PhlyerPhanatic31
Love is Love
I'm really sorry to hear about your experiences in Kitchener. The animosity between the teams certainly runs deep. But I'd counsel you (for what it's worth) not to let people for whom you have zero regard colour your perception of a fanbase or a city. Why should some anonymous racist dictate how you feel about Kitchener?
The "London sucks" chants are an interesting phenomenon. I agree with the sentiment that if they're meant to unnerve the Knights, they likely backfire. And as serious commentary on the town (gorgeous), the organization (exemplary), the players (excellent) or the fans (passionate), it's nonsense. But as ironic commentary on the London Knights phenomenon, I think it's oddly appropos. For fans of the other 19 teams in the league, London retooling on the fly, pulling superstars seemingly out of the ether, soundly schooling other GMs in trades, and blasting apart records left and right is pretty damn annoying! London absolutely doesn't suck, and the Erie fans know that, but continued success has to come at some price--and that price is being the league's villain. If I were a London fan, I'd take a certain level of satisfaction knowing it's ultimately rooted in jealousy anyway.
As I've said before and I will say again. I relish being a fan of the "villain's of the OHL". I'd much rather be a fan of the team everyone hates than cheer for a team that everyone hates their fans.
I've visited numerous OHL rinks and have never run into anything other than good natured ribbing. Could well be because of my stature and appearance but I've always had a good time in any opposition rink. The only time I've been mistreated by opposing fans was in my own rink when offering congratulations and it came from Owen Sound fans and Kitchener fans. A few bad apples shouldn't spoil the bunch, but a few bad apples can and will leave a sour taste in someone's mouth.
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