Hockey never about the money at home: OUR OPINION

By Bob Bruton - Barrie Examiner

That nearly one-third of National Hockey League ticket revenues were generated by Canadian teams last season doesn't come as a surprise.

Or at least, not to Canadian hockey fans.
The Canadian Press is reporting that 33% of ticket revenues from the 2010-2011 season came from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers.
That's six of the NHL's 30 teams, for those keeping track.
One would expect that percentage to increase during this hockey season, given that the Atlanta Thrashers are now the Winnipeg Jets and selling out every game in Manitoba.
It's also no surprise that that the Habs and Leafs raked in $2 million a game in ticket revenues last season, which means each of those Canadian teams were making more than the Phoenix Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders and Florida Panthers combined.
Actually almost $183,000 more per game.
One would think NHL commissioner Gary Bettman would look at these numbers and say 'perhaps Canada should have more teams. Maybe we should relocate some of these American franchises north of the border'.
How about Phoenix, which is now owned by the league itself — meaning NHL owners each get to pay a share of the Coyotes annual losses. Hockey in deserts is a bad idea, which someone in the NHL brain-trust should have figured out before the Jets were sold and relocated there about 15 years ago.
The Islanders are also in big trouble. They need a new arena with luxury boxes, but local residents nixed that idea in a referendum — and who can blame them. Why should taxpayers shell out so that a pro hockey team can make money?
There are already relocation options in Canada.

Quebec City seems ready to have an NHL franchise again, after losing the Nordiques all those years ago. Now the Colorado Avalanche, having won two Stanley Cups since their departure, are firmly established.

But teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay, for example, have seen double-digit decreases in their single-game revenues since the 2007-2008 season.
That wouldn't happen in Quebec City, Hamilton or even with a second Toronto team.
This isn't to say the NHL doesn't work in the United States. There are plenty of great, prosperous franchises there.
The Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins have all regenerated their fan base by putting winning teams on the ice. The Bruins and Hawks have won the last two Cups.
The Penguins and Capitals have great young teams, with two of the league's best players in Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, although the latter remains out with a concussion.
The New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres continue to be strong franchises.
But NHL hockey doesn't work in some America markets, and hasn't for some time.
Those requiring proof of this need look no further that the ticket revenue totals. There are also sponsorship and broadcasting revenues to consider, but it's difficult to believe that Canadians teams wouldn't be near the top of those lists too.
That's because this is our game. Kids play it, teens play it, adults of all ages play it.
Our interest doesn't wane, because hockey is always such an important part of our lives. That's the real bottom line.