How Should The NHL Win Back The Fans?

April 14, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) in game two of the 2012 Western Conference quarterfinals at Jobing.com Arena. The Blackhawks beat the Coyotes 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone is so excited that the lockout is almost lifted, but how should the NHL win the fans back after the lockout?

1. Lower ticket prices for the 2013 season.  Teams will either have 24 or 25 home games during this abbreviated season so why not give the fans a break with ticket prices.  When looking for single game tickets you can get some good deals on site like Stubhub.com, but season ticket holders don’t get that kind of break so NHL franchises should give their biggest investors a break for this season.  By a break we are not talking like 5% but more like 25-40% break for this season.  Give the ticket holder a break this season so they are  happy to come back for the  2013-2014 season.

2. Free NHL Center Ice Package.  For those that don’t live in the Chicagoland market this would be a huge deal to watch all the Chicago Blackhawks games without paying for the NHL Center Ice package. You want fans to come back to the game, but you also want fans at home watching the games too.  Give your fans that are still ready to watch NHL hockey a break for the 48 or 50 game season with the ability to watch all the games free of charge. This to me would be the biggest way the NHL could win back the fans.

3. Hide Bettman and Fehr.  After opening night the next time we should see Gary Bettman would be at the Stanley Cup presentation!  Most fans are tired of all the suits so after the ceremonial CBA signing and the dropping of the first puck  it will be time for them to go into hibernation.

4. Sell out every night.  No I don’t mean the fans going to the stadiums, I mean that all players sell out and give 100% every night to give the fans the best show possible! Retire the word Grind, not our best effort.  They only have to go on the ice 50 times so give it your all, no off nights!

I can’t wait for the action to return!!!

LET’S GO BLACKHAWKS!!