A team with Roberts, Domi, Tucker, and Marchmant? Sounds like a goon squad to me.

 

Topic of discussion: Other than contraction of some of the weaker/smaller market franchises, what methods can you see to enhance the current product? Rules changes, CBA structure, etc.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestSideBilly


A team with Roberts, Domi, Tucker, and Marchmant?

 

I'll give you Roberts and Tucker, but Marchmant is one of the biggest goons to ever play the game... I can't think of anyone who has ended more careers in recent history.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WestSideBilly
Topic of discussion:

 

Can't argue with you there. I don't think this is strictly a TV issue. Go to a game sometime and watch people's heads - many can not follow the puck even when it's only 50' away. Even the cameramen lose the puck now and then. 2 things I usually tell people when I'm trying to "teach" them how to watch the game:

1) Following the puck is usually not the best thing to watch, except when in the offensive zone (watching for shoots). Neutral zone play and defensive zone play, watch where people move to as the play develops.
2) Player behavior almost always gives away where the puck will be going. Rather than reacting to where the puck is going, watch the players and you'll generally be able to know where the puck will be.

Don't forget that fox experimented with backlighting the puck on TV, and it was a total failure.

Hockey just isn't friendly to the casual fan (football and nascar type racing are - thus their popularity). The NHL had a commercial with Shania Twain explaining on-the-fly line changes, I was hoping they would do a series of them to explain things, such as two-line passes, dump-and-chase, etc. I haven't seen any, though, so I think they stopped the series...

 

Great points WSB That is kinda where I was going...

Hockey is the only major sport where offense changes to defense so rapidly...I guess you could say basketball does..but the ball is HUGE compared to a puck! I know its not the best way to watch, but the casual fan (i.e. MOST of TV viewing America) likes to watch offense....this is near impossible to do with Hockey. I think this will always hinder Hockey's fan base, ticket sales, TV revenue, etc.

Another interesting Hockey marketing point....in the beginning when it was a rogue sport (so to speak) they relied on the Wrastling element to attract a fan base (allowed fighting, etc )...as the league grew up and more talented atheletes entered the sport it became more of a finesse game... rules were changed, etc.....well this didnt make the "old school" fan base too pleased.... Ask any Philly fan if they wish the Flyguys were MORE aggressive like the old Broad Street Bullies.

I think Hockey is its own biggest challenge.....They need to find a happier medium of the old school and the new athletic speed game which has developed.

 

I think hockey fans are born, when they watch hockey, they don't have to think about it, everything just flows.

I remember when FOX experimented with the backlighted puck, I was dissapointed to say the least. When you actually know what is going on, it actually becomes a true professional sport instead of a bunch of 'goons' hitting each other and slapping around sticks.

 

I would prefer to see fighting back in the game, as well. Not just for entertainment, but for how it can affect the game, as well.

 

Mike Comrie to Philly? WTF.