Originally Posted by
50sWHLer
Hey, Royal Flush, with all respect, skf is a very knowledgeable hockey Fan, and has probably Backed Up more miles than you've driven ahead.
That being said, and as a LONG time hockey Fan, with connection to the game as early as 1955, I've got to say this --- The Team did not Suck ! -- nor does the league, and the Team did not fold because NO ONE went to the games, as you note.
The ECHL is Pro hockey ! --- Faster ! Quicker ! Harder Shots ! Harder Body checks ! -- & Controlled emotion !!! ------ Junior hockey, as good as it can be, cannot compare, nor is it meant to compare to the higher quality professional game.
The only reason that the Salmon Kings were shelved ( notice that RG still owns the Team ), is that RG chose NOT to market and promote the Team. ---- They never did want a Payroll or associated costs !! They were forced to go the Pro route because their contract with the City required a 'Main Tenant' , and the dormant ECHL franchise was their only out.
If Mr. Lee, Mr. Dakers, and their RG associates would have promoted the Team, both on and off the ice, as a 'Community Team', with proper Tier seat pricing, more affordable Corporate promotion, and with more concern to the Paying Fan, the Salmon Kings could have easily drawn in 6000 plus every game.
I do hope that RG has learned their lesson in Team management/ownership in a Municipal format, and that they operate the Team as is necessary to become successful.
I do know that they will meet with success in years 1 & 2, but I hesitate to say, that UNLESS they (RG) operate the Team totally differently, that years three on with meet with slumping attendance and decreased interest.
Its just too bad that RG has chosen to operate the Team themselves. A local business Group of knowledgeable Hockey people is really is what is required to carry the interest and success onto the level that YOU would like to say.
And talk about skf changing his 'handle' at you quote, you're really not one to talk !!-- It really seems to me that YOU are a real 'Royal FLUSH' --- Swoosh !!-- Down the Drain you go !!