Trying to give the boy an economics lesson.
- pete26

Using the NHL model probably isn't the best example when teaching an economics lesson.

The exposure for the sport is a big gain for the league. Especially considering most players come from the NHL. It's very possible that people who have watched the game this morning not knowing much about hockey will start to follow it more, and maybe even start to play.

It's not as tangible as money, but there's a definite benefit for the league.
- Jean_Perron

If you mean in the States, it might work if the US does well. And in growing the league in the States the haves and have nots haven't changed since 2010.

Well...Slovakia sucks Richard.

Using the NHL probably isn't the best example when teaching an economics lesson.
- habs12

Let's say the NHL has to get better at evaluating potential locations for teams. Maybe, they shouldn't just look at the amount of population, but also inquire about the potential watchers.

Bettman is a good businessman, especially when it comes to negotiations, but he's far from the best when it comes to selling a product.

If you mean in the States, it might work if the US does well. And in growing the league in the States the haves and have nots haven't changed since 2010.
- mr.peanut

Not just the states, a ton of people from all around the world are watching the Olympics. There's no way you can match that exposure with a World Championship. Sure, the hockey fans will follow it as much. But you won't get as many curious outsiders that will watch.

Well...Slovakia sucks Richard.
- AdamFrench

- Jean_Perron

Did you watch the game? Jesus, that's what having nobody that can play centre does to a team...hint hint NHL teams building without a #1 C.

I understand that the owners don't like to risk injuries to their key players.

But it would be pretty sad for fans if there wouldn't be NHL players in Olympics hockey anymore.

Right now, it's probably the most entertaining team sport to watch during the Olympics.

It could be because the Habs are not cup contenders, but the injury risk is not annoying me at all. I just enjoy the great hockey we're offered.
- Jean_Perron

Ok, so we agree Bettman is not greedy and is just looking out for the best interests of the people that sign his pay check.

Let's say the NHL has to get better at evaluating potential locations for teams. Maybe, they shouldn't just look at the amount of population, but also inquire about the potential watchers.

Bettman is a good businessman, especially when it comes to negotiations, but he's far from the best when it comes to selling a product.
- Jean_Perron

Since he's been there the NHL has expanded to 6 places: Ottawa, Tampa, Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota and Columbus. 2 have been a slam dunk, 3 are growing markets and 1 failed because the owners essentially did little for the team and evicted them from the arena.

5 re-locations have happened since he was there. The one to Dallas happened as he just became the commissioner. QC and the Peg were financial messes and moved them to Denver where it has worked and Phoenix where it is dying a slow death. Hartford had arena issues and now sorta works in Raleigh. And he did well moving the Thrashers to Winnipeg.

You can't say that the league should be in the Olympics to grow it. Then complain where they have put teams.

Not just the states, a ton of people from all around the world are watching the Olympics. There's no way you can match that exposure with a World Championship. Sure, the hockey fans will follow it as much. But you won't get as many curious outsiders that will watch.
- Jean_Perron

1 way to find out.

- BingoLady

I am so tired of people saying how pretty some of these athletes are. Show some class.

I am so tired of people saying how pretty some of these athletes are. Show some class.
- weirdoh

it really is quite sickening.

Out as a carpet muncher

Out as a carpet mucher
- BingoLady

this is great news.

this is great news.
- dt99999

I can't spell lol

- BingoLady

I didn't see that one coming. There was story about some American Idol contestant coming out as gay. Then I saw the pic of her. Shocking.

Out as a carpet muncher
- BingoLady

Thought it was common knowledge

More importantly, would you still shower with her

Thought it was common knowledge
- habs12

maybe in Hailfax but she announced it last night at a human rights conference.

Did you watch the game? Jesus, that's what having nobody that can play centre does to a team...hint hint NHL teams building without a #1 C.
- AdamFrench

Naw just saw highlights.

Slovakia's development program blows. They have very little reinforcement in terms of talented players. Their best players aren't getting any younger. They used to produce more players than that.

Congrats to Yan.

Thought it was common knowledge

More importantly, would you still shower with her
- habs12

I wouldn't. It'd be the reason 99.99 % of them turn in the first place. I ain't helping our cause.

I wouldn't. It'd be the reason 99.99 % of them turn in the first place. I ain't helping our cause.
- weirdoh

Well being judged against a foot long multi speed dildo doesn't help any of us either Ken.

Since he's been there the NHL has expanded to 6 places: Ottawa, Tampa, Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota and Columbus. 2 have been a slam dunk, 3 are growing markets and 1 failed because the owners essentially did little for the team and evicted them from the arena.

5 re-locations have happened since he was there. The one to Dallas happened as he just became the commissioner. QC and the Peg were financial messes and moved them to Denver where it has worked and Phoenix where it is dying a slow death. Hartford had arena issues and now sorta works in Raleigh. And he did well moving the Thrashers to Winnipeg.

You can't say that the league should be in the Olympics to grow it. Then complain where they have put teams.
- mr.peanut

USA is a saturated market when it comes to sport. It's not the case all around the world.

I'd be curious to see the Tampa numbers over the years.

Atlanta/Tampa/Sunrise/Phoenix are good cases to illustrate my point. The NHL went to those markets because they are big TV markets, but they had mitigated success in selling the product to the potential watchers/attenders. In some cases, it might be because they are bad sellers, but in some other cases, it could just be that people have very little interest in hockey.