Shouldn't the NHL focus more on non-traditional hockey markets?

[Killion]

Exactly plus it no longer is limited to on ice competition and derivatives but encompasses any activity that is remotely connected under the "entertainment " umbrella". If someone enjoys or is entertained by any aspect that is remotely connected or derives from any NHL activity then they are fair game for economic development or exploitation.

Indeed, and its very difficult for a lot of people to get their heads around that concept. That everythings for sale. Everything from the raising of funds from corporate sponsors for the acquisition of memorabilia that should be in the HHOF instead of making the rounds at Auctions or even on ebay to the packaging of a pre-season "Premier Cup" in Europe. Out of sight & out of mind of most on this side of the pond. Title sponsor in Compuware, secondary sponsors in airlines, smartphones, credit cards, vintners & a Russian Watch Mfg amongst others. They play primarily in AEG designed, developed & managed arenas. The Draft this past weekend?. The dais looked like a Nascar Victory Stage on Acid... The NHL website, its latest "apps" etc etc etc all bearing corporate ID in terms of presentation rights. Bombarded with banners, pop-ups & flags. Every ounce & inch is sold to a sponsor.

 

[TaketheCannoli]

Actually, Nielsens from Game 1 of the 2011 SC Finals between Boston & Vancouver were up by 14% over last years Chicago-Philly Game 1 ratings; the Canucks-Bruins finals also drawing higher rating than the Lakers-Celtics Game 1 Finals. I would therefore have to assume that American audiences are actually a lot more sophisticated & knowledgable about hockey than you give them credit for, as they apparently dont really care where a team is from so long as the quality of play is entertaining. Bonus but not mandatory if there team happens to be in it.

I dont particularly care what some casual fan in Philly or LA or elsewhere thinks about the Sens, Oilers, Canucks, Flames or Jets, whether they "tolerate" Toronto-Montreal or not, I know thats not the case universally but in some circles it certainly is, and again, I could care less. It is what it is. To many, their sporting worlds start & stop at the borders of their own countries, province/state, cities in some cases. Everything else & anywhere else completely irrelevant. Dont care. Dont wanna know about it. If some teary eyed milksop from CBC decides the SC Finals should be hyped with a "Canadas' Team" vs. The Big Bad Bruins & America thats their problem & in no way representative in anyway whatsoever of prevailing Canadians attitudes towards it. In fact, there are probably more Bruins fans across the country than Vancouver fans. In many ways, its sad that the world often views Canada & Canadians by what they see & hear on CBC, a singularly retrograde & unsophisticated broadcaster that is the target of much criticism across the country. Colloquial. Late 20th Century. Provincial.

Good post. People want to see quality, entertaining hockey. I personally don't care so much what city the team is from unless it's MY team. I'm a just as likely to bandwagon a Canadian as American team, because what country the city is in is irrelevant to me.

I could have just as easily cheered for the Canucks because I like Kesler, Malhotra and Torres. I just chose Boston because I have a number of friends in Boston who talk Bruins all the time.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Very Interesting Data

Actually, Nielsens from Game 1 of the 2011 SC Finals between Boston & Vancouver were up by 14% over last years Chicago-Philly Game 1 ratings; the Canucks-Bruins finals also drawing higher rating than the Lakers-Celtics Game 1 Finals. I would therefore have to assume that American audiences are actually a lot more sophisticated & knowledgable about hockey than you give them credit for, as they apparently dont really care where a team is from so long as the quality of play is entertaining. Bonus but not mandatory if there team happens to be in it.

I dont particularly care what some casual fan in Philly or LA or elsewhere thinks about the Sens, Oilers, Canucks, Flames or Jets, whether they "tolerate" Toronto-Montreal or not, I know thats not the case universally but in some circles it certainly is, and again, I could care less. It is what it is. To many, their sporting worlds start & stop at the borders of their own countries, province/state, cities in some cases. Everything else & anywhere else completely irrelevant. Dont care. Dont wanna know about it. If some teary eyed milksop from CBC decides the SC Finals should be hyped with a "Canadas' Team" vs. The Big Bad Bruins & America thats their problem & in no way representative in anyway whatsoever of prevailing Canadians attitudes towards it. In fact, there are probably more Bruins fans across the country than Vancouver fans. In many ways, its sad that the world often views Canada & Canadians by what they see & hear on CBC, a singularly retrograde & unsophisticated broadcaster that is the target of much criticism across the country. Colloquial. Late 20th Century. Provincial.

