Keller @ Large: Boston Officials Were Right To Not Allow Game 7 Viewing Party

June 16, 2011 11:27 PM

VANCOUVER, BC – JUNE 15: A person walks in front of a burning vehicle on June 15, 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. Vancouver broke out in riots after their hockey team the Vancouver Canucks lost in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Reporting Jon Keller

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Sights of Game 7

BOSTON (CBS) – The riots in Vancouver after Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals were a far cry from the generally peaceful celebration Wednesday night in Boston.

On Thursday, amid an outpouring of civic anger over the rioting in Vancouver, people are asking what went wrong.

Just about the only area where Boston didn’t outscore Vancouver Wednesday night was in the post-game street scene. In Boston, there were seven arrests and no injuries. In Vancouver there was triple figures in both categories.

WBZ’s Jon Keller is at large:

Criminologist James Alan Fox of Northeastern talked to the Vancouver police officers before the game, and was struck by their casual attitude toward the risk of post-game violence.

Photo Gallery: Angry Fans Riot In Vancouver Streets

“Vancouver believed this would just not happen, that the population was different, was more mature, this just couldn’t happen there. It didn’t seem like they had a contingency plan. They weren’t ready and they were overwhelmed,” said Fox.

By contrast, Boston police had a detailed security plan in place, the product of both good and bad experiences with post-game crowds over the past decade.

While Boston Mayor Tom Menino and Police Commissioner Ed Davis took heat for nixing a TD Garden viewing party, Professor Fox said Wednesday night’s violence-free celebration vindicates their caution.

Photo Gallery: Bruins Win Game 7

Meanwhile, Vancouver police are claiming the chaos was the premeditated work of a few. But the truth is, droves of onlookers readily joined in.

According to Professor Fox, the Vancouver police believed that the peaceful crowds that filled the city during last year’s Winter Olympics were proof of nothing to fear, as if that were comparable to streets filled with thousands of rabid hockey fans on a warm day.

And there’s a lesson Boston can learn from Vancouver’s nightmare: don’t ever get smug about the risks of large public celebrations.

Keller @ Large: Boston Officials Were Right To Not Allow Game 7 Viewing Party

tsal

I’m not so sure we cannot say “been there, done that” We wisely didn’t allow the extra crowds in Boston and viewing at the Garden because we have already been in that place where we didn’t think it could happen. What amazes me is that somehow our media seems to think Vancouver is doing anything we have not already done – several times.

That being said, I was thinking this morning that although all of our teams have shared their success with the fans of Boston, I don’t think any have done it better and more graciously than the Bruins. Even those who are not regular hockey fans – myself included – find themselves smiling at their enthusiasm and their inclusion of their fans.

Ajay

The Bruins are true champions. They’ve worked hard for their success.
That being said…. has Vancouver (or any other city) ver had a fan killed during a sports celebration? Boston has. No need to open the garden for a crowd of drunks.

Ron

But, John, you missed Menino’s telephone interview with Fox 25 Wednesday right night after the game. He made it very clear that he and the police wanted the viewing party and it was those awful officials at the Garden who got in their way. If we’re going to praise anyone for their caution, we need to give credit where our illustrious mayor clearly stated it belongs. At least until his next interview when he tries to rewrite history.
Stephen Stein

Spoken like a gentleman, sir.
Stephen Stein

But hey, it’s not like this hasn’t happened in Vancouver before. This looked like a replay of 1994.
jaygee

Looks like it was a good decision. What happened in Vancouver would have taken place even if they had won the game. What took place in this beautiful and very mellow (usually) city is a disgrace and I hope that authorities use the videos and pictures to nail these clowns. When someone shows up to an event with a mask and a can of gasoline, it’s obvious that it’s not the event they are interested in.watching.One reason why it’s so enjoyable to see a cop whack such idiots with their nightstick.
mikey

The parade today was just awesome. New England is the place to be. Oh what a feeling! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOSTON BRUINS! THANKS!