The tale of Blake Wheeler and the Arizona Coyotes is woven with threads of promise, disappointment, and redemption. Drafted 5th overall in 2004, Wheeler arrived in Arizona heralded as a potential cornerstone for the franchise.
However, his decision to eschew a contract with the team cast a shadow over that initial optimism, leaving Coyotes fans feeling scorned.
The echoes of this betrayal reverberated even louder alongside the departure of Kyle Turris, painting a stark picture of unfulfilled potential. Wheeler’s subsequent rise to NHL stardom elsewhere ignited a lingering resentment.
Yet, amidst the bitterness, a recent shift in sentiment has brought a nuanced perspective to this enduring saga.
Why Do Coyotes Fans Hate Blake Wheeler?
The enigmatic relationship between Coyotes fans and Blake Wheeler has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, spanning over a decade.
Drafted by the Arizona Coyotes as the 5th overall pick, Wheeler’s initial promise was overshadowed by a decision that left Coyotes faithful feeling scorned.
Drafted by the Coyotes
In 2004, the Arizona Coyotes selected Blake Wheeler with the 5th overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft.
It was a moment of anticipation and excitement for Coyotes fans, who eagerly awaited the arrival of a promising talent to bolster their roster.
The Unforgivable Departure
However, Wheeler’s tenure with the Coyotes was cut short before it even began. To the dismay of the franchise and its supporters, Wheeler chose not to sign with the team, opting to explore other opportunities.
This abrupt departure left a bitter taste in the mouths of Coyotes fans, who felt betrayed by a player they had hoped would become a cornerstone of their franchise.
The Turris Connection
Adding salt to the wound, the Coyotes also drafted Kyle Turris around the same time. Turris, like Wheeler, found himself embroiled in contract negotiations that ultimately led to his departure from the team.
The similarities between the two situations only served to compound the frustration felt by the Coyotes faithful, who couldn’t shake the feeling of déjà vu.
Wheeler’s Ascendancy Elsewhere
As Wheeler’s career unfolded, he found success with the Boston Bruins and later, the Winnipeg Jets.
His meteoric rise to become an elite player in the NHL only exacerbated the bitterness among Coyotes fans. Seeing him thrive elsewhere after his refusal to sign with their team felt like a cruel twist of fate.
A Shift in Perspective
In recent years, some fans have undergone a change of heart towards Wheeler. His vocal stance against systemic racism and police brutality has garnered widespread respect, transcending the boundaries of team loyalties.
As one Reddit user succinctly put it, “I hated Wheeler, but after seeing him being one of the first hockey players to speak out about systemic racism, I just can’t hate the dude”.
A Whimsical Protest
In an amusing turn of events, a die-hard Winnipeg Jets fan playfully pledged to make a pilgrimage to Arizona armed with a Blake Wheeler bobblehead, extra salt, and a conspicuously large board extolling Wheeler as their “Lord and Hockey Savior”.
This lighthearted gesture serves as a testament to the quirks and camaraderie that define the world of sports fandom.
Playoff Performances
Wheeler’s standout performances in the playoffs with the Winnipeg Jets have been a bitter reminder for Coyotes fans.
Seeing him excel on the grandest stage of the NHL playoffs while wearing a different jersey can evoke feelings of what might have been for Arizona.
Rivalry Intensification
The Coyotes and Jets have developed a competitive rivalry over the years, especially since both teams moved to the Western Conference’s Central Division.
Wheeler’s pivotal role as the Jets’ captain has made him a central figure in this rivalry, further fueling the antipathy from Coyotes supporters.
Impact on Franchise Narrative
Wheeler’s departure from the Coyotes had a significant impact on the narrative surrounding the franchise.
It became a symbol of the challenges and setbacks that the team faced in its earlier years, potentially hindering its ability to attract and retain top-tier talent during a critical developmental period. This narrative has contributed to the lingering resentment from fans.
How Do They Show Their Hatred for Wheeler?
Coyotes fans who harbor animosity towards Blake Wheeler may express their feelings in several ways, both verbally and non-verbally:
Booing
This is perhaps the most direct and common way for fans to show their displeasure towards a player.
When Wheeler touches the puck or is introduced, fans may collectively boo to convey their negative sentiments.
Taunts and Chants
Fans may engage in verbal taunts or create chants specifically aimed at Wheeler. These could be derogatory remarks or chants designed to rattle and unsettle the player.
Signage and Banners
Some fans may bring signs or banners expressing their disdain for Wheeler. These can range from witty and humorous jabs to more pointed and direct messages.
