Brett Hull Comments on Fans

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Well, I only saw the post-game wrap up tonight. They were talking about what Brett Hull has said earlier about the fans. I wasn't sure what he had said so I looked it up.

www.tsn.ca/world_cup_hockey/news_story.asp?id=97683

Here's the part of his comments that will raise a few eyebrows.

"Got a minute to talk to reporters, Brett?'' Hull was asked in a corridor outside the dressing room.

"What would I have to talk about?'' he replied.

"Fans want to know how you're doing,'' said the reporter.

"I don't give a (deleted) about the fans anymore,'' said Hull.

End of conversation.

I guess he hasn't had the best of tournaments as far as Brett-Hull-the-goal-scorer goes. But having said that, IMHO, whether he's frustrated with his dismal play or just being a healthy scratch, it really doesn't warrant this type of response.

I can't say for sure but he may offer some sort of apology later. Hopefully he doesn't use his frustration level as something to defer accountibility to.

Cheers.

[CentreHice]

Did Hull receive limited ice time in the Russia game, which led to his leaving the ice right after the final horn?
He certainly wasn't alone in lacklustre play in that game.

Perhaps he didn't agree with Wilson's coaching and left in frustration.

Whatever the case, he obviously feels "above" the team and Wilson (or any coach worth his salt) cannot allow that kind of attitude.

Now Hull, as outspoken as ever, rags on the fans. That'll help in Phoenix, huh?

I have a few questions regarding his move to the U.S. team.

1. When did this occur?

2. Did he ever play for Team Canada?

3. Was it because he didn't make the Canada cut?
Or simply because he didn't make the 1st line?

Edit:

Just did a little further research on these questions...

It happened in 1991. He never did play for Team Canada....but here's TSN's synopsis of why he chose to play for the U.S.

Belleville, Ontario native and Hart Trophy winner Brett Hull made huge strides early in his hockey career thanks to the U.S. amateur hockey program, and wanted to repay his debt of gratitude by suiting up for Team USA

That's not how I remembered the story. Seems glossed over to me.

Now I will expand on my final question: Why wouldn't Team Canada select the Hart Trophy winner to their team? Was he not even invited to camp? Or did he just refuse Canada outright, and join the Americans?

[duster]

I've looked for past references but couldn't find any. However, if memory serves me right, he chose to play for the U.S. because he wanted to participate in the tournament and he was pretty well guaranteed a spot on the team. It was not a sure thing if he tried out for the Canadian team.

I could have him mixed up with someone else. I believe Adam Deadmarsh is in a similar situation where he could play for both teams and chose the U.S.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

That's not the way I remember it either, CH. I remember Hull being extremely bitter over not being selected as a member of Team Canada. It was more of a "OK-if-that's-the-way-you-want-it" type of attitude.

It's all about Brett, all of the time it seems.

The attitude reminds me of a situation back in the early 90's, when a friend of mine and his son attended a hockey game. My friend's son, who was playing major bantam at the time, regonized Brett Hull outside the rink. His dad told him to go over and get an authograph from him and the kid did. However, Hull basically told the kid to go away in a very direct voice and carried on. Well, the kid was broken by that and who happened to be listening to him when he was talking to his dad? Bobby Hull no less. I guess Bobby asked the kid what the problem was and then went over and brought his son back, by the collar no less, to sign whatever he had.

I believed this story because I remember hearing about Bobby Hull signing autographs himself. According to Don Cherry, Bobby took a few shots in the warm up but ended up signing autographs after that. The only reason he stopped signing was because the zamboni was pushing him off the ice.

However, there are players of today who sign autographs when they can. But, I believe the major shift in attitude, from Bobby's day to Brett's day, is largely due to money. Players from Bobby's day would often have to get summer jobs in order to support themselves in the off season (Phil Esposito worked in a steel mill in Sault Ste. Marie) while players of Brett's day can set themselves up for life with one successful season.

To be fair, not all professional hockey players share Brett's comments, but there doesn't seem to be too much humility left in today's hockey player. At least not as much as before anyway. And why should there be? Everything is handed to them.

Cheers.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

1990-91: 86 goals (3rd highest total ever for a single season) and 3rd player in NHL history to score 50 goals in less than 50 games (he repeated the feat the following season).

"Not good enough? Fine, I have another option and I'm going to take it." I don't blame him.

[CentreHice]

But Hull was at the top of his game in 1991....Hart Trophy winner. 86 goals with the Blues and 6 years in the NHL.

Surely he would've been chosen over Eric Lindros, who had yet to play an NHL game.

Something tells me Hull just flat out decided to use his dual-citizenship to basically slap his country of origin in the face.

[CentreHice]

M. said:

1990-91: 86 goals (3rd highest total ever for a single season) and 3rd player in NHL history to score 50 goals in less than 50 games (he repeated the feat the following season).

"Not good enough? Fine, I have another option and I'm going to take it." I don't blame him.

Was he really told he wasn't good enough? What was wrong with our team selection committee? That's ludicrous. Unless his attitude at the time was just as bad as it seems today, and our guys knew that.

