approach to allowing fans the ability to choose was flawed indeed.

Although there were certainly flaws throughout the years with certain picks the traditional way, this new method does not place the power in the hands of the fans but rather whoever has the most time on their hands. Good on this particular site mentioned to expose the ridiculousness of it all.

I suppose an appropriate question to ask at this point is: Although the purists may love the sentimentality of the game, why exactly is there an All Star Game any more?

If the argument is for the kids, or for the Americans, I’m all for it, but I will probably only watch the skills competition, if that, as there is not really a 'game' on that weekend.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize that the NHL was forcing me to vote for their picks. By allowing for fans to vote, a "deserving" player is whoever the fans like. If the fans decide to select Rory Fitzpatrick, then screw the self-proclaimed pundits and experts. That's what the fans want!

And hey, the greatest sports stories and films are underdog stories. I think this story qualifies as such.