Leafs Off HNIC/CBC for first time since 1972 and ACC attendance

[Mess]

The fact that fans had no issues going to see flawed teams trying to make quick playoff runs and are now having issues when the team is trying to properly rebuild is probably a bad sign though isn't it?

Shanahan is selling the Leafs board that this needs to undertake a major rebuild and these types of things like TV ratings falling and ACC attendance dropping is only supporting his case further.

Trying to sell the fan base that Kessel and Phaneuf are stars so show up or tune in and watch is no longer working and fooling the fan base that this is the road to success. Leaf Nation actions are now louder than words and MLSE is getting the point and realizing they need to change the business model of how they used to do things operate in the past.

Retooling has made draft rebuilding a reality and Fans and viewing are driving the bus for change.. If fans continued to watch, spend and follow this team regardless of what happened (like granted it did in the past) it wouldn't put any pressure on MLSE to change. Now its finally hitting them where it hurts most in their own pocket books and that has their attention now.

 

[TheTotalPackage]

Everyone seems to be happy that attendance is down. But I find it utterly concerning. This is the first time the team unofficially admits to properly "Rebuilding" and how do the fans thank them? By not showing up. Our only hope is that MLSE cares more about doing things properly than their bottom line. If not, this could be the shortest lived rebuild in the history of the league. We'd be right back to the mediocrity and failed expectations of the last ten years.

An empty arena is a scary thing my friends.

Precisely. Bang on.

 

[Suntouchable13]

Everyone seems to be happy that attendance is down. But I find it utterly concerning. This is the first time the team unofficially admits to properly "Rebuilding" and how do the fans thank them? By not showing up. Our only hope is that MLSE cares more about doing things properly than their bottom line. If not, this could be the shortest lived rebuild in the history of the league. We'd be right back to the mediocrity and failed expectations of the last ten years.

An empty arena is a scary thing my friends.

People don't want to watch this collection of players play. Give us a fresh start without the likes of Bozak, Kessel, Lupul, JvR, Phaneuf on the team and maybe then I will come down to the ACC and watch them.

 

[Hotel Mario]

You can't have this both ways, they made their intention to rebuild before this, fans have consistently said they would support a full rebuild is what I'm constantly told.

I would be very careful before thinking this is in anyway good for a tank/rebuild approach because in the end that will be scrapped if no ones watching/cares.

The fans are not supporting because the core players are still present, there hasn't been enough of an indicator of a rebuild yet.

I will be happy to watch next year without Kessel, Bozak, Lupul, and Phaneuf, and sure many will be.

 

[Babcocks Marner]

Everyone seems to be happy that attendance is down. But I find it utterly concerning. This is the first time the team unofficially admits to properly "Rebuilding" and how do the fans thank them? By not showing up. Our only hope is that MLSE cares more about doing things properly than their bottom line. If not, this could be the shortest lived rebuild in the history of the league. We'd be right back to the mediocrity and failed expectations of the last ten years.

An empty arena is a scary thing my friends.

Mostly because they are not a "rebuild" team yet. They haven't moved anything but some UFA's. They have no heart, don't try, don't back check etc.... This is why nobody is going to Leafs games. We sold out every game and finished 2nd last, the reason we are not selling out now has nothing to do with the re-build.

Without this team being so bad and yet looking "Pretty good" on paper, I don't think the MLSE board ever would have let the rebuild occur in the first place. They see the writing on the wall of what the next 10 years will look like if they continue on the same course. The Leafs do not have near the same fan base as before. Getting harder and harder to find a sub 20yo that is a huge fan. Eventually, this was going to happen. I work in construction, talk to any young guy and say you are a leaf fan, the response is almost always the same "Why? they suck"

 

[deletethis]

Everyone seems to be happy that attendance is down. But I find it utterly concerning. This is the first time the team unofficially admits to properly "Rebuilding" and how do the fans thank them? By not showing up. Our only hope is that MLSE cares more about doing things properly than their bottom line. If not, this could be the shortest lived rebuild in the history of the league. We'd be right back to the mediocrity and failed expectations of the last ten years.

An empty arena is a scary thing my friends.

Let's see what happens when the team struggles but looks like it registers somewhere on the "give a ****" meter. Toronto has a long history of loving and supporting lovable losers. What we didn't know is that there was a breaking point of withdrawing support with regards to players openly showing contempt for the paying customers.

 

[Jerkini]

People don't want to watch this collection of players play. Give us a fresh start without the likes of Bozak, Kessel, Lupul, JvR, Phaneuf on the team and maybe then I will come down to the ACC and watch them.

You really think attendance would improve without those players on the roster? In my opinion, things would get even worse.

 

[pheasant]

You say you're a lupul fan, he got his first point in like 18 games last night, maybe that's why no one is going.

If your trying to say that it's hard to care when the players themselves don't seem to, then I agree with you.

Hope the empty seats don't change the game plan for management moving forward. The guys on Lefas Lunch were talking about how they can still lose next season, as long as the team is more likeable. I can agree with that.