If he was told he wasn't good enough...then I agree...I don't blame him either.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

CentreHice said:

Was he really told he wasn't good enough? What was wrong with our team selection committee? That's ludicrous. Unless his attitude at the time was just as bad as it seems today, and our guys knew that.

If he was told he wasn't good enough...then I agree...I don't blame him either.

That was my quote, not Hull's.

Anyway, he's always shot from the lip which is refreshing and/or annoying. He has also been a great locker-room favourite with other players, wherever he's played.

As for the Team Canada selection committees through the years, I'm sure letterman could come up with a pretty stinging Top 10 List.

[CentreHice]

But what really did happen?

EITHER: Hull was left off the Canadian team (which after a Hart/86-goal campaign would have been ridiculous) then he decided to join the US.
In this scenario, he can only be applauded for his decision. He holds dual-citizenship.

OR: He decided to play for the U.S., as the TSN article says, to repay them for their role in his minor hockey/amateur development. In this scenario, he can be judged harshly by Canadian fans.

[cigarviper]

I can't really comment on Hull, except to say my opinion of him has always been one of an immature, self-centred punk.

Personally, when I took my sons to see a Dallas/Ottawa game at the Corel Centre years ago, fans stood in the lobby to catch a glimpse of the Dallas players as they made their way to the restaurant to celebrate the birthday of one of their teammates. As movement was seen at the top of the stairs behind the glass doors, eventually the crowd gathered to see who was coming. A clearly annoyed Mike Modano emerged, stop in his tracks when he saw the excited crowd, called a security person over and was loud and belligerent in demanding another way to the restaurant to avoid the "f***ing fans". The crowd was stunned to say the least. After being told there was no other way, he proceeded through the doors. The fans, mostly kids approached cautiously and asked for his autograph, my son included. He physically held the fans at arms length and made his way upstairs. More players appeared and signed a few items before hastily disappearing. One player did stay and signed everything offered for his signature, posed for pictures and was still there asking if anyone else wanted his attention when most fans were gone. That player was the birthday boy himself...Guy Carbonneau. Class act.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

CentreHice said:

But what really did happen?

EITHER: Hull was left off the Canadian team (which after a Hart/86-goal campaign would have been ridiculous) then he decided to join the US.
In this scenario, he can only be applauded for his decision. He holds dual-citizenship.

OR: He decided to play for the U.S., as the TSN article says, to repay them for their role in his minor hockey/amateur development. In this scenario, he can be judged harshly by Canadian fans.

Some, but not complete, clarification. From an excellent article on Hull

Bobby Hull was Canadian. Brett Hull, born in Belleville, Ontario, has dual citizenship, yet chose to play as an American in international competitions - the World Cup of Hockey and the Olympics - because in 1986, when he was an amateur, Team USA invited him to its camp while Team Canada snubbed him.

- www.showmenews.com/2003/Dec/20031221Spor026.asp

[Disgruntled70sHab]

One thing we can all agree on guys is that Brett Hull is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the history of the game. Very few can match his release; Mike Bossy and Micky Redmond come to mind immediately.

However, the thing that irks me the most is how smug he is about being Brett Hull. He loves the camera and, most of all, he loves the attention. Well, he might have more attention than he wants at this point in time.

Listen, guys, I would have loved to have had Hull in Montreal before he signed with Detroit. It would have been a marketing/PR coup. And while it wasn't as prevelent in Detroit, the "one-for-all-and-all-for-Brett" attitude would have come with him.

Be interesting to see how he handles this when asked about it.

Cheers.

[franko]

cigarviper said:

when I took my sons to see a Dallas/Ottawa game at the Corel Centre years ago, fans stood in the lobby to catch a glimpse of the Dallas players as they made their way to the restaurant to celebrate the birthday of one of their teammates. As movement was seen at the top of the stairs behind the glass doors, eventually the crowd gathered to see who was coming. A clearly annoyed Mike Modano emerged, stop in his tracks when he saw the excited crowd, called a security person over and was loud and belligerent in demanding another way to the restaurant to avoid the "f***ing fans".

I'd like to think that this is an aberration, but I know better. A few years ago my son went to a 67s game with a friend: who else were there but a couple of the now-home-town heros, one being Daniel Alfredson. After the game a bunch of kids went to him and asked for an autograph; he snarled at them to get away from my car. His passenger wasn't as stand-offish -- Wade Redden laughed and joked with the kids. Alfie lost adulation that day -- my son classes him in the same catagory as Yashin.

[CentreHice]

M. said:

Some, but not complete, clarification. From an excellent article on Hull

Bobby Hull was Canadian. Brett Hull, born in Belleville, Ontario, has dual citizenship, yet chose to play as an American in international competitions - the World Cup of Hockey and the Olympics - because in 1986, when he was an amateur, Team USA invited him to its camp while Team Canada snubbed him.

- www.showmenews.com/2003/Dec/20031221Spor026.asp

I doubt that teams held training camps a year before the 1987 (or any) tournament . I would believe, however, that he was snubbed in 1987, after an outstanding year with the Moncton Golden Flames (50-42-92) and an end-of-year/playoff call up to Calgary.

