Comments on: By the Numbers :: 11 – 20

By: Zach

Zach — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:38:09 +0000

Thanks for the clarification Michael.

I read the article Kyle, more confused now then ever, nice read, but doesn't clear up (unless I missed something) why the Ilitch's are so set against just putting his numbers up in the rafters.

Last you'll hear of this on the numbers series, I promise. :)

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:17:40 +0000

I don't want to launch a whole discussion on this, but I've always felt this to be an outstanding read. Check it out for some basic Aurie information, Zach:

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/ilitch_celebrates_yzerman_desecrates_aurie/

By: Michael Petrella

Michael Petrella — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:41:08 +0000

Kyle - I did the same thing. It was my favorite part of the media guide as a little guy. I don't know why I was drawn to numbers - perhaps it was the only tangible thing I could grasp at six/seven/eight, but it'll always be fun to look back and see the names who wore 19 before Yzerman or 5 before Lidstrom.

Zach - Thanks for coming back and for the compliments!

There are a handful of reasons why I'd prefer not to get into the Aurie conversation, but you touched on one for sure: this feature is definitely lighthearted, and the "one-liner" I give for each number doesn't do appropriate justice for a conversation like that.

Additionally, the Larry Aurie debate is a particularly polarizing one among Wings fans, for whatever reason, and - while I CERTAINLY don't shy away from controversy or friendly jabbing - I'm not so sure I want to alienate a whole group or Wings fans. Likewise, I would prefer not to provide a platform for one side or the other.

I think the biggest reason you'll see me shy away from such conversations is because it's a dead horse that's been beaten beyond recognition. I suggest LetsGoWings for a heated debate and educated (and sometimes not) chatter among friends. And if the situation comes to light and becomes newsworthy or timely again, Rob and I will LOVE to have it on The Production Line. But in the meantime, it's just one of those things like Republicans vs. Democrats that you try your best to stay away from until your crazy Aunt leaves.

I don't have an ideological reason for shying away from it - I certainly have my opinion and am very capable of expressing it. But, once something has been said a thousand times, saying it again is sad and painful.

But like I said -- if it becomes a current event again somehow -- I'm going to be all over it. Count on it.

By: Zach

Zach — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 07:59:49 +0000

You mentioned yesterday that you didn't want to get into the #6 debate. Is their a specific reason? Is it simply because it doesn't mesh with the fun nature of the topic? Or will a future post explain TPL's stance on the subject?

Keep up the good work.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:19:45 +0000

This is such entertaining stuff, nice work! I remember being a kid and for some reason I got the Wings media guide a few years in a row. I was always interested in stuff like this and I would go through the numbers and pick the best player to wear every number for the Wings. Of course I was like eight or nine, so I'm sure that best player happened to be the one that was wearing it currently.