Quote:
Originally Posted by Walter Reed
I'll preface my comment by stating that they don't stem from a anti-Calgary thing but rather a marketing scenario. I would think that JG using his nickname to market various products will have a somewhat exclusive appeal to Flame fans rather than a league wide appeal because he plays for a "small market" team. Had Gaudreau played for a LA, NY, Detroit or Toronto market I think adding his name might have a broader league wide appeal.
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I think his league wide appeal may come to surprise you:
· The nickname originated in Boston College, and was created by fans. American fans who watch hockey, and who are fanatical about Gaudreau.
· He was the best player in the NCAA by a WIDE margin in his last two seasons, and is universally recognised by NCAA hockey enthusiasts. It is a good bet that with the exposure he received via the NCAA's own marketing that "Johnny Hockey" was itself a household word for more than just college hockey fans.
· He has since played in the WJC and in the WC, and is arguably one of the most recognisable US borne players in the NHL in large part because of the hype that had developed—not just within Calgary—over the course of the last two years.
· Since coming to Calgary, he now benefits from tremendous exposure in Canadian television. He is a fixture in Flames national as well as regional broadcasts, on broadcasts of games in US cities, and he has been the topic of conversations at the national level about such things as the Calder Trophy race.
Of course playing in a big market would have dramatically increased the value of his trademarked nickname. But his presence in Calgary in no way precludes his market potential. There are still plenty of people outside of this city who recognise him, and who are fans.