If NHL Loses Another Season, 5 Things That Can Be Done to Sell Game back to Fans in USA

There is not doubt that the NHL has done enough damage to itself in the last lockout in 2004-2005 and has yet to fix all of the problems that came about during that work stoppage. Now, it has already done enough damage to pile on to its existing issues remaining from the 2004-2005 Lockout. We all know that hockey fans in Canada will return to go to the Arena's for games, but in the USA, it could be the end of the line for some fans, especially who at the time of the end of the last work stoppage in July 2005, were on the fence whether to return or not, but ultimately decided to forgive the NHL. Here are 5 things that need to be done to sell the game back to fans in America if it loses another season in 8 years?

1. Remove Gary Bettman as the Commissioner of the NHL

 While I am on the owners side in this labor mess, I do think that Bettman has done enough damage to his reputation especially if the best sports League with the best fans in the world loses another season. Bill Daly would be the obvious choice to succeed Bettman, but maybe the League will want to look for a more conventional choice to be the next Commissioner, which could be Bob Batterman or other intense lawyers.

2. Relocate some franchises to Hockey Hungry cities/markets. 

 There is no question that there are some franchises in the US that are struggling to make it in their respective markets. Gary Bettman is not usually a fan of relocation and wants 30 healthy NHL franchises and was barely sold on the Thrashers moving to Winnipeg. But, now it could be about relocation in the United States. Markets like Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, Las Vegas, Nevada, Kansas City, Missouri are eager to acquire an NHL franchise via either expansion or relocation. The Phoenix Coyotes are expected to remain in Glendale, Arizona after prospective owner Greg Jamison narrowly won the vote on a new lease agreement with Jobing.com Arena. But, that might get shaky in 5-10 years. Other teams that could be up for relocation talk are the Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers and St. Louis Blues (possibly to Kansas City).

3. Lower ticket prices on season/suites/single games and prices on Arena amenities like Food, Alcohol and Drinks 

 No doubt, tickets are way too expensive in some markets, even small markets. And the food and drink prices are too high. Plus it can give away free tickets more often.

4. Upgrade "NHL Network" in US from the Sports Tier to the Basic Cable Tier and provide free "NHL Center Ice" for an entire season

 The NHL Network in the US is available on many cable operators, but its part of a premium sports tier which usually costs an extra $5-10 dollars on your cable bill per month. If it get s an upgrade, fans in USA can watch hockey non-stop plus get "Hockey Night in Canada" on CBC on NHL Network each Saturday Night as well as watch major International Tournaments in Hockey. Also, the NHL should consider offering free NHL Center Ice for an entire 82 game season in 2013-2014 including a partial season if the 2012-2013 season happens.

5. Bring Hockey back to ESPN

 The NBA has a deal with many TV Network like ESPN and TNT. MLB has a deal with ESPN, TBS, TNT  and FOX, the NFL with FOX, CBS, ESPN and NBC. The NHL currently has one National TV Carrier in Comcast or NBC Sports Group. ESPN once held a huge integrity in Hockey and made it believable and marketable in the United States. The NHL has to remain on NBC, but also bring back ESPN. Say, ESPN gets all Saturday Night Games on ESPN 2 as well Thursday Night NHL on ESPN 2 as well as Round 1 of the playoffs. NBC and NBC Sports Network and CNBC get Sunday-Wednesday night Hockey as well as exclusive rights to Rounds 2-Final of the Playoffs. This will market the NHL better in the United States. 

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