Posted June 13, 200519 yr Owners and players are smart enough to know that the best way to get back the casual fan is at the Olympics, in February in Turin, Italy. The NHL got a boost from the participation of NHL players in Nagano, Japan, and in Salt Lake City. Olympic rules allow for a freer flowing game, and the league's elite players seized the opportunity to show off their skills unfettered by the clutching and grabbing in the NHL. The players loved it. The fans loved it. NBC loved it. Officials in Turin report that the hockey tournament has more tickets sold than any other sport. The Olympics could give to hockey what Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire gave to baseball, a reason for the casual fan to tune in, to rediscover what makes the game great. Baseball had to wait more than three years. Hockey could turn around in a half-season. Both sides, particularly owners, groused about the Olympic interruption in the regular season, how it had to be extended on both ends to compensate for the three-week shutdown. And, as noted earlier, participation in the Olympics is a bargaining point. The resolution should be obvious, though. Being in Turin is a deal maker, not a deal breaker. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...ts/11879735.htm
June 13, 200519 yr That is why I believe USA may regain NHL rights again. NBC owns USA and USA will air Olympic Hockey.
June 13, 200519 yr They say hockey will be "back" in six months. The thing is, when was hockey ever actually "here"? I guess 1994 when the Rangers won because when NYC teams win it's always a big deal.
June 13, 200519 yr They say hockey will be "back" in six months. The thing is, when was hockey ever actually "here"? I guess 1994 when the Rangers won because when NYC teams win it's always a big deal. 807324[/snapback] Your ignorance will get you nothing in this world. I am suprised you even know that the Rangers won the Stanley Cup then. Hockey, professionally, is only bettered by baseball in how long its been around. The Original NAHL was founded in the 1890's and that became the NHL after the Flu Epidemic. Hockey is big in the northeast and Midwest. It is one of the fastest growing sports in South Florida. Hockey was never in Carolina because that was a horrid move. I will give you that but hockey is definetly in, in Atlanta, Dallas, Columbus. Hockey in Florida will be back to the former sellouts it once was but if you use South Florida as an example for NHL failure, than you are blind. Going to the Miami Arena to see Panthers games was one of the most exciting atmospheres in all of the NHL. The ODC when full is as well. Hockey is here and will always be here no matter how many of people like you and Gooch there are to detract from hockey. Because there will always be diehards like Accord and I to support the league.
June 13, 200519 yr The funniest thing on the announcements at our school in 2003/2004: "The graduation will have to be moved from the Office Depot Center to Lockhart Stadium if the Panthers make the playoffs." :lol
June 14, 200519 yr The NBA being locked out will help the NHL more than anything...and yes the Miami Arena was such an awesome place for Hockey, I used to go to about 5-10 games a year, I havent been to a hockey game since the Miami Arena.
June 14, 200519 yr The funniest thing on the announcements at our school in 2003/2004: "The graduation will have to be moved from the Office Depot Center to Lockhart Stadium if the Panthers make the playoffs." :lol 807611[/snapback] Florida was in playoff contention all year long until the last couple of weeks of the season. Dont really understand why that's funny, but for each his own.
June 14, 200519 yr The NBA being locked out will help the NHL more than anything...and yes the Miami Arena was such an awesome place for Hockey, I used to go to about 5-10 games a year, I havent been to a hockey game since the Miami Arena. 808244[/snapback] I loved going to the Miami Arena as well, but the ODC is such an unbelievably beutiful building -- on its own its almost worth the price of admission. Now if the Cats could just play a couple more playoff games in their new home....
June 14, 200519 yr The NBA being locked out will help the NHL more than anything...and yes the Miami Arena was such an awesome place for Hockey, I used to go to about 5-10 games a year, I havent been to a hockey game since the Miami Arena. 808244[/snapback] same here. used to go regularly when they were at miami arena, ive gone to 2 or 3 games at the ODC
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.