Help Hockey

[A.T.Hun 0]

I haven't seen the figures for the final game, but I'm sure you've all heard that the T.V. ratings for game 3 of the finals were catastrophically low--the lowest prime time ratings in NBC history. Now what? I'd like to hear some changes YOU'D like to see. Maybe they'll make hockey more accessible to everyone, maybe they'll improve things for the hardcore fans. Please spare me the "Fire Bettman!" comments. We all know that's not going to happen. Also save the "have the Wings and Rangers in the finals." It's true that having a California team nobody knows about against a Canadian team that not even Canadians care about isn't going to help ratings, but let's leave game fixing, etc., to the conspiracy theorists.

Here's some suggestions I have. Few of them are original, but I think they'd help

1) Get a nightly NHL show on T.V. I'd prefer John Buccigross and NHL2nite on ESPN2, but failing that Versus really must have a nightly show. I have difficulty believing that they couldn't preempt a 1/2 hour of cow punching or whatever.

2) Get "Hockey Night in Canada" on American T.V. Once again, it'd be nice if they could get it on something like NBC, but it would seem to be a no-brainer for Versus just to broadcast the CBC feed.

3) If we're stuck with Versus, work to get them on more cable systems and on the basic tiers. I don't know who Gary Bettman has to sleep with to get this done, but he's supposed to be good at this marketing stuff. *cough*

Any thoughts?

[alienanxiety 23]

a lot of people are trying to think of raical ways to make the NHL popular - and many of the recent ideas have failed. i have two simple ideas - contract the league 8 teams, and get the game back to late 80s, early 90s style of play, and let the rest take care of itself.

who cares if the ratings are low anyway? I watch. You watch. Hockey fans watch. What is this, a religion? Why should we force it on everyone else?

[MonkeyGoalie 14]

Versus did have a NHL show on at night but it was on at around 1:00am (EST) and I doubt anyone will stay up that late to watch it. I know this show was on during the post-season but I don't know if they had it on during the regular season.

[BeeRYCE 2]

If ESPN cared about hockey, then it would be more popular. Alot of people are too ignorant to have the willpower to watch hockey, maybe because it's a Canadian game, or whatever. This would really help if ESPN cared, it would draw more people to watching hockey highlights and ultimately the game itself, but no, ESPN spends more time focusing on the NFL offseason than the NHL playoffs.

[eva unit zero 271]

a lot of people are trying to think of raical ways to make the NHL popular - and many of the recent ideas have failed. i have two simple ideas - contract the league 8 teams, and get the game back to late 80s, early 90s style of play, and let the rest take care of itself.

who cares if the ratings are low anyway? I watch. You watch. Hockey fans watch. What is this, a religion? Why should we force it on everyone else?

Contract the league to 8 teams?

Not even looking at the up-front cost of contraction (which is monumental) you'd be looking at a loss of most of the media markets the NHL is in.

You'd have the Original Six, as well as assumedly Edmonton and Calgary--the two Canadian teams with the most history. That would be the NHL. You'd have nothing south or west of Chicago in the US.

The playing level would be higher, but that wouldn't really be noticeable by casual fans or non-fans, who are also the ones who would be losing their teams and therefore angry with the league for that.

Contraction, especially on the large scale, is NOT the answer to making the league more popular.

[Elshupacabra 0]

Versus did have a NHL show on at night but it was on at around 1:00am (EST) and I doubt anyone will stay up that late to watch it. I know this show was on during the post-season but I don't know if they had it on during the regular season.

That show, NHL: On the Fly, is produced by NHL Network in Canada and then rebroadcast on VS, Hence the 1:00AM start time, its somthing like 10 or 11PM where that show is shot.

[rick zombo 3,739]

The way to fix hockey is by letting it thrive in the places it should, and not forcing the issue elsewhere. Nascar don't hold races in Alberta, but lots of people still watch it.

Hockey will generate more interest as a geographical-based sport. There has to be a more concentrated effort to enhance the product in cities and cultures that care.

Established franchises like Rangers, Leafs, Habs, Senators, Bruins, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Flames, Oilers, Canucks, Sabers winning the cup will help the league infintily more than when Anaheim, Tampa, or Carolina win it.

Contracting a few teams will increase rivalries. And add more concentrated talent to each team, eliminating trap-based systems. Get fighting back in the game, eliminate head shots and injuries to star players, and off you go.

