By KEVIN CANESSA Jr.
Since the lockout began in September, there have been more than enough ideas of how the NHL would have to react in order to "win back" fans who, like many of us, are fed up with the reality that since 1992, the NHL has locked its players out three times and the players struck once. Four labor stoppages in 21 years, an average of about one every five years.
From the fourth league of four leagues. (Some might even suggested the NHL is fifth of five with Major League Soccer making incredible gains in popularity and economically).
Some of the ideas have been wonderful. Others, ridiculous (like having all 30 teams make the playoffs). I thought I'd share a few, the ones I liked the best. And of course, if you've got any in mind -- let us know. Leave comments after this post. We'll feature the best ones in a future post.
So here they are.
ESPN's Pierre LeBrun suggests
NHL Center Ice and NHL Gamecenter Live (online) be free, all year long, for anyone who wants to watch the NHL. I'm not sure there's a better way to ensure that any hockey fan who wants to see a game can do so by tuning in on TV or logging on to the league's online game site.
As much as I love the New Jersey Devils, there's no way I'd pay the price for access to the games in the package from here in Florida. But I guarantee I'd watch nightly were the games free. And I know, for sure, this would go a long way to ensure the healing process moves along.
• Don't paint the ice with the words "
THANK YOU, FANS!" as was done at the start of the 2005-6 season. Thank you for what? Putting up with this utter crap? The words mean nothing. They were empty back then, and would be as empty now.
• Ensure concessions, at games, are priced the way they should be priced. Unfortunately, this would take genius negotiating, as companies like ARAMark are allowed to literally steal from customers by charging $5 for a bottle of soda that would cost $1.25 at QuickChek or Wawa.
In 1995, the Devils charged $1 for every hotdog sold the entire season. Perhaps given inflation, they could charge $1.50 in 2013.
• Offer uncountable ticket discounts -- not just to the general public, but to season-ticket holders, too. Paying $135 for a lower-bowl seat to a regular-season game is absurd as it is. In 1990, lower-tier tickets at the Brendan Byrne Arena cost $24 throughout. Even in 1990 standards, that was relatively cheap. In 2013, no one who wants to go to an NHL game should have to say, "I can't -- the tickets are just too unaffordable."
Not only would this bring the die-hard who otherwise couldn't afford tickets, it would also entice the casual fan who might otherwise say to hell with the NHL.
These are just a few ideas I liked most.
Let's hear yours!
