No Rory? Jokes' on the Fans...

Well it appears Don Cherry, Wayne Gretzky and Kelly Hrudey got their wish – Likeable journeyman Rory Fitzpatrick will not be in the All-Star game. Although I greatly admire and respect each of these men, I think they have failed to see the forest for the trees.

Like the first past the post voting system, the embarrassment that is fan-voting continues to punish players in small-markets and over-reward players in big markets. While could be Hart Trophy candidate Jarome Iginla (on a career pace, and simply dominating) is off the first ballot, as is highest goal/game in the league ‘grinder’ Ryan Smyth, as is the mini-dynamo Steve Sullivan, or the revitalized Teemu Selanne.

And that’s just the Western Conference.

Who was picked ahead of these three deserving athletes? The underwhelming Jonathan Cheechoo who has been hurt, and when healthy hasn’t even been having a great season. Now, arguably the duel Joes (Thornton and Sakic) have had good seasons, but neither in my opinion have had the same impact Smyth, Sullivan or Iginla have.

In the West, alternate Hart Trophy candidate Martin Broduer lost first ballot to a good, but not nearly as good Ryan Miller. Martin Broduer is pretty much the only reason the Devils are even in the league this year. And Brian Campbell? After all the talk about mediocre defenceman making it…I’m not saying Brian Campbell isn’t a very good 3 or 4 defenceman, but he is simply not on the same level as someone like Jay Bouwmeester.

I agree with Gretzky that only deserving players should go to the All-Star game. That’s exactly why All-Star voting should end as of now.

Vote For Rory

America doesn't vote for a new president until 2008. Canada will not have a federal election for some time either (barring unforseen circumstances). In Alberta there is a leadership race for the provincial Progressive Conservative Party. But in the hockey world, there is only one current campaign that matters: Rory Fitzpatrick for NHL All Star Game 2007.



Sure, he hasn't played a game since early November. And sure, he has no points. But Rory deserves your vote, and here's why:

Steve Schmid, The organizer of www.voteforrory.com says that Rory is your classic lunch pail guy who never gets acknowledgement for his hardwork. He claims the all-star game is full of pretty boys who don't always deserve their recognition. He'd like to, just once, have a hard working no-nonsense guy in the game.

The reason I think you should vote for Rory is because I think fan voting for the All-Star game is stupid. Fans are unlikely to vote for 'no-name' players who are performing well, and they are unlikely to vote for very good players from small market franchises. I especially think its stupid to stage the voting so certain players are more likely to be voted in from the get-go. There is always a short-list of players in every position, and then the hassle 'write-in' vote. Shouldn't the ease of voting be equal for all players?

Schmid agrees: “It's not who deserves it, it's who has the biggest fan base.”

Voting in Fitzpatrick would prove to the league that All-Star voting is a joke, plus it would be nice to see a hard working lunch pail guy in the game.

So from now, until All Star Voting closes, do the right thing: Vote For Rory.