Eurolanche

Lockout Depression

With news trickling in that the NHL lockout could end anytime now for the 50 time, it begs the question do fans really care anymore? I come from Ottawa which is the capital city of the hockey crazed nation that is Canada. Before the lockout hit not a day would go by without having multiple conversations of the NHL. Now little is heard about the NHL. Screaming debates are no longer sparked by the choice to wear an enemy teams gear for the day. You don’t high five random strangers anymore just cause they support the same team.

All across North America the NHL is losing the casual fan and even some more hard core fans. While some alternatives do exist in NA for pro hockey it just does not have the same appeal as the NHL. One geographical fan base that does seem to be thriving in the lockout is European fans. This can easily be seen just by looking at the amount of quality articles Eurolanche has put out. With already many high caliber leagues spread out in Europe. They have attracted some of the best players from the NHL. Giving European fans a chance to watch what so many NA fans took for granted.  As well with the World Juniors this year playing in Russia most games are on in North America early in the morning.

Most fans I have talked to could care less is the season comes back. Many are put off by the idea of a shorten season. Saying it would cheapen the game even more at this point. That putting on a shorten season will prove even more that this lockout is all about money and has no care for fans. That at this point they should scrap the entire season and work on some changes to make the game more exciting when returning. Much like they did after the last lockout. If they don’t do this many fans will just see a group of rich playboys hoisting the cup from overpriced seats. Instead of seeing the players they love playing the game they love.

And that would be the best result for the NHL and NHLPA. At this point the two sides need to come together and realize they have an even bigger hurdle to fight the revenue sharing. It is called Apathy and they brought it on themselves.