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| Fans say cut salaries, hike Canadian content
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November 28, 1998
For Immediate Release
(OTTAWA) — "Never mind the fights, do something about ice quality around
the league," say an overwhelming majority of fans polled this month by
the NHLFA (National Hockey League Fans' Association).
In fact, 90% of respondents to the NHLFA's inaugural Fan Report poll,
say they don't want fighting eliminated from NHL games at all, although
a majority would like the League to offer stronger direction to referees
regarding enforcement of the rule book.
The Fan Report, made available via the Internet, asked NHLFA members to
respond to some 80 questions on issues related to NHL hockey. It's the
Association's initial attempt to place the views of fans before the NHL
community. More than 1000 NHLFA members responded to the poll which
tackled subjects ranging from salaries and ticket prices, to ice
quality, expansion, and officiating. The NHLFA was founded in April 1998
by two Ottawa men, Jim Boone and Jim Spendlove, to give fans a voice in
NHL hockey.
Following are just a few of The Fan Report highlights:
- 76% of respondents believe NHL player salaries are too high and 19%
think they're about right, while 88% feel ticket prices for NHL games
are too high;
- 70% of respondents believe on-ice officials do a good job, but only
36% believe the NHL provides them with adequate direction on how to call
the games;
- 73% of respondents believe it should be open season on goalies who
leave the crease to play the puck behind their own net;
- about 30% of those polled feel Gary Bettman is doing a good job on
behalf of fans, 37% believe he is doing a good job on behalf of the game
and 62% think he is doing the job on behalf of owners;
- 88% feel Canadian teams should receive tax breaks similar to those of
their American counterparts;
- 93% of NHLFA members oppose players/management re-negotiating
contracts in mid-term.
And though most NHLFA members think players make too much money, they
are still concerned with players' health. Ninety per cent believe the
NHL should do something to improve ice quality around the league, and
62% think today's rink-board glass is an increasing cause of player
injuries.
The full results of the 1998 Fan Report can be viewed on-line
(www.nhlfa.com). The two Jims will provide the complete poll
results to the League and the NHLPA, and are pursuing sponsors to
underwrite the day-to-day operations of the Association.
For further information:
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