The blue crew...

[Celtic Note]

Originally Posted by MattyMo35

Not if they're just cleaning the ice. It really doesn't matter if they're hockey fans, they're there to look good. They're not doing color commentary.

"In addition to cleaning the ice and entertaining fans at games, this year’s Blue Crew will likely play a bigger role in the St. Louis community" - From the Blues website.

I would expect them to be advocates of the game if they are going to be out in the community.

[Sushiko]

I was surprised as well that they even got them, maybe to distract from our current drop in the standings. I was a bit surprised too and immediately thought of and compared them to the Dallas girls... they were the first to come to mind as well, I thought the same thing (trying to be nice here, but they don't have anything on Dallas. Maybe because I've seen the girls at Dallas quite a bit and up close, I dunno. Again, trying to be nice... but I agree)

[puckerdude10]

As far as the in game events are concerned I think having girls do it is fun. The ice on the other hand I think they should have stuck with the old model. In high school I actually got to do the ice several times. They would get groups of high school hockey players from stl and luckily one of the promoters was an alumni so we got most of the games. It was a great way to involve the community and give high school kids something fun to do. Plus they gave us a pair of free tickets

[CitizenSnips]

Im going to start off by saying my sister was a hockey cheerleader in high school. I didn't care for it while I was playing high school hockey but I went to an all boys school, so cheerleaders would have been a bit odd.

I know they are not cheerleaders, but that is not the problem I have with this. I am not here to argue how big of fans they are, as I am sure they love hockey and hopefully are huge Blues fans.

For me, hockey is about the kids. They used to let youngsters out there to clean the ice. I couldn't imagine how great I would have felt doing that at age 8 or 9, what an experience that would have been. I know it is a school night and all but if I were a parent, it would be an exception for a set bedtime.

I guess those gals will "sell more tickets". Nothing against the girls, but its kinda sad. Just like when the little girl used to sing the national anthem at the old arena. I think her name was Natalie...

[bluemandan]

Originally Posted by CitizenSnips

Im going to start off by saying my sister was a hockey cheerleader in high school. I didn't care for it while I was playing high school hockey but I went to an all boys school, so cheerleaders would have been a bit odd.

I know they are not cheerleaders, but that is not the problem I have with this. I am not here to argue how big of fans they are, as I am sure they love hockey and hopefully are huge Blues fans.

For me, hockey is about the kids. They used to let youngsters out there to clean the ice. I couldn't imagine how great I would have felt doing that at age 8 or 9, what an experience that would have been. I know it is a school night and all but if I were a parent, it would be an exception for a set bedtime.

I guess those gals will "sell more tickets". Nothing against the girls, but its kinda sad. Just like when the little girl used to sing the national anthem at the old arena. I think her name was Natalie...

This.

I feel its better for the business long term to have the kids do it than the women. The Blues are paying these girls, while the kids did it for free. (Or possibly a donation to their team, but less than minimum wage for sure.) Those kids then get to see the game, and they get hooked. Just like a drug, the first ones free...

Nobody is gonna drop $30+ on a ticket to see ice-girls. They are there to watch hockey. Are the ice girls a nice bonus? Sure. But there are better ways to see pretty girls, closer, cheaper, than buying a ticket to the Blues game.

I'd much, much rather let the kids do it and have a special moment.

[Sushiko]

You guys make a good point with the kids. And not only are they hooked and become fans, likely their parents and siblings and perhaps extended families take more of an interest, too. Seems that would draw in more fans. Those kids might tell their friends, their friends tell their parents, get more families interested. Oh well maybe they'll see that, or these girls will prove us wrong and bring in more fans. I say whatever brings in more interest, but it seems like kids doing it for free and what they get from it is a lot better. I hope they get a chance again. I bet that would be so amazing.