Kevin Epp Dropping "Truth" Bombs???

[Shirotashi]

I get where he is coming from but he goes too far. When an agent is THIS irate you know

the players are probably sharing some if not all of the same feelings which is in a way both

astounding and yet understandable. Its also completely ignorant of major factors like the 

floods in BC and covid and there effects on the psyke and morale of the fanbase right now.

Its actually almost grotesque in how ignorant it is right now for him to say these things. 

 

The fanbase has not been THAT negative we have low morale and look to the team for a 

lift so when we get the opposite of course your going to see a reaction this venomous. 

It could be WAYYYY worse are? You? Kidding? ME? 

I dont think all the players share this opinion, I think the switched on ones realize how lucky

they are and take things one day at a time. 

 

If your a player and just happen to be reading this and DON'T agree ask yourself

 

Are you a Nurse or a Doctor in a pandemic? 

Are you a Paramedic?

Are you a logger?

Are you a cop?

Are you in the armed forces?

 

Im not going to rate these jobs vs. yours but think about it for a second.

 

Anyways heres the video:

 

[Shirotashi]

I wanted to add how little he considers how much media blows things out of proportion.

He hears 6 people call in and hate up on things for a few min RIGHT after the game is over

and he thinks thats an accurate representation of the fanbase.

 

I know of NO ONE that laments the picks we gave up for Garland and OEL. That is 

beyond ridiculous the fanbase LOVES those guys and with E riksson gone no one 

thinks thats a bad deal.

Edited December 2, 2021 by Shirotashi

[butters]

"you see, when you start making millions of dollars you simply gain a natural aura that makes you impervious to loud and obnxious media fans that are on your case all the time. And I pay good money to be loud and obnoxious".

 

 

[Eddie]

Watch the Jeff Praterson vid that followed this one if you want some true entertainment. As one of voices of constant negativity in the media here he threw a proper hissy fit back at Epp.

Personally - i think there are and have been for a long time some media takes that extenuate the negative in everything the team does, come rain or shine.  They are looking for any reason to click bate angsty readers into throwing them some ad dollars by spinning fabricated yarns and hindsight reasoning. It sucks for the team, the players and makes the overall fan base a less enjoyable place to be. Again in my opinion.  

 

Now saying people aren't justified for voicing their frustration at the state of the team this year after many years of suffering losing seasons, uninspiring hockey, constant draft, lottery and trade disappointment, well the lad is just having a fricking laugh and being massively disrespectful to us as fans. The team could be a lot worse ? Sure.  But its not what we deserve after so much pain and disappointment as a fan base.  

 

So in short this guy can F*** Off and tell his clients to play some better fecking hockey. And the bunch of media hacks that pollute the space with continued negative opinions throwing shade at the players and the organization any sliver of a chance they get can F*** Off as well. 

Edited December 2, 2021 by Eddie

[Guest]

Let's not act like Kevin Epp is the first and only guy that's talked about this.  

 

Kevin Bieksa has echoed the same sentiment.  

 

Friedman has echoed the same sentiment.  

 

[Guest]

3 hours ago, Shirotashi said:

I get where he is coming from but he goes too far. When an agent is THIS irate you know

the players are probably sharing some if not all of the same feelings which is in a way both

astounding and yet understandable.

 

I just listened to the whole thing and have no idea where you get the "THIS irate" from?  

 

Btw once you consider that Travis Hamonic and OEL are his clients, you can kind of understand where Kevin's coming from.  He's had to defend a lot bad press and it's only been a few months.  

[BabychStache]

The sports media in Vancouver is terrible. 
 

It’s ok to write as a fan, for fans of a game. Who cares if you’re labeled a homer. It’s not “hard hitting journalism.” It’s a game meant to entertain.

 

Canuck Clay is the only one that’s honestly entertaining or fun. 

[SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME]

One of the funnier parts for me was where he tried to blame the Vancouver fanbase and media for negative impressions on the OEL trade.

 

Criticism of the trade from outside this market was much harsher.

