CrashingTheGoalie

by Ron Spence

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then NHL Home Pages are the windows to the teams.

We can gain insights into many teams’ attitudes – and wallet thicknesses – by viewing their Home Pages.

The nucks’ Home Page uses the NHL’s generic format: game info, profiles, articles, and ads.

The look that’s aimed for is traditional: “We’ve been around for a long time.”

“And, there’s no need to advertise tickets because we’re sold out – recession/depression or no recession….”

The Nashville Predators also use the NHL’s generic format for their Home Page – and the new catchy phrase: WELCOME TO SMASHVILLE.

Not only is the team’s name agressive – PREDATORS – but so’s their new moniker.

They need to sell tickets, but don’t want to seem desperate. They are selling Fantasy Hockey ‘09 plus NHL 2K10.

They have a beautiful fringe that’s inconsistent with their team’s name and new moniker.

Now, Detroit’s so desperate to sell tickets that they advertised their home playoff games – against the Blue Jackets – with Columbus fan groups.

That was last spring during the post-season, and now they have to sell tickets so that they can afford to re-sign Nick Lidstrom.

Their tact this year is to go after the families: hard hat Detroit with an Octopus on the top. They are also giving away toys for the kids at many games – and membership cards, pizza and pop….

Is that the Coyote’s logo or the wolf at their door?

Phoenix is marketing their tickets for really cheap – and throwing in t-shirts.

They aren’t trying to sell season’s tickets, because no one knows if the team will be in town next week.

The Blue Jackets’ marketing people know what they’re doing.

It’s tough times in Columbus and they are using the red, white and blue of the team’s logo, and hosting a flag carrying march on opening night.

Patriotism always sells.

Fans get to see Steve Mason’s Calder Trophy – on display – receive magnetic schedules, plus a Steve Mason poster.

Their Home Page is very well-designed by someone who understands both art and hockey.

The Florida Panther’s marketing people are brilliant – but confused.

They think that they’re designing a movie poster for MIAMI VICE 2.

“Purchase Tickets” is barely visible and they have a game countdown over a soft picture.

This Home Page is about as unhockey as you can get.

Now, this is a Home Page.

The designers know their market. They’re selling tickets.

Their man on the cover is a traditional Bruin: a fighting grinder.

He’s wearing an old style jersey and the Home page looks like an old Bruins poster – traditional looking like the Canucks, but better.

The Boston Home Page makes me want to buy tickets – if I know what’s good for me.