Social Media and Online Forums
In the digital age, fans often take to social media platforms and online forums to voice their opinions. They may use hashtags, memes, or posts to express their disdain for Wheeler.
Customized Jerseys and Apparel
Some fans might create customized jerseys or apparel with negative messages or altered names/numbers to mock or criticize Wheeler.
Artistic Expression
Fans with creative talents may produce artwork, memes, or videos that humorously or satirically criticize Wheeler and share them on social media or fan forums.
Verbal Heckling at Games
In addition to the collective boos, individual fans may engage in more direct verbal heckling during games, aiming to get under Wheeler’s skin and disrupt his focus.
Public Statements and Letters
Some particularly passionate fans may write open letters or publicly voice their grievances through media outlets, expressing their disdain for Wheeler.
How Coyotes Fan Sentiment Affects a Blake Wheeler’s Performance?
Coyotes fan sentiment can indirectly impact Blake Wheeler’s performance in several ways, even though Wheeler is not currently a member of the Arizona Coyotes.
Here are a few ways in which fan sentiment can influence his performance:
Psychological Pressure
When Wheeler returns to play against the Coyotes in Arizona, he may feel added psychological pressure from the hostile fan environment.
The negative sentiment and potentially hostile reactions from the crowd can affect his focus and confidence, potentially impacting his on-ice performance.
Motivation
On the flip side, the negative sentiment from Coyotes fans might serve as motivation for Wheeler.
Some athletes thrive in an “us against the world” mentality, and the added pressure and hostility can drive them to perform at their best to prove their detractors wrong.
Distractions
Fan sentiment, especially when it turns into hostile behavior, can be distracting for both the player and the team.
Wheeler may have to deal with heckling, taunts, and other distractions from the crowd, which can affect his concentration and performance on the ice.
Emotional Impact
While professional athletes strive to maintain focus and emotional composure, they are not immune to the emotions stirred by fan sentiment.
Negative sentiments from Coyotes fans may affect Wheeler’s emotional state, potentially impacting his decision-making and overall performance.
Home Ice Advantage for Coyotes
When playing in Arizona, Wheeler may find it more challenging to perform at his peak due to the hostile environment.
The energy and support from home fans can give the Coyotes an extra boost, making it harder for Wheeler to excel.
Mental Resilience
Dealing with negativity from fans requires a certain level of mental resilience. It can be draining for a player to constantly face criticism and hostility.
This mental burden may impact Wheeler’s ability to stay focused and perform consistently.
Potential Extra Motivation
On the other hand, positive sentiment or a warm reception from Coyotes fans, although less likely given the history, could potentially boost Wheeler’s confidence and motivation.
Feeling appreciated by the opposing team’s fan base might have a positive impact on his performance.
FAQs
Why do some Coyotes fans hold a grudge against Blake Wheeler?
Some fans are still upset about Wheeler’s decision to not sign with the Coyotes after being drafted in 2004.
Did Kyle Turris’ departure influence fans’ feelings towards Wheeler?
Yes, it did. The similar circumstances surrounding both Wheeler and Turris’ departures, with contract disputes leading to their exits, amplified the frustration felt by Coyotes fans.
How did Wheeler’s success elsewhere contribute to the animosity?
Wheeler’s thriving career with the Boston Bruins and later the Winnipeg Jets, where he became an elite player, served as a constant reminder of what the Coyotes might have had if he had stayed.
Has there been a shift in fans’ sentiments towards Wheeler in recent years?
Yes, some fans have softened their stance due to Wheeler’s vocal advocacy against systemic racism and police brutality.
What role does Wheeler’s playoff success with the Jets play in fan sentiment?
Wheeler’s standout performances in the playoffs with the Winnipeg Jets serve as a stark contrast to the Coyotes’ playoff struggles.
To Recap
In the annals of Coyote’s history, the animosity towards Blake Wheeler remains a poignant chapter.
His decision to walk away after being drafted, coupled with the parallel departure of Kyle Turris, etched a deep sense of betrayal in the hearts of the Coyotes faithful.
Wheeler’s subsequent ascension to stardom with the Bruins and Jets only amplified the bitterness. However, amidst the resentment, a recent shift in sentiment has emerged, fueled by Wheeler’s advocacy against systemic issues.
As time marches on, the complex relationship between Blake Wheeler and Coyotes fans serves as a testament to the enduring passions and evolving perspectives that define the world of sports fandom.
James Felix