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Derek Sutton · 02-24-2014, 08:58 AM

What is the end result with growing the game? Are we looking for global participation, an increase in youth registration, producing one more NHLer or perhaps one day having a 32 team Olympic tournament? I persoanlly can't see how growing the game makes the game better. I also believe the term, growing the game, is a phrase from Garry Bettman which means "More money for the NHL." Does the NBA worry about growing basketball? Does the NFL worry about growing football? They like to succeed within the borders of the USA, but outside of that I don't think the other leagues are concerend about the gorwth of their sport as much as they are worried about more money from fans and tv deals. I don't really see the benefit, nor the logistics of growing hockey around the world, likely just more money for the NHL.

On a national level, where do you go from here? If ever there was a time for kids to want to get playing hockey, it is now,today, the day after double gold and all the hype surrounding #wearewinter. Do we as a country or does Hockey Canada really need to constantly push for more kids to register for hockey? If the parents can afford it or they want to out there kid in hockey, they will.

Minor hockey is constantly under the microscope, the crazy parents (which are prevelant in all kids sports), injuries to kids and of course the cost. The most ironic thing in all of this, when it comes to minor hockey and growing the game is the cost. Hockey has to charge high fees to keep the numbers DOWN in many cities accross the Province. With lower registration fees, numbers would get too high creating numerous problems ranging from no ice to not enough coaches to becomming a baby sitting service. Several minor hockey organizations have created rec divisions which encourages kids, who would otherwise quit hockey, to keep playing into their midget years. This does keep kids playing but does not grow the game, just prepares them for the beer leagues.

As for the NHL do they further expand within North America or they expand to Europe? Would that be trying to grow the game or just getting a share of the pie from untapped markets?

02-24-2014, 08:58 AM	#70
Derek Sutton First Line Centre Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sunnyvale Exp:	Grow it how, What is the end result with growing the game? Are we looking for global participation, an increase in youth registration, producing one more NHLer or perhaps one day having a 32 team Olympic tournament? I persoanlly can't see how growing the game makes the game better. I also believe the term, growing the game, is a phrase from Garry Bettman which means "More money for the NHL." Does the NBA worry about growing basketball? Does the NFL worry about growing football? They like to succeed within the borders of the USA, but outside of that I don't think the other leagues are concerend about the gorwth of their sport as much as they are worried about more money from fans and tv deals. I don't really see the benefit, nor the logistics of growing hockey around the world, likely just more money for the NHL. On a national level, where do you go from here? If ever there was a time for kids to want to get playing hockey, it is now,today, the day after double gold and all the hype surrounding #wearewinter. Do we as a country or does Hockey Canada really need to constantly push for more kids to register for hockey? If the parents can afford it or they want to out there kid in hockey, they will. Minor hockey is constantly under the microscope, the crazy parents (which are prevelant in all kids sports), injuries to kids and of course the cost. The most ironic thing in all of this, when it comes to minor hockey and growing the game is the cost. Hockey has to charge high fees to keep the numbers DOWN in many cities accross the Province. With lower registration fees, numbers would get too high creating numerous problems ranging from no ice to not enough coaches to becomming a baby sitting service. Several minor hockey organizations have created rec divisions which encourages kids, who would otherwise quit hockey, to keep playing into their midget years. This does keep kids playing but does not grow the game, just prepares them for the beer leagues. As for the NHL do they further expand within North America or they expand to Europe? Would that be trying to grow the game or just getting a share of the pie from untapped markets? __________________ The only thing better then a glass of beer is tea with Ms McGill