Money is talking all right. You are just listening in the wrong direction. It cracks me up when people think Dave Sott is doing a bad job. Its like blaming McDonald's because they don't have a tempeh sandwich with alfaalfa sprouts.

From https://www.inquirer.com/...hiladelphia-20200209.html.

(Excerpts below for those who do not have access or are lazy. Highlighting the relevant areas that might slip through the cracks).


"Like other sports teams, the Flyers are facing the challenge of attracting a new generation of fans while still serving a loyal yet aging fan base. The Flyers’ parent company, Comcast Spectacor, has made a bunch of changes to lure younger consumers, from a new standing-room-only section with sofas and cocktail bars to a monthly subscription pass that gets you three games for $59.

Overall attendance for the Flyers is down this season, but there are signs that the strategy may be working. Company data show new fans entering the arena and coming back for more. But as the digital ticket issue illustrates, more than a few longtime season ticket holders have complained about changes to the arena, ticketing, and prices.

Dave Scott, the chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, said a key part of the company’s strategy is diversifying the Flyers’ fan base, which he acknowledged has been “pretty old.” The company declined to share the median age of the team’s fans. A 2017 study of TV ratings by Magna Global, a New York marketing consultant, found that the median age of National Hockey League fans was 49, which was 16 years older than it was in 2000.

“There has to be more of an entertainment component when you want to get younger,” Scott said in a recent interview.

Over the last year, the Flyers have overhauled their business operations team, now led by president Valerie Camillo and chief business officer Mike Shane, who both came from the Washington Nationals baseball team. Camillo, the first female executive to be hired as a president in the NHL, played a key role in attractions and amenities introduced by the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center this season.

That includes the New City Terrace level, a $25 standing-room only section at the top of the arena. An area previously used for private suites now features a lounge resembling a sportsbook, a rage room where you can smash dishes with sledgehammers, and a 23,000-square-foot space called the Assembly Room, which has artwork, fireplaces, and furniture facing away from the ice. There are more than 1,300 power outlets to plug in electronics.

Gathering areas such as these that attract younger fans have been a trend in the sports industry in recent years, said Pete Giorgio, Deloitte Consulting’s U.S. sports practice leader.

“In all the research on millennials, they actually really value the experience itself. The fact that it’s a communal experience. The fact they can do something with their friends,” he said. “There’s a lot more options than there used to be. Not just on a sports basis, but all sorts of entertainment options. You’re competing for people’s disposable income and their passions.”

So far, average attendance for this area has been at its capacity — roughly 1,600 people — up from the level’s average attendance of 1,000 a game when there were suites last year, according to the Flyers. The team said 83% of Assembly Room attendees had not been to a Flyers game in at least the last three years, and 25% of these “first-time buyers” have already purchased a second game this year."




- PT21

None of that has anything to do with spending money on drafting and development.

Fletcher was average at best in Minny. Why was he hired again?

Who is higher in the pecking order, Saint Ronnie or Burke?

Ronnie does all the leg work. Burke is too old to handle the day to day stuff and very likely doesn't want to. If you do not think he runs his moves past Burke your nuts.
- hello it's me 2050

I think all of this about the dynamics in Pittsburgh is likely right but it is a good thing. As for CF, whatever the reason, he is ours now. I just want him to be able to make his own decisions. I come back to Lappy being the coach at WBS. That just looks like a big mistake and one that values loyalty over competence. In other words, "Homer."

I am sure they work as a team an hextall has autonomy to do his job. If you think hextall is a puppet and simply does Burke’s bidding your nuts and making stuff up because it fits your narrative.
- Hextall271

I have no narrative. That is what you do. I do not believe he has the autonomy that you think he has; he needs approval from above.

The only one I knew from that draft was zadorov because he played with the london knights. I don't follow jrs much to know who to take. I trust the scouts lol. Not sure how any fans can make better decisions on jr players than the scouts. Its waaay too much to follow across all jr leagues and countries
- bradster

I agree. The scouts I read all had Morin as a 2nd or 3rd though Bill M says he was moving up. We chose him because he reminded management of a young Chris Pronger. It was more stupidity from a group that was good at being dumb.

I think all of this about the dynamics in Pittsburgh is right but it is a good thing. As for CF, whatever the reason, he is ours now. I just want him to be able to make his own decisions. I come back to Lappy being the coach at WBS. That just looks like a big mistake and one that values loyalty over competence. In other words, "Homer."
- iamscore2day

hiring Lappy was just plain lazy and pure incompetence. Learn to be a head coach at the junior or ECHL level first.

None of that has anything to do with spending money on drafting and development.
- hello it's me 2050

Sure it does. Your business is highly successful. Why spend more money on things that may or may not improve your bottom line and will definitely piss off your business partners?

hiring Lappy was just plain lazy and pure incompetence. Learn to be a head coach at the junior or ECHL level first.
- hello it's me 2050

Don't know him but Chuck does not project lazy. Nor does Ric Flair.

I said what I meant, didn't I?

