Published: 10 Feb 10 09:26 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/24898/20100210/
Stockholm has been named as one of three cities which will play host to the six opening games of the National Hockey League next season.
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Nice little publicity stunt, but if it is leading to future expansion, then god help the NHL. The NHL does not belong in Europe, just like the failure in the southern US market (Florida, Tamp Bay, Carolina, Phoenix, etc.). Do you really think Europe would pay game prices like Canada and the US? I just saw a Frolunda game for 210 sek, I also used to have Canucks season tickets a few years ago in the nose bleed for $100 per seat. Would the average Swede pay that much for a game? The league talent with 30 teams is diluted enough.
If the NHL did expand over here, I doubt they would have the exact same cost and pay structure as in N. America. It would probably be scaled down (both salaries and ticket prices) to what the market would bear. Besides, after paying $20 for a basic car wash today (and double for beef and lots of other things), the NHL prices don't seem so bad any more.
Go Pens!!!
Sweden loves the NHL and the NHL loves Sweden. We need more good relationships between Sweden and the USA.
If there wasn't parity, then it wouldn't be a level playing field. Besides, if a player had a chance to make 8 mill a year in Toronto, or 3.5 mill a year in Stockholm, which do you think he'll choose? It would create a 2 tier (or 3 tier) league. Europe would essentially be an expanded farm team system. What do Pens tickets go for? Ironically the Pens were near bankruptcy just before they won the Crosby lottery
@canam
It would be nice if that was Bettman's plan, but two years ago he remarked about 'exploring different markets' during an interview following a japanese hockey games.
You got ripped off. I can go see a Bruins game for 250 Kr. Student nights are 180 Kr....Family section etc...
I went and saw a playoff game a few years ago (Montreal) and paid 75 for nosebleeds. Could see the game fine though. You have to pay to see the best talent in the world. No offense to the Swedish league but I would rather see BC-BU in the beanpot. At least as competitive as Allsvenskan and the tix are very cheap.
If you want to make a fair comparison about level of play then compare the ticket prices with the AHL.
I like the Swedish league though. We have a great arena here in Malmö....Granted it is Allsvenskan and sometimes sloppy...Nothing like seeing the owner walk around though and talk to the fans.
I definitely don't want to see the NHL in Sweden though.
I went to fight last night and all of sudden some hockey broke out. LOL
I went to the game in Stockholm this past year, and it was great. Highly recommend it for any hockey fan, especially if your team is one that's coming over. Being a Redwings fan, it was a real experience being able to watch them play live in Stockholm.
I do like Swedish hockey but it is impossible to compare the NHL to Eliteserien. I went to many Bruins games without fights and I have actually seen one fight in Malmö (I have been here maybe 10 times). Did see lots of fights at the Flyers games though. I do meet quite a few hockey aficionados in Sweden who prefer the NHL game. They usually talk about the smaller rink and how it changes the game. I also prefer the smaller rink. I guess it is a matter of taste. Some people don't like seafood.
If you are a real hockey fan it really is hard to not prefer the NHL. The passing is much more precise and the play is more physical. Sometimes Eliteserien looks a little too much like an Albany River Rats (sometimes it is quite alright). Again this might have to do with the rink.
The US players barely had a chance to get acclimated here. I would not say they stunk it up either. It was a mixed bag. It is hard to drop a guy in a game, with a new team, a new rink, and expect him to score 40 goals. The Swedish game is COMPLETELY different with its own nuances.
Welcome!
I think the KHL is a great league. They have a little ways to go and their teams are BLEEDING money worse than the NHL. Anyways the talent is there.
I appreciate your comment. It is not often you meet someone who knows about the River Rats.
Anyways I am sorry you are disabled. My father served during the Korean war so I can imagine it has been tough. I wish you the best.
Anyways if you get a chance to come to Sweden take it (flights run about 700 bucks). It is a beautiful country that opens your eyes in so many ways. There are many wonderful people here (both Swedish and non Swedish!).