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Word has been out for a couple of weeks now that the Vancouver Canucks, and their inferior on ice product this season will be raising ticket prices 3-5 per cent.

The news comes as not just a slap in the face to Canucks fans, but rather a kick in the nuts. After all, Canucks fans have already suffered through a pointless lockout and a season of watching a completely unmotivated team; isn’t that sticking it to fans enough?

I for one, hope the fans stick it to the team for doing this.

These fans stuck with this team and remained optimistic throughout the lockout. These fans already live in a city that is one of the most expensive to live in, in Canada. And lastly, these fans have sold out more games in a row than any team in NHL history (I believe).

How do the Canucks reward customers after one of the most disappointing, crap seasons in franchise history? They ask for more money.

If the lockout was about greedy owners VS greedy players, then round two may just be a Greedy franchise VS their fans.

I get why they are doing it from a business standpoint. The Canucks don’t have a problem selling tickets to fans so why not try to maximize their profits by raising prices? It makes a lot of sense business wise.

But what I feel the Canucks are overlooking is how their customers feel about the product right now.

People are mad and I’m not sure this will pass until there are major changes (note to Gillis, it’s been more than a week. What’s the hold up on the AV firing?). People are not happy with the “product”. People want a winning, entertaining team if they are going to pay those types of prices.

For the last four-or-five years prior to this season, raising prices wouldn’t have mattered much to fans. Fans loved their Canucks and the Canucks were one of the most entertaining team in the NHL, hell the NHL was as entertaining as it’s ever been.

Fast-forward to this season, and the hype and love around Vancouver Canucks appears to be dying as fast as perms in the ‘80s.

No one is happy with the product, so why do the Canucks feel people should pay more for it?

As a customer, I really don’t give a shit if you’ve made some bad business and personally decisions. Fix those “decisions” by firing someone, trading someone, or buying them out, out of your own pocket; not the fans pockets.

But I do have one suggestion for them if they are going to raise prices and that is to take out seats and make Rogers Arena fit for international ice.

I mean, just look at how great the Sedins look on the big ice. Look how much more watchable the game is on the international ice.

Look at how great all the games have been on the big ice.

If you feel the need to charge more for tickets, at least give fans a better game to watch.


How do you feel about the increase?


Find great deals on Vancouver Canucks Playoff Tickets at FanXchange.com


Well that's a wrap.

Ian


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