[Jwo 7]

Comcast is suppose to launch the NHL Network channel by this summer or else they have to pay some fine to the NHL, unless they break their tv contract then its voided.

Edited June 7, 2007 by Jwo

[stevie for president 42]

myopic owners are whats wrong with hockey. they cant see that although bettman is making them money, a healthy, popular nhl will make them even more money. look what this wonderful game has be relegated to. it went from a sport on the rise that was challenging the nba for 3rd most popular to a fringe sport. it went from a hard hitting league with more fights than teeth to figure-skating with a stick. from espn to versus. maybe get some owners that can realize that bettman isnt the right guy and shouldve been fired in 95

[IceMunkee 15]

My thoughts:

1. Bring back fighting, I know I am a neanderthal. Fighting keeps the average fan enthusiastic about the game. Bottom line it is exciting and we seen less silly injuries when there was fighting.

2. Advertise, advertise, advertise. They had some good commercials this season but you barely seen them and if you did it was while watching a game, and hey we were already watching. It is hard to market players like the NFL and NBA does becuase (from my friend) a kid will not look at a Sidney Crosby commercial and be like damn I gotta have them skates. Sign stars on with gatorade, under armour, and things that everyday people would use.

3. Cut down the BS teams in the NHL. Some places were just not meant for a hockey team and some will say it is market expansion but if you don't give a crap about the team when they are there then why would it matter if they were gone. Pheinox (spelling), both Florida teams, and Carolina. I know t he later have a cup but farther then that who in there markets give a crap about thier team? Bring the NHL within 20-24 teams. I know this will sound silly but give Las Vegas a team. Could you imagine the hype? Beating? Greztky's wife would love it.

4. VIDEO GAMES. I know they already have some, but they are mediocr at best. Alot of kids will play Madden before they ever become football fans. Make good quality games. Some realistic and others kind of like the Baseball game coming out this summer.

Just my thoughts...

Oh and fire bettman. Just becuase he looks like everything hockey is not....

(sorry had to throw that in)

[alienanxiety 23]

i didn't mean contract to 8 teams. i meant contract 8 teams, bringing it down to 22.

we don't need carolina, florida, tampa bay, anaheim, los angeles, atlanta, pheonix, or dallas. then move nashville to a canadian city.

EAST

Adams Division

Toronto

Buffalo

Ottawa

Boston

Montreal

Patrick Division

New Jersey

Pittsburgh

NY Rangers

NY Islanders

Philly

Washington

WEST

Norris Division

Detroit

Minnesota

St. Louis

Chicago

Columbus

Winnipeg

Smyth Division

San Jose

Vancouver

Calgary

Edmonton

Colorado

Edited June 7, 2007 by alienanxiety

[nater 0]

My advice... quit trying to be like the NBA (which in my opinion, is what Bettman is doing) and go back to what made hockey unique and fun. Go back to the old style of conference and division naming. Stop calling these chincy penalties and let the players play. Bring fighting back. There will be a lot less cheap shots if they know they have to answer for it later on. And who cares if the stick is parallel to the ice, if the skater isn't obviously impeded, then quit blowing the damn whistle! I dislike watching the NBA because of how much the whistle is blown on stupid foul calls, and its starting to get that way with hockey to me. These new rules were made to keep the game running, yet it seems to have slowed down to me. This is the NHL, be the NHL and quit trying to make it something it is not.

[eva unit zero 271]

Enough about 'the old way' of naming divisions.

[/font]

You do realize that the 'traditional' way of naming conferences and divisions was only in place from 1975 to 1993? Before that, there were *gasp* Eastern and Western conferences.

The NHL has been divided into conferences and divisions since 1967-68. The MAJORITY of that time has been spent using a geographical name.

As for contracting teams...as I said before, that is NOT the solution to making the NHL more popular.

[vangvace 12]

It amazes me how you see the Unitied Way NFL commercial everywhere... hint hint.

I don't think contraction is the answer... relocatation ok. I'm not even fully against there being 32 well placed teams. The Key being well placed.

Say for instance:

Nashville to RIM HQ (Since it appears that it'll happen)

ATL to Vegas

Florida to SLC (even though it might not work. Quirky people them folk)

Tampa to the Dakotas (Could become the Nebraska of the NHL)

Washington to Portland/Quebec/Winni

New team in Kansas City

New team to Portland/Quebec/Winni

Balances things geographically a bit better. Closer rivals. Redraws the Conferences (again). Doesn't really take anything into account specifically.

