RIO RANCHO, NM – Summer was officially ended here in North America with the annual burning of hot dogs and burgers on open flames. And with that the eyes of hockey fans now turn to the early awakenings of clubs from the off season. Furtive signings in the minors and the last throes of the Ilya Kovalchuk haranguing with the Devils and the NHL is done.
The United Kingdom is off and running after an eventful off season in Sheffield. Our own Neil Edwards led the coverage of the ownership issues there with the Steelers. That coverage was noted by several newspapers in Great Britain and garnered our publication much deserved recognition and kudos. Edwards deserves the bulk of the kudos for inspired writing and reporting.
In Europe, Pro Hockey News has seen a measurable increase in readership in France where ex-pats from the UK and North America converge. With the halting economic recovery around the globe we expect there to be additional movement between countries for many players. Several rumors have NHL players looking overseas and not just the KHL in Russia.
This summer also brought our first efforts at covering hockey in Australia and Asia where ex-pats thrive and build their resumes. The bouncing between regions also means players return “home” in game condition and compete for roster spots more effectively.
With the UK in gear, North American clubs are building their rosters slowly for now, but the frenzy will begin in earnest shortly.
The change in landscape from last season is most notable in the Central and International Hockey Leagues where both circuits partnered for the foreseeable future in an effort to build strength and sustainability. Lagging attendance figures in some cities forced suspensions of franchises and the leagues took the bold and sensible step to partner and survive.
Several cities in former IHL and CHL now have Junior programs to replace suspended pro teams. Right here in Rio Rancho, the New Mexico Mustangs will take the ice at the Santa Ana Star Center in the hopes of reviving hockey in the area. The mantra from many in the industry has been ‘Better to have juniors than no hockey at all.’ That remains to be seen. Will the skill match what was seen in “AA” hockey? Will there be passion in the younger players? Will it be entertaining? Those who desire professional hockey will soon find out.
In the “A” leagues, the Federal Hockey League and the All American Hockey League are looking to build on the desire for affordable sports entertainment and a place for young players to grow their abilities and gain some notice from higher leagues. PHN will be covering both leagues in our “A” reporting this season.
We will be expanding our Canadian leagues coverage this season with additional reporters and at least one head coach providing commentary.
As for PHN itself, the publication started more than 6 years ago and was slow to gain traction with readers. It was taking as long as 18 months to record half a million page views. Now, in 2010, PHN is recording 1 million page views every 7 months and are indeed on track for 2 million page views this year with a good fall and early winter readership count. We also expect 1 million visitors to visit the site this year. We thank everyone who reads Pro Hockey News; it is a reflection of our content and our place in the hockey world.
We can say without reservation or equivocation that “We cover more ice than a Zamboni!”
Thanks again and let’s get the games underway.
Contact Lou.Lafrado@prohockeynews.com .
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