Shaggy
Forum Moderator 
Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
Posts: 10,995
|
Post by Shaggy on Oct 18, 2009 11:27:35 GMT
|
|
Higgy
Les Strongman
Posts: 5,293
|
Post by Higgy on Oct 18, 2009 12:49:31 GMT
Just sounds like the usual Scott Neil statement of Caps not having any money,nothing has ever changed.
|
|
Shaggy
Forum Moderator
Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
Posts: 10,995
|
Post by Shaggy on Oct 18, 2009 13:34:32 GMT
Just sounds like the usual Scott Neil statement of Caps not having any money,nothing has ever changed. Which is surely a big part of the problem? |
|
|
|
Post by Number 9.1 on Oct 18, 2009 15:15:36 GMT
You can count their completed league fixtures on one blind carpenter's hand for Christ's sake!
|
|
iginla
Chick Zamick
Posts: 13,440
|
Post by iginla on Oct 18, 2009 19:44:31 GMT
So why do they have more ex Nhl players than any other team if they are short of money. Whats up have the handouts from the league run out already ?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2009 3:49:37 GMT
So why do they have more ex Nhl players than any other team if they are short of money. Whats up have the handouts from the league run out already ? thats what i wonder, somethings not adding up |
|
John88
Simon Hunt
Posts: 1,031
|
Post by John88 on Oct 19, 2009 6:36:17 GMT
I don't think NHL players has got anything to do with it. They have always been able to recruit decent imports on the basis that a) Edinburgh is a famous and popular city b) Their Brits are local, cheap and not that good.
Fact is that in a minority sport, playing in front of 400 is unsustainable and you can't see how it is ever going to improve. They tried the Gardiner Cup and that has seemed to have made no difference what so ever.
There are 5 sustainable "big" teams in this country. Sadly, we need to find unsustainable ones for us to play just to keep it interesting.
|
|
Shaggy
Forum Moderator
Am I a cynical idealist or an idealistic cynic?
Posts: 10,995
|
Post by Shaggy on Oct 19, 2009 7:07:55 GMT
I don't think NHL players has got anything to do with it. They have always been able to recruit decent imports on the basis that a) Edinburgh is a famous and popular city b) Their Brits are local, cheap and not that good. I'm sure Ross Dalgleish wouldn't be impressed to hear you say that...  Other than that, I agree - and from what I gather, they've got a good university deal going as well. I can't help wondering if they might not have overspent a bit this season anyway (doing a Basingstoke? - hope not!) but they do seem to attract good talent... just not keep most of it. I think the Gardiner Cup was a mistake. Oh, very flashy, nice and high-profile... but also damned expensive to put on, and only likely to appeal mostly to existing hockey fans. There's a thread on the Caps forum right now about the lack of attendances... and a lot of it seems to come down to lack of publicity and awareness. So many people in Edinburgh, it seems, aren't even aware that Edinburgh has an ice rink, much less a hockey team! That's the area they need to concentrate on IMHO... build up the fanbase, build the foundations. Let's face it -Edinburgh should be a prime spot for a team... What they really need, of course, are the local derbies with Fife and Dundee. Get those 3 teams back together in the same league, and they'll all be laughing. But there's too much politics and ego involved there... How'd you work out 5 "sustainable" teams? Nottingham? - yes. Coventry? - yes. Newcastle? - having to play half their season out of Whitley Bay, poor attendances, money troubles. Cardiff? - getting back there slowly but surely. Sheffield? - marketing a disaster, attendances in freefall, playing some games out of Ice Sheffield... Belfast? - attendances down at the beginning of this season (haven't checked this month), no local derbies, were allegedly only saved by a rich new owner. Not sure on that one... Hull? - poor attendances, money troubles. Edinburgh? - see above. All of these (and more) are potentially sustainable... it just ain't happening. |
|
|
|
Post by spik on Oct 19, 2009 11:40:01 GMT
As john88 says...+1
They do neede to create a fanbase for sure.Starting with only 400 is it? Then trying in entice people is going to be hard but I wonder what they are not trying?
I hope it's just a quote to entice more help,more so that it being a drastic position.
The Gardiner Cup seemed an odd one anyway with it's format.
|
|
|
|
Post by alisonh on Oct 19, 2009 13:58:33 GMT
Edinburgh is the only place we've not visited for an away game, mainly due to the games mostly being held on a sunday. We've never managed to make a trip north of the border work on a sunday - its too far to get back after the game knowing you've go work in the morning.