Wish the NHL games would fix thier goal scoring bugs, but they're fun. 2K7 has some good depth to it too.

[IceMunkee 15]

It amazes me how you see the Unitied Way NFL commercial everywhere... hint hint.

I don't think contraction is the answer... relocatation ok. I'm not even fully against there being 32 well placed teams. The Key being well placed.

Say for instance:

Nashville to RIM HQ (Since it appears that it'll happen)

ATL to Vegas

Florida to SLC (even though it might not work. Quirky people them folk)

Tampa to the Dakotas (Could become the Nebraska of the NHL)

Washington to Portland/Quebec/Winni

New team in Kansas City

New team to Portland/Quebec/Winni

Balances things geographically a bit better. Closer rivals. Redraws the Conferences (again). Doesn't really take anything into account specifically.

Wish the NHL games would fix thier goal scoring bugs, but they're fun. 2K7 has some good depth to it too.

I really like your relocation idea's. I am glad to see someone agree with me on Vegas. Although I am definitly not opposed to the NHL shaving teams down.

I love 2K7, but what I would like is a game like the MLB: Big Show coming out this summer. An exaggerated play at a game that I don't care for or really understand. A similar NHL game would encourage people that don't understand the game to play and possibly start to enjoy it. They tried it with NHL Hitz but I thought it was soft.

[eva unit zero 271]

It amazes me how you see the Unitied Way NFL commercial everywhere... hint hint.

I don't think contraction is the answer... relocatation ok. I'm not even fully against there being 32 well placed teams. The Key being well placed.

Say for instance:

Nashville to RIM HQ (Since it appears that it'll happen)

ATL to Vegas

Florida to SLC (even though it might not work. Quirky people them folk)

Tampa to the Dakotas (Could become the Nebraska of the NHL)

Washington to Portland/Quebec/Winni

New team in Kansas City

New team to Portland/Quebec/Winni

Balances things geographically a bit better. Closer rivals. Redraws the Conferences (again). Doesn't really take anything into account specifically.

Wish the NHL games would fix thier goal scoring bugs, but they're fun. 2K7 has some good depth to it too.

I think 32 teams in 4 8-team divisions is a good match. BUT:

Florida, Nashville, Phoenix, Washington are the teams I would consider moving. Move them to Kitchener (since that looks like a reality for Nashville), Portland, Houston, Kansas City, Vegas, and perhaps Madison, WI. That spaces the teams more evenly, in large markets that in most cases already have hockey doing well at the junior or AHL level. Add two expansion clubs to those markets as well.

Pacific Division: Anaheim, Calgary, Edmonton, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Portland, San Jose, Vancouver

Central Division: Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Madison, Minnesota, St. Louis

Northeast Division; Boston, Buffalo, Columbus, Detroit, Kitchener, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto

Atlantic Division: Atlanta, Carolina, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay

[Guest jaytan]

Well, first of all, something needs to be done about the rules and the way penalties are called. The instigator rule is sickening. Obstruction isn't good, but fifteen obstruction penalty calls in a period is worse. Diving and "selling" of supposed penalties goes on far too much. That new rule about the goalie touching the puck behind the net is silly....

Secondly, the schedule frankly sucks. Teams need to play division "rivals" less and opponents from other conferences much more.

Next, there could be some kind of overhaul with the divisional set-up. It's unfair on teams in the Western Conference. I believe a good solution would be to move two Western teams into the East, and leave the conferences unbalanced.

I don't like the salary cap, but it's fair, so it can stay.

I don't like the shoot-outs during the regular season, but I think more people than not do, so it can stay. However, you should no longer be rewarded a point for an overtime loss.

As far as marketing and showcasing the sport, it is essential to get better TV deals in place. There is no reason in hell that the only time people in American cities without an NHL team can watch games (for at least half of the regular season) is on a Monday or Tuesday on a crappy cable network. For fans on the West Coast, those TV games aren't just scheduled on a bad day, but at a bad time of day (4:30 in the afternoon).

If Versus is going to have an NHL contract, they need to show games during the weekends, more games in general, and more West Coast games. They also need to have a daily show devoted to hockey news. ESPN obviously has no commitment to NHL hockey (they have their reasons, but that doesn't matter), so that opens a bigger door for Versus, and they're not going all the way through.

