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November 1, 2005
The Hockey News
Results of two surveys conducted by the NHL Fans Association reveal fans are
supportive of changes introduced by the NHL. The NHLFA invited its 28,000
members (considered diehard fans) to participate in their online poll. The
poll showed: 75 per cent agree the new rules make the game more exciting;
only 38 per cent agree with the new limitations on goalies; 90 per cent
support tag-up offsides; and, 54 per cent like the shootout. The NHLFA's
research partner, Decima, conducted a survey among 600 adult Canadians who
follow hockey - representing 40 per cent of Canadians regarded as "typical
fans". The findings were: 67 per cent agree the new rules make the game
more exciting; 40 per cent agree with the limitations on goalies; only 64
support the tag-up offsides; and, 60 per cent support the shootout.
"Where the NHL might have been worried about the risk of losing hardcore
fans with their attempt to make the product more entertaining and broaden
the market," said Bruce Anderson, CEO of Decima Research, "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."
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