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October 14, 2005 (OTTAWA) - Results of two new surveys released today show hockey fans are supportive of most of the changes introduced by the NHL to improve the entertainment value of the game.
The NHLFA invited all of its 28,000 members across North America, considered "hard core" fans, to participate in their online poll. At the same time, the NHLFA's research partner, Decima Research, conducted a survey among 600 adult Canadians who follow hockey during a regular season - representing the 40% of Canadians who can generally be regarded as "typical fans". The key findings of the Decima study of typical fans were:
- Two-thirds (67%) agree that the new rules make the game more exciting to watch.
- 81% say that with all of the changes to the game, they are curious to see how this season plays out.
- Of the 9 changes tested (and the fact that touch icing remains), majorities of fans were in agreement with almost all decisions made.
- Only 40% agree with the new limitations on goaltenders handling the puck.
The NHLFa.com poll showed:
- Three out of four (75%) agree that the new rules make the game more exciting to watch.
- The vast majority (91%) say that with all of the changes to the game, they are curious to see how this season plays out.
- Of the 9 changes tested (and the fact that touch icing remains), majorities of hard core fans agreed with most decisions.
- Hard core fans are particularly of the view that permitting longer passes will have a huge impact on the game.
- Only 38% agree with the new limitations on goaltenders handling the puck.
- Contrasting in opinion with the typical fans, hard-core fans were much less supportive of the tougher penalties for instigating fighting (43% of hard core fans agree vs. 65% among typical fans).
- As well, hard-core fans were much more decisive in their support for the return of tagging-up on offside situations (90% of hard core fans agree vs. 64% among typical fans).
- On the shootout, while a majority of hard-core fans (54%) agree with the new rule, they lag behind typical fans (60%) in their support.
Bruce Anderson, CEO of Decima Research noted, "Where the NHL might have been worried about the risk of losing hard core fans with their attempt to make the product more entertaining and broaden the market, it appears they have managed to introduce changes that are being embraced by both their most devoted fans and those who follow hockey less intensely."
Jim Boone of the NHLFA said, "After all the pain the NHL and its players put their fans through in the past year, both parties clearly deserve kudos for having the courage to tinker with the game to make it more exciting. Clamping down on obstruction and opening up the game for skilled players has been a repeated call from fans for years. Fans have good reason to cheer today."
The full results of both polls can be found at www.nhlfa.com/survey_results.asp
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