My Letter To The Editors of the Providence Journal

Why Be So Negative?
by T. Chace Jr.
April 4, 2011

You really reached me this morning with your April 4, 2011 Providence Bruins article in the Sports section titled, “Some good news: It’s almost over”. The unnecessary negative title enraged me on so many levels.

First and foremost, for a newspaper company that is literally across the street to choose not to cover the capital city’s own team is completely beyond my comprehension. In addition, by choosing not to cover the team you have robbed thousands of RI hockey fans the opportunity to get to know the players, coaches, and staff that have helped make it one of the most successful franchises in the American Hockey League.

For most of the season Providence was third in the league in attendance, averaging over 7400 fans per game. Just recently they were passed by Chicago. Most Friday nights beginning on Opening Night there are 8000 – 10,000 fans in attendance at the Dunkin Donut’s Center. These fans travel from all over New England and Canada to Providence and they frequent the many eating and drinking establishment’s downtown. With the economic situation we presently face, this is a huge boost forty times a year or more for local businesses. That’s a positive in my book.

The Providence Bruins are charged with developing players for the big club in Boston. The Boston Bruins are presently preparing for a Stanley Cup run. Over a third of their roster features players who have recently played right here in downtown Providence. Players like Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Brad Marchand, Johnny Boychuk, Adam McQuaid, Steve Kampfer, and Tuukka Rask all honed their skills in Providence. Highly respected coaches Rob Murray and Bruce Cassidy have made their transitions possible, tirelessly working and motivating these future stars.

Many of these Providence players do charity work throughout the season all over the state. These players are rarely if ever featured in the Providence Journal, whether it is for their skills, their charity, or other special circumstances. These boys are great role models, friendly to a fault; reside in the city, and frequent businesses in the city and state.

The negative title was a poor demonstration of journalism in my opinion. This team, those men, and boys deserve a lot more from the hometown newspaper. Shame on you!