OT: Class Act by the Oilers

[glendroid]

Just fantastic. Wish them the best in their recovery too.

Click to read more...

 

[Paralyzer]

It's too bad they only do this for the Tier one fans. How many stories I have heard of tier two fans don't get heard by the Oilers when they are in pain and suffering, and yet, still cheer for the Oilers?

Don't get me wrong, great to see them do this, but I wish they did this WAY more to not just people who are STH. Do it for the families who have LOW incomes and let them come out to a game, or take the whole Stollery Childrens hospital kids who can make it to a game come. Now that would be something to behold.

 

[Jumptheshark]

It's too bad they only do this for the Tier one fans. How many stories I have heard of tier two fans don't get heard by the Oilers when they are in pain and suffering, and yet, still cheer for the Oilers?

Don't get me wrong, great to see them do this, but I wish they did this WAY more to not just people who are STH. Do it for the families who have LOW incomes and let them come out to a game, or take the whole Stollery Childrens hospital kids who can make it to a game come. Now that would be something to behold.

sadly it is not just the oilers who do this--it is like this in all leagues and sports I have dealt with. When I was doing some work for the second division football team here in the UK--getting some of the team to agree to allow players to do special stuff beyond those connected to season ticket holders or sponsors was very hard. Some players were always up to do PR work beyond that of called for by the team but others stuck to their contract when it came to public appearances in support of the team.

Right now I am dealing with the Cardiff Devils(you will get another blog on lowetide shortly) and they are one of the most interactive teams I have seen with their fans.

(the next blog is me on a road trip with cardiff devil fans to Coventry)

 

[Paralyzer]

sadly it is not just the oilers who do this--it is like this in all leagues and sports I have dealt with. When I was doing some work for the second division football team here in the UK--getting some of the team to agree to allow players to do special stuff beyond those connected to season ticket holders or sponsors was very hard. Some players were always up to do PR work beyond that of called for by the team but others stuck to their contract when it came to public appearances in support of the team.

Right now I am dealing with the Cardiff Devils(you will get another blog on lowetide shortly) and they are one of the most interactive teams I have seen with their fans.

(the next blog is me on a road trip with cardiff devil fans to Coventry)

Yeah, that's part of the reason I'm not that 'emotional' about this. It's just catering to the STH. Sigh.

 

[Hockey Nightmare]

The Oilers aren't some kind of Jesus Society. They aren't here to solve all the world's problems.

 

[t0nedeff]

Seriously Letestu is his favourite player?

 

[foshizzle]

It's too bad they only do this for the Tier one fans. How many stories I have heard of tier two fans don't get heard by the Oilers when they are in pain and suffering, and yet, still cheer for the Oilers?

Don't get me wrong, great to see them do this, but I wish they did this WAY more to not just people who are STH. Do it for the families who have LOW incomes and let them come out to a game, or take the whole Stollery Childrens hospital kids who can make it to a game come. Now that would be something to behold.

These types of comments really bug me. I used to be involved with charity events for kids- and at the end we always did a little something extra- like got McDoanld's GCs for them- and we would always hear some of the parents complain that "that is all the kids got". Well- we also could have done nothing and had no events for the kids. Many of these players do a lot that doesn't get any media attention. Bumped in Iginla when he was a Flame in the offseason at the St Albert Safeway. We chatted and I mentioned a charity I was involved with. He didn't have time to chat then but told me to meet him at the same Safeway at the same time in a week's time. I went, thinking he would blow me off- sure enough- he showed with a nice big cheque for us. Just because they haven't done a media story on it- doesn't mean this players aren't involved.

 

[Cloned]

Seriously Letestu is his favourite player?

I read that in a Larry David tone and I LOL'ed.

 

[Paralyzer]

These types of comments really bug me. I used to be involved with charity events for kids- and at the end we always did a little something extra- like got McDoanld's GCs for them- and we would always hear some of the parents complain that "that is all the kids got". Well- we also could have done nothing and had no events for the kids. Many of these players do a lot that doesn't get any media attention. Bumped in Iginla when he was a Flame in the offseason at the St Albert Safeway. We chatted and I mentioned a charity I was involved with. He didn't have time to chat then but told me to meet him at the same Safeway at the same time in a week's time. I went, thinking he would blow me off- sure enough- he showed with a nice big cheque for us. Just because they haven't done a media story on it- doesn't mean this players aren't involved.

I didn't say it had to be published on media...my point is they do this when it's STH's involved but when it's something else, it's just pushed to the side. I never said I wasn't grateful, just wish they reached out and did the same thing to other people who are less fortunate to even see a live Oilers game.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

I didn't say it had to be published on media...my point is they do this when it's STH's involved but when it's something else, it's just pushed to the side. I never said I wasn't grateful, just wish they reached out and did the same thing to other people who are less fortunate to even see a live Oilers game.