Saturday home games may help them get more away interest, but I suppose its not wise to rely on away fans to bolster finances. And I suppose the rink are the deciding factor on what days they play at home.
I never get the impression that they don't try to advertise themselves, but maybe they just need to put themselves about as much as possible, however obvious or cheesy or cliched or a bit naff. The rugby place is next door(??), go hand out flyers at rugby matches (do they play rugby when we play ice-hockey?) etc.
Do they get much coverage from local TV and newspapers - we are helped by Nottm Post and the occasional mentions on the local beeb, but if they can't get a decent mention in the local news medias then that can't help.
But, equally, like Panthers, they have to get the current fanbase to bring-along-a-friend, and crutially, put on a "show" which will entice them back - not having been to a match I don't know how good their atmosphere is etc.
Its probably a little bit of everything which when it all clicks, works, and when it doesn't, never seems enough.
|
|
|
|
Post by alisonh on Oct 19, 2009 13:59:55 GMT
Also, even if they aren't in the same league as other scottish teams, why can't they still organise stand alone "cup" derby games? Advertise it as being in support of a local scottish charity or something.
|
|
|
|
Post by spik on Oct 19, 2009 17:21:03 GMT
Also, even if they aren't in the same league as other scottish teams, why can't they still organise stand alone "cup" derby games? Advertise it as being in support of a local scottish charity or something. I believe they were in the Scottish Cup and a Scottish league last term. |
|
|
|
Post by NickThePanther44 on Oct 19, 2009 23:34:27 GMT
I can't help but sense a dark year coming up for the EIHL, down to eight teams, Steelers attendances struggling, Belfasts weren't looking great last time I checked, Newcastle fans really not taking well to the Whitley Bay games and now all the rumours coming from the Caps.
Were down to eight teams and we've surely now run out of teams we can invite into the fold if we lose anymore. Can the EIHL survive with any less teams? Could the arena teams survive playing a lower standard and keep the crowds at a high enough level? This really is the only thing I hate about this sport.
|
|
|
|
Post by thfnick on Oct 20, 2009 6:12:47 GMT
we've surely now run out of teams we can invite into the fold if we lose anymore. I think Messers Black, Phillips, Cowley + Converoy ran out friends a long time ago...... |
|
|
|
Post by rangers on Oct 20, 2009 6:35:46 GMT
I There's a thread on the Caps forum right now about the lack of attendances... and a lot of it seems to come down to lack of publicity and awareness. So many people in Edinburgh, it seems, aren't even aware that Edinburgh has an ice rink, much less a hockey team! That's the area they need to concentrate on IMHO... build up the fanbase, build the foundations. Let's face it -Edinburgh should be a prime spot for a team... What they really need, of course, are the local derbies with Fife and Dundee. Get those 3 teams back together in the same league, and they'll all be laughing. But there's too much politics and ego involved there... I have to agree with that - I lived in Edinburgh a few years ago (about 8 now (jeez time flies) and while I was there (and this was after I'd been to Nottm Panthers quite a few times, and watched NHL) I didn't know the Caps existed. Just no marketing at all. Dunno how thats changed in them years, but |
|
|
|
Post by spik on Oct 20, 2009 9:50:38 GMT
I can't help but sense a dark year coming up for the EIHL, down to eight teams, Steelers attendances struggling, Belfasts weren't looking great last time I checked, Newcastle fans really not taking well to the Whitley Bay games and now all the rumours coming from the Caps. Were down to eight teams and we've surely now run out of teams we can invite into the fold if we lose anymore. Can the EIHL survive with any less teams? Could the arena teams survive playing a lower standard and keep the crowds at a high enough level? This really is the only thing I hate about this sport. This and the poor schedules each season. |
|
|
|
Post by spik on Oct 20, 2009 10:08:58 GMT
Some positive stuff Blackwood Roofing became the official sponsor of Kyle Horne tonight. Noel Tait is a long time supporter of ice hockey and he has helped boost the funding pot being created for a new import forward. Scott Neil, Edinburgh Capitals general manager, said, "I greatly appreciate Noel's help on this and thank him for his continued support over the years. "Blackwood Roofing will enjoy a number of advertising benefits with the club and as always I would urge our fans to consider using the clubs sponsors if required. It makes a big impression when sponsors get a direct benefit back from their involvement. I will be working hard this week with others to secure the rest of the funding that is required to fully contribute towards another player's expenditure." Next game: Sunday 25th October, face off 18:00 The only way is up for the Edinburgh Capitals and we need your help in doing it. The Capitals are determined to bounce