This tournament that comes around every year like clockwork features the absolute best U20 hockey talent in the world. We have won it the last two years and 3 in the last 5 years. And yet it seems to be attract a big yawn, even in Minnesota, which is the host this year. For example, in the US quarter finals game, the Grand Casino Arena, which sells out each year for the state high school championships, was only about 80% full. Overall attendance has been very disappointing. Given this is Minnesota, it begs the question - why has interest been so tepid.
I have a few thoughts. 1) Tickets are pricey and early sales require the purchase of a complete ticket package. Individual tickets only came on sale much later. 2) Many games are held during the day when many people are are at work. 3) Televised games are on the NHL network which is not widely available (they don't release the number of subscribers). 4) There is very, very little press coverage of the tournament by the sports media. 5) This is prime CFP and Bowl Season, which would be touch competition for hockey. 6) Maybe there just isn't that much interest in hockey. 7) Hockey is very international while most sports here, other than soccer, have a pretty much national footprint (obvious exceptions in basketball and somewhat in baseball), so the "international" aspect doesn't add that much appeal.
I'd really be interested in your thoughts. You can probably guess I'm a huge fan of this tournament; it is some of the most competitive - and high quality - hockey I can watch until the Stanley Cup playoffs start. And I know I am getting an early glimpse of the future stars of the NHL. But I seem to clearly be in the minority.
I have a few thoughts. 1) Tickets are pricey and early sales require the purchase of a complete ticket package. Individual tickets only came on sale much later. 2) Many games are held during the day when many people are are at work. 3) Televised games are on the NHL network which is not widely available (they don't release the number of subscribers). 4) There is very, very little press coverage of the tournament by the sports media. 5) This is prime CFP and Bowl Season, which would be touch competition for hockey. 6) Maybe there just isn't that much interest in hockey. 7) Hockey is very international while most sports here, other than soccer, have a pretty much national footprint (obvious exceptions in basketball and somewhat in baseball), so the "international" aspect doesn't add that much appeal.
I'd really be interested in your thoughts. You can probably guess I'm a huge fan of this tournament; it is some of the most competitive - and high quality - hockey I can watch until the Stanley Cup playoffs start. And I know I am getting an early glimpse of the future stars of the NHL. But I seem to clearly be in the minority.
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