They do all the time. Their community involvement is without question.

 

[Paralyzer]

They do all the time. Their community involvement is without question.

They bring them in limos to a live game and treat them to dinner at Rogers Place? I mean, yes, they do involvement in meet and greets, and hockey camps and such, but how often do they do this for the low income families or bringing the stollery children to a live game? I haven't heard many stories like this one. I see the Oil Kings do this quite often with the fans, same with the Eskimos, but not too much with the Oilers.

 

[5 Mins 4 Ftg]

They bring them in limos to a live game and treat them to dinner at Rogers Place? I mean, yes, they do involvement in meet and greets, and hockey camps and such, but how often do they do this for the low income families or bringing the stollery children to a live game? I haven't heard many stories like this one. I see the Oil Kings do this quite often with the fans, same with the Eskimos, but not too much with the Oilers.

I said the Oilers and their players involvement in the community is without question. Many underprivileged kids and families have been treated to games. A friend I have has escorted many kids. Not everything makes the news my friend.

And the Oilers are in the business of selling seasons tickets. They are not a public institution.

This sort of post is really in poor taste in my opinion.

 

[McYoungGuns]

They bring them in limos to a live game and treat them to dinner at Rogers Place? I mean, yes, they do involvement in meet and greets, and hockey camps and such, but how often do they do this for the low income families or bringing the stollery children to a live game? I haven't heard many stories like this one. I see the Oil Kings do this quite often with the fans, same with the Eskimos, but not too much with the Oilers.

I mean no disrespect at all , people like you will always find a reason to shit on them, instead of seeing this as a good gesture you point out that they could do more, you think everything people do is reported ? If they catered to the less fortunate you would say they would need to do more, if they did more you would point out they do more for their STH. Im sorry but they do a lot and you want more and more, why aren't you focusing on the stuff they do? I just don't see you pushing your agenda, when they did something nice, as a class act on your part

 

[Jumptheshark]

I mean no disrespect at all , people like you will always find a reason to **** on them, instead of seeing this as a good gesture you point out that they could do more, you think everything people do is reported ? If they catered to the less fortunate you would say they would need to do more, if they did more you would point out they do more for their STH. Im sorry but they do a lot and you want more and more, why aren't you focusing on the stuff they do? I just don't see you pushing your agenda, when they did something nice, as a class act on your part

let me put a slight spin on what you are talking about

Here in the UK I am part of few different charities and most of the time when dealing with celebs they make sure the media is there when they want them to report on it--but once the media is gone the celebs books it

It was not until his death that one of charities I worked for found out that George Michael was the anonymous donor who kept the charity going after we lost funding from the UK guv.

While you can say people will piss all over these gestures--however as someone who has worked in the sports field here in the UK--my question is about how much stuff do the do when the cameras are not there? Little confused wording but hopefully you get my point. I have become somewhat jaded to when the media reports on stuff and more interested in the stuff the teams and athletes do but do not phone the media to let them know what is going on

Trever Linden in Vancouver is an example--he did a lot of stuff in the community but did feel the need to tell everyone every-time he did something-same with Randy Gregg when he played. I was living by him in the mid 80's (near stoney plain road) and he often helped out the different schools in the area with talks and other stuff about education and eating habits

 

[Drivesaitl]

I read that in a Larry David tone and I LOL'ed.

That was pretty funny. That's my kind of deadpan comment.

 

[Drivesaitl]

They bring them in limos to a live game and treat them to dinner at Rogers Place? I mean, yes, they do involvement in meet and greets, and hockey camps and such, but how often do they do this for the low income families or bringing the stollery children to a live game? I haven't heard many stories like this one. I see the Oil Kings do this quite often with the fans, same with the Eskimos, but not too much with the Oilers.

Years ago I was involved with a ticket to ride theme. Post lockout I lobbied the org to provide something that families could afford ticket wise. They finally relented and provided 8 games at reduced cost in a special pricing format. It was limited amount, about 1K tickets/game but people grabbed them up and were grateful. I had to point out to the Oilers that basically every other club was doing a family based promotion as a welcome back gesture from the lockout, sign of goodwill.

It was the Oilers original intention just to do the welcome back sign at Rexall center ice and leave it at that. But at least in 2005-06 they gave these discount tickets opportunity. It was something like 26bucks/game for the 8 games. you could buy all 8 or as many as you wanted that were available. I don't think the Oil really lost out at all on the promotion. These were gallery seats and the STH would have them at maybe 30-35bucks/game.

That seems like ages ago. Ice Dragoon was still the mod here along with guys like Lowetide.

