Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
Last week, the Ontario Hockey League announced a target date to return to play for December 1st of this year.
Good for the OHL to establish a date and illustrate progression although it’s understood by almost everyone that this is a target and many aspects and issues need to be clarified or eliminated.
In the league release, the OHL states their plan is subject to ensuring that the players, fans, staff and community are able to play and attend games safely.
While the game is always the thing and you can’t have a game without players, I believe the word ” fans ” is the key word in the release.
The Ontario Hockey League and their 20 member teams rely on fan support.
Using Owen Sound as an example, the Attack bring in an average of 3,000 people per night for argument’s sake, at an average cost of $ 20 per seat, let’s say, which equates roughly to a nightly gate of $ 60,000.
Then multiply that $ 60,000 by 34 home games + playoffs and you get a sense of how integral a good crowd or full house is to the ongoing operation of the organization.
And understand too, that the Attack and their OHL partners aren’t simply hockey operations but also significant promoters and marketers.
Let’s say you’re Joe from Joe’s Hardware.
If OHL fans are restricted, or limited in numbers, would Joe’s Hardware be keen to purchase a rink board, an illuminated sign, on ice graphics, a program ad, or sponsor a game night ?
I think not.
So while I’m enthused by the target date the Ontario Hockey League has set, I’m realistic enough to realize government and health agencies have to permit this return of play, and fully permit the return of all fans, otherwise I don’t see it.
Put simply; No fans. No games.
I’m Fred Wallace