Organized Boycott of the NHL

[Micro67]

I'm just wondering if anyone has considered or is willing to organize a boycott of the NHL? Now would be the time to start and the minor league teams the everyone here supports would be the benificiaries.

The NHL is ripe for a boycott with real objectives, because there are viable alternatives available and it is the least strong of the 'Big Four' (NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA) and could well fall to MLS as well.

The objectives could be as simple as a Fan's Bill of Rights adopted by the ownership of the NHL as well as the players union, which would include that ticket prices be frozen at a certain level, franchises are required to surrender the copyright of their name and logo to their city (making franchise free agency a thing of the past), corporate sponsorship reviews by ticket holders, etc..

Personally, I think it would be good if the NHL was completely dismantled permanently in favour of a league that would be structured in such a way as to have a true 'World Championship' event once a year or every other year with professional teams, each abiding by a parity system. That would bring new teams to the fan (instead of watching the Blue Jackets play the Coyote's and being told it is a rivalry).

* It looks like Ralph Naeder disagrees http://www.leagueoffans.org/nhllockoutstatement.html Thanks to MadamButterfly for this link.
** NHL Fan Association- www.nhlfa.com

[Micro67]

Just a quick note, the following sites would be a good place to start.

1. www.nhlpa.com - National Hokey League Players Association. (I didn't find a mailing address, but they do have a feedback page)

To Whom it May Concern:

Be advised that I will be boycotting all teams and products endorsed by players participating in the current strike until a Fans Bill of Rights is signed by the NHLPA which will include provisions for salary caps, maximum ticket prices and player behavior.

I am a consumer of sports entertainment products and will encourage others to participate in this boycott. .

2. www.nhl.com - Also with a feedback page - NHL Enterprises US
1251 Avenue of the Americas
47th Floor
New York, NY 10020

NHL Enterprises Canada

50 Bay Street, 11th Floor
Toronto Ontario M5J 2X8

A similar letter with the following components should be sent by those who wish to participate to these addresses.

A Fans Bill of Rights with provisions for maximum ticket prices, player behavior, eliminating franchise free agency by giving the logo and name to the city where the team plays.

To Whom it May Concern: I am a consumer of sports entertainment products and will be boycotting the NHL, all of its affiliates and advertisors until such time as the NHL complies with the following conditions:

1. Signing a Fans Bill of Rights which will include maximum ticket prices.
2. Ending Franchise Free Agency by giving the rights to the names and logos of each team to the cities where they currently or historically played.
3. Player conduct provisions that will allow for bans for players whom are abusive of fans and a lifetime ban for any player who assaults a fan or referree.

Further all leagues affiliated with the NHL are under the umbrella of this boycott.



Affiliated businesses (whom should also be CC'd)

1. www.southwest.com Southsest Airlines
2. www.colgate.com - All Colgate products.