Guest blogger Brian Carey
When the Isles season schedule was released last week, my initial reaction was the Charles Wang and the Isles sales and marketing teams must be dancing in their offices. For a team that has struggled with attendance, the sight of 15 Saturday homes games, 3 weekday home Ranger games, 2 weekday games at the Christmas holiday and 5 more holiday matinee games must have elated them beyond belief. That's 25 games that one would expect to draw very good, if not sellout crowds. Isles have always been decent weekend draws and have struggled during the week. So that's almost 60% of your home games covered. Granted, we could sell out every game and still rank in the bottom of attendance but one step at a time.
Let's look at some highlights...
Fri Oct 10, 2008 at Devils - season opener
Sat Oct 11, 2008 vs. Blues - home opener (I hate home openers against Western teams)
Mon Oct 27, 2008 vs. Rangers - first game of the season against the Rangers.
Sat Nov 8, 2008 vs. Penguins - Satan and Fedotenko return to NY
Fri Dec 26, 2008 vs Maple Leafs - Christmas game against Blake and the Leafs.
Sun Apr 12, 2009 vs. Bruins - season ender at home against the B's.
See the full schedule here.
With 7 of their first 11 games at home, this team is set up to come out of the gate quickly. If they can generate some buzz in the community, especially with the young guys, we could have a chance to fill the building more so than in the past. With the Lighthouse project looming, some positive energy in the old barn would be welcomed, especially for those of us who know what it's like to watch a weekday game against the Coyotes with 6,000 of your fellow fans.
A season long six game road trip in March could make or break a team that will be struggling to stay in the hunt all year.
After the Mets blew a 3 run 9th inning lead last night against the Phils, I'm ready for the puck to drop!!
1 comments:
People should read this.
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