Rally and Group Hug to support Jason Spezza to occur on Parliament Hill

by Speedy_McEachern on Jun 16, 2010 12:53 PM EDT

Sadly, only half of that headline is false.

OTTAWA — Jason Spezza may have plenty of critics in Ottawa, but he has just as many fans, and on Saturday more than 100 will show their support for him during a rally on Parliament Hill.

The aim of the rally will be to convince the Ottawa Senators to keep the mercurial centre instead of trading him before his no-trade clause kicks in on July 1.

“Every time something goes wrong with the Sens, it seems like there’s a need for a whipping boy and we’re sick of it,” said Louise Tremblay, who is organizing the rally. “Jason Spezza is our No. 1 centre and we don’t want to see him go.”

Read more: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/Sens+fans+rally+support+Spezza/3153932/story.html#ixzz0r2CPbL27

My reaction after the jump.

How did it come to this? While I agree that Ottawa should be supporting Jason Spezza, lest he be the 2nd "Franchise Player" in as many summers to request to leave Ottawa, I think that a rally of "about 125 participants" is, at best, of dubious merit, unless Spezza is possessed of a very strong sense of irony.

All things considered, I find this whole venture ill-advised.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Silver Seven community, and does not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of the site managers, editors, or Sports Blogs Nation, Inc.

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125 is all they could get so far...

I may go as well. It’s an attempt to get the fans to realize that this is no joke and show Spezza that his fans are just as outspoken as his critics… I thought more people would be going.

by Los Blancos Chicca on Jun 16, 2010 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

This is just how these folks want to show their support

I’m not going, but I say good for them.

I don’t think a trade will happen. I think Spezza will get a huge ovation on opening night. These things happen regularly; how many other players have been knocked through their careers in Ottawa? All of them, really… those playoff failures didn’t leave anyone out.

www.silversevensens.com

by Peter Raaymakers on Jun 17, 2010 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

they will probably get as many fans as ...

turn out for a ‘save the coyotes’ rally. So don’t feel too bad about the actual numbers. Just go.

by alaney2k on Jun 17, 2010 11:00 AM EDT reply actions

Over-reaction

Cannot play with 'em, cannot win with 'em, cannot coach with 'em. Cant do it.

by Andrew J on Jun 19, 2010 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

Yikes

Apparently only 20 people showed up to this.

Ottawa, where fan passion burns as hot as frozen dog poo. No wonder we get “Ole” and Alfie booed in our home building.

Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs

by Mark Parisi on Jun 19, 2010 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

I didn't go

I want Spezza in town. I could have shown my support, but I’ll just cheer for him next time I see him at a game.

www.silversevensens.com

by Peter Raaymakers on Jun 20, 2010 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm fine with that

I’m more annoyed with the people who said they would go and then didn’t. What the hell?

Silver Seven - The Daniel Alfredsson of Ottawa Senators Blogs

by Mark Parisi on Jun 21, 2010 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions

That was worse than I expected…Hopefully Jason is too busy with his new daughter to notice. I’d hate to see him leave.

Shawn McEachern: The best Senator to ever wear 15.

by Speedy_McEachern on Jun 20, 2010 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Obviously the weather played a part in the poor turn out

by ojc on Jun 20, 2010 11:17 PM EDT reply actions

He's not leaving

Fortunately it’s not up to us whether Spezza leaves and if the press can stop expecting him to play like Mario Lemieux or Bertuzzi he’ll be just fine. I watched 68 playoff games this year and saw every creative star player on every team turn the puck over at the worst possible time. It happens a lot more than we think. Also he has become much better defensively.

by Hockey Playoff Run SensFan on Jun 27, 2010 10:58 AM EDT reply actions