Tag: NHL Lockout

Brands are Built on Promises

Posted on by mlavens in PR Tips

“I don’t know how you come back from a prolonged stoppage a second time because it is unprecedented,” said Ed O’Hara, senior partner of New York-based SME Branding, “Brands are built on promises. In this case, the promised experiences of seeing the greatest athletes in the world. That’s all gone now.”

This quote really stuck out to me. I saw it today in an article in The Washington Post about the NHL lockout. Even though this quote is based off the NHL lockout, it doesn’t mean they are the only brand that need to keep their promises. All brands need to. Brands that don’t can run into issues with their fans and customers.

Since this quote comes from the NHL lockout (and I’m a hockey fan) I’m going to start by using it as an example. The last time the NHL had a lockout is cost the entire 2004-2005 season. The NHL promised fans a better experience following the cancellation of the season. Fans came back and all seemed well. The NHL was experiencing some of the highest revenue it’s ever had and games were packed. Then, another lockout came around.

The NHL has been confident that fans will return following this lockout, but I wouldn’t be so sure. My dad and I had a partial season ticket package to the Red Wings for the past few years. We had every intention of renewing this year even though I’d be living in New York and could only make it home for a few games. Now, I could care less if we get a season ticket package again. I love the Wings and will always support them, but I can do that from the comfort of my couch in New York City instead of spending the money to fly home and buy tickets. I’m not saying I will never go to another Wings game, because lets be honest, you’d never be able to keep my away from Joe Louis for forever, but I do have some serious reservations about spending so much time and money on these games.

I know I’m not the only fan that feels this way. From other blogs and articles I’ve read, a lot of fans are fed up with the NHL. No one wanted to see another lockout. This has pretty much ruined their reputation.

Any company that makes a promise to their fans something and doesn’t deliver is going to have a possible crisis on their hands and will need to recover from a lack of supporters.

The PR Tactic of the NHL

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

NEW YORK, NY – Earlier this week the NHL announced there was an “agreeable” proposal on the table and if the NHLPA agreed to it, a full 82 game season could start on November 2.  This announcement was made shortly after the proposal was given to Donald Fahr, the union’s executive director.  This gave fans hope and something to possible look forward to. Instead, they got more cancelled games.

Thursday, the players offered the NHL three counterproposals that were all shot down by the NHL. This also caused the NHL to cancel another weeks worth of game through November 1. This is not a total surprise seeing the season wouldn’t have started until November 2 had the proposal been signed.

What makes this situation in the lockout unique is what the NHL did from a PR standpoint. Commissioner Gary Bettman, basically told the public the season would start on November 2 and it would be possible to play all 82 games.  A few days later, when the NHLPA didn’t agree, he cancels more games and makes it look like the players caused this. He tried to show that he was focused and concerned about the season getting back on track, by announcing the new proposal and that it could save the season. When the players rejected it, it causes fans to lose hope. Even the New York Times has stated that the fans are starting to blame the players for the continuation of the lockout. Many fans are extremely upset about the current situation have been voicing their opinions.

Buffalo Sabres fan, Dan Szudik stated, “At this point, you have to feel the NHL is playing the PR game to perfection. It really makes it look like the NHL is doing everything they can and this is all the players fault. What a difference a week makes in the world of public opinion.”

One Boston Bruins fan, Holly Post, has even taken her message to Facebook hoping to capture the leagues perspective from another viewpoint. She’s a 19-year-old college student working two jobs to pay for her season tickets. Not only is she missing the sport she loves, but the lockout is costing her more money as the local pub she works at is lacking business. Watch video here: NHL Fan Speaks Out

At this point, it’s hard to say when the NHL lockout will end. Fans, including myself, would love to see the season start on November 2 and it is still possible. If the NHL and NHLPA reach an agreement by October 25 games will begin. But, with the proposals shot down and no new negotiations scheduled, it could mean a longer and longer lockout.

Updated: October 22, 2012

NHL Lockout Continues

Posted on by mlavens in Press Release

NEW YORK, NY – Meeting continued today between the NHL and the NHLPA regarding the current lockout situation. Despite meeting, no further progress has been made. According to an article in the LA Times, the cancellation of preseason cost the NHL $100million and most likely, are days away from canceling the start of regular season games, which were scheduled to begin October 11.

NHL LockoutSome players including Dan Cleary (Detroit Red Wings) have stated that they think the lockout could potential last the entire season. Hockey fans and players hope this doesn’t happen, but in the mean time, many players have been going overseas to play on month-to-month contracts or have been training with the American Hockey League. Minor league teams have been offering ticket packages to fan still wishing to enjoy hockey while the NHL is locked out.

Some players are sick of the continuous lockouts since Gary Bettman has been commissioner of the NHL.  Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals) has claimed he may not return to the NHL if he does agree with the terms between the NHL and NHLPA.  I’m sure he’s not the only player considering this.

For those of you that know me, you know I am an avid hockey fan. I was heartbroken when Nick Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings) announced his retirement earlier this year and I was even more disappointed when the lockout officially happened. At the rate negotiations are going, I worried the Winter Classic will be cancelled. I was so excited when they made the announcement that the Winter Classic was going to be held in the University of Michigan’s Big House and that it would be an Original Six game. I was prepared to fly home from New York City for it. Now, my hopes a slowly fading. As more time passes without a deal between the NHL and NHLPA, the more I feel like I’m going to miss out on the game.

For now, it’s just a waiting game.  No plans have been made to continue discussions meaning the start of regular season will most likely be delayed.