To get 100 per cent agreement on a subject is rare, but absolutely “everybody” was delighted to see a complete sellout for the Team Russia vs Team WHL Subway Super Series game at CN Centre.

 

The fans and the players loved the atmosphere, the CHL organizers, including the Prince George Cougars, were delighted with the enthusiasm for the game, and the volunteers and media welcomed the change. It had been over three years since CN Centre was filled to capacity for a hockey contest.

It wasn’t the Team Russia 5-2 victory that seemed important to the crowd. The number one topic around town was that nearly 6,000 people decided to attend, spend their money, and enjoy a hockey game.

So, what did this one event prove? Well, it confirmed the notion that Prince George is indeed a hockey town. Give local fans something worthwhile, and they will rush for tickets nearly at a pace as if Elton John was returning.

This begs the next logical question-why hasn’t there been a significant spike in ticket sales for Cougars games when the team has shown signs of improvement? Approximately one-third of the audience (less than 1,900 fans) attended each of the back-to-back Kelowna-P.G. games on the two nights following the Russia-WHL match-up. Please do not be naïve and think that because the Cougars seem to have a competitive team that all of a sudden fans will return.

Hockey enthusiasts in Prince George are not happy with the long term futility of its junior teams (the Spruce Kings being the other). One .500 or so part season will not erase their memory of the many lean years. Moreover, many people have suggested they are torn, because they want to support the players, but do not want to support the Brodsky family run organization. Other factors that come into play include a lack of urgency for tickets, and other choices where the public can spend its limited entertainment dollars.

While the Cougars were hosting the Rockets last weekend, nearly the same amounts of fans (on the Friday night) were attending the UNBC Timberwolves basketball games against Vancouver Island at the Northern Sport Centre. Basketball’s popularity in the city pales in comparison to hockey; however, the Twolves have put a winning and entertaining product on the court with a youthful energetic atmosphere.

 

It should also be noted that hockey fans do not need or want to be told what to do. There have been editorials written, including one by Opinion 250’s Meisner, suggesting it is time to hop on the bandwagon, purchase a ticket and get back on board because the team is off to a decent start. Quite frankly, that PSA can be interpreted as an insult. What is the purpose in suggesting to the public what they should or should not do with their hard earned dollars? Everyone has a reason why they do not attend as often as they did in the past, and those people should be respected for that decision.

On another note, I am sorry, but it is comical to think that the P.G. Cougars are considering putting together a bid to host the 2013 Memorial Cup. Of course, it is a great idea; the whole city would embrace it and financially support it. However, average attendance at Cougars games would need to double to 4,000 per game for that bid to be realistic. Other WHL franchises, with much better attendance, will be rewarded first. In addition, the Cats need to be an upper echelon team.

At this point, the Cougars need to take baby steps. First, consistently get to 2,500 fans per game, then to 3,000, then to 3,500 and eventually over 4,000 before Memorial Cup discussion becomes a legitimate possibility.

To turn a franchise around, on and off the ice, takes a considerable amount of time. A deep playoff run would help.

Gearing for a 2016 Memorial Cup bid is more sensible. It will take at least that long to recapture what was one of the league’s best fan bases. The hockey business is no different than any other. Customers are worth their weight in gold and should never be taken for granted. Once they become an ex or disgruntled customer, it is difficult to get them back into the fold, no matter what promotions are offered.

 

New to Twitter, Tiger Woods said to his followers, “Thanks for all the love.” It’s the first time he’s ever said that when he didn’t leave a Ben Franklin on the dresser.
Comedy writer Jerry Perisho http://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/

Tiger Woods recently wrote, "What's up everyone ? Finally decided to try out Twitter!" Isn't Twitter the new waitress at 'Hooters'?


With a combined height of 13 feet, 4 inches, a California couple has claimed the Guiness title of World's Tallest Married Couple. Oh? 7'6 Yao Ming and his 6'2 wife got divorced?

Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

 

Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers told a reporter that after he retires from the NBA, he wants to play for an NFL team. Is he nuts? While Artest is a great athlete, there’s no way the guy is ready to
play professional football. Which means he’s already received an invitation to try out for the Carolina Panthers.

 

In Los Angeles, supervisors have banned plastic bags. Said one lawmaker, “Plastic bags are a pollutant, they pollute the urban landscape.” Stand by for the supervisors’ next action – banning the Los Angeles Clippers.
Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California (www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com)

Ontario is on edge as a judge is set to rule on a prostitution law that could make the sale of sex legal and uncontrolled in the Province. Finally some good news for the Toronto Raptors as this could help in the signing of big name free agents.

The union head for the NBA says he is 99% certain the league will lock out the players for next year and is advising his clients to save their money. So it looks like LeBron James will just have to settle for taking his towel to South Beach.
Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)

Monday, November 15th was the 58th anniversary of the Peanuts comic strip in which Lucy pulls the ball away from Charlie Brown as he is about to kick it. Peanuts creator Charles Schulz once said he never would have gotten the idea if Brown's regular holder -- Brett Favre -- hadn't been injured.
Comedy writer Marc Ragovin of New York

The bat Kirk Gibson used to hit his legendary home run in the 1988 World Series sold at auction for $575,000. Meanwhile, the one Vladi Guerrero used in the 2010 World Series sold at auction for firewood.
Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon Star Phoenix

Randy and Evi Quaid, who have been in Vancouver since October seeking asylum, missed a fourth mandatory court appearance in Santa Barbara. They join the Flames, Oilers and Maple Leafs as teams in Canada who haven't been showing up.
www.Sportsdeke.com

The New York City Marathon is very prestigious. In front of the Plaza Hotel, runners will have to hurdle over furniture thrown out by Charlie Sheen.