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December 16, 2003
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Will NHL whiff on U.S. TV?
Paging through a hockey pubheation recently, I found a story questioning the NHL’s survival. The fun is out of the game! Attendance is sagging! Less than a third of the clubs will make money! The author cited “the ravages of inflated costs,” starting with high salaries, as the culprit, alongside over-expansion, adherence to tradition and changing attitudes among owners. What’s the main source of hockey’s fiscal trauma? “The NHL’s lack of television money is the single largest reason,” explained author Bob Gutkowski. Weak U.S. TV ratings cripple the league’s earning power. The article appeared in the June 1977 issue of Hockey Pictorial-World. Well, the NHL survived that crisis and even grew to prosper. A lot changed over 25 years; some things, like the significance of U.S. national TV revenue, did not. PROMISE UNFULFILLED The States’ lucrative…
Late addition Thomas lights it up for Wings
When the Detroit Red Wings signed Steve Thomas, they hoped he would help them up front. But they never thought he would score five goals in his first nine games. Thomas, who signed as an unrestricted free agent Nov. 6 after finishing last year with Anaheim, had been skating with the OHL’s St. Michael’s Majors. “He trained really hard for an opportunity,” said Detroit coach Dave Lewis. “For someone to train all summer and then another two months, not knowing what team he might go to, if he’ll even go to a team, tells you how committed he is.” Thomas credited his approach and his linemates, Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull. “And I’m just being myself,” Thomas said. “I’m playing with pretty darn good players right now, so it makes the game a lot…
Offense vital for Selke according to Madden
John Madden has his sights set on winning another Selke Trophy as the NHL’s top defensive forward, but the New Jersey Devils center said he won’t become a one-dimensional player to do it. The winner in 2001 and a runnerup last season, Madden believes it requires offensive stats to get recognized by the voters and not just the ability to shut down opposing scorers. “As much as I believe defense is the biggest part of winning,” Madden said, “you have to go out there and pick up the puck and play hockey. I don’t like to be put in the category as a defensive guy. I play the game. “(The Selke) is something that just unfolds. If I do my job at the end my name will be mentioned.” PROSPECT REPORT Top 2003 pick: Zach Parise,…
‘the BEST DAMN SPORT on EARTH’
My case for hockey by J.R. Hello, is there anyone out there? What I mean is, are there any sane people out there? Being the huge sports fan I am, I’m very confused about the lack of attention hockey gets from the viewing public and sports media. To be fair, I should exclude Canadians from this observation, seeing that everything on TV up north revolves around frozen water, a stick and a puck. But watch ESPN, the greatest sports channel of them all, and you’ll see that it takes at least 30 minutes of football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf and depending on the time of year, WNBA – highlights before we get to see a glimpse (and I mean a glimpse) of hockey highlights. Don’t get me wrong. 1 live for ESPN all…
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