[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by dh

Yawn!
Does anyone outside of Calgary have the slightest interest? Pretty exciting for all you folks from that area though.

I know there is a lot of interest in Canada. I'm not sure about the US. I heard that the first two games of this final round were the most-watched in the last few years. I don't know if that was a Canadian, US or NA stat though.

[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by dh

Yawn!
Does anyone outside of Calgary have the slightest interest? Pretty exciting for all you folks from that area though.

I know there is a lot of interest in Canada. I'm not sure about the US. I heard that the first two games of this final round were the most-watched in the last few years. I don't know if that was a Canadian, US or NA stat though.

[Janak Parekh]

Originally Posted by JR

I know there is a lot of interest in Canada. I'm not sure about the US. I heard that the first two games of this final round were the most-watched in the last few years. I don't know if that was a Canadian, US or NA stat though.

The insane ratings were in Canada. In the US, it's not doing much -- apart from Calgary not being the top US-watched market, the Lightning are playing in 80-degree weather, and it's not exactly appealing that way.

--janak

[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Janak Parekh

The insane ratings were in Canada. In the US, it's not doing much -- apart from Calgary not being the top US-watched market, the Lightning are playing in 80-degree weather, and it's not exactly appealing that way.

--janak

That makes sense. The dismal contract from NBC for next year shows how large a gap there is between Canada and the US when it comes to hockey. Up here, if the Prime Minister had an important speech to make, he'd make sure he wasn't opposite Hockey Night in Canada. In fact, one of the "hottest" issues I can recall over the last couple of years wasn't political or financial, it was when CBC wasn't going to renew Ron MacLean's contract. :lol:

[Janak Parekh]

Originally Posted by JR

That makes sense. The dismal contract from NBC for next year shows how large a gap there is between Canada and the US when it comes to hockey.

Well, the problem is that the big-market teams (like the Rangers) have been floundering. The worst part about it is the upcoming strike/lockout. They'll alienate the fanbase that watches along with the fanbase that doesn't.

--janak

[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Janak Parekh

Well, the problem is that the big-market teams (like the Rangers) have been floundering. The worst part about it is the upcoming strike/lockout. They'll alienate the fanbase that watches along with the fanbase that doesn't.

--janak

Agreed. Hockey isn't even top 4 in the US anymore. I think it's NFL, MLB, NBA and NASCAR (may have got the order wrong). Again, it's very strange to me because Hockey such a big part of Canadian culture. Hopefully they can figure something out to keep the league viable and attract new fans.

[Janak Parekh]

Well, for what it's worth, a few Americans are noticing what's going down in Calgary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/31/in...rtner=USERLAND

--janak

[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Janak Parekh

Well, for what it's worth, a few Americans are noticing what's going down in Calgary.

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/31/in...rtner=USERLAND

--janak

Pretty good article. It's interesting to see an outside perspective on things. I'm surprised to hear we're Canada's "annoying cousin."

[Janak Parekh]

Originally Posted by JR

I'm surprised to hear we're Canada's "annoying cousin."

I found that funny too. Must be Jason's fault. :razzing:

--janak

[Jeff Rutledge]

Originally Posted by Janak Parekh

I found that funny too. Must be Jason's fault. :razzing:

--janak

:rotfl:

Sure, I'll go with that. :mrgreen:

[Mark Kenepp]

Originally Posted by Janak Parekh

...the Lightning are playing in 80-degree weather, and it's not exactly appealing that way.

You know, a few years back, someone told me that someone did a study on the popularity of these warm weather hockey teams (i.e. Florida and Tampa Bay, Dallas, Phoenix, San Jose, etc.) and found that they were selling a fair amount of tickets but they were selling them to supporters of the opposing teams. There were enough transplants from hockey areas living there that they would come see their hometown team (not the home team) when they were in town.

I wonder how much truth there is to that.

I know a lot of Hockey fans here in San Francisco, most of them are from New York, and none of them are really Sharks fans, but when the Rangers are in town, they all make it a point to head down to HP Pavilion.