Very interesting data. The NHL SC Finals data referred to featured teams that had no history as SC Finalists.The only compelling aspect in each beyond the level of competition was which team would end a very long sequence of seasons without winning the Stanley Cup.No universally recognizable players were involved/

On the other hand the Lakers - Celtics confrontation was a classic, the most famous Final rivalry in NBA history. Russell vs Chamberlain, Bird vs Magic supported by a lpmg list of NBA hall of famers featuring arguably the premier NBA player of this era Kobe Bryant.

Granted the NBA is going thru a slight popularity downswing, still the numbers bode well for the NHL.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Promotions

Indeed, and its very difficult for a lot of people to get their heads around that concept. That everythings for sale. Everything from the raising of funds from corporate sponsors for the acquisition of memorabilia that should be in the HHOF instead of making the rounds at Auctions or even on ebay to the packaging of a pre-season "Premier Cup" in Europe. Out of sight & out of mind of most on this side of the pond. Title sponsor in Compuware, secondary sponsors in airlines, smartphones, credit cards, vintners & a Russian Watch Mfg amongst others. They play primarily in AEG designed, developed & managed arenas. The Draft this past weekend?. The dais looked like a Nascar Victory Stage on Acid... The NHL website, its latest "apps" etc etc etc all bearing corporate ID in terms of presentation rights. Bombarded with banners, pop-ups & flags. Every ounce & inch is sold to a sponsor.

Conjuring up visions of a thirty second visual with Gary Bettman singing a modified version of the classic Coca-Cola jingle adapted to: "Things go better with NHL......" followed with the full range of products, partnerships, sponsors and what not.

 

[Killion]

Good post. People want to see quality, entertaining hockey. I personally don't care so much what city the team is from unless it's MY team. I'm a just as likely to bandwagon a Canadian as American team, because what country the city is in is irrelevant to me.

Well sure, and lots of Bruins fans out here on the Westcoast pre-dating even the great years of Espo, Orr & Cashman et al..... Kesler's interesting, as he's from Michigan but played in Ohio for the Buckeyes yet you rooted for the Bruins despite the obvious connection. If your a real hockey fan, borders simply dont exist. You like a team because of its players, maybe the Coach & GM, Hell, maybe you just like their uniforms.

And ya, good for Manny Malhotra. He carried on after suffering an eye injury, instead of retiring to join the ranks of NHL referee's as most have.

 

[Killion]

Conjuring up visions of a thirty second visual with Gary Bettman singing a modified version of the classic Coca-Cola jingle adapted to: "Things go better with NHL......" followed with the full range of products, partnerships, sponsors and what not.

That's a 30 or 120 second spot C58. Wont do. Not nearly enough time to trot out all of the leagues sponsors. No, we'd need to have Gary singing Wagners complete 16 hour Opera in 4 parts, The Ring Cycle, easily re-worked as The Rink Cycle, in order to give at least 60 seconds to each major & 30 seconds to each secondary sponsor their due; with a whole bunch of 15 second quick clips from the over-full Aquarium's of fishee's the leagues captured. Then of course theres the title sponsorship etc for this presentation, "The NHL Rink Cycle" itself. Broadcast rights & tour dates......

 

[HookeyPookey*]

http://factoidz.com/ice-hockey-in-the-land-down-under
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Ice_Hockey_League

I havent been to a game yet but I may, basically the very very worst NHL players who happen to live here or want to move here may play

We are the definition of non-traditional, might at least generate publicity if any players cam here... Our winter is the NHL off season too which raises some possibilities.

I find it hard to get into the AIHL when only 500 or less people turn up though, hard to get excited

 

[Killion]

I find it hard to get into the AIHL when only 500 or less people turn up though, hard to get excited

Thats interesting. The article talks about North Americans going there to play off season yet doesnt name any, nor can I believe anyone playing minor pro let alone in the NHL would be given a waiver by their team to play in the AIHL, leaving unsigned "mercenaries" willing to play for free (incl. car & accomm). Im assuming its full on contact?. Australia could well become a World SuperPower in the hockey world if this keeps up & gains traction no?. Ive always thought you Wallabee's given the opportunity would excel at the sport. Custom made for Aussie tastes, goin down like a KingCan of Fosters on a steaming hot summer afternoon; in late December..... Mind the night creatures over there Hookey. and dont try to lay no BoogeyWoogey on the King of Rock n' Roll... .

