Behind the Blog: Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog

Today’s Behind the Blog will feature the writer of Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog. Tom is a very opinionated guy, which is pretty clear when you visit his blog. His readers are very passionate and love to leave comments, which are almost posts of their own.

Q.1 – When did you create Tom Benjamin’s NHL Weblog and what made you do so?

I started it in September of 2003. I had been annoying people with my hockey opinions on various internet message boards since the early ’90s and so when blogging became big, it was a natural for me.

Q.2 – Have you always been connected with CanucksCorner.com and what made you join that webite?

Brian knew me because I’d played on the message board at Canucks Corner. About the time I decided to try a blog, Brian asked me to do some writing for him. It was a coincidence, but we both think it has turned out to be a good fit.

Q.3 – You seem to have the most involved readers who leave passionate comments regarding whatever topic you discuss. When did you first realize that you had developed a following of hockey fans who desired that interaction with the blogger?

My stuff has always drawn a fairly strong reaction in both directions. Some people really like my ideas about the sport, others really dislike them. It’s great that more than a few really smart people regularly contribute comments. They produce as much content for the blog as I do. As long as everybody plays nice, it works, and so far everybody has played nice. .

Q.4 – What advice would you give to fellow bloggers, especially newcomers?

First Find a voice and go for a different slant. I think blogs are popular because readers crave a diversity they can’t find in the mainstream media. It follows that we should be diverse.

Don’t take it personally. If you are going to start publishing your views – particularly ones that offer a different slant – at least some people will think you are an idiot and they will tell you so in no uncertain terms. (Sometimes, of course, at least some people will be right.) Disagreement is healthy and fun as long as nobody is mean spirited about it.

Q.5 – What do you hope to achieve with your blog over the next few years?

I don’t have any aspirations for it. I regularly resolve to give it up. I’ll be satisfied with the blog if it still exists in five years. If so, I’ll probably still be regularly resolving to give it up.

Q.6 – While you certainly discuss NHL issues in your blog, you are a Vancouver Canucks fan first and foremost. When did you become a Canucks fan?

When the Canucks first came into the league, I promised myself I would stay loyal to the Red Wings forever. The resolution didn’t last through the first season’s exhibition schedule.

Q.7 – What changes, if any, do you feel necessary for the Canucks to make the playoffs next year and become a Cup contender?

They have to become much better without the puck.

Q.8 – When did you attend your first hockey game and who was playing?

My Dad took me to an exhibition game at the old Forum in Vancouver. It was the Montreal Canadiens playing against the Western Hockey League Vancouver Canucks.

Q.9 – What first attracted you to the sport of hockey?

Again we can blame my Dad. Every Saturday night, it was Hockey Night in Canada. In those days, the game was picked up in progress about halfway through the first period. Dad watched Bugs Bunny with me until HNIC picked up the game and then I watched hockey with him. It was the only night of the week we got to eat in front of the TV. Mom always served burgers.

It was great.

Q.10 – Who is your favorite hockey player (either current or retired player)? Why?

Pavel Bure. I had more fun watching him play than any other single player.

Q.11 – What did you do to pass the time during the lockout last year?

I was blogging so I watched the labour dispute pretty closely. I watched more movies, read more books and I rekindled my relationship with baseball.

Q.12 –Which team has surprised you the most this season? Disappointed you? Why?

Carolina was the most positive surprise, Minnesota the most negative. I didn’t think the Hurricane would be good and I thought the Wild were going to take the next step.

Q.13 – Where do you see the NHL in 5 years? Why?

I’m not optimistic. I have zero faith in the people who own the league. I’d like to think that the game is good enough to thrive despite the greed and incompetence, but I doubt it.

Q. 14 – Of the teams left in the NHL Playoffs, who do you predict to win the Stanley Cup? Why?

Anaheim, almost entirley because I’m hoping for them. Any of the four teams left could win. Any of the 16 teams that made the playoffs could have won. I like the idea of Cinderella winning once in a while, but I also think we should be able to identify a favourite and be right once in a while.

Q.15 – Is there any hockey blog or website that you look to for inspiration?

I read most of the blogs. Jamie Fitzpatrick, Sisu Hockey, Mudcrutch and about a dozen other bloggers I feel guilty I’m not mentioning are favourites. James Mirtle is the most likely to get rich and famous