Oh Brewer, My Brewer…

Eric Brewer.

A name that invokes a substantial emotional response amongst many St. Louis Blues fans. Whether it’s in his relation to the loss of Chris Pronger or his Plus/Minus rating, fans love to take their shots at the captain of the St. Louis Blues. At a trouble season’s end many of his detractors hoped that the third letter of the alphabet would be taken off his sweater.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong was the bearer of “bad” news Tuesday. In an interview with the St. Louis hockey MSM he said, “The one thing I want to clarify . . . Eric Brewer is the captain. He’s our captain. There’s no question he’s going to be our captain.” Head Coach Davis Payne reiterated his boss’ support.

Let the firestorm begin.

The reaction in the Twitterverse and the blogosphere has largely been negative. From suggestions that Brewer should “pull an Erik Johnson and golf cart himself” to the questioning of his leadership abilities.

I fully understand the argument for making a change of captains. The promotion of David Backes to the captaincy was one of the first Blues Q&A questions. In which I argued for making the change. Brewer represents the struggles following the Laurie ownership debacle. He was not a part of the Blues most recent success (injured for the 2009 playoff push and appearance). With the future core of the team publicly called out by the front office to assume a larger role, it makes sense to promote one of them to be the ceremonial leader.

There is a logical point to be made for culture change.

What I do not fully understand is proliferation of the presumption of Brewer’s lack of leadership and his teammates disapproval.

Few, if any, fans really know the dynamics of the Blues locker room. Opinion based on speculation leads to misconceptions. I will not go down that road. Who am I to judge the character of a man I do not know?

What I do know is that when the players are questioned, they support their captain. “When he speaks, everyone listens” is the common response. Respect is earned and given by your peers. It is not something that can be demanded and taken from others. No matter what a fan reads between the lines or thinks he/she sees on TV, those that know him better than any fan support him.

Differing opinions are always welcome.