 

[TLeafsFan]

The fans are not supporting because the core players are still present, there hasn't been enough of an indicator of a rebuild yet.

I will be happy to watch next year without Kessel, Bozak, Lupul, and Phaneuf, and sure many will be.

Yep that's pretty much it. At least three of those four need their walking papers if Fans are gonna start supporting management's commitment to a rebuild effort.

 

[Mess]

Everyone seems to be happy that attendance is down. But I find it utterly concerning. This is the first time the team unofficially admits to properly "Rebuilding" and how do the fans thank them? By not showing up. Our only hope is that MLSE cares more about doing things properly than their bottom line. If not, this could be the shortest lived rebuild in the history of the league. We'd be right back to the mediocrity and failed expectations of the last ten years.

An empty arena is a scary thing my friends.

Taking the Leafs off of HNIC and not attending in person is a message being sent at the current product not the future product.

Fans don't want to see Kessel and Lupul etc float around and that is why they aren't watching and why Leafs are being moved off of CBC for rating reasons. Fans don't-give-a-crap-meter is matching the current rosters meter.

This isn't a message that they won't come and cheer on Nylander and McDavid and young hard working team that battles hard each night.

You really think attendance would improve without those players on the roster? In my opinion, things would get even worse.

Season ticket holders got a personal letter in their season renewal package that they should expect down times as they fix this mess on the ice.

 

[egd27]

Scrap the losing and try to win now?

but, but, but.....thought we were all ready for 4 or 5 years of tanking?

you know, watching young crappy teams get the snot kicked out of them for a few years all in the name of the greater good.

 

[ACC1224]

Taking the Leafs off of HNIC and not attending in person is a message being sent at the current product not the future product.

Fans don't want to see Kessel and Lupul etc float around and that is why they aren't watching and why Leafs are being moved off of CBC for rating reasons. Fans don't-give-a-crap-meter is matching the current rosters meter.

This isn't a message that they won't come and cheer on Nylander and McDavid and young hard working team that battles hard each night.

Nothing says the fans will watch that either.

IMO, people are sick of watching meaningless games regardless of who's on the ice.

 

[egd27]

Anybody know if the ratings for the Leaf game were actually lower than the Habs game on Saturday?

Where would one find the actual ratings?

 

[Mess]

Nothing says the fans will watch that either.

IMO, people are sick of watching meaningless games regardless of who's on the ice.

Did you renew your season ticket package?

Did you get the Shanahan email/letter telling you no price increase and patience is needed as they rebuild.

Leafs not raising ticket prices as Shanahan says rebuild will require patience

Brendan Shanahan wants fans to know the Toronto Maple Leafs are committed to a long-term rebuilding project, and that they won’t have to pay more to see it unfold next season.

In a letter to season-ticket holders that will go out Wednesday morning, the team president outlines the expectation for short-term pain with the goal of becoming a Stanley Cup contender in the future.

There are no shortcuts to building a team the right way,†Shanahan writes in the letter. “It will require patience and a long-term view, but it is important for you to know that the process will be well worth it when we get there.â€

In line with that, the Leafs will not raise ticket prices for next season. It’s the fifth time in seven years all ticket prices will remain the same across the board, following increases in some areas of Air Canada Centre for 2014-15.

“He has a plan,†Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment chief commercial officer Dave Hopkinson said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Continued: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...ebuild-will-require-patience/article23276459/

What was you take away from that letter?

 

[ACC1224]

Did you renew your season ticket package?

Did you get the Shanahan email/letter telling you no price increase and patience is needed as they rebuild.



What was you take away from that letter?

Of course they are renewed and my seats have gone up $1 since they were decreased in 2004, so no increase is the norm.

They weren't renewed so I can go watch Nylander, etc. They were renewed so they can be retained. I can't speak for others but I imagine that was the case for the majority who renewed.

 

[darrylsittler27]

My take on that letter.

We know you have no affinity in the players on the ice and that the franchsie is faceless with no identity. Every effort will be made to rid the Burke cancers but it will take time as no other team wants some of these bums. We will most likely suck next year as Burke did a great job with his scorched earth policy and has done tremendous damage that will take years to undo.

 

[Babcocks Marner]

Nothing says the fans will watch that either.

IMO, people are sick of watching meaningless games regardless of who's on the ice.

Sold out every game in 09-10. Finished 2nd last.

This team is different. There is a big difference from a bad team, and a team that is pretty good and just that doesn't give a ***t.

If it wasn't for Strome/Marner, barely anyone would be watching, and I don't blame them. If we are that bad next year, I'll dream about the draft for another year.

 

[Mess]

Of course they are renewed and my seats have gone up $1 since they were decreased in 2004, so no increase is the norm.

They weren't renewed so I can go watch Nylander, etc. They were renewed so they can be retained. I can't speak for others but I imagine that was the case for the majority who renewed.

Which is my point exactly to your response that you fear people will not watch and show up.

