In response to the few letters coming in support of the recent edition of the Cougars. Those in support are obviously enthused about the recent edition of the team and all seem to be long-time supporters of the team, the loyal "through thick and thin" types.
The rest of us who used to go and fill that building, and who have become very cynical about the management and product on the ice, are waiting to see if there is actually something to this new team.
I have considered going to a game this year but have not yet done so. I do, however, pay close attention to media coverage of the team.
Over the past few years it became increasingly frustrating to purchase tickets to go to games that looked so much like the game I just watched, and leaving at the end of the second period because I couldn't bear to watch anymore.
This city is full of adult males who have played hockey and still play hockey and these are the people who will purchase the tickets to bring their families out to watch games.
If you don't provide a product to keep this demographic enthused, you lose out on these family ticket sales.
Sure, these kids have speed, can skate, and have good shots, but if no one is teaching them to be smart hockey players then the product suffers.
Most of us are waiting to see a team that plays hard night-in and night-out, smart at both ends of the rink. If we knew that our money spent on this entertainment would actually provide entertainment consistently, win or lose, we would come out. But the last several years have clearly shown us that neither management nor coaching has been capable.
This town is a hockey town, full of many who understand the game, and we want to see the best of what a hockey team can offer the fans. Be competitive, work hard, put fear in your opponents to play in your own building.
I was thinking about coming out to some games after Christmas, but now I think I will stay in wait-and-see mode a little longer. Honestly I would love nothing more than to see that building full, like it used to be, but management lost their consumers and it is up to management to put a product on the ice that weill bring us back.
If we are skeptical and reluctant to jump on the bandwagon they have their own performance to blame. I suggest the team at least hand out a thousand tickets per game to school age kids, because those seats are empty anyway, and at least dad will have to take the kids to the game if they already have a free ticket.
Dad would have to buy a ticket for at least himself and it would put butts in the seats and sell more hot dogs.
Rich Atkins
Prince George