But, reality check for Mr. Hull....spots on the Canadian roster were reserved for NHL stars...and he was nowhere near that point. Same could be said for the Americans as Brett didn't even make the U.S. squad in 1987, that went a paltry 2-3-0 in the tourney.

www.hhof.com/html/TeamRosterCCUP1987USA.shtml

Thanks for the info, Mr. B...1991 and beyond is a non-issue. He made his decision in the minors and has held a grudge ever since.

[Skilly]

If I remember correctly Hull was snubbed by Canada three times before suiting up with the American team.

I thought he was snubbed in 1984 but could not find anything verifying it.

He was snubbed in 1986.

And in 1991 I believe he basically told Canada that they had their chance, (they weren't going to burn him a third time), and now he is going to go where he is guaranteed a spot.

[blaise]

To be on the roster is one thing. To be on the ice is another.

[CentreHice]

I very much doubt Hull was snubbed for the 84 team...he would've been 20 years old...just drafted...and playing for the U. of Minnesota-Duluth. If 87 was a stretch, 84 is out of the question. I doubt very much Canada would have snubbed him in 91. Hull obviously held a grudge from 87, which was juvenile considering he didn't even make that hapless 2-3-0 American team who, without the play of Van Biesbrouck in net, wouldn't have won a game--according to reports I've read.

The only non-pro to be selected to Team Canada was 18-year-old Eric Lindros in 1991, who earlier that year was drafted #1 by Quebec. He spent the next season (91-92) refusing to play for the Nords. Instead, he played 13 games back in junor with Oshawa, then 24 games with the Canadian National Team while his daddy got him traded to Philly for the next season.

Was it his experience and play with the national junior team that got him his selection to the 91 squad?

[Khorps]

I remember, in general terms: if I can't play for Canada right now, I'm never playing for them.

I also remember the hotel room in Nagano, among other incidents.

I'm glad he plays for the US now. He fits in.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

Khorps,

Welcome to HabsRus. Since we're on the topic of Brett Hull, my earliest memory of The Golden Brett, was his first shift in the NHL against, which happen to be against the Habs (I'm pretty sure it was his first shift of the game).

The faceoff was inside the Montreal blueline and Hull was positioned at the top of the circle to take a shot if the puck came back to him ... and it did. Believe it or not, he hit the goal post.

Anyway, if you get time please read the Code of Conduct that is posted on the main discussion board. It's a pretty good community of posters here and we're all looking forward to reading your opinions and ideas.

And I had totally forgotten about the hotel in Nagano. Was he one of the lads that acted up that night?

Cheers.

[Khorps]

OK. I consider myself warned.
Took me all of two posts. I think I almost tied my personal best.

On the US bashing, I meant to say that in my opinion, Brett Hull fits in with the likes of Guerin, Modano, Tkachuk, Chelios, etc. -- good hockey players, but I wouldn't want them buying me beer.

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

The Golden Brett is my posting role model.

[Montrealer]

He was snubbed in '86 - no NHL stars for that Team Canada at all; this was in the time when NHL stars only competed in Canada Cups, and in '86 he was snubbed, if I'm not mistaken, for the WC team.

Not shocking that he decided he might as well play for Team USA.

[CentreHice]

Montrealer said:

He was snubbed in '86 - no NHL stars for that Team Canada at all; this was in the time when NHL stars only competed in Canada Cups, and in '86 he was snubbed, if I'm not mistaken, for the WC team.

Not shocking that he decided he might as well play for Team USA.

Thanks for that insight, Montrealer. It is quite a different story if the 86 snubbing pertains to our WC team. He would definitely have a right to be upset about that. He had led the U. of Minn-Duluth in scoring the year before, and was in the process of doing the same with the Moncton Golden Flames at that point. Very much a top prospect for the world tournament.

By the way....did he make the U.S. world team in 86?

[M. Beaux-Eaux]

CentreHice said:

By the way....did he make the U.S. world team in 86?

Yessir. 10 games, 7-4-11 in 1986.

*

Brett Hull has done just about everything since he first put on a Team USA jersey nearly 20 years ago for the 1986 World Championship. He has led or tied for the team lead in scoring every time he has played, including scoring 11 points in seven games as Team USA won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

[CentreHice]

M. said:

Yessir. 10 games, 7-4-11 in 1986.

*

Brett Hull has done just about everything since he first put on a Team USA jersey nearly 20 years ago for the 1986 World Championship. He has led or tied for the team lead in scoring every time he has played, including scoring 11 points in seven games as Team USA won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey.

Excellent work!
Enough digging in the yard and we find the bone of contention. Don't blame him. There's no reason for Canada to have not invited him to the 86 National Team camp.

Perhaps the last passage in your post is the reason why Hull is pretty ticked at his treatment by Wilson...i.e. "You can't treat me like this; look at my record."

Although noone should feel above the team. I don't recall Gretzky or Lemieux reacting in similar fashion when the chips were down.

[Disgruntled70sHab]

You know, if the USA lost to Russian last night, Brett would have been front and centre of the press.

However, I don't think he has much of a case right now, even if it was the Keith Tkachuk story.

Cheers.

[Khorps]

From what I hear, the press would have had trouble finding Brett Hull last night.