marketing international hockey

[Cole13 0]

Im doing a project for my hockey class at school were i have to pretty much write an essay on ways to effectivley market hockey on an international level, im sorry if this has already been touched on, but finding info on the internet is very hard to do on this topic, and i was wondering if anyone could offer some idea's? thank's in advance

[Chadd 916]

You need to do a better job of defining a few things. Are you talking about north america, europe, asia, south america, etc...? You really need to determine who your target market is, and what you're trying to market to them. Do you want them to buy tickets, merchandise, pay per view, start playing the sport, etc...?

Narrow down your focus and perhaps we will be able to help you with some specific aspects.

[Cole13 0]

i would have to say more so europe, south america, and other countries where hockey struggles because hockey is fairly strong in north america, and getting the people to play the game and buy tickets.... sorry about the bad description, i have a few idea's but if any one else has any itd be much appreciated

[Chadd 916]

So there is no focus? Growing the game through more players and selling tickets to pro level hockey are very different concepts and shouldn't be in the same paper, unless you're looking to do a couple hundred pages. Hockey doesn't struggle in Europe, it actually does quite well. There is no NHL level league there but that has more to do with national leagues than interest level.

[Cole13 0]

Its a very hard paper to do... im sorry about the vaguness, il just haev to come up with ideas on my own cause its quite hard to explain... thank you for your time

[adam14 182]

of course hockey is going to struggle in countries where theres no ice, its like asking people on the north pole why they dont play beach soccer.

[ddpatc 0]

Hockey struggles in the US...

You can get all the info you need to write a paper by contacting Jim Combes, Commissioner of the SPHL Southern Professional Hockey League (www.thesphl.com). It's a 5 year young developmental minor single A level Pro league populated by many undrafted players emminating from colleges and Jr leagues acorss North America. They are developmental from both the players side as well as helping to move US Hockey on ice officials up to higher levels. There are huge success stories in the league and some dismal stories as well. I suggest you contact Jim and ask for a little of his time, but first off I would set a few pertinant questions dictating the focus of your paper so as not to waste both of your time. This league also has a radio show broadcast over the internet on a weekly basis which is interactive so you can call in or email questions to a knowledgeable group of hosts. Good luck with the paper.

[Cole13 0]

Thanx for the information

[Ahriman 1]

There was just a small article on the bbc new's page today about the NBA trying to become more "international"

One of the tricks it did to spark more international interest was play a 'friendly' preseason game with two of the NBA's teams in France. They did about three of these and they all sold out and the NBA has seen a large rise in basketball shoe and licensed apparel in france. They are planning more and showcasing the talent they draft internationally.

Suggesting that the NHL do something similar would be helpful as well, though NHL players seem to be more international than the NBA as is, it couldnt hurt to try in countries under represented or with no presence at all.

[adam14 182]

because the nhl hasnt been doing that for the last two seasons...

[Ahriman 1]

because the nhl hasnt been doing that for the last two seasons...

"do it more then"

[adam14 182]

well, last year they only had an exhibition on london, this year they had 5 teams in europe, i think they're catching on...

[dsjunior1388 81]

Yeah but the NHL did their games in Sweden and the Czech Republic, two hockey crazy countries. London was a good idea, and worked well. To sell hockey in Europe these games should be in Germany, France, etc. Playing in hockey loving Sweden and Czech Republic sells the NHL, not hockey in general.

[srv2miker 0]

If you want help, answer some specific questions:

1. Are you trying to market hockey in general, or the NHL?

2. Does the paper work with a finite budget? If so, what is it?

[SlowLarry 0]

You should look into how Lacrosse is being marketed in the US outside of the north east where it is already established.

Here are some of the things being done:

• Youth leagues and school teams are being established.
  
• Professional teams are holding free clinics at schools featuring one or more pro athletes.
  
• Equipment suppliers are suppling equipment to schools for use in physical education classes.
  

Another example is how soccer is marketed to the US. They tie into youth programs heavily by having youth clubs and academies. The pro league provide free tickets to each player on each league's champions, of course those players bring their parents (and their money).

For hockey, you have to address what facilities are available and determine if you need to emphasize roller over ice. In either case, supplying organization, equipment and training will help.

[TBLfan 25]

What school do you go to that offers a hockey class?