Quote:
Originally Posted by itsJ.Millertime
You are correct about the lack of line brawls and goalie fights in the "new" nhl. To my knowledge there were none of either but I could have missed something, its not like I follow the league much anymore.
You are also right that toughguys/enforcers dont play much (I think they do play a bit more in juniors though) but I think it will change things because think of a coach who only has one enforcer/toughguy dressed as most do today. Is he going to risk playing a whole game without a toughguy sitting on the bench after his lone warrior is kicked out in the first period? I would think not, instead I could see him putting in strict "no fight" orders early on to save him for later if needed and if that latter never happens then so be it, save it for next game.
Also lets look at the "heat of the game" type of fight. Lets say a player with some skill who also likes to play a tough game gets drilled and wants to fight, will he and risk getting a instigator to get revenge or will he say "I better wait and not risk getting kicked out"? I would think the later, either way you look at it I dont see how anyone can be happy with this ruling. Yes it does not totaly eliminate fighting but it comes pretty damn close if you ask me.
Fansince65-looks like you are finally catching on. I really dont think any of these leagues care how many fans they lose. Just look at the dwindling attendance across every league, US stadium and the pitifull tv ratings for proof of that. Outside of the canadian teams in the "new" nhl and a handfull of other teams all leagues and teams are struggling mightly to attract fans to this new euro style game.
|
I dont know about the attendance in the NHL/AHL but i can tell you what it is like in my home vicinity .
Before the lockout our JR"B"team was drawing 150/250 fans every night and lost money every year , in fact
Joe Thornton paid off their debt one year to prevent them from going bankrupt ( he played for the team) they now draw every night 600/1000 fans to every game and fill the house for the playoff's every game ..
The JR"A" team that I have season tickets for drew 1500 fans as a solid base in a rink that held 5500 fans , they now have a new 9100 seat arena that is sold out for the 08/09 season before they even drop the puck !!
The lockout gave PPL a chance to re-discover junior hockey at all levels , I cant wait for Bettman to F#ck up again That season was the best I have ever witnessed in all the years I have watched junior hockey ...