 

Over at The Athletic, compare the national reporting to the local (Drance):

 

https://theathletic.com/2726110/2021/07/23/nhl-trade-grades-canucks-get-conor-garland-saddled-with-oliver-ekman-larssons-contract-in-deal-with-coyotes/?amp

 

“They’re still not a contender, their financial situation isn’t any better, and they seem to have tethered themselves to one of the worst contracts in the sport. There’s one loser here, and it’s them.

Coyotes grade: B
Canucks grade: D-” -Sean Gentille

 

“For Vancouver, this trade is a byproduct of cap miscalculations over a period of years that has unfortunately resulted in losing a high pick. OEL is a good player, he’s a mobile smart, skilled defenseman with size, but his best days are likely behind him and he’s also owed quite a lot of money for a long time.

Coyotes grade: A-
Canucks grade: C+” -Corey Pronman

 

“This is an unmitigated disaster for the Canucks’ long-term outlook, which is a consistent trend for this brain trust that is always putting band-aids on problems they themselves created. This band-aid is a whole new problem and while Garland is a nice reward for it, he’s nowhere near enough compensation to take on the deal considering the draft picks Vancouver gave up.

Giving up Garland stings for the Coyotes, but they did well here given the circumstances. The Ekman-Larsson contract really was that bad. Last year, I rated it as the fifth-worst contract in hockey. It only looks worse in the year since.

Coyotes grade: B+
Canucks grade: D-” -Dom Luszczyszyn

 

 

https://theathletic.com/2726050/2021/07/23/drance-why-canucks-mega-deal-to-acquire-oliver-ekman-larsson-conor-garland-is-a-franchise-defining-risk/?amp

 

“When we pull this deal apart, there’s a lot of it that makes sense for the Canucks. If the price is too high, it’s only off a bit, depending on how you weigh the values of the lower value draft picks changing hands.

 

* * *

 

The cost of that improvement is huge, the potential downside is significant. Vancouver has improved itself in the short term with this transaction, which matters for a team that’s been at risk of becoming an industry punchline.” -Drance

 

Not exactly a lovefest from Drancer, but considerably more optimistic than the takes from the guys outside of this market.

 

And there was a lot of similar reporting, coming from outside of Vancouver:

 

“From here, it seems like another big win for the Coyotes” -James O’Brien, NBC Sports

“Coyotes: B+
Canucks: D+” -The Score

https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/2187567/amp

 

“If the past few seasons were a harbinger, it’s hard to see a long-term success plan for a player already in his 30s. If that’s the case, Vancouver just took on an awful lot of salary for a very long time.” -Yost, TSN

 

(That’s just some of the reaction)

[ilduce39]

When actual stakeholders keep saying this it stands to reason there’s some truth to it.  
 

It’s not hard to understand that you’d rather play for a fan base that cheers you on instead of being super critical, cynical, derisive, mocking and obnoxious like ours do on social media.  It’s half the appeal for a loud section of the fan base to be as crappy as possible about certain players, management, etc.
 

Pretty basic stuff. NHL hockey is such a grind with 82 games in such a short period of time - the mental strain to stay focused and motivated must be pretty huge - especially with guaranteed contracts.  Even if the Vancouver media / social media noise has a relatively small impact, that could make a pretty big difference… and the way we’ve seen good teams crumble in this market time and time again I’d certainly entertain it as a factor.

[MaxVerstappen33]

56 minutes ago, VancouverHabitant said:

Let's not act like Kevin Epp is the first and only guy that's talked about this.  

 

Kevin Bieksa has echoed the same sentiment.  

 

Friedman has echoed the same sentiment.  

 

Every time the Canucks struggle, this debate pops up. Then when things settle down and they are winning, the debate goes away

[Guest]

@SID.IS.SID.ME.IS.ME My overarching issue is that our media gives us an unnecessary disadvantage.  

