Attendance at WHL games was down from the previous year, but it wasn’t a significant decline.
The average crowd among the 22 teams for the 2017-18 regular season was 4,432, a drop of 42 fans per game (one percent) from the 4,474 average in 2016-17.
13 of the 22 teams had less seats filled.
Edmonton (down 1,307) and Prince George (down 602) had the biggest decline.
It is not a co-incidence that the Oil Kings and Cougars were at the bottom of the Conference standings, #22 and #21 overall respectively.
Edmonton still led the league with an average of 8,154 while Prince George was 19th with an average of 3,024 over the 36 home games.
The Cougars dropped 17% after showing significant growth in the first three seasons under the EDGEPRO ownership (PG’s total of 3,626 fans per game in 16-17, was its most support since the 2002-03 season).
Kootenay (up 688) and Regina (up 620) had the biggest increase on a per fans basis.
The Ice surged under new ownership in Cranbrook, while the Pats have the benefit of hosting the Memorial Cup, as fans purchased season tickets at a record rate to ensure they have a seat for the four-team national championship in May.
Swift Current (+515) also had a large gain in a season where they finished second in the overall standings.
The six other teams with an increase: Victoria (+477), Everett (+264), Seattle (+168), Moose Jaw (+ 110), Kamloops (+71), and Lethbridge (+64).
The Royals were in a battle for first in the BC Division (eventually finishing second behind Kelowna) while the Silvertips took top spot in the US Division.
In other words, the teams with major attendance gains had an obvious reason for the increase.
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Here is a list of the 22 WHL teams; stats by HockeyDB.com:
| TEAM | 2017-18 AVG. | 2016-17 AVG. | DIFFERENCE | |
| EDMONTON | 8,154 | 9,461 | -14% | -1,307 |
| CALGARY | 7,579 | 7,599 | -0.26% | -20 |
| REGINA | 6,076 | 5,456 | 10% | 620 |
| PORTLAND | 6,016 | 6,080 | -1% | -64 |
| SPOKANE | 5,741 | 5,812 | -1% | -71 |
| VICTORIA | 5,307 | 4,830 | 9% | 477 |
| EVERETT | 5,129 | 4,865 | 5% | 264 |
| KELOWNA | 5,039 | 5,162 | -2% | -123 |
| SEATTLE | 4,950 | 4,782 | 3% | 168 |
| RED DEER | 4,326 | 4,793 | -10% | -467 |
| BRANDON | 3,858 | 4,043 | -5% | -185 |
| KAMLOOPS | 3,853 | 3,782 | 2% | 71 |
| SASKATOON | 3,851 | 3,968 | -3% | -117 |
| LETHBRIDGE | 3,773 | 3,709 | 2% | 64 |
| TRI-CITY | 3,649 | 3,769 | -3% | -120 |
| MOOSE JAW | 3,482 | 3,372 | 3% | 110 |
| VANCOUVER | 3,383 | 3,848 | -12% | -465 |
| MEDICINE HAT | 3,295 | 3,586 | -8% | -291 |
| PRINCE GEORGE | 3,024 | 3,626 | -17% | -602 |
| SWIFT CURRENT | 2,521 | 2,006 | 20% | 515 |
| KOOTENAY | 2,442 | 1,754 | 36% | 688 |
| PRINCE ALBERT | 2,050 | 2,133 | -4% | -83 |
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There is nothing like a playoff run to get the hometown fans excited.
The Prince George Spruce Kings averaged 888 fans for their 28 dates in the 2017-18 regular season at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena (RMCA).
That number has climbed to an average of 1,402 for the eight home playoff games.
The Spruce Kings playoff attendance has been in this order:
GAME ONE vs. CHILLIWACK = 1,286
GAME TWO vs. CHILLIWACK = 1,156
GAME FIVE vs. CHILLIWACK = 1,012
GAME SEVEN vs. CHILLIWACK = 1,463
GAME ONE vs. SURREY = 1,532
GAME TWO vs. SURREY = 1,311
GAME FIVE vs. SURREY = 1,348
GAME SEVEN vs. SURREY = 2,112 (SELL-OUT)
The last game on Sunday was the first complete standing room only sellout in the building in the last six years.
The Spruce Kings are guaranteed two more home dates with sellout crowds (seats about 1,800) anticipated.
Since joining the BCHL, they have never had so many home playoff games in one year.
This is just another example of how on ice success leads to overwhelming support at the gate.
The Spruce Kings are literally cashing in, enjoying the ride which sees them as the only division winner remaining among the final four teams.
WATCH:
FROM THE QUOTE RACK:
It’s been reported that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth has made over $9 million betting on horse racing. When asked to comment, Queen Elizabeth said, “That’s nothing! I’ve won $20 million on dog fighting.
*Conan O’Brien of TBS
Golfer Rory McIlroy said there should be a limit to how much alcohol fans can buy at events because they’re getting too rowdy. And also, he’s tired of hearing drunk people try to say “Rory McIlroy.”
*Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon
Pitcher Matt Harvey says the New York Mets will “shock a lot of people” this season. Is there an electrical wiring issue at Citifield we don’t know about?”
*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
Hall of Fame slugger Reggie Jackson took a tumble while taking a walk, requiring knee surgery. Or as he’s now known in physical-therapy circles, Mr. Knocked-Over.
*Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://www.seattletimes.com/author/dwight-perry/
The new NFL Catch Rule was passed unanimously. Which ironically for the league is they finally addressed the issue without dropping the ball.
*Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va., http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.ca/
The New York Jets rescinded their free agent offer to Nkameduh Suh. Or as they put it, Not Suh Fast.”
*Marc Ragovin of New York
Gisele Bundchen said that she is not pressuring Tom Brady to retire. This statement came after rumors that Johnny Manziel might be his replacement.
*Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:
After Johnny Manziel said he’d play for free, rumour has it Tampa Bay offered him a $2-dollar contract. They want him for a buck an ear.
*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 [email protected]
Follow him on Twitter: @Hartley_Miller