back from their closely fought game against Cardiff Devils and are looking forward to taking on Hull Stingrays on Sunday 25th October to start climbing up the league table. We need the Capitals faithful to be there for the team, to be loud and proud as you have on so many occasions in the past. Tickets for this game can be bought online at the following web address: edinburgh-capitals.com/shop/catalog.php?item=322&catid=Tickets1K Online Club: It's not too late to take part in the 1K Online Club and not only help grow the support for the Capitals but also benefit from the potential of reduced ticket prices. This ticket scheme was launched last week and full details can be found here: edinburgh-capitals.com/news/detail.php?id=1093. We are looking to grow the fan base and see the 1K Online Club as a great opportunity for you to spread the word and bring friends, family and colleagues along to Murrayfield Ice Rink to experience the Capitals and the thrill of Elite League ice hockey. 1K Online Club tickets can be bought here: www.edinburgh-capitals.com/shop/1konlineclub.php |
|
|
|
Post by humbucker on Oct 20, 2009 16:31:52 GMT
Where did all of the Murrayfield Racers ice hockey fans go to? I know it was a 'few'years ago but teams such as the Racers and the Flyers at Fife had a good following and a good junior system. Certainly Fife had arguably one of the best junior systems in the UK, excluding Nottingham, Durham, and Streatham. I did say a few years ago!!!Mind you Murrayfield were sponsored by Smirnoff if I remember rightly and the league by probably the best lager in the world?
|
|
|
|
Post by spik on Oct 20, 2009 19:29:24 GMT
Where did all of the Murrayfield Racers ice hockey fans go to? I know it was a 'few'years ago but teams such as the Racers and the Flyers at Fife had a good following and a good junior system. Certainly Fife had arguably one of the best junior systems in the UK, excluding Nottingham, Durham, and Streatham. I did say a few years ago!!!Mind you Murrayfield were sponsored by Smirnoff if I remember rightly and the league by probably the best lager in the world? Emblazened on the side of the local bus's also.Smirnoff Racers.... That got the message around alright. |
|
|
|
Post by spik on Oct 22, 2009 15:52:27 GMT
Something else from Scotland........ Brand Thunder Signs Edinburgh Capitals for First Scottish Team to Offer a Custom Browser Brand Thunder LLC (http://www.brandthunder.com), the custom browser specialists, announced today the launch of the Edinburgh Capitals Boom! and the first custom browser experience in the Elite Ice Hockey League. Capitals fans will enjoy an Internet experience where the browser is immersed in the look, feel and content of Capitals hockey. Brand Thunder’s browser Boom! is unlike other browser-based tools with its visual takeover of the browser, in addition to integrated content and functionality. The energy and team spirit is fully captured in the entire browser theme. Links to the team site are included as is breaking news delivered within the Boom!’s toolbar. Capitals fans will enjoy instant access to team news, blogs and videos, plus a whole lot more. You can download the Boom! from the Multimedia menu item or by clicking here: www.edinburgh-capitals.com/multimedia/boom.php“Brand Thunder has a great track record of meeting the needs of the hockey fan with its custom browsers,” said Scott Neil, from the Edinburgh Capitals. “We wanted our fans to be the first to enjoy the experience in the EIHL.” “We’re getting more and more requests from outside the U.S for our services,” said Patrick Murphy, founder and CEO of Brand Thunder. “It’s a pleasant irony to have the Edinburgh Capitals be our first sports client in the UK. The Washington Capitals were our first sports client in the US.” Brand Thunder’s browser Booms! are free, lightweight active customizations that can include themes, toolbars, sidebars and other content or functionality. Users can switch real-time between any installed Booms!, or change from a full Boom! view to a small Boom! (toolbar only), all without restarting the browser. About Brand Thunder: Formed in April 2007, Brand Thunder creates custom-browser experiences. Brands enjoy a more persistent connection to their Internet consumer through the custom browser Boom!, which increases website visits and revenue. Through a software installation, end users change the look and feel of their Internet browser into an immersive experience from their favorite sports team, entertainment franchise or Internet site. The custom browser Booms! feature official logos, colors, content and functionality, but can also extend capabilities including video, music players or other Internet widgets. Current business partners and clients include the Huffington Post, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Universal Music and Yahoo!. Samples found at brandthunder.com/gallery/. |
|
|
|
Post by howeaboutthat on Oct 22, 2009 18:56:30 GMT
Hate to be picky but it seems the PR chap for 'Brand Thunder' doesn't understand the difference between irony (pleasant or otherwise) and coincidence. Perhaps he learnt about irony from Alanis Morrissette.
|
|
