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PATRIOT GAMES

National Anthem Too Expensive to Sing for Youth Hockey in PA

'Ice is hard to get and it's not cheap...we're talking $300 an hour'

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by Dain Fitzgerald

Staff Writer t

Image: greenwichtime.com

Does the buck literally stop at expressions of patriotism? It just might for high school hockey teams in Pennsylvania.

Teenage hockey players representing 183 teams in the Keystone State may stop singing the national anthem because, as the state's hockey league commissioner tells it, it's just too expensive to spend the time on it. "Ice is very, very hard to get and it's not cheap," said Commissioner Ed Sam, referring to the rental costs for the state's numerous ice rinks. "We're talking $300 an hour sometimes or even higher than that."

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Are you offended by the idea of scrapping the national anthem at high school hockey games?

Comments (view in Forum)

  • FFX_VA
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    Not so much offended as saddened by it. You would think a compromise could be made to allow this great American tradition to continue.
  • Lpguy
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    I dont think this would have any impact on national identity. For one its just 1 seasonal youth sport. and secondly, the national identity is maintained by values these kids learn through their parents and families, their traditions and their education. most of them would probably rather hear the latest hit top 40 tune anyway. The point is, and consideribg the choicw must be made, i would prefer they learn teamwork, strategy, and the ethics of competition on the ice - rather than mindlessly listen to the anthem
  • ir0nw0lfe
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    @Lpguy " most of them would probably rather hear the latest hit top 40 tune anyway.". That is part of my point. The anthem reminds them that they only have the freedom and luxury to play this sport because of the values that others have died for to give them these opportunities to enjoy their lives in a free society. Like I said it give an appreciation for out national identity. That is something parents should want reinforced as well. Raise the price on hot dogs and drinks.
  • FFX_VA
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    @Lpguy last I heard paying respect to our flag, anthem, and country was a core American value. Traditions like this forge our beliefs and instill good values in our youth that are common to any political belief. And unlike the top 40, the banner has been inspiring kids for over 80 years. Rink owners, parents, businesses should find a way to preserve this American tradition.
  • texas_cutie75
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    @Lpguy I honestly wish they won't remove the anthem. There has to be another way. In my very humble opinion, I feel it is good for the children to hear the anthem. Small steps like that impact our nation and itsI future in huge ways.
  • Lpguy
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    @ir0nw0lfe I think you guys are putting to much emphasis on the national anthem. a fraction of the people, in a fraction of a state cannot afford to sing it. if we have to deal in absolutes would you rather they sing the anthem instead of playing sports? and besides, you think that forcing a kid to listen to a song he may not know much about, nor prefers not to listen to in the first place is a positive way to force them thinking about what the anthem means? those kids did not sign up for anthem singing, they signed up for hockey. when the funds are restored, restore the anthem - until then they should be thankful there is a way to keep the sports going. of course it seems to me they should be able to generate those needed funds through charity or collection drive, or whatever.
  • View all 12 replies >
  • MRMacrum
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    When they say "ice is hard to get and expensive" they are referring to ice time. It is very expensive to make ice and maintain it. Ice rinks all over are shutting their doors, so that means fewer rinks and more competition of r "ice time". Up our way, some of the school teams will head in to practice 2-3 in the morning.
  • LetsAllBeHappy
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    @MRMacrum I have a question-you seem informed on this-what happens to the ice when it is not used? Is there a difference in temp or not?
  • MRMacrum
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    @LetsAllBeHappy - it melts and they drain it. Or they cover it up with an insulated false floor and continue to keep it refrigerated. Many of the arenas are multipurpose. They have other events in between.. One of the smaller arenas in Mass I go to watch my daughter compete in Roller Derby uses the covered floor technique. Some arenas are ice only, but that seems to be changing as the owners scramble for more cash to keep their doors open.
  • LetsAllBeHappy
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    @MRMacrum could the cost be off set by donations, and do the arenas charge a price to use them? Roller Derby? I played roller derby, but it was tagged. I bet your daughter loves it, I did.
  • bsking
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    @MRMacrum understood what they meant I used to play hockey. I just hadn't realized how expensive ice time has gotten. I guess if the parents are'nt willing to pay more the hockey programs will disappear from school. after all it is non-essential.
