NHL Franchise Notes: ‘Canes Still Drawing Crowds In Raleigh

Hurricanes Seeing Attendance Boost From Stanley Cup-Winning Season

In Toronto, Kevin McGran reported the Hurricanes have drawn more than 18,000 fans 15 times through 25 home games this season, compared to just seven times through the same period last season. As evidence that Raleigh has “embraced the reigning Stanley Cup champions,” the team raised about $150,000 with its annual casino night, compared to the $30,000-35,000 it traditionally has averaged. The biggest draw “is usually a trip for two with the [Hurricanes] on a road trip,” which draws about $3,000; the winning bid for the same trip this year was over $10,000. Hurricanes D Mike Commodore said, “It’s been completely different. Just little things you notice. Last year, I’d be lucky if I saw a [Hurricanes] sticker anywhere, this year they’re all over the place” (TORONTO STAR, 1/30).

BLUES: In Minneapolis, Michael Russo noted the Blues are 13-3-2 since December 19, eight days after they fired coach Mike Kitchen and hired Andy Murray. The club drew an average of 16,880 fans for its last three home games before last night. Blues President & GM John Davidson said, “With Andy, the team’s turning around. The buzz is on in St. Louis. It’s the front page of the sports section now, it’s the talk of the town. The thing about our market is we know (the fans are) there because they filled the building before. We’ve just got to earn their respect back” (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 1/30).

DUCKS: The Ducks have sold out seven straight games at the Honda Center, the longest such streak since the ’97-98 season. Nine of their last ten home games have been announced sellouts (L.A. TIMES, 1/29).