Very Interesting Canadian NHL Hockey Poll:

[Village Idiot]

What are you looking forward to seeing when the NHL resumes its season in October?
Total Votes for this Question: 3290
So far, 34% have voted for Just that hockey is back
So far, 13% have voted for Parity among teams
So far, 7% have voted for Radical rule changes
So far, 5% have voted for Reduced goalie equipment
So far, 17% have voted for Don Cherry's rants
So far, 25% have voted for Nothing -- no longer a fan

http://cgi.canoe.ca/htbin/survey/survey?poll=slam050719&mode=display&reason=counted&pollresulttype=percentage

25% of CANADIANS polled say they are NO LONGER HOCKEY FANS!!!

[LisaM]

1. But they are not telling the truth

I know a lot of people in Canada and in particular, the women always say they aren't hockey fans. Nothing could be further from the truth. They know the rules, the players, the teams, and the history far better than I. Not only that, many of them participate in fantasy leagues. I would take that with a grain of salt.

[Ravenseye]

2. Well....no that's not what it says

it says they aren't fans of the NHL, not hockey. Alot of people moved to minor leagues, junior leagues, college, etc.

Also there is no option for, 'never was a fan'. I don't know what percentage of people in Canada aren't fans of HOckey but I bet it's higher than people think, particularly out west.

[Baclava]

9. Agreed - they could of come up with clearer answers...

1) I can't wait! - hockey is back!
2) I'll wait and see if there's parity among teams
3) I'm no longer a fan because of the strike
4) Never was a fan...I'm stupid for even reading this

[getmeouttahere]

3. I think it's a temporary phenomenon...

I would be willing to bet that a large portion of those people that said they are no longer fans, weren't fans to begin with. I mean, contrary to popular belief among uninformed americans, not all Canadians are hockey fans!

[Village Idiot]

4. I, like all rational, clear thinking Canadians, am a HABS fan.

But I will NOT be watching or listening or attending this next year.

I am on strike. Maybe next year I will watch again...but it is unlikely.

Free agency and the CBA have fucked the NHL up so badly that professional hockey no longer comes close to resembling the game I have been so passionate about for 35+ years.

I will stick to cheering on the Ottawa 67's and Hull Olympique this year...money well diverted, I feel.

[getmeouttahere]

6. Can't really blame you...

I personally can't wait for the season. I did follow the Quebec league a lot more this past year, but this season is going to be so interesting for so many reasons. What do you think the Habs roster will look like? Sounds like its going to be a free-for-all.

And why is there no talk of moving the nets back to where they were in the 80's and before??? Just one more easy way to create space for offensive play.

[Baclava]

10. Changes I'd like to see...

Bye bye red line!!!

Hello Shoot-outs at the end of the 4-4 overtime if it is still tied.

Hello smaller goalie pads.

Hockey would expolde in popularity if they can put a game on the ice like you see in the Olympics.

[the other one]

5. Strikes killed baseball, lets not forget

except for in certain markets that don't have NFL football, e.g. NY. New England is an exception, because patriot and celtic fans have always considered themselves Red Sox fans first. Phillies fans never really came back to baseball.

[DaveinMD]

7. baseball attendance

is better than ever in most markets.

[Ron Mexico]

8. I'm for some parity in life, but not for teams.

For some reason, I have no problem with dynasties. The enforced mediocrity of the NFL and playoff teams winning games after going 8-8 has really turned me off - and one of those winning teams was my favorite. This CBA will ruin hockey IMO.

[Baclava]

11. As long as they get rid of that crap hockey the Devils play I'll be happy.

Dump the puck, try to score...dump the puck, try to score...

Lather...rinse...repeat...
Lather...rinse...repeat...
Lather...rinse...repeat...

[Ron Mexico]

12. That's another superb idea.

The rules that allow that sort of hockey make it impossible for me to blame the Devils, but the game is still a nightmarish bore to watch when it happens.