Why would the NHL do this when the game isn't growing in the U.S?
2007-02-12 05:04:57 · 10 answers · asked by bearbigdog22 2 in Sports ➔ Hockey
I don't think it's very good idea. I think they should focus on what's not happening here in the states. Create some excitement stateside and sustain that for a few years. Then maybe a game in Europe of somewhere might be something to think about. I'm surprised that Bettman is considering a game in London. Based on his past history I would have thought he would try to play a game outdoors in Mexico city.
2007-02-12 13:16:19 · answer #1 · answered by kingt99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a publicity stunt. But Gary Betteman has been incompetent for years. And I'm sure he freaked out when the guy on Toronto had to be carried on a stretcher after a fight on Saturday. By expanding too quickly and trying to punish fighting more aggressively, he has alientated true fans of the sport and not figured out how to pursue these ever important "casual" fans.
The London thing is a pathetic attempt to garner some media attention at the same time not doing the right thing and pumping money from other teams into the Pittsburgh problem.
2007-02-12 14:07:43 · answer #2 · answered by Patrick M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The NY Rangers played a pre-seasong game in London before the 03/04 season.
I would actually like to see NHL teams go to Europe and play some European teams in the preasons. The current NHL preseason is a complete waste of everyone's time and money.
Soccer teams always go on pre-season tours. I wish the hockey teams would do the same.
2007-02-12 18:57:03 · answer #3 · answered by nyrmetros 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are multiple leagues in different countries throughout Europe, and hockey is getting more and more popular there. There is talk about the Kings playing a couple games in London, which i think is a good idea. If the Kings are the team that will play there, i think they sould open against the 2007 Stanley cup champions.
2007-02-13 19:05:59 · answer #4 · answered by yanks4ever3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its a great idea. It well help show other parts of the world how good the NHL players really are. There will most likely be a big turnout for the game as well.
2007-02-12 16:51:30 · answer #5 · answered by matt m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They should just try to have a game in the US in 2008.
2007-02-12 14:42:31 · answer #6 · answered by trombass08 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know back several years ago the Vancouver Canucks and another team i can't remember played 2 games in Europe yes regular season games they were both there for training camp and played several European teams and played there first 2 regular season games vs each other in Europe.
plus there are several professional leagues in London, England.
GO HABS GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
2007-02-12 16:31:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe a pre-season game, otherwise, they are just trying to follow the NBA ... and they are not on the same grounds.
Like you said, it can barely survive in the US ... I can't see much truth to this.
...unless it was London, ON??
2007-02-12 14:02:37 · answer #8 · answered by justagirl 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's no big deal, but I think it's unnessasary and pointless. It's just another one of Buttman's stupid-asss ideas to create more of a fanbase.
2007-02-12 14:39:21 · answer #9 · answered by cubsjunkie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One game, I wouldn't be too upset... as long as the Pens don't have to give up a home game for it.
2007-02-12 13:08:18 · answer #10 · answered by Jim I 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