19redwings said:
Hockey is a third tier sport. We all need to admit that. I have family in Raleigh and they had to go to 5 different places before they found one that would put the Canes game on. So, yes, there are more fans. But in reality, there are teams where they shouldn't be. I do not mean it to be snobbery, that would be elitist. How is one elitist for a third tier sport?
Glad to see you support your team!
Seeing as I LIVE in Raleigh-Durham, I find that statement ludicrous and, more to the point, it stretches credulity! Every sports bar down here had the game on and used this as advertising to get people in the door. Even the little pizza place down the road had the game on Thursday night, and that's run by a Pittsburgh family. Everyone here in town is walking and talking hockey. Best thing about Southern hockey: tailgating in February in 60 degree weather, and our playoff airport ritual. Caniacs rock!
http://www.newsobserver.com/796/story/1529795.html
I absolutely abhor the elitism and contraction talk, and the original six teams are not without their problems. I'm from Chicagoland and grew up living and breathing Hawks hockey in the 60's - 70's. That once proud and original six franchise WAS Crud for years recently until Mr. Wirtz died. Now, his son has the turned this team around and it's been a joy to behold, especially seeing them beating up on Detroit last year (thank god for Center Ice). Toronto's management has been a joke for years. Montreal couldn't win against a pee-wee team, basket cases for goalies and ego's galore. Rangers can't seem to stay away from Avery. Boston, well, they're done for the year. The Jacobs family may make a mess out of that team over the summer, so stay tuned. The Red Wings have been the only constant through these past 2 decades, but even they had very lean years in the 70's - 80's.
There's been some abysmal failures and decision in some of the upstart franchises, like moving the Florida Panthers arena to the suburbs from downtown Miami. Killed their attendance immediately. Same with the Coyotes. I foresee the same happening to the Devils. Who the **** wants to go to Newark, let alone see a hockey game. I use to live in N. Jersey and it was a quick 45 minute drive to the Meadowlands. Even if I lived there now, I know to stay out of Newark at night. And then there's Edmonton. It seems players want to leave there as soon as they get there.
I'm no Bettman apologist and the NHLs TV contract with Versus leaves me scratching my head. However, I find it exciting that there are little kids down here, and further south, that talk with a twang (and not an "eh") and are growing up playing hockey. The league can't just depend on Canadians to fill the rosters. The game also needs more fans in order to gain in market share. Unless you want it to be a third tier, elitist sport where you stay the top dog?
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And Marillion Fan:
Yes, it'll be a Staal - Staal series. Have you heard of the Staal brothers drinking game? I hadn't until today. I may try it games 1 & 2, as I'll be at Games 3 & 4.
http://pghbloggers.org/node/281932
Thanks for taking care of Ovenchicken. I was smiling as Sidney stole the puck from him and scored on the breakaway. I look forward to ending YOUR season.
We have unfinished business with Detroit.