HARTLEY MILLER’S HART ATTACK – (Less fans in the stands) DECEMBER 15th, 2017 EDITION 658

The Prince George Cougars attendance is down (16%), for the first time under the EDGEPRO ownership, which is a reflection of the majority of the WHL teams.

The Cougars have completed half of their 36 home games sporting a record of 7-8-3 at the CN Centre.

The Cats, with a much younger team than the previous season, may have expected a significant drop in the standings, but were they prepared for a substantial hit at the gate?

In the 2016-17 season, the Cougars averaged 3,626 fans, their most support in 14 years (since the 2002-03 season).

The number in 2017-18 is nearly 500 less with an average of 3,041 per game.

There are a few theories why this has taken place.

One reason may be that the team hasn’t played nearly as well as their BC Division banner year.

Another reason that has been suggested is the new ticket pricing structure, implemented during the off-season, was not well received by some ticket holders, in particular seniors.

Many teams draw better after Christmas and the Cougars are working tirelessly to make that happen come the New Year.

It may not be much consolation to the owners that pay the bills, but Prince George has plenty of company league-wide with fewer spectators going to the games.

According to Hockey DB, 18 of the 22 teams are behind attendance figures from last season (Kamloops is down just one person per game).

The biggest improvement is the Kootenay Ice, who, with the benefit of new ownership and a much improved team, have attracted 636 more fans (from 1,754 to 2,390).

Regina has the next biggest jump of 544 (from 5,456 to 6,000), thanks to the Pats hosting the Memorial Cup, as fans in the Queen City gobbled up season tickets at a record rate to ensure they have a seat for the four-team national championship in May.

Swift Current, up 292, and Victoria, up 193 per game, have also shown increases.

The 18 teams that are down include all five US Division teams, four from the BC Division, five from the Central Division, and four from the East Division.

Edmonton has the biggest drop of a whopping of 2,306 per game (9,461 to 7,155), however, the Oil Kings are second in overall average attendance.

Calgary is the WHL leader at 7,334 (down 265).

The Hitmen and Oil Kings are one-two despite having two of the three worst records in the league.

Here is a list of the 22 WHL teams:

The crucial numbers show a significant decrease in the WHL.

In 2016-17, the overall league average attendance was 4,474.

Here’s the link for numbers of the last six seasons.

Midway thru the 2017-18 season, the overall average attendance is 4,177.

That’s an average drop of 297 which compares to the Prince George fall of 485 per game.

In other words, the WHL as a whole is down seven percent compared to the Cougars 16%.

Here’s a chart of Prince George attendance dating back to 1998-99.

There are no simple solutions for team marketers.

Well thought out enticing promotions are going to play a major role in trying to lure fans back.

Major junior hockey remains viable and a strong attraction but the statistics indicate not to the degree of past seasons.

FROM THE QUOTE RACK:

According to a new poll, 71 percent of American men believe they face pressure to act interested in sports. “Not us!” said the New York Giants.

*Seth Meyers of Late Night

Russia has been banned from the upcoming Winter Olympics for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. And, this is nice — Russia was also banned from participating in the next presidential election.

*Late Late Show host James Corden

The International Olympic Committee has announced that it has banned Russia from competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics because of doping violations. But Russia doesn’t mind — they said they’ll just invade some other teams.

*Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon

Rafael Palmeiro, 53, says he is contemplating a return to MLB. Uh oh, nobody tell Jamie Moyer.

*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

Auzzie actress Margot Robbie (Tarzan) plays Tonya Harding in “I, Tonya”, a biopic of the American figure skater’s life. They met before filming and Tonya wished Margot well by declaring, “Go and break a leg!”

*Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

The top five curling text abbreviations:

5) TMI (threw my in-turn)
4) BTW (back-tee weight)
3) LOL (lots of line)
2) BFF (bite four-foot)
1) OMG (oh my guard!)

*Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

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Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat.
He also is the 94.3 radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to hmiller@thegoatrocks.ca
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller