Hockey fans everywhere let out a collective groan

[murdoc]

I've thought for many years that the NHL should be divided up into different leagues.

CHL West, CHL EAST, USHL West, USHL East, and a few european leagues.

The winner of those various leagues would meet at the end of the year and compete in a winner take all competition. Kinda of like what the Memorial Cup is to junior hockey each year, but with European teams thrown in the mix.

The NHL needs a radical change and it needs to be marketed to those interested in it, instead of forced into areas that don't care.

[naum]

It has nothing to do with support. Calgary didn't make the playoffs for 7 yrs and they still were getting more fans to the games then a large portion of the American teams. You basically can't get a ticket to a Canucks or Leafs game unless you know someone and the support in Edmonton is phenomenal. The Heritage Classic wasn't some gimmick to try to get Edmontonians out to more games. Montreal had some issues a few years back, but they're just about as passionate about their team as any other team out there. To suggest hockey is struggling because Canadians don't support their teams is idiotic.

It ain't just a Canadian thing - Pittsburgh and Buffalo are big hockey towns and there NHL games draw bigger ratings than NBA games. While Pittsburgh doesn't sell out like they used to, they still nearly fill the arena yet these small market teams are bleeding financially, despite rabid interest by hockey enthusiasts.

[Shannow]

One conference Canadian vs conference USA..6-8 teams each..

The Stanley Cup would be great because now you have a bit of national rivalry on the line...

Actually thinking about this a bit more it might not be such a good idea. The Canadians would probably get a bit too worked up, espcially if they lost a few cups in a row to a US team,  and pity a poor Canadian born player who leaves to go play for a US team...

[Daeven]

It ain't just a Canadian thing - Pittsburgh and Buffalo are big hockey towns and there NHL games draw bigger ratings than NBA games. While Pittsburgh doesn't sell out like they used to, they still nearly fill the arena yet these small market teams are bleeding financially, despite rabid interest by hockey enthusiasts.

Yep. Here in Denver the TV ratings for the Av's rival those of the Broncos. You would not believe the number of ice rinks that have sprouted up for youth hockey leagues.

[HaemishM]

The problem comes when smaller market teams are selling out arenas and yet still can't field a competitive product because of batfuck insane player salaries. I will have to blame both the NHLPA, which gets cred by pumping up player salaries higher, and owners like those of the Rangers who pay obscene fucking salaries for has-been, broke down players and yet still can't field a competitve team.

If your team is selling out every night yet still can't afford at least one or two of the best players, the economics R BROKE. I can't think of any business that pisses away 70% of its revenues on employees. I'm not going so far as to say it's all the player's fault, because I'd take the money if I could get it.

But clearly something is wrong.

[Shannow]

Supposdly the sticking point right now is the players refuse to accept a salary cap and the owners refuse to accept the players proposal of a really really nasty luxury tax.

Why exactly they cant agree on what basically amounts to the same thing I dont know.

[Paelos]

Because both side's lawyers are billing out at $100 an hour, and making a mint on the hold-out negotiations. It's like a bad divorce trial.

[Nebu]

I'm wondering if out the other end of this mess we'll actually get to see hockey again instead of "Fight Night on Skates".

I think all of the senseless thuggery has chased away a portion of the fanbase.  Clean up the game and they will start making money again.  I used to be a rabid hockey fan (growing up in Minnesota does that to a guy), but I find myself watching only college and international hockey now.  If they put real hockey back out on the ice, I know I'd pay to watch it.

[Shannow]

Actually its not the fighting thats the problem. Crowds love the occasional brouhaha. No the problem is the absolutely ridicolous amount of hooking, holding, clutching, grabbing, spearing etc that goes on which turns the game into a steaming pile of turd. The problem there is how do you have both players AND refs completely change the way they play and call the game. Not easy thats for sure.

Oh and ban the trap.