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Patience. Some of us have too much patience and some of us do not have enough. As a young adult, I have learned to have more patience. Through growing up, school, and working. Specifically for a sports team. I have utilized my new bundle of patience at work the most. From projects, to watching the clock quickly run out as we are tied in the third period.
It became clear to me that some fans (all around the league) are not all that patient when it comes to an athlete healing from an injury. Whether it be a broken bone, torn muscle, dislocated bone, or a neurological disorder. These are the same people who are not too supportive, and understanding when a team or specific player is going through a slump. I understand the frustration and annoyance. Improvement and stable structure does not happen overnight. You want to see your favorite player perform to their best ability. It’s frustrating to you, the fan, to watch them not fulfilling their standards and expectations they set for themselves. These things take time and patience. And yes, I know. When you’re fighting to get the Cup in your own two hands, you don’t have time to take time.
As I sit here and patiently wait for the new season to arrive. I think it’s time for the fans and I should have a chat
about rebuilding. If you haven’t noticed general manager Chuck Fletcher has subtlety started the rebuilding process of the franchise. You can argue with me over if “rebuilding” is the correct word or not, however, I said what I said. While Mr. Fletcher has not flat out declared “the Philadelphia Flyers are in the process of rebuilding!” It is obvious nevertheless in his new signees and draftees.
The first task Fletcher dealt with was tackling the defense, and with that he re-signed Sam Morin. Signed Keith Yandle, Rasmus Ristolainen, and the famous Ryan Ellis. Signing three defenseman to one year, two-way contracts. Also, with the fresh signing of forward Derick Brassard to a one-year contract worth 825k. And finally, drafting three
defenseman. It has become clear that management and coaching are attempting to tighten up this loose end before it’s too late. The smartest thing that has been done within most of these defenseman signings is that they aren’t for more than a year. That gives the team time to learn this new player. Learn how he plays, his fundamentals, and most importantly, if he connects easily and naturally with the team and coaches. Within just a season’s time you can learn all of that. If by the end of the season it’s obvious things didn’t work out and won’t, they can leave without any bad blood. Saves the player time. Saves management money. Better to be safe than sorry. Most general managers vocalize in press conferences that they are heading into a rebuilding phase. If all leagues, after the manager declares they are going to rebuild, it usually comes back to bite them. The process is either not working out how they anticipated, taking too long for their own good, more difficult than they were expecting. Chuck Fletcher is making a wise decision using the words “different” and “better,” when referring to how this training camp and upcoming season will be. Now that we have covered the subtle process of rebuilding, it’s time to talk about why we all need more patience this season.
Of course, the top area that needs more patience are the younger players. They already have high expectations for themselves. They already have pressure suggested by team personnel and fans. That goes for tall teams across all leagues. With some teams, these guys don’t have long until they’re labeled a “bust,” people won’t give them time.
You can tell they feel responsible for losses that are not their fault. They are vocal in their press conferences about how they could have done better, what they can learn from, and what they will do better. On top of the guilt they clearly feel for the teams below average performance, they have to hear it from fans that like to vocalize their above average harsh opinions.
They go through slumps, which is more than common for a rookie or a young player. It takes them time to adjust to the new and drastic difference between junior league/college hockey to professional hockey. To get over slumps and properly improve your game it takes time, discipline, practice, and overall, patience. Tack on coaches expectations, teammates, family, and best of all the fans. Within the first game that a young athlete plays for the club is his only time to deem himself a “golden choice” or a “bust,” nobody gives them time. Usually that is when a certain
demographic of fans exile them from their top ten list.
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With all this being said, I think this season chance to remain patient and calm,
with how up and down the season may go with the youth infusion and new core of players. Some of these one-year contract players may not workout, and that’s okay. They get signed elsewhere in the offseason and we start over. Rebuilding is not an easy process. There is no overnight success or easy path to the road of a stronger team. However, being patient will pay off in the end. The Flyers are on the road to a better team. Who knows, maybe we will be back to our Broad Street Bully roots stronger than ever before.