As someone else pointed out, a guy who is one of the most astute minds in hockey, a guy who deferred his own salary to get stakes in a team, which he has sold to make about a billion bucks, who has mentored persoanlly Crosby to maturity, hired him. Like you, he has even played the game.
- PT21

lol

Money is talking all right. You are just listening in the wrong direction. It cracks me up when people think Dave Sott is doing a bad job. Its like blaming McDonald's because they don't have a tempeh sandwich with alfaalfa sprouts.

From https://www.inquirer.com/...hiladelphia-20200209.html.

(Excerpts below for those who do not have access or are lazy. Highlighting the relevant areas that might slip through the cracks).


"Like other sports teams, the Flyers are facing the challenge of attracting a new generation of fans while still serving a loyal yet aging fan base. The Flyers’ parent company, Comcast Spectacor, has made a bunch of changes to lure younger consumers, from a new standing-room-only section with sofas and cocktail bars to a monthly subscription pass that gets you three games for $59.

Overall attendance for the Flyers is down this season, but there are signs that the strategy may be working. Company data show new fans entering the arena and coming back for more. But as the digital ticket issue illustrates, more than a few longtime season ticket holders have complained about changes to the arena, ticketing, and prices.

Dave Scott, the chairman and CEO of Comcast Spectacor, said a key part of the company’s strategy is diversifying the Flyers’ fan base, which he acknowledged has been “pretty old.” The company declined to share the median age of the team’s fans. A 2017 study of TV ratings by Magna Global, a New York marketing consultant, found that the median age of National Hockey League fans was 49, which was 16 years older than it was in 2000.

“There has to be more of an entertainment component when you want to get younger,” Scott said in a recent interview.

Over the last year, the Flyers have overhauled their business operations team, now led by president Valerie Camillo and chief business officer Mike Shane, who both came from the Washington Nationals baseball team. Camillo, the first female executive to be hired as a president in the NHL, played a key role in attractions and amenities introduced by the Flyers and Wells Fargo Center this season.

That includes the New City Terrace level, a $25 standing-room only section at the top of the arena. An area previously used for private suites now features a lounge resembling a sportsbook, a rage room where you can smash dishes with sledgehammers, and a 23,000-square-foot space called the Assembly Room, which has artwork, fireplaces, and furniture facing away from the ice. There are more than 1,300 power outlets to plug in electronics.

Gathering areas such as these that attract younger fans have been a trend in the sports industry in recent years, said Pete Giorgio, Deloitte Consulting’s U.S. sports practice leader.

“In all the research on millennials, they actually really value the experience itself. The fact that it’s a communal experience. The fact they can do something with their friends,” he said. “There’s a lot more options than there used to be. Not just on a sports basis, but all sorts of entertainment options. You’re competing for people’s disposable income and their passions.”

So far, average attendance for this area has been at its capacity — roughly 1,600 people — up from the level’s average attendance of 1,000 a game when there were suites last year, according to the Flyers. The team said 83% of Assembly Room attendees had not been to a Flyers game in at least the last three years, and 25% of these “first-time buyers” have already purchased a second game this year."




- PT21

You know what puts asses in the seats. (frank)ing winning. This franchise has forgotten that. This current generation makes me want to puke compared to teams from the past.

The NHL’s good teams are skilled, fast, electric, and have star power. Flyers have none of it.

Bill,

What was the deal with Patrick. Was he the consensus pick at 2 with the Flyers? I feel like you said something that some scouts wanted Maker or Heiskenan.

I feel like that pick put a lot in motion since he wasn't able to be that 2nd line center, it kind of brought the Hayes signing.
- J35Bacher

Based on what he said before, the room was split 1/3 in favor of Patrick, Miro and Makar. Anyone they picked would have had a 2/3 majority against that pick. Hexy broke the tie in favor of NoPa.

Pretty much sums it up.
Why do we have to talk hextall every day here. He's been gone for years. This is ridiculous
- bradster

Because the R subject hasn't been beat to death today. Yet.

It is up to CC. That being said if he waives and they get low ball offers then I simply do not trade him.

He will be coveted if he waives. Flyers will def eat 50%. Many teams can and will find a way to fit that in. Not even a concern to me
- hello it's me 2050

Many teams can and would? Maybe. But why would they?

This is more than just a shiny new toy syndrome, the teams would have to have a need, most likely as a final piece to a run.

Which teams are truly in that position that would also fit the criteria of being able to afford him, have the need, and also be a desirable place for CG to end up? While also having the assets coming back that make the deal worth it for Philly? I think the list would be smaller than you think.

You said it yourself with your first statement. If the offer is not great you simply don't trade him. Which plays right in to my point.

You know what puts asses in the seats. (frank)ing winning. This franchise has forgotten that. This current generation makes me want to puke compared to teams from the past.

The NHL’s good teams are skilled, fast, electric, and have star power. Flyers have none of it.
- Flyers1218

Even if the Flyers were #1 in the league with multiple recent Stanley Cups, it wouldn't change the inevitable decline of sports viewership and fandom. This pointless endeavor is gonna end with us. Our kids won't ever care as much as we do.

Comcast-Spectacor is already busy diversifying into e-sports and poop.

