Anyone at the skills yesterday? I caught a little bit of the broadcast and it looked like the place was empty. The applause, or lack thereof, at the player introductions was pretty weak and most of the players looked like they didn't want to be there.
I wasn't at the competition but like you saw it on TV. It says they can seat 10,500 for hockey, looked like maybe 3,000 people were there.
Will be interesting to see how many people are at the actual game tonight.
Certainly not a sell out. The corners look kind of sparse. Will be interested to hear the announced attendance. Even more interested if anyonw was there.
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I saw a lot of empty seats on TV for the Toronto ASG. I count 25% of the host cities gone from the AHL, although St John's is back. Portland and Hershey count twice on the positive side.
Ben bishop star of the game? Goalie in all star game wins? Political. Boosting his trade value and/or contract.
Wait, really?!?!? OK, color me impressed that he only let in one goal, but Yann Danis didn't let in any and faced just as many shots. Since it is the All-Star game, I doubt the quality of the chances went down that far.
I agree. They picked the young guy so they can say that in the press release down the road.
In terms of relevancy, like theCHL prospect game, as a fan of hockey and not just a team, I think these games are imperative to player development.
Why do you think the AHL All-Star Game is "imperative to player development"?
Maybe getting named to it makes your parent club take a longer look at you, but I am guessing that if you get named to the game, you are already on their hit list.
Really? The Peoria or St Louis press has that much sway in Atlantic City?
I'm guessing the fact he stonewalled everyone in the shootout had something to do with it too.
Totally agree, he deserved it.
Also, 2007 Toronto 7,839 - capacity % = 100.8%, no way that percentage is correct. That place holds way more. Heck, they even flood it and bring boats in for a boat show!
Seems kind of pointless. Couldn't even watch it because they showed it on a channel I don't get. I think the Skills was on a channel I get, but I didn't bother watching it. I think teams don't want to host because it costs money for all that. To me it seemed like Hershey was having it every other year.
Truly, in the grand scheme of things, NO All-Star game is really "relevant". The Pro Bowl's a joke, the NHL All Star Game looked like it was played at half speed, the NBA ASG is a layup drill & dunking contest, and baseball's ASG is so usleless they had to invent a new rule to make it seem like it was important. 6,100+ isn't bad for a neutral site game over 100 miles from the nearest league city. Here's hoping they play it one year in Vegas.
Truly, in the grand scheme of things, NO All-Star game is really "relevant". The Pro Bowl's a joke, the NHL All Star Game looked like it was played at half speed, the NBA ASG is a layup drill & dunking contest, and baseball's ASG is so usleless they had to invent a new rule to make it seem like it was important. 6,100+ isn't bad for a neutral site game over 100 miles from the nearest league city. Here's hoping they play it one year in Vegas.
With all due respect, if they do hold it in Vegas I assure you that I'm not going to spend 2+ hours there to watch a meaningless hockey game.
Rum, any truth to the rumors of an outside all-star game at the stadium next year?
With all due respect, if they do hold it in Vegas I assure you that I'm not going to spend 2+ hours there to watch a meaningless hockey game.
Rum, any truth to the rumors of an outside all-star game at the stadium next year?
I'd probably go to the skills comp and enjoy partying with my friends who attendevery year. Might or might not attend the game itself. Either way, it'd be part of a 5-day stay, so I could fit a little hockey in.
Nothing yet except rumors and speculation on an outdoor game. With the game in DC against Norfolk being an Admirals home game, our schedule's still fully intact. I just don't know if it'd be worth it. Hersheypark Stadium holds about 16K in the stands. As we already draw 9,500 on average, I can't see it making any financial sense.
Also, 2007 Toronto 7,839 - capacity % = 100.8%, no way that percentage is correct. That place holds way more. Heck, they even flood it and bring boats in for a boat show!
I checked Wikipedia for the Ricoh Coliseum. It says 7779 for hockey and 8140 with standing room. A concert seats 9250. The math checks out for 7839 / 7779. I just think that there were a lot of comps not used, because I remember the empty seats on TV. Either that or feet were counted instead of heads!
The AHL All-Star game is different (from the NHL ASG). It is a major event for our league that provides us with national exposure. It also provides us the opportunity to showcase some of the great young talent in our league. Link
I checked Wikipedia for the Ricoh Coliseum. It says 7779 for hockey and 8140 with standing room. A concert seats 9250. The math checks out for 7839 / 7779. I just think that there were a lot of comps not used, because I remember the empty seats on TV. Either that or feet were counted instead of heads!