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St. Louis Blues: Five Things Fans Should Be Thankful For

By Todd Panula

Nov 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (17) is congratulated by defenseman Petteri Lindbohm (48) center Kyle Brodziak (28) and right wing Ryan Reaves (75) after scoring his second goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues left wing Jaden Schwartz (17) is congratulated by defenseman Petteri Lindbohm (48) center Kyle Brodziak (28) and right wing Ryan Reaves (75) after scoring his second goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Fact We Have A Team

This fact used to be taken for granted. Once you had a team, you figured that was your team for life.

When you live in St. Louis, though, nothing can be taken for granted except the baseball Cardinals.

The city has now lost an NFL team twice. Not only twice, but twice in many people’s lifetimes.

The first time was bad enough. We blamed the ownership and they had a part in it, but the city was also short-sighted in being so rigid against a new stadium.

Then came the Rams. Fans were assured that if the city did its part, then good faith efforts would be rewarded.

The city wasted millions making plans. Fans wasted thousands attending games.

The NFL was always going to let the Rams move. Stan Kroenke never cared about the city, the fans or anything but money and always intended to take his team to L.A.

The same almost happened to our beloved hockey team. In 1983, the Blues almost moved to Saskatoon.

Given the size of that city, that may have been a bigger slap in the face than the NFL leaving. There was also a worry the team might leave when Bill Laurie sold the team.

Fortunately, Tom Stillman and his wonderful ownership group stepped up to the plate. Now we have what makes teams successful.

There is a stable ownership group that is committed to the team and to the city. Stillman is that perfect mix of being a fan, but also keeping a sensible business mind too.

He’s not going to throw money at the problems as the Laurie’s did. He’s not going to pinch every penny and leave us with a garbage product like Kroenke either.

This may be one of the best times in history to be a Blues fan. The owners are in place. Management is solid. There is a great group of young players that are hungry to win.

Now, they just need to put it all into place. Easier said than done, but it is exciting to think of the possibilities.

It’s much better to have the hope than not have our team at all. As much as I loved the Rams, you get over it and either don’t watch football or just move on.

It would not have been possible to do with the Blues. For many of us, they are too ingrained in who we are as sports fans.

So, I’m thankful we have a team. I’m thankful it is this team.

Sure, it would be nice to have multiple championships or have guys that light the lamp every other night. Our time will come though.

For now, I’m thankful for the Note and that we have the ability to cheer a team worthy of our love.

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