NHL Franchise Notes: Avalanche On-Ice Success Not Drawing Fans

Avalanche Sporting Sixth-Lowest Average Attendance In NHL Despite Fast Start

In Denver, Terry Frei noted the Avalanche drew a franchise-low 11,012 fans at Pepsi Center for last Wednesday's game against the Coyotes, "leaving the Western Conference's first-place team with the sixth-lowest attendance in the NHL." It signals a "perfect storm of circumstances, including high ticket prices in a league inordinately reliant on gate receipts; a bad economy; the lag effect of horrible hockey last season; and even the fact that once the long sellout streak ended and fans gave up season tickets, they became comfortable with picking their spots." While Kroenke Sports offers "'bargain' package deals," news of "layoffs and cutbacks involving loyal Pepsi Center employees working for a billionaire owner's company adds to the image of 'doesn't-get-it' insensitivity" (DENVER POST, 11/8).

DC'S FINEST: In DC, Tim Lemke notes the Capitals yesterday reported that they rank "sixth in the NHL in paid admissions and second among U.S.-based teams, suggesting a demand for tickets that could have been used to justify higher prices" at Verizon Center. Capitals VP/Ticket Sales Jim Van Stone said, "I think our focus from an organizational standpoint is to create a really solid fan base and treat people fairly" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 11/10).

DEEP BLUE SEE: Columbus Chamber of Commerce CEO Ty Marsh said there is a "real sense of urgency" regarding the Blue Jackets' financial losses. Marsh: "Continuing to sustain operations at a loss ultimately gets to be a common-sense business decision. This is not just about saving a team but keeping, enhancing and growing the real investment that's going on." He added the Blue Jackets "are an investment we can't afford to lose" (BUSINESS FIRST OF COLUMBUS, 11/6 issue).

MORE FALLOUT: The Alberta province Friday said that a second health care worker "has been fired in connection" with the H1N1 influenza vaccination clinic held specially for Flames players, officials and their families last week (THEGLOBEANDMAIL.com, 11/6).