25 replies to this topic

[Imber]

It will always be like that...not even ESPN could change it. It's just the way it is. That's why hockey arena's are built to only hold around 20,000 people or less. Football stadiums and baseball parks...whole different story.

I disagree. Basketball arenas are similar and sometimes even shared. And as I said, the NHL was challenging for the 2nd most talked about sport in America in the late 90's. It took some special people to make sure it never reached its potential.

[CoyoteQ]

I disagree. Basketball arenas are similar and sometimes even shared. And as I said, the NHL was challenging for the 2nd most talked about sport in America in the late 90's. It took some special people to make sure it never reached its potential.

But I didn't mention basketball. I know what you're saying though. As long as the sponsors are there and the TV deals and ratings are there (like basketball) don;t need 60,000 people at a game.

[Imber]

Don't Confuse Athletes and Heroes

I grew up just like the average little boy in America. When I thought about who my ‘heroes’ were, I inevitably came up with my favorite athletes. Posters of John Vanbiesbrouck, Jeff Conine, and Eddie George lined my walls. It’s pretty common for youth, and sometimes all of us, to idolize athletes as somehow more than human beings.

But they’re not.

And that’s nothing against them. Sometimes it’s good to see the human side of athletes. During my internship with the Florida Panthers, I was able to interview multiple players, and they were all very friendly and down to earth. Many players do charity work and help out in the community. And if a visit from a famous player can bring a smile to a sick child, well that’s more than any on ice contribution could ever mean.

But there’s another side. An uglier side that’s coming out during these labor negotiations.

http://puckthelockou...tes-and-heroes/

[addulous]

I'll be very interested to hear your thoughts on the new proposal if you plan on writing an entry on that.

[Imber]

Why This Means So Much

Dear Gary Bettman, Bill Daly, Donald Fehr, Steve Fehr, NHL Owners, and NHL Players:

Let me tell you a story. And before you try to negotiate how long I’m allowed to speak or how to split up the time dedicated to each of your side’s, just sit there and listen.

Because you need to hear this – all of you.

The first part of the story is one that I’ve told many times before. When I was just five-years-old, I was brought to my first hockey game at the old Miami Arena, and immediately fell in love with the sport.

http://puckthelockou...-means-so-much/

This point has been edited by Imber: 11 November 2012 - 07:13 PM

[tk90]

It doesn't matter. Financially or not, it didn't do enough to help the NHL get back into the mainstream. If people are fine with that, then sure, it was a great deal. Hockey won't ever be popular again without ESPN and I think that's something the sport needs.

Y'know, the first hockey game I ever saw was on ESPN. And I came across it completely by accident. The rest is history. Just throwing that out there...