 

Some fans that really enjoy the negative coverage of the team are fine to defend it and fight for it, but it's painstakingly clear that there are players and agents who will not want to sign with Vancouver Canucks because of the way this team is covered.  As I mentioned earlier, *some people that talked about this are* Kevin Bieksa, Friedman, Brian Burke, and I could dig up more if you want. 

 

We have an inherent disadvantage compared to what...  29, 30 other teams?  I know that Montreal can be just as bad.  I can't say that Toronto is as bad even during their miserable years, but I'm sure that I got to hear more of their talk radio I would feel that they're just as bad.  

 

I'm also a fan of the team and listening to the constant negative coverage makes me stop paying attention to the team and makes the "apathy" set in.  

So as far as I'm concerned, let people take their shots at the media.  If they dish it out so much, then let them take it as well. 

Edited December 2, 2021 by VancouverHabitant
**

[Drakrami]

What truth bombs? What this agent is saying is nothing new and repeating much of the same. Basically he is digging that media is negative, some times making up stuff and it's affecting the players. We should just let the team play, they have been losing 1 goal games etc.. etc..

 

Well the reality is the team is doing horribly on the backdrop of the whole city had a mountain of expectation for the team this year. With real costs of trading a lot of draft picks, mortgaging the future, waiting 8 long years. And when the media asks the coach what is wrong? His answers are denial and generic saying nothing is wrong, his system works, only losing 1 goal games (so basically he is blaming puck luck? 8-14-2 bottom of the league kind of puck luck)

 

Under all of this, can you really blame the fans/media trying to dig up what is wrong with this team? And when people dig of course all kinds of dirty and conspiracy theories come out. Management and the coaching staff is leaving a lot of room for people to imagine. 

 

Not to mention Hamonic is just a weird case. Was doing ok on the Islanders, requests trade. Will only play for 2-3 teams that is close to his home. Re-signed with us this summer, have family emergency - (that's ok). Tells Benning he is on his way for his 2nd dose of vaccine in offseason. Changes his mind....? Doesn't get vaccinated until recently and now have only played 7 games. This player is a lot of baggage. 

[Pears]

6 hours ago, Shirotashi said:

I get where he is coming from but he goes too far. When an agent is THIS irate you know

the players are probably sharing some if not all of the same feelings which is in a way both

astounding and yet understandable. Its also completely ignorant of major factors like the 

floods in BC and covid and there effects on the psyke and morale of the fanbase right now.

Its actually almost grotesque in how ignorant it is right now for him to say these things. 

 

The fanbase has not been THAT negative we have low morale and look to the team for a 

lift so when we get the opposite of course your going to see a reaction this venomous. 

It could be WAYYYY worse are? You? Kidding? ME? 

I dont think all the players share this opinion, I think the switched on ones realize how lucky

they are and take things one day at a time. 

 

If your a player and just happen to be reading this and DON'T agree ask yourself

 

Are you a Nurse or a Doctor in a pandemic? 

Are you a Paramedic?

Are you a logger?

Are you a cop?

Are you in the armed forces?

 

Im not going to rate these jobs vs. yours but think about it for a second.

 

Anyways heres the video:

 

[Shirotashi]

13 minutes ago, Pears said:

[Elias Pettersson]

Our media has been horrible since forever.  One of the worst ever was Tony Gallagher.  He made stuff up on a daily basis. 

 

Hughes needing an IV because of COVID.  The Aquilini brothers are fighting it out.  Bo and Miller are at each other's throats.  We know this is all bs.  

 

If the team sucks then report it.  If the team plays well then report it.  But the lies and making up stories to suit a narrative and sell more papers or get more clicks is dead wrong.

Edited December 2, 2021 by Elias Pettersson

[Coconuts]

 Nothing new here at all, people have been saying this on CDC and in the media for years. Hell, even Reddit and HF know it. 

 

It's just a bit uglier and more in your face when the fortune of the franchise tanks. 

Edited December 2, 2021 by Coconuts

[bad alice french]

I totally, 100% agree with this man.

Vancouver fans are over the top aggressive and over reactive. Players must hate the fans the way we turn our backs on them when times get tough. Anyone who argues this is on glue. 

