Brand Finance conducted a recent survey in which the findings revealed the NHL had lost more than 330 million dollars in brand value among Canadian fans.
I’m not sure how they came up with a dollar value here, but it’s worth exploring.
With the lockout delaying the start of the current season by months the attitude towards the league from both loyal and casual fans has been impacted
The loyal fan, according to survey, may never have strayed far, but now that fan is somewhat jaded, and mistrusting of the business of hockey.
Meanwhile, the casual fan is said to have drifted beyond the fringes and now would be less likely to buy tickets, merchandise or be swayed into a relationship as deep as purchasing season tickets.
The study also found that Canadians surveyed plan to spend less money on hockey in the year ahead.
So NHL teams in Canada, according to the survey, are losing out on sales at various levels, plus TV viewership, thus advertising, is also likely to suffer.
I’ll accept the findings of the survey, but here’s my own observations;
I like 8 games a night.
I like Conference only, meaningful matchups.
I see no reason for exhibition games.
The All Star Game is gone and not lamented.
So the lockout of NHL players may inadvertently be good for hockey, just not the brand.
I’m Fred Wallace