You officially by renewing your season tickets to the ACC for next year said you support MLSE, and it doesn't matter if they put Kessel and Phaneuf on the ice or Nylander and Granberg that you're willing to buy the season at the same prices.

You also believe the majority are in the same position as you and renewing their tickets.

So why is there any fear that MLSE will change course away from their draft rebuild plan which Shany claimed is the plan and go for a quick fix again if the majority of fans will pay the same money regardless of what they do?

To support your own point you would not have renewed your season tickets, which is saying you won't support a draft rebuild financially out of your own pocket.

 

[ACC1224]

Which is my point exactly to your response that you fear people will not watch and show up.

You officially by renewing your ticket prices to the ACC for next year said you support MLSE, and it doesn't matter if they put Kessel and Phaneuf on the ice or Nylander and Granberg that you're willing to buy the season at the same prices.

You also believe the majority are in the same position as you and renewing their tickets.

So why is there any fear that MLSE will change course away from their draft rebuild plan which Shany claimed is the plan and go for a quick fix again if the majority of fans will pay the same money regardless of what they do?

You said that people will show up to watch Nylander, etc which is what I initially replied to.

You realize that no shows cost the Team money even though the tickets are paid for? I know I can easily pay more in beer and food than what the tickets cost.

 

[ACC1224]

Sold out every game in 09-10. Finished 2nd last.

This team is different. There is a big difference from a bad team, and a team that is pretty good and just that doesn't give a ***t.

If it wasn't for Strome/Marner, barely anyone would be watching, and I don't blame them. If we are that bad next year, I'll dream about the draft for another year.

That was 5 years ago, huge difference.

 

[Jack Bauer]

Taking the Leafs off of HNIC and not attending in person is a message being sent at the current product not the future product.

Just because you say something over and over again doesn't make it true.

A) The Leafs were NOT taken off of Hockey Night in Canada

B) Before this current TV deal the Leafs were commonly placed on CBC regional coverage late in the season as their games became meaningless.

Using TV coverage to indicate some radical change this year is beyond foolish. The only real change has been to the TV deal itself.

Using your logic HNIC's radical change has been to ignore the rest of Canada's NHL teams in the 7est time slot until the final 4 weeks of hockey season.

 

[Northern Dancer]

Which is my point exactly to your response that you fear people will not watch and show up.

You officially by renewing your ticket prices to the ACC for next year said you support MLSE, and it doesn't matter if they put Kessel and Phaneuf on the ice or Nylander and Granberg that you're willing to buy the season at the same prices.

You also believe the majority are in the same position as you and renewing their tickets.

So why is there any fear that MLSE will change course away from their draft rebuild plan which Shany claimed is the plan and go for a quick fix again if the majority of fans will pay the same money regardless of what they do?

He has answered that, he wants to retain his seats. Same with me I renewed yesterday but if any of you tankers out there want tickets next year to watch some garbage hockey then come and see me, you can have the entire year if you want. You can put your money where your mouths are and support the "proper re-build".

BTW, the tankers seem to like the Detroit model and if that is going to be our new model it means draft picks will stay in the AHL for 3 or 4 years. So next year's team will be stacked with seat fillers via UFA, trades. The product will suck.

MLSE and the NHL are on a very slippery slope here. It is a result of a very flawed CBA which does not allow for a luxury tax. The NHL and the League cannot be happy with the revenue loss the Leafs will obviously endure. Bell and Rogers can easily afford the hit, the NHL cannot.

The only answer is for Leafs to win the lottery. Get er' done Gary !!!

 

[Willchel Marlynder]

People don't want to watch this collection of players play. Give us a fresh start without the likes of Bozak, Kessel, Lupul, JvR, Phaneuf on the team and maybe then I will come down to the ACC and watch them.

Thing is people DID want to watch them, and they still would if Shanny didn't come out and say we we're rebuilding.

 

[A Bearded Platypus]

I honestly don't care if the team is losing if the players are putting in a top effort every game. Why would anybody pay money to go watch a team where it is so blatantly obvious that most of the players barely put in the effort to win and consistently look like they just don't care? Replace the rotten core with guys that actually play with heart and soul and maybe I will attend games.

 

[ACC1224]

He has answered that, he wants to retain his seats. Same with me I renewed yesterday but if any of you tankers out there want tickets next year to watch some garbage hockey then come and see me, you can have the entire year if you want. You can put your money where your mouths are and support the "proper re-build".

BTW, the tankers seem to like the Detroit model and if that is going to be our new model it means draft picks will stay in the AHL for 3 or 4 years. So next year's team will be stacked with seat fillers via UFA, trades. The product will suck.

MLSE and the NHL are on a very slippery slope here. It is a result of a very flawed CBA which does not allow for a luxury tax. The NHL and the League cannot be happy with the revenue loss the Leafs will obviously endure. Bell and Rogers can easily afford the hit, the NHL cannot.

The only answer is for Leafs to win the lottery. Get er' done Gary !!!

McDavid would bring me out for a few games next year.

I can't believe MLSE will be ok with seeing the building empty for any considerable length of time.