Media... if that's what you want to call these hams that write on the internet nowadays are brutal for drumming up stories for the sake of hype etc. Too many lies and inaccuracies and they all just get away with it. I get it, that's their job but it still doesn't make it right or excuse them for exaggerating and making up stories. Word gets out around the league about how fair-weather the fans can be here and how difficult it is to play here when you're not winning. If this keep up we will never be able to sign high calibre players.

Petey probably hates it here by now after all the $&!# that's been thrown at him this year. 

How can anyone deny this negativity online doesn't affect the players?

Ridiculous. Donnie should be ashamed for acting so ignorant after Epp answered straight up that the media can affect players' performance. As if some reporter knows better than an agent. But of course Donnie says "agree to disagree" when the agent tells him straight up that "yes, They hear all this and it makes it tougher on the team and management." Media are idiots.

How can the OP defend these clowns?

Crazy
 

Edited December 2, 2021 by bad alice french

[bad alice french]

6 hours ago, Shirotashi said:

I get where he is coming from but he goes too far. When an agent is THIS irate you know

the players are probably sharing some if not all of the same feelings which is in a way both

astounding and yet understandable. Its also completely ignorant of major factors like the 

floods in BC and covid and there effects on the psyke and morale of the fanbase right now.

Its actually almost grotesque in how ignorant it is right now for him to say these things. 

 

The fanbase has not been THAT negative we have low morale and look to the team for a 

lift so when we get the opposite of course your going to see a reaction this venomous. 

It could be WAYYYY worse are? You? Kidding? ME? 

I dont think all the players share this opinion, I think the switched on ones realize how lucky

they are and take things one day at a time. 

 

If your a player and just happen to be reading this and DON'T agree ask yourself

 

Are you a Nurse or a Doctor in a pandemic? 

Are you a Paramedic?

Are you a logger?

Are you a cop?

Are you in the armed forces?

 

Im not going to rate these jobs vs. yours but think about it for a second.

 

Anyways heres the video:

 

I'm not sure I've ever disagreed with a post as much as this one in over 10 years on this forum. Suggesting their jobs are irrelevant because they aren't doctors, nurses or loggers. Geez, bud get off your high horse and take a breather.

Edited December 2, 2021 by bad alice french

[RU SERIOUS]

Guys like Epp are like Car Salesmen, Politicians, Lawyers, Real-estate Agents, the "Sham-WoW" & "My Pillow" guys.   Totally one sided Self-Serving Parasites, only caring for the well being of his own pocket book and his overpaid prima donna clients that are failing.  What nerve he has to criticize the media for speaking overtly about the horrible performance of this team, instead suggesting they shut-up and not say anything negative and pussy-foot around the issue.   That might work in Phoenix, but not here in Canada.   This team has been $h1t for 10 years (thats a DECADE) and haven't won a cup in over 50 YEARS (that's a HALF CENTURY - almost a lifetime for many) and are getting worse by the day and we have been patient and quiet for years - but enough is enough!

 

 So as far as I am concerned, if the players, coaches and GM that are failing to produce, can't do their jobs with success and can't take the heat - then get out of the kitchen!   We as fans and in my case (and thousands of others) a STH - have every bloody right along with the media to speak up and call a spade-a spade, especially when we put our hard earned money where our mouths are and fork out thousands to support this team!  This isn't a "one-of' losing streak we're on - it's been going on for a very long time and many in this city are FED-UP.  So Epp can Buzz-Off to Phoenix or Palm Springs where he belongs and where people don't give a $h1t - we don't need brown noser, loli-pop deniers like him around here!

Edited December 2, 2021 by RU SERIOUS

[86Viking]

8 hours ago, VancouverHabitant said:

I can't say that Toronto is as bad even during their miserable years, but I'm sure that I got to hear more of their talk radio I would feel that they're just as bad.  

 

Last I checked Canuck fans aren't throwing $2-300 jerseys on the ice after paying close to that amount to enter the arena and watch their team play tho!!!