We need to see more hockey players in advertisements. There are potentially some very marketable stars in the league right now, but I don't remember seeing a current player in a national TV ad (not including ads that air during a game) since those Nike commericals with Federov in them.

As far as the Southern markets, I agree that they aren't working out as well as Buttman envisioned (and most probably never will), but we can't just give up on all of them. That would make the league even more of a joke to most of America than it already is. Let the Predators move north, but give the other ones struggling a little time to build.

It was a mistake to expand to 30 teams, but contraction is not the answer. Eventually, more of these teams will move to more suitable areas, but others may flourish and help the sport's recognition and participation grow.

Also, there are so many foreign players in the league that a lot of fans don't feel like they can relate to the athletes. Perhaps it is time to limit the number of guys you can have on your roster who aren't from the continent. This would have a positive effect on the European leagues, as well. I don't see the point in signing role players from Scandanavia when there are plenty of equally talented (and often more motivated) players from Saskatchewan.

Edited June 7, 2007 by jaytan

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

The way to fix hockey is by letting it thrive in the places it should, and not forcing the issue elsewhere. Nascar don't hold races in Alberta, but lots of people still watch it.

Hockey will generate more interest as a geographical-based sport. There has to be a more concentrated effort to enhance the product in cities and cultures that care.

Established franchises like Rangers, Leafs, Habs, Senators, Bruins, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Flames, Oilers, Canucks, Sabers winning the cup will help the league infintily more than when Anaheim, Tampa, or Carolina win it.

Contracting a few teams will increase rivalries. And add more concentrated talent to each team, eliminating trap-based systems. Get fighting back in the game, eliminate head shots and injuries to star players, and off you go.

I could not disagree more with this post.

The idea is to grow hockey, make it more popular. How is contracting going to help that at all?

The NHL should not worry about the 'established franchises' as you call them. Rather focus on the teams that need help, like Phoneix, New Jersey, Duckies, ect.

I challange you to look at the attendance numbers for the Tampa Bay Lightning BEFORE they won the Cup, then look at the AFTER they won. The numbers are quite stunning. In fact, I'm fairly sure the Lightning actually sold out more than league average.

The key to growing the NHL is in advertising, marketing, endorsments, and excitment in the game.

Look back at when the NHL was pushing hard on the NBA. The NHL had tons of players on TV. Sergei's Nike commercial keeps running throgh my mind. Anyone else remember the 'troubled' goalies of the Nike commercials? You didn't have to be a hockey fan to LOVE those commercials. They were some of the highest rated commercials of all time. Speaking of commercials, I think an hard-nosed effort at getting some air-time during the Super Bowl would help. If the NHL can get some humor and action into the homes of that many people, it should be done.

The NHL does not market itself enough. And here in the states, we don't see enough of the NHLers with endorsments. That needs to change. A lot of this is in the players hands, but baseball has a much more gruling schedule than hockey, and it's athletes seem to get it done. I know there is more opportunity for those guys, but our NHLers need to take every opportunity to help out this game.

Finally, bring back the excitment in games. I have to tip my hat to the NHL post-lockout here. The game is much more exciting now that all the BS hooking and grabbing is getting called. However, let the boys fight. It will help police the game, and rating will go up. People love to watch a good fight, even hockey haters watch the fights.

Oh, and I would fire Bettman. No, wait, yes I would. I'd fire Bettman and bring in Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe to run the NHL in unison.

[HuntsVegas Baby 0]

I totally agree with the bring back fighting idea. NASCAR blows but everyone loves a good wreck.

Get some funny commercials. Nobody watches ESPN bowling on Sunday, but those little commercials of the bowling balls starting fires and wrecking havoc so that guy will be forced to watch it, those are catchy.

Promote the players. Basketball is horrible but you have the good guys (the Lebron's, the Duncan's) and you have the bad guys (the RashWeed's). People will tune in to see whether or not Steve Avery is gonna take off Sidney Crosby's head!

Just my couple of points.

Edited June 7, 2007 by HuntsVegas Baby

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

3 quickies for me...

1. The schedule is awful. I just don't buy that all fans like the schedule against teams 8x a year. Even if you like to play the other team or are big rivals, 8 games against any team, I don't care who they are, is too many. What was wrong with the previous format. You were guaranteed to see every team at least once, and see every team in your home arena at least every other season.

2. Eliminate the instigator rule. It's crap. I don't want games getting out of hand but nothing is wrong with a good ol' 1-on-1 fight every now and then, even late in the games.

