NHL Hockey-why we love/hate it

Right around this time each year, in every office, grocery store, school, and even in church...we sports fans discuss why we love playoff hockey, and why we can't stand the sport. I'm what you would call an "In Betweener" on the sport, as I just don't feel it's caught on as it should have. There's many reasons to blame, many people to blame. But in short, the 4 labor disputes in the last 22 years have not helped. The greedy players, overpaid players, and abnormal ticket prices have pushed a lot of people away. Now I know most hockey fans are up in arms right now and are saying "this is true for any sport!" And you are correct. However, Hockey is the #4 sport in America, and quickly becoming #5 behind Soccer/MLS. That is due to many reasons and most have not even been viewed by the NHL owners, front office execs in Hockeytowns, and the brass that run the league. From an "Average Joe" sportsfan, I have came up with a few quick fixes. Will this fix the game and help it become the #1 sport in America? Not even close. But it will help a new generation of hockey fans and create an identity for a sport that other than people living north of the Whiskey/Bourbon Territory...is really non-existent.

1)There are 30 teams in pro hockey. 2 have got to go. I think the "Two Teams in Florida" trick have failed. The Florida Panthers and Phoenix Coyotes have GOT TO GO! This would help the talent pool, and create a stronger system of players. Those two teams have struggled in attendance, and financials for too many years, and they will not be missed.

2)16 teams out of 30 is ridiculous making the playoffs. It's finally time to address this and make it more meaningful. Enough said. 14 teams get playoff bids in my 28 team league, and the Conference winners get byes. The 1st round is a Best of 5 series, with the first 3 games at the higher seed's home arena.

3)Better marketability for their star players. If you asked most kids, aged 10-18, NOT living in PA, NY or Canada to pick Sid the Kid out of a lineup? You'd probably have a better success rate teaching them to roller blade. You have star power in this league. Take advantage of that and a page from the NBA of the 80's and put these guys out there for the country to see, to be amazed at, and to know about.

4)Shorten the regular season from 82 games to 70. This will create a "sense of urgency" and a more meaningful full regular season for all teams. The rivalries will intensify, the games have more meaning (especially in March-April). With this, you can actually have the playoffs start in late March, and the NHL Finals ending in May possibly. Summer hockey gets no one excited except Canadians.

5)Create a better minor league system, along with better youth programs. The biggest issue facing yough hockey right now is the availability, and cost. Most kids/parents cannot afford the ice time, the equipment, and therefore, you lose out on the next generation of players/fans/followers. Give them a chance to enjoy the game, to follow the game, and learn to LOVE the game.

6)Game Atmosphere-NHL teams need to do a better job with game experience. Some fans who go are going for the first time, and it's a chance to wow them, and bring them back. I've been to a few hockey games and actually love the surroundings. But it never 'wowed' me and that is why I cannot watch it at home on TV. They need to do a better job of reaching a new mass of fans, and creating excitement from Game 1 in October, to the Finals Game 7 in May.

Just a few suggestions. In 2004-2005 there was no NHL season. I can remember how many SportsCenter fans actually loved it as it gave more time for basketball and baseball highlights. Hockey is really fun sport, and amazing to watch. But I feel if they don't make changes soon, they will find the sport going down...again.