Nadia Gonzaga's Blog

The Vancouver Canucks have recently started the 2014-2015 season and fans are all wondering how their performance will play out. The past few years have not been the best for the team; firing the head coach after two consecutive first round playoff exits, trading our only hopes in the team – the two goalies, and hiring a tyrannical, hot-tempered coach who led absolutely the worst regular season in all of Canucks history. It is upsetting that a lot of the “fans” are simply bandwagoners. And last year, because of the team’s poor performance, people stopped watching, stopped supporting, and basically lost all hope. Many businesses experienced the negative effects of last season’s disaster. Sales for Canucks apparel decreased, sales for the games themselves also withered, and restaurants and bars that usually play the games on their TV screens suffered a loss in revenue.

This time around, local businesses are expecting a successful season that will hopefully bring fans back together again. With new changes to the organization, businesses owners are looking forward to the team’s spot in the playoffs. As one gastropub owner stated: “People spend money on beer and food when they are in the playoffs. When the team does well, people spend more.”

I sincerely believe that the changes made in the past few months will actually result in a successful season. The team has obtained skilled, young players, and have sorted out management. I am also really happy for the businesses that could benefit from a result of a good performance. And I want these businesses to thrive because they provide great service and ambiance during the games. Having passionate fans in the same room watching the same big screens ultimately add to the awesomeness of the whole experience. Last year, I stopped going to Boston Pizza to watch games because of the losing season. However, just three games in and I have already made plans to see a December game at a local restaurant. Once the Canucks do well, businesses will start to see an increase in revenue as more people will want to watch games, show their support, and simply have a good time. The playoffs will be a real revenue hauler for food companies and we can only hope that the Canucks will make it that far.

References

Colebourn, John. “Successful Season for Canucks Would Be a Big plus for Local Businesses.” The Province. Postmedia Network Inc., 8 Oct. 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. <http://www.theprovince.com/news/Successful+season+Canucks+would+plus+local+businesses/10271155/story.html>

Image

Hayward, Jonathan. Vancouver Canucks fans watch the final minute of the third period of NHL action against the Anaheim Ducks in Vancouver, Monday, April 7, 2014. Digital image. National Post. National Post, 11 Apr. 2014. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. <http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014/04/10/new-canucks-president-trevor-linden-has-inherited-a-fine-mess-in-vancouver/>