On the Wings

Wings’ fan attendance
In today’s Detroit News, they talk about the one thing that Hockeytown is missing: “the buzz.” While Detroit still remains at the top when it comes to ticket sales, that doesn’t mean everyone is showing up. It seems that season ticket holders are coming to less games especially during the week when one can find at least 20 empty seats a section (in the lower bowl). Some of the season ticket holders who do come, tend to come at the end of the first period, stay for the second, and leave at the beginning of the third. “That’s what happens here, especially on a work night, people come late,” season ticket-holder Steve Liddle of Birmingham said. “People roll in when they want, even if that means missing some of the game. This crowd acts a little more elite, more corporate than the Pistons crowds.”

The Wings organization has been trying to push the sale of single tickets by advertising during the broadcast and offering free t-shirts with ticket sales. “The early month or so of the season is always a challenge because there are so many things going on with sports, school, things like that,” said Lori Shiels, the Wings director of marketing and season ticket sales. “Fans will get back in the swing of things.”

23 of the 30 NHL teams have the same attendance as the 2003-2004 season or have improved. For example, Pittsburgh’s attendance has increased by 31% and Tampa Bay’s by 26%.

Others feel that the lack of “buzz” in Hockeytown is due to bad timing. The Detroit Lions’ suckiness seems to dominate sports radio along with football talk about Michigan State and the University of Michigan’s games. When it comes to broadcast, the ratings aren’t as high on FSN. This year, the games are averaging a 5.3 rating which is about 105,000 households watching the game. In 2003-2004, the average ratings by the end of the season was 6.1. Wings forward Jason Williams isn’t surprised by the lack of buzz in Detroit:

“It’s totally understandable that we’re not on the tip of everybody’s tongue right now. The season just started, and it’s early. It’s one of those things that build, I think. When football ends, and winter really starts, I think people more naturally turn to hockey. The fans have been great in embracing us back. Joe Louis is still a loud and supportive place to play, and we’re grateful for the fans for coming back. It’ll all be fine.”

Toys for Tots campaign
The Red Wings are hosting their annual Toys for Tots collection at three home games: November 19 (vs. St. Louis), November 21 (vs. Nashville), and November 23 (vs. Colorado). Fans are asked to bring an unwrapped and new toy (no stuffed animals) and place them in on of the collection bins at JLA. Those who donate have a chance to win autographed memorobilia by Kris Draper, the Wings’ Toys for Tots spokesman.

Over the Boards
This weeks’ Over the Boards featured Robert Lang. Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

Q: One thing you’d change about Joe Louis Arena …
A: Actually, I wouldn’t change a thing. I wouldn’t build a new one. I like old arenas. Keep them as they are. The way they have character, the way they smell, the intimacy of the crowd. This is my kind of arena. You can’t replace that. It’s funny, but I do like the smell.

Q: Favorite TV show?
A: I like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “House”. They’re good.
Q: So you’re into the medical dramas …
A: I like them because they’re the type of show you can miss a week and watch it again without missing too much.

Q: MTV is supposedly bringing the “Real World” to Royal Oak. Which seven Wings would you nominate to live in the house?
A: I’d go for the maximum on TV — seven Chelis (Chris Chelios). That would be a show.

Babcock’s thoughts on Lidstrom
While head coach Mike Babcock expected Nicklas Lidstrom to be a strong player, he was pleasantly surprised when he arrived in Detroit. “He’s better than I expected,” Babcock said. “He’s beyond talented. Plus, he works so hard. He’s one of the classiest people I’ve met in my life.”

Wings’ Video Coach
The Detroit News has a really interesting piece on the Wings’ video coach, Jay Woodcroft, whose brother is a video coach for the Washington Capitals. It talks about what his job entails, how it’s affected the team’s play, and the fact that the organization has invested $50,000 into the video equipment. “Mike felt real strongly that we need to be on the cutting edge in the video end of things,” Wings general manager Ken Holland said. “So we went out after he got here and spent another $50,000 on video equipment.”

Woolley ready to return
Jason Woolley feels ready to play tomorrow when the Wings take on the Flames tomorrow evening after suffering a groin injury.

“The last three days I haven’t even felt it,” Woolley said. “Yesterday I skated for a good half-hour, really testing it, after the pregame skate, and I can’t feel it, and that’s really what it’s all about. Now it’s just a matter of getting a little more conditioning. It’s been really hard watching all these games. I felt really good when I was in there for the short stint. Things went really well for me on the power play — I just felt like I could see so much out there, and hopefully that continues.”

BehindtheJersey.com
I am very excited to announce that my domain is *finally* up and running. It may not appear to be a whole lot, but I hope to expand its features as time goes on. As of right now, it features my BtJ columns, some writing I’ve done, all my sports articles from my high school paper (including ones on pro sports that you don’t see here), sound bites, and movies. I’ve completed my own media feature and once I upload it, you can view that as well. Please take a look at my website and leave a comment or send me an email with your thoughts. Thanks!