  • View all 6 replies >
  • u
    Penn1699
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    Yep. They need to get with it and remember they are the original seat of our democracy. Founding fathers rolling in their graves...
  • LetsAllBeHappy
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    I vote you up re. your comment concerning the cost. I looked at the link you were kind enough to provide. At least the principle took it down-I think it was in rather poor taste to put a pick of the president on the flag. I find it political, and wonder if it was voted on by the students or placed up there by the teacher, who ordered such a flag? I do understand the passion and pride of having the first black president, however it seems as if a picture would do just as well-not his face put within the flag.
  • LGRepublican
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    Not offended in the least. In case some of you haven't been paying attention or haven't attended a sporting event lately, a large percentage of the people there could give a crap. Seriously, next time you're at a sporting event, glance around and notice all the people who are talking, texting, or not paying attention during the anthem. If you think not playing the anthem would bother them in the least, you'd be wrong. In fact, I get the sense that in many cases, playing the anthem or the whole 7th inning in baseball is done more out of a case of "yeah, we better" more than pride or respect.
  • artjeb
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    @MRMacrum I too get pissed when people don't or won't pay attention when the anthem is played.
    Just look at the pro hockey players.
    They must think its a song to dance with.
  • LetsAllBeHappy
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    goodness-it has been so long since I have been in high school-but isn't there a ticket charge? If not how about a donation of a dollar or so at the beginning of the sport-that should cover the extra price, and perhaps get people more involved in singing it-not texting or talking during it. Just a thought
  • u
    Jpicchi
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    Absolutely! I understand the cost of ice time, as I myself am a hockey player. But to go so far as to eliminate the national anthem before the game will only make patriotism harder for younger generations to understand.
  • u
    Jpicchi
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    Absolutely! I understand the cost of ice time being expensive, for I myself am a hockey player. But to go so far as to eliminate the national anthem before games will only make it more difficult for younger generations to understand true patriotism.
  • u
    PoliticsPerson
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    Doing the math, the most they'd spend during the national anthem is $15-- max. The way things are phrased,$300 is near worst case scenario. It probably costs them around $7 per game or so to actually have it in. If they're short on money, just dock it for now. If they want to dock it to save some change, leave it in for $7. It doesn't really matter, but it's much better to keep it in for a small price. Wanna save more money? Cut a quarter out of the game! Are times that tough?
  • u
    geowilson
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    Hockey is played for 3 periods. High school games are scheduled for 1.5 hours because the periods are longer and they clean the ice surface every 2 periods. The problem is that they way it goes now, it's hard to finish a game with or without the anthem. Remember this is an international game. Our teams at all levels are playing foreign competition. You can't change the rules just for the US.
  • Thegrif
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    Damn right I am offended. It takes 45 seconds to play the National Anthem, I am sure the commissioner spends more time than that picking his butt and waving to fans. I just dont understand people not being proud, even with our issues, we are still America. We ain't perfect but we sure try to be fair to all. Don't think so? Travel the world, see how many country give a crap if you can read the signs, or know where to buy food, we at least attempt to make America user friendly. Remember this, all this dropping of American ways and values, all this trying not to offend others, all this trying not to appear better than others. Damn, all this people are piling in to the USA for some damn reason. You keep tryin to make America more like their home land, and the foreigners may just move out cause now America is like the country they ran away from.
    Play the anthem.
  • u
    BFL1997
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    Yes, this bothers me. This is America and the NATIONAL ANTHEM should be allowed, for what so many people sacrifice it should not be a problem to allow this Anthem. What are you teaching these hockey players 'Its ok to forget that you are playing in America' No thats not right. And why would people say its just a song, for a verry long time now it has been Our National Anthem and i dont think it should be taken away even for a youth hockey game! Money there are so many people that would help pay for this, have volunteers sing it, there are people out there that would, so dont make money the issue. Yes The National Anthem should be played at games.
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