The future of hockey?

[Cunndies]

Spooks said:

YES, dont live in any of those places.

That attitute is IMO absolutely disgusting. Hockey in this country is trying to find some credibility, some stability. Do you think it would do a lot for the image of the sport in this country to simply let 5 teams die because you think they're "not good enough"? Have you even offered any justification as to why you think they're not good enough? Pretty much every BNL team has beaten some EIHL teams, and even the games they've lost have been close.

Spooks said:

Never happend did it, so a pointless argument.

Just because you can't see the point behind an arguement, doesn't make it pointless. It is not a pointless arguement, by any stretch of the imagination .

I was pointing out how you'd feel if that happened (I'd assume you'd be fairly gutted, to say the least), yet you seem happy to inflict that upon thousands of other hockey fans, without a care in the world!!

[martin]

I wrote this in another thread. It may be more appropriate here.

I think that you have a good point in principle HL, although you are probably overstating it.

The "more the merrier" attitude that seems to be prevalent is totally misguided. There are clubs in our league as it is who are not pulling their weight in terms of league viability. We need to make certain that we do not introduce any more. Also, as the EIHL is relying to an extent on the big gate receipts generated by high profile games like Panthers vs Steelers we should be cautious before allowing a reduction in these types of game.

Apart from that we need all teams to be proactive in seeking league viability. So teams that are being held back by a tiny stadium should get it sorted in order that they can bring in some proper money. Conversely, teams playing out of an arena they can't afford should seek a better solution (a la Manchester).

Then, when every team is doing its bit for the league we can start to worry about the health of BNL teams.

[Milkman™]

Martin

I agree with your post, however where/who are the teams that are held back by 'tiny stadia'.

The NIC cost £36m how would a hockey club/city ever recoup these costs?

[martin]

I was thinking of London. I think that ice hockey in th UK could really do with a big successful team in our Capital. Whilst I the think that the racers manangement are doing a great job of building a successful franchise I really think that they need to move into a bigger rink where they can tap into the millions of potential fans that they have there in London.

[ktglitz]

martin said:

I was thinking of London. I think that ice hockey in th UK could really do with a big successful team in our Capital. Whilst I the think that the racers manangement are doing a great job of building a successful franchise I really think that they need to move into a bigger rink where they can tap into the millions of potential fans that they have there in London.

Why? They can't even get sellout crowds at Lee Valley so how would a bigger complex help?
Did the London Knights get sell outs at the Arena in the last few seasons?

[martin]

If they get a nice big shiny complex that is more easily accesible I'd imagine that they'd generate much more interest in hockey.

[Spooks]

Cunndies said:

That attitute is IMO absolutely disgusting. Hockey in this country is trying to find some credibility, some stability. Do you think it would do a lot for the image of the sport in this country to simply let 5 teams die because you think they're "not good enough"? Have you even offered any justification as to why you think they're not good enough? Pretty much every BNL team has beaten some EIHL teams, and even the games they've lost have been close.




Just because you can't see the point behind an arguement, doesn't make it pointless. It is not a pointless arguement, by any stretch of the imagination .

I was pointing out how you'd feel if that happened (I'd assume you'd be fairly gutted, to say the least), yet you seem happy to inflict that upon thousands of other hockey fans, without a care in the world!!

It is pointless it never happend know matter how much conjecture you would like on the point.

As for Hockey going places its not going to happen, get used to the idea. This is not being negative its a fact. Ok maybe if the EIHL runs for a good 5 or so solid years and becomes PROFITABLE then it might go somewhere, i hope it does, but lack of investement in facilltys is its biggest drawback. So it will always be stuck between a rock and frying pan.

[Milkman™]

martin said:

If they get a nice big shiny complex that is more easily accesible I'd imagine that they'd generate much more interest in hockey.

No where is accesible in London easily.

The building of an big shiny new arena in london would only lead to another white elephant.

Hell even Arsenal are wondering if they are going to fill their new place, and they are an established winning side.

[KimThePanther]

Therapy said:

Hell even Arsenal are wondering if they are going to fill their new place, and they were an established winning side.

Better. ;D

I think that London are fine at Lee Valley for now and will be until such a time that they have a fanbase that is larger than their rink.

The problem with the capital is that there is always so much to do, it's always going to difficult for a minority sport club to compete there. I don't believe that with the Dome soon to be completed that a shinny new arena would be viable.

[Milkman™]

Panthers said:

Better. ;D

I think that London are fine at Lee Valley for now and will be until such a time that they have a fanbase that is larger than their rink.

As that ever happened ?, i would be interested if anyone has the attendance figures for the last season at LPS?

I'd wager we are not doing many more now than then.