The NHL really does have a totally bush-league marketing strategy (at best)!  In fact, when it comes to promoting the game throughout North America, the NHL is totally inept in comparison to the other major pro-sports leagues.

For example, ever notice the absolute fanaticism and passion surrounding the NFL draft?  There is tailgating, rallies, parties, prime-time coverage, chanting, booing, singing, dancing.  Why, you ask???  And-o thinks that this is simply because people have far greater opportunity to accumulate a solid understanding of all prospects through the promotion and coverage of the minor league system, collegiate ranks and (perhaps most importantly of all) the widely broadcast “draft combine”.  And, this familiarity generates opinions, fuels debates and breeds a true passion for the prospects, players, teams and…ultimately…the game! 

And-o thinks that the NHL needs to more obviously attempt to draw the link between prospects and pros!  Fans of the NHL are allowed to forget, just for example, that Eric Staal was a junior hockey player riding the bus out of Peterborough, ON two short years ago!!! 

Plus…and And-o thinks that this is a must…the “NHL Draft Combine” (which is taking place this very week by the way) needs MAJOR coverage and exposure to breed the knowledge and understanding required to fuel passions (and build fanaticism). 

Don’t you want to know, just for example, which prospects are the strongest or fastest skating?  Which one has the hardest shot?  Who shows the greatest flexibility?  Who just plain looks like a solid athlete?  Which prospects would score the highest if ranked according to their “combine” scores?  

Is it any wonder why WNBA games (along with Pro-bowling and Rodeo) draw more viewers than Stanley Cup Playoff games in the U.S. of A.???  Wake-up NHL!!!