3. I actually don't mind the deal with VS. Hell, if the NHL could somehow get back on ESPN, I'd go back to them in a heartbeat, despite annoying and redundant ESPN jokes in here how they don't care about hockey. Well, they still showed it back then. But, it's going to be on VS for a while for better or worse. I think they have done a decent job with post-game analyses, showing hockey related shows and movies every now and then, and so forth.

VS also broadcasts some college football games now from the Mountain West Confernce, starting this past football season. So VS is trying to become a little more mainstream.

For both the NHL and the MWC, it's the same situation. If you focus on results in a 1 or 2-year window, you aren't going to be happy with the deal on VS, because it is not widely available (yet) in a lot of households across the country. For both parties, this was a long-term decision. In 5-7 years, maybe VS will be more available. That's up to everybody. For VS to promote themselves, for fans of both the NHL and schools in the Mountain West Conference to request more availability of the station, and for the NHL and MWC to partner up with VS in some fashion for some marketing.

If, by that 5-7 year window VS is still not in more markets and the NHL is still difficult to find, then the experiment with VS could be deemed a failure. Until then, it is too early in the relationship and judgment is pre-mature.

[ShanahanMan 473]

couple things things I can narrow it down to.....

one is that big name teams HAVE to start doing better. Yeah, it was cool seeing the Rangers make the playoffs and the TV ratings in New York were great! But other big name NHL teams like Toronto, Boston, Chicago, Montreal, and Phily REALLY need to step it up! Seeing teams like Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Anaheim win the cup is not gonna help the NHL AT ALL, and teams like this winning the cup seems to be th new trend. What about next year? Maybe the Capitals against the Coyotes for the cup? God, I hope not.

Also the schedule is absolutely horrendous. How many times did we play the Blues last season? 8, 9 times? How many times did we play the Rangers? or Boston? or Toronto? once I think. They really need to do some major overhauling to the schedule.

Oh and Versus blows

[RedRockit 0]

Advertising.

Stop trying to make hockey soccer-mom friendly-- it hasn't worked, and never will. Kids simply don't LIKE the things that their parents approve of. Market it like rap music, and you'll have the die-hard boomer hockey fans bringing their grandchildren to games-- promoting Family Values via violence.

Concept: a 30-second commercial showing Pronger's hit on Homer, the Brawl in Buffalo, big hits, big goals, with some kickass current music (if that's not an oxymoron), with this comment:

"This isn't your mother's NHL."

To be shown during the NBA playoffs and MLB games and NASCAR races and Saturday morning cartoons.

[Superman54 91]

It is sad that ESPN doesn't cover the NHL and how under appreciated it is. But I think we just need to give it some time. I don't get VS I live in Canada so I dont know how it is. But at least you get some game coverage right?

[RockyMountainWingGal 108]

Comcast is suppose to launch the NHL Network channel by this summer or else they have to pay some fine to the NHL, unless they break their tv contract then its voided.

This is what I've thought would help the NHL - launch it's own network - NHL TV. Just like the NFL and NBA do (although only the NFL is free I believe). Air one game every week on NHL TV. Also run classic games - and provide a weekly show. If they bought their own station - they could do at least market their sport a bit.

I'm fine with hockey not being like football - it's nice to have a little niche. But seriously, no ESPN has killed the sport here in the USA. I could always count on the NHL nightly or whatever it was called - and several games a week. Now you have to watch ESPN news for an hour just to get a 60 sec blurb with Melrose- wtf? Versus has what - one maybe two games a week?? Last night - ESPN had "Anaheim Ducks win the Stanley Cup" on their ticker for about an hour before they got bumped by the NBA or MLB - lame...

[Superman54 91]

Advertising.

Stop trying to make hockey soccer-mom friendly-- it hasn't worked, and never will. Kids simply don't LIKE the things that their parents approve of. Market it like rap music, and you'll have the die-hard boomer hockey fans bringing their grandchildren to games-- promoting Family Values via violence.

Concept: a 30-second commercial showing Pronger's hit on Homer, the Brawl in Buffalo, big hits, big goals, with some kickass current music (if that's not an oxymoron), with this comment:

"This isn't your mother's NHL."

To be shown during the NBA playoffs and MLB games and NASCAR races and Saturday morning cartoons.

I agree. If someone who doesn't watch hockey regularly and sees a commercial like that may draw him to watch the next game. You need to show what appeals to people and violence is one of those very things.