How come the NHL series doesn't sell as much?

[NYwRiter94]

Quick thing I should mention: If you're in the upper half of the arena, take a moment to walk down and view it from closer in. I went to a game at MSG where I was at the top of the middle section, and simply by walking down to the front of the middle section the entire perspective changed. From that close up, you really see the size and speed of the players and how amazing it is that they compete at that level.

[Vikes1]

Quote: Originally Posted by NYwRiter94

Quick thing I should mention: If you're in the upper half of the arena, take a moment to walk down and view it from closer in. I went to a game at MSG where I was at the top of the middle section, and simply by walking down to the front of the middle section the entire perspective changed. From that close up, you really see the size and speed of the players and how amazing it is that they compete at that level.

I appreciate the heads up NY.

Our seats for the Habs vs Wild, are 12 rows up, nearly straight up from the face-off dot. I'm hoping that'll give us a good view and feel for the game.

I'm not sure yet where my daughter and her boyfriend's seats are.

[jyoung]

The NHL is never going gain popularity as long as ESPN doesn't cover it.

I am not sure when the NHL's TV rights are getting re-negotiated, but they should seriously consider doing whatever it takes to get back on ESPN like they were in the early '90s.

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by wEEman33

The NHL is never going gain popularity as long as ESPN doesn't cover it. I am not sure when the NHL's TV rights are getting re-negotiated, but they should seriously consider doing whatever it takes to get back on ESPN like they were in the early '90s.

Sad but true. I hate that ESPN basically ignores the sport 95% of the season.

[OddyOh]

TV rights are actually up this year (or next) I thought...and the NHL is in good shape cause their rights are negotiated first out of the 'big four' sports, and baseball & football facing possible labour stoppages. Time will tell, of course. (and I'm just repeating stuff I've heard on NHL radio/tsn, so I could be wrong, etc). Good blog about it here: http://www.fromtherink.com/2010/11/9...-perfect-world. Interesting that the Winter Classic is such a success...I'm tired of it, personally...

No NHL team near my area, but I attended a bunch of the 2010 World Junior games...live hockey is so fast, and physical, TV doesn't do it justice... . Loved that HBO series!

[Therion7]

In Europe, ESPN America do an absolutely sterling job, and the NHL is a big part of the schedule along with college football. Now the Bowl season is over, it's hockey all the way with some NBA thrown in.

With HD available in most European countries, the NHL's popularity should increase. The local interest is there via a large amount of European players - something that isn't true of the other big North American sports, although I would concede the NFL is still the most popular overseas with the exception of Sweden, Finland and maybe the Czech Republic where hockey rules.

What should help is that the ESPN network in the UK, where hockey doesn't have a big following, also shows a lot of "soccer" from Italy, Germany and Holland. Many people sign up for this alone but receive ESPN America as part of the channel package and invariably watch a hockey game at some point. It's a nice gateway for the NHL.

As for the console game itself, well the NHL series may be cruelly overlooked but you can buy it prettily easily in Europe. Shops always stock it in small quantities. Conversely, I had to import MLB: The Show. It didn't even get released over here.

So... being positive, there is an increasing overseas market for the NHL as the programming becomes ever more watchable overseas. The league recognise this, as the increasing number of pre-season openers shows, so here's hoping they can capitalise on it.

[edwaxx]

IMO hockey is not bigger here in the states because of the lack of it at the pee wee level...I know there are places where pee wee hockey thrives but as a general rule grassroots hockey is non-existent in the United States...any kid in any town can easily join up on a baseball, basketball or football team for little to no cost for the parent...hockey on the other hand takes an absurd amount of money for equipment, ice time and travel just to compete (and that's even if there are leagues within 150 miles of your hometown)...Over the next few years if the NHL decides to devote funds to help offset the cost and availability of the game to youngsters it would go a long way towards increasing their fan base

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by edwaxx

IMO hockey is not bigger here in the states because of the lack of it at the pee wee level...I know there are places where pee wee hockey thrives but as a general rule grassroots hockey is non-existent in the United States...any kid in any town can easily join up on a baseball, basketball or football team for little to no cost for the parent...hockey on the other hand takes an absurd amount of money for equipment, ice time and travel just to compete (and that's even if there are leagues within 150 miles of your hometown)...Over the next few years if the NHL decides to devote funds to help offset the cost and availability of the game to youngsters it would go a long way towards increasing their fan base

That certainly is a part of it. Hockey is growing at the youth level out here in Colorado, but that's because the parents can afford the sport, and there's a lot of ex-NHL guys that still live in town and their kids play.