 

[Paralyzer]

I mean no disrespect at all , people like you will always find a reason to **** on them, instead of seeing this as a good gesture you point out that they could do more, you think everything people do is reported ? If they catered to the less fortunate you would say they would need to do more, if they did more you would point out they do more for their STH. Im sorry but they do a lot and you want more and more, why aren't you focusing on the stuff they do? I just don't see you pushing your agenda, when they did something nice, as a class act on your part

But you just did. You are judging me and my character thinking I am finding a way to **** on the Oilers and that isn't disrespect to me at all...Really? I didn't say I wasn't happy with this...I'm just saying my opinion of the matter is Oilers want publicity so they do it for a STH. I didn't say it wasn't amazing or that the Oilers didn't do him justice...I'm perfectly fine with the situation...I'm just saying the fact it was a STH and not a person who isn't a STH get's the spotlight. I'm just asking politely why they don't do this for others who aren't STH. That's all. But thanks for showing me your judging of character by reading the front page of a cover instead of looking beyond that.

 

[Paralyzer]

let me put a slight spin on what you are talking about

Here in the UK I am part of few different charities and most of the time when dealing with celebs they make sure the media is there when they want them to report on it--but once the media is gone the celebs books it

It was not until his death that one of charities I worked for found out that George Michael was the anonymous donor who kept the charity going after we lost funding from the UK guv.

While you can say people will piss all over these gestures--however as someone who has worked in the sports field here in the UK--my question is about how much stuff do the do when the cameras are not there? Little confused wording but hopefully you get my point. I have become somewhat jaded to when the media reports on stuff and more interested in the stuff the teams and athletes do but do not phone the media to let them know what is going on

Trever Linden in Vancouver is an example--he did a lot of stuff in the community but did feel the need to tell everyone every-time he did something-same with Randy Gregg when he played. I was living by him in the mid 80's (near stoney plain road) and he often helped out the different schools in the area with talks and other stuff about education and eating habits

Exactly my point. The stuff behind the scenes is more fascinating than the stuff they pump out trying to force their hand into people thinking how great they really are. I think the Oilers are great and they do their fair share, but I just didn't find this particular story as touching as some others. That's all. But good on the Oilers for showing support.

 

[Paralyzer]

I said the Oilers and their players involvement in the community is without question. Many underprivileged kids and families have been treated to games. A friend I have has escorted many kids. Not everything makes the news my friend.

And the Oilers are in the business of selling seasons tickets. They are not a public institution.

This sort of post is really in poor taste in my opinion.

It's not poor taste when I'm asking why they do this for STH and not non-STH. Nothing wrong with asking that.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Its a nice gesture. But acts of conscience, goodwill are generally engaged in anonymously with the author of the actions (the Oilers) not first hand publishing them on their website just so they could receive praise and good tidings. In that sense its a bit odd. They should have done what they normally do and leak their act of goodwill to the media and get a third party write up. That they applaud themselves for the gesture on their own website is a little off what I would describe as an altruistic act of sheer generosity.

This here is as much publicity. "Look at what we do for our STH" They're all heart. No mention of jacking pricepoints for years or cutting a lot of STH out that couldn't afford the transition to the new blue blood arena pricing.

With apologies to Letestu who seemed sincere in all his endeavor and had enough of a sense of humor to acknowledge it was odd that he was their fave player.

 

[Del Preston]

They got a loud ovation at the game last night.

 

[goggog]

I am good friends with one of their children and have met the entire family on numerous occasions

I could not care less if the Oilers gained publicity from this. The bitching about treating "tier 1 fans" is embarrassing.

It was something the Oilers and Letestu absolutely did not have to do and it was something special that the Jorgenson's will remember forever - especially after the hell they have been through this past year. That is what actually matters.

 

[Paralyzer]

I am good friends with one of their children and have met the entire family on numerous occasions

I could not care less if the Oilers gained publicity from this. The *****ing about treating "tier 1 fans" is embarrassing.

It was something the Oilers and Letestu absolutely did not have to do and it was something special that the Jorgenson's will remember forever - especially after the hell they have been through this past year. That is what actually matters.

Agreed.

 

[Bryanbryoil]

One thing is for sure, between this video and the other one with Nuge and Letestu regarding the boy with cystic fibrosis, Mark Letestu is a damn good man.

 

[Drivesaitl]

Ultimately what matters more is municipalities improving commute highways and outlying range roads beyond death carnage traps that people have to take like Russian roulette hoping to get home in one peace. That would occur perhaps more if levels of gof

One thing is for sure, between this video and the other one with Nuge and Letestu regarding the boy with cystic fibrosis, Mark Letestu is a damn good man.

If I recall he was involved like this in Columbus as well. He does seem to be one of those vets very much aware that their pro life is one of privilege and to be used in bettering the life of others when that is possible. Something about Letestu reminds me of Lee Fogolin, more than the hairline. That guy had a generous spirit as well and was just one of the guys. His favorite thing was making wooden art and objects for people. He was so down to Earth. Met him at a gas station and he just talked like a neighbor would.

Down to earth people like this that are easy to relate to are important in a dressing room. I think they end up being part of the glue.