Tuesday, December 07, 2004
HOCKEY FOCUS GROUP
There are two interesting links related to the game of hockey that caught my eye.
First, current Detroit Red Wing Brendan Shanahan has organized a two-day summit that began today in Toronto to discuss the game of hockey. No lockout talk whatsoever, just talk about how to make the game of hockey better.
"I just thought it would be interesting to sit in a room together and discuss the game of hockey - just the game of hockey," Shanahan said over the phone Monday. "I felt that when we do come back (from the lockout), we really need to get our focus back on the game of hockey.
"Regardless of what side you're on (in the labour talks), nobody is bigger than the game of hockey and I just wanted to put the focus back on the game."
Granted, Shanahan may be a member of the Red Wings, a team David and I really don't care for. But he's OK in my book. It's nice to see at least one current player that gives a damn about the game.
And for the second link, bring out Scott Hall, because it's survey time! The NHL is in charge of this survey, conducted by two Harvard University students.
I really like question #34.
Describe in a few words what would help bring you closer (better engage you) to the NHL (and to the sport of hockey) as a fan.
My short-form answer? The NHL must improve their marketing plan.
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Speaking of focus groups, does anyone remember the short-lived ESPN show a couple of years ago "Focus Group"? Granted, ESPN doesn't give a damn about the NHL (they cancelled "NHL 2 Night" for christ's sake!), but I think there should be a "Focus Group"-style show with players, executives, and fans of the NHL. I really believe that this type of show would work.
Invite the CBC's Ron MacLean and Don Cherry to be part of the show, along with ESPN's Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. Players such as Shanahan and Jeremy Roenick would be great player representatives. And invite executives, past and present, as well.
As far as the fans go, open up a website where the fans can chime in on the NHL and the fans who bring legitimate thoughts to the table will be invited to a "Focus Group"-style show.
So there you go, I just thought of one legitimate way to at least improve the National Hockey League. The game of hockey is an afterthought in most American communities right now. When the NHL comes back, they have to market themselves better.
It's the damn truth.
First, current Detroit Red Wing Brendan Shanahan has organized a two-day summit that began today in Toronto to discuss the game of hockey. No lockout talk whatsoever, just talk about how to make the game of hockey better.
"I just thought it would be interesting to sit in a room together and discuss the game of hockey - just the game of hockey," Shanahan said over the phone Monday. "I felt that when we do come back (from the lockout), we really need to get our focus back on the game of hockey.
"Regardless of what side you're on (in the labour talks), nobody is bigger than the game of hockey and I just wanted to put the focus back on the game."
Granted, Shanahan may be a member of the Red Wings, a team David and I really don't care for. But he's OK in my book. It's nice to see at least one current player that gives a damn about the game.
And for the second link, bring out Scott Hall, because it's survey time! The NHL is in charge of this survey, conducted by two Harvard University students.
I really like question #34.
Describe in a few words what would help bring you closer (better engage you) to the NHL (and to the sport of hockey) as a fan.
My short-form answer? The NHL must improve their marketing plan.
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Speaking of focus groups, does anyone remember the short-lived ESPN show a couple of years ago "Focus Group"? Granted, ESPN doesn't give a damn about the NHL (they cancelled "NHL 2 Night" for christ's sake!), but I think there should be a "Focus Group"-style show with players, executives, and fans of the NHL. I really believe that this type of show would work.
Invite the CBC's Ron MacLean and Don Cherry to be part of the show, along with ESPN's Gary Thorne and Bill Clement. Players such as Shanahan and Jeremy Roenick would be great player representatives. And invite executives, past and present, as well.
As far as the fans go, open up a website where the fans can chime in on the NHL and the fans who bring legitimate thoughts to the table will be invited to a "Focus Group"-style show.
So there you go, I just thought of one legitimate way to at least improve the National Hockey League. The game of hockey is an afterthought in most American communities right now. When the NHL comes back, they have to market themselves better.
It's the damn truth.
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