 

[Fidel Astro]

You can't seriously get pissed at the NHL playing games in Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Russia, etc. That's four countries with a substantial, decades long hockey tradition. Some of the greatest players ever have come from those countries. When you consider the first two have per capita income close to the Canadian average, it's a no brainer. that's money the NHL is leaving on the table by not engaging with people who are already NHL fans.

There's "hockey is Canada's game!" and then there's "Hockey is Canada's game (and no one else's)!" The first is admirable, nice, gives everybody the warm fuzzies. It's on your freaking money, for God's sake.

The second? Go F yourselves.

Huh?

You were responding to my post, but I didn't say anything about that. My criticism of non-traditional markets is only in reference to the southern US. I even said in an earlier post that hockey "belongs" not only to Canada, but to the northern US, Scandinavia and parts of eastern Europe.

 

[Killion]

....hockey "belongs" not only to Canada, but to the northern US, Scandinavia and parts of eastern Europe.

How does this nonsense get started?. Look, hockey doesnt "belong" to anyone. It belongs to everyone & anyone who enjoys it or embraces it regardless of location, be they in Tokyo or Timbuktoo. If your stating the NHL has absolutely no business being in Phoenix, Florida or Atlanta thats your perogative. Your entitled to your opinion. But this business of "ownership"?. I suppose technically the Dutch or Norwegians "own it" as 14th century canvases' clearly show people playing shinny on frozen rivers, sloughs & ponds. Whoever invents something is the true owner. So much for the Halifax-Kingston debate, the "Montreal Rules" and all of the rest of it. Next.

 

[Tekneek]

Exactly. Americans do not want to watch Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, they tolerate Montreal & Toronto.

Is that true? It doesn't reflect my experience. I have always been much more into the Canadian teams, plus the Oilers have been my team since my Dad would sit me down and show me them (and The Great One) when I first started playing hockey back during the last season of the Atlanta Flames. I have always preferred to see the Canadian teams play and am extremely bored with Pittsburgh/New York/Philadelphia/Chicago dominating the national games in the states.

Maybe it is because I have dual citizenship that I have an appreciation for Canada that others don't down here, but I don't know anybody that wouldn't rather see a Canadian team (except for Leafs) on TV instead of Flyers or Rangers.

 

[Tekneek]

Largely, Canadian fans feel like they are mistreated and unappreciated by the NHL because it is all about money (BIG BUSINESS) and not about love of the game, culture, or other intangibles.

Why would the NHL care too much about that part of their market? The fans show up in droves even when the teams suck, so no maintenance need there. The TV audience is huge even if the teams suck, so no maintenance need there. The Canadian part of the market runs on auto-pilot. Squeaky wheel gets the grease. That means NHL does not have to, therefore will not, pay that much attention. It is also in their best interest to keep at least one market beating the drums for a franchise so they have leverage when owners in the states wander off the reservation.

 

[CarlWinslow]

Why are people so obsessed with going to non-traditional markets?

What is wrong with making piles of money while enjoying the solid markets that you have?

 

[AdmiralsFan24]

Why are people so obsessed with going to non-traditional markets?

What is wrong with making piles of money while enjoying the solid markets that you have?

Because if you can make a non-traditional market work you've just added more fans.

 

[Tekneek]

Why are people so obsessed with going to non-traditional markets?

What is wrong with making piles of money while enjoying the solid markets that you have?

How many times do you see Wall Street excited about solid moderate returns year after year? Not very often. They get excited about GROWTH. Right now the Canadian side is booming enough to allow growth, but one day the tide may swing back towards the states and they will try to ride that wave too.

 

[saskganesh]

I wager that North American ratings for the SC final would have been far lower if there were not teams from both countries involved. Given that it's the most North American league of all the big sports, I think it's in the NHL best interest to service all of its customer base.

 

[Killion]

Why are people so obsessed with going to non-traditional markets? What is wrong with making piles of money while enjoying the solid markets that you have?

Absolutely nothing, and the two positions are not mutually exclusive of one another, they compliment each other.

Because if you can make a non-traditional market work you've just added more fans.

Bingo. And hopefully at the grass roots levels, a talent pool that'll feed the machine. If the managements astute in the newer markets, be they 10 or even in the cases of the older franchises, they'll also do their darndest to try & draft or trade for local players for marquee' purposes. Sam Pollock of Montreal through the late 50's-70's was a master at that with the Habs.

 

[CarlWinslow]

Because if you can make a non-traditional market work you've just added more fans.

