Oh Baby! A new Governor perhaps?!?

I believe that the way the St. Louis Blues have handled the employment of Ken Wilson is atrocious and incredibly disrespectful - not to mention unprofessional. Here's a man that for twenty years has been the voice of the Note, and has been one of the St. Louis area's most vocal proponents. And the Blues management sends him packing and criticizes his performance. All this after Wilson was recognized just this past January at the Savvis for his talent, and profiled just last month in the St. Louis Commerce Magazine.

I have grown up listening to Ken Wilson announce Blues hockey. I have listened to him announce the goals, the fights, the penalties, the stats, the chaos and everything else in between. I have heard him speak truthfully about what he thinks of skills and deficiencies of the team, it's players and coaches. I don't ever recall him ripping anyone apart on the air, and I don't ever recall him bashing the management. I've heard him exult when the Blues score and play well, and I have heard him pronounce his verdict of inadequacies when appropriate. He always seemed to speak what he saw and not make it all sound wonderful when it wasn't. The man loved hockey, and I believe he truly loved the fans in St. Louis.

I think the following quote from Ken is a perfect reflection of all of these facts:
“Blues fans are very ardent and loyal. They’re hungry to win a Stanley Cup. It’s frustrating but kind of an adventure to get to that final destination. In the meantime players, owners, coaches, even announcers may come and go, but St. Louis Blues fans will carry on. It’s a wonderful phenomenon.”

I wish the best for Ken Wilson and his family, in whatever arena he decides to throw his hat/voice.

I pause in wonder at what the Blues might just do next...

Man, I miss the Old Barn...