krandor said:
I'm worried that both sides in this dispute may be overestimating the fans that will come back. Yes, much NHL fans are passionate about the sport, but they are also getting very frustrated. There are some who are going to get fed up the longer this goes on and especially if they cancel the season.
I'm afraid both sides don't really think there be be much dropoff of attendance even if the season is cancelled and I think they are going to be sadly mistaken. They have to get a deal done before the season is toast.
I agree with this 100%, especially in the US...This frustration with the horrible, diluted on-ice product that Bettman and the BOG have overseen has already lead to fans, some passionate, throwing up their arms with the game and heading to alternatives which are plentiful in the US...All around the league you hear of sell outs, but many places (even like NY), the buildings are barely 3/4's full and the "passinoate" corporate suits leave by the 2nd period.....
Now you throw in a play stoppage of what looks like, at a minimum, a year and a half and you are going to lose a hell of alot more fans, both passionate and casual...Out of sight, out of mind and people will adapt and focus on other sports, activities and entertainment and not give Hockey a second thought ever again....Of course, I don't think this is true for canadian fans, but sure as hell do for US fans--and that's where the majority of the paying (tickets, merchandise, concession, etc..) fans are...Personally, I thinbk the nHL will die in the US (a slow death) with a year and a half layoff..