Or it fails and you end up gaining minimal fan interest all the while making your product look small time.

The correct answer to my question was "greed".

 

[tarheelhockey]

Absolutely nothing, and the two positions are not mutually exclusive of one another, they compliment each other.

Exactly! I'd love to see more teams in Canada. I'd love to see more out west, and more internationally too. And in the process I'd like it to stay and thrive in my own community. It's not a zero-sum game... we won't run out of hockey if it keeps spreading around.

And really, I'd love for the south to be "mistreated" like Canada. Having our own regional Winter Classic, a team in the Stanley Cup Finals, an Olympic OT gold medal celebrated on home ice, weekly national broadcasts catering to our region, a whole ESPN spinoff network that actually makes hockey #1, not to mention a new team coming this fall... all that stuff would be AWESOME. But those things come with time and stewardship, and folks down here understand that. Nobody wants to tear down Canada's connection to the game, just to begin laying the roots of our own traditions.

 

[Canadiens1958]

The Solution

Exactly! I'd love to see more teams in Canada. I'd love to see more out west, and more internationally too. And in the process I'd like it to stay and thrive in my own community. It's not a zero-sum game... we won't run out of hockey if it keeps spreading around.

And really, I'd love for the south to be "mistreated" like Canada. Having our own regional Winter Classic, a team in the Stanley Cup Finals, an Olympic OT gold medal celebrated on home ice, weekly national broadcasts catering to our region, a whole ESPN spinoff network that actually makes hockey #1, not to mention a new team coming this fall... all that stuff would be AWESOME. But those things come with time and stewardship, and folks down here understand that. Nobody wants to tear down Canada's connection to the game, just to begin laying the roots of our own traditions.

The solution may be found in your last sentence.

The issue is not who gets to host or play in the "Winter Classic" or the "Heritage Classic" or whether teams should crossover from countries or regions for such events.

Rether the issue is defining and supporting an annual event that reflects hockey traditions in the southeast or the various specific regions such as the west or whatever geographical definition is most suitable. Name in terms of regional traditions and sentiments, with regional television and sponsorships. etc.

 

[htpwn]

Exactly! I'd love to see more teams in Canada. I'd love to see more out west, and more internationally too. And in the process I'd like it to stay and thrive in my own community. It's not a zero-sum game... we won't run out of hockey if it keeps spreading around.

People say this, but to me at least, it comes off as rather shallow. You are against moving poor (mostly southern) markets, but would love to see more in Canada. How exactly is that supposed to work? The league has said it won't expand until the problems it has with certain franchises are fixed. Even then, if these problems were fixed, do you think the NHL would put a team in Canada? Hell no, they would use the success of those other markets to try to push the game into other American locales like Houston and Las Vegas.

 

[Tekneek]

Even then, if these problems were fixed, do you think the NHL would put a team in Canada? Hell no, they would use the success of those other markets to try to push the game into other American locales like Houston and Las Vegas.

I don't think that way. They did grant an expansion franchise to Ottawa, didn't they? As long as Canada doesn't run into the kind of economic situation they had back during the 90s, I wouldn't be surprised to see as many as 10 NHL clubs there eventually. Does that mean that I think there should be fewer NHL teams in the US? No, I actually believe there is enough talent out there to justify having as many as 34 NHL franchises. I want them to figure out the economics more than just putting a team in every market.

 

[Killion]

And in the process I'd like it to stay and thrive in my own community. It's not a zero-sum game... we won't run out of hockey if it keeps spreading around.

Tarheel, I would give my eyeteeth to have a caring, classy & funny guy like Jim Rutherford in charge of the Leafs or Canucks. That guy taught me much about Life, Guts & Hockey. He's the Real Deal. A squirt of a player who only came up as a result of WILL. In my heart & genius, Im as "South" as it gets. Ive spent a lotta time in Nashville & Memphis. Birmingham & NO. Thems NHL Hockey Markets. Anyone stating the reverse doesnt knowS____T from shinola. Why do you bother with them?,,,, Aint worth the effort.

 

[AllByDesign]

Whatsa Shinola?

 

[GreenHornet]

Tarheel,In my heart & genius, Im as "South" as it gets. Ive spent a lotta time in Nashville & Memphis. Birmingham & NO. Thems NHL Hockey Markets. Anyone stating the reverse doesnt knowS____T from shinola. Why do you bother with them?,,,, Aint worth the effort.

I wish there were more people up your way who got us Southern folk the way you do, my friend.