You know what puts asses in the seats. (frank)ing winning.

- Flyers1218

Apparently many who enter the WFC don't even care that there is a game at all.

...furniture facing away from the ice.

You know what puts asses in the seats. (frank)ing winning. This franchise has forgotten that. This current generation makes me want to puke compared to teams from the past.

The NHL’s good teams are skilled, fast, electric, and have star power. Flyers have none of it.
- Flyers1218

Ever check the franchise value change of the Sabres? (Before Covid, when all NHL teams suffered)? How about WFT, aka Snyder's playtoy?

That is a complete myth: what puts asses in seats is the faintest hope of winning. Keep that faint hope alive, and don't do anything really stupid, like implement a long term plan for the cup, and fans will be there.

Call it the "don't destroy it and they will come" adage.

I agree. The scouts I read all had Morin as a 2nd or 3rd though Bill M says he was moving up. We chose him because he reminded management of a young Chris Pronger. It was more stupidity from a group that was good at being dumb.
- iamscore2day

wut

wut
- MBFlyerfan

Its true. There was considerable talk to that end. In fact, even Pronger said that.

Its true. There was considerable talk to that end. In fact, even Pronger said that.
- PT21

That was definitely the chatter around here. Lot of Pronger and Chara comparisons flying around. The non-believers were definitely in the minority.

Its true. There was considerable talk to that end. In fact, even Pronger said that.
- PT21

I remember Craig button saying Morin was moving up the draft boards a couple weeks before the draft.....but maybe he knew the flyers were zero'd in on him

Ever check the franchise value change of the Sabres? (Before Covid, when all NHL teams suffered)? How about WFT, aka Snyder's playtoy?

That is a complete myth: what puts asses in seats is the faintest hope of winning. Keep that faint hope alive, and don't do anything really stupid, like implement a long term plan for the cup, and fans will be there.

Call it the "don't destroy it and they will come" adage.
- PT21

Whatever it is, the Flyers don’t do it.

I’m tired of it and become apathetic to the team. I’ve watched like 4 games. Tuned in last night and it was the same brand of boring, slow, uninspired hockey we’ve seen for years. Can’t even strip it all down and restart.

Even if the Flyers were #1 in the league with multiple recent Stanley Cups, it wouldn't change the inevitable decline of sports viewership and fandom. This pointless endeavor is gonna end with us. Our kids won't ever care as much as we do.

Comcast-Spectacor is already busy diversifying into e-sports and poop.
- Tomahawk

The thing I have been idly trying to figure out for the past 20 odd years, w/o much success. What is it that these kids _do_ care about? Is it sports that is passé, or the act of caring itself?

Its true. There was considerable talk to that end. In fact, even Pronger said that.
- PT21

pLus hIm fIGhT gOoD!!!!!!1

I remember Craig button saying Morin was moving up the draft boards a couple weeks before the draft.....but maybe he knew the flyers were zero'd in on him
- bradster

The old story is the Habs were gonna (move up to) take him if the Flyers didn't.

Flyers usually are pretty good about sticking to BPA... but in this case their list was heavily tinged by need. Cautionary tale really.

Many teams can and would? Maybe. But why would they?

This is more than just a shiny new toy syndrome, the teams would have to have a need, most likely as a final piece to a run.

Which teams are truly in that position that would also fit the criteria of being able to afford him, have the need, and also be a desirable place for CG to end up? While also having the assets coming back that make the deal worth it for Philly? I think the list would be smaller than you think.

You said it yourself with your first statement. If the offer is not great you simply don't trade him. Which plays right in to my point.
- MBFlyerfan

Why would they? Really?

I have no idea how the list would look. Even if it is small. He would be a great pickup for any contending team. Not sure that is even debatable. His salary will not be an issue at all imo if the flyers retain 50%. Prorated at the deadline is not a lot in cap space. they can easily make the money work.

My reason for not trading is diff than yours probably. I don't trade him out of spite if he say limits it to only 1 team. I tell him to go f himself.

Ya. It's possible. Arrogant and so on.

But my suspicion stems from what happened before Hexy and what happened after. And all this stuff I hear about him being disrespectful to "franchise royalty". Would this franchise ever really have allowed him to commit to a full rebuild?

We will never know until/unless he writes his memoirs, I guess.
- PT21

Why is it that all the Hextall apologists glaze over all his glaring mistakes with the excuse that his hands we forced?
1) drafted Patrick 2nd over all….‘wasn’t his fault, all the pundits had Patrick rated that high’
2) signed JVR to a deal for too much and too long, which flew in the face of what many now see as Hextall’s master plan. ‘ wasn’t his fault, done to appease management.
3) retool was not what Hextall wanted…”he wanted to do a rebuild but ownership wouldn’t let him”…he wasn’t given enough time to complete his master plan ….this is new…lol
Pretty sure when a GM is hired this would have been the main point of his job interview ….what’s the plan going forward? How are you going to get there? How long will it take ? To now suggest this plan that was a failure was not what Hextall actually wanted to do is laughable….

Maybe just maybe he just made some dumb decisions and had to own them…thus he was fired.