What are your thoughts on the NHL starting the season again in Europe?

Question

"Bettman said he expects the league to again kick off its regular-season schedule in Europe with games in Stockholm, Sweden, and Prague, Czech Republic. And an announcement will be forthcoming on the participants and venue for the second Winter Classic outdoor game, he said"

Thoughts?I love going to home openers is anybody else with me on this?

Answer 1

i dont like it. it takes away from the fans here in america/canada.

the nhl should do a better job promoting the game here in north america predominately the u.s.

Answer 2

I am with you on the home openers.  Using our Flyers as an example, going to their home opener next season should be a blast.  The fans are going to be pumped following this season's playoff run and with that, their expectations are going to rise.

I thought the start in England was a bad idea last season and I think that Sweden and the Czech Republic this year is an equally bad idea.  The hometown fans of those teams get cheated of a game and the players absorb quite a bit of unnecessary travel.  The NHL has not allowed teams to play a minimum of a home and home citing travel issues/expenses as a primary concern.  It's just another gimmick which will lose it's appeal after a few more seasons.  

The teams they should invite are the Kings and the Ducks (the players and coaches, not upper management).  If both of those teams agree to start another season the way they did last season then they should continue consider doing it again.

Answer 3

I don't like the idea at all.

Answer 4

I have gone to all the Panthers home openers but three. I fully enjoy them. I know they want to expand the game into the Europe markets more. Just like the NFL. I would love to go watch a game in Prague with my friends over there. . But It does hurt the game a bit here . The exposure should be here first. Playing in some neutral sites and things like the outdoor classic. Those should come first and foremost .