On Saturday, September 15th, the NHL Owners decided to lock out players and force hockey's 4th labor dispute in the last 20 years. Both sides have given unrealistic proposals and neither appears willing to compromise at this point. As always, the ones hurt the most are the fans of the game. We're here to provide a voice to our side and to take back our game. We aim to remind the owners and players that the system does not work without us.
Hockey fans are the most passionate people about the game they love. When the NHL lost the 2004-2005 season the game rebounded with many attendance records and strong fan support. In the interest of preventing ourselves from being taken for granted, we're pledging our support to the fans union by issuing the following proclamation:
For every day of hockey missed due to the current labor issue, We The Fans will go on strike for an equal amount of time once play resumes. We will not spend any money on the NHL, we will not buy merchandise or attend games. We may watch on non-pay per view television but we will boycott sponsors of such games and major commercial contributors. We The Fans will ensure the NHL and NHLPA feels a level of loss equal to that which we are forced to endure.
Fan's Union on strike until 2014-01-30 |
| This date will increase each day to represent the time since the lockout began. We The Fans will not return before this date -- if at all. |
In the 1970's, TaB was a very popular soda created by Coca-Cola. It captured the diet drinker market and was Coke's leading product in that genre. In the late 70's and early 80's, fears of carcinogenic ingredients produced negative publicity and the popularity faded. To fill the void, Coca-Cola introduced "Diet Coke" in 1982 and life went on. While TaB had a certain appeal and interest, it was generally a commodity occupying a space that some product would naturally fill. As it was removed from shelves, it was clear that some other option would become available. It is very rare in this world that certain goods or services have no competition and cannot be replaced should a vacuum be established. The National Hockey League is no different.
| Below is the total money spent per year by "We The Fan" members on the NHL. Our pledge is to remove our participation from the NHL for the same amount of time as the game was taken from us. |
$241550.00 |
This number may be small, but with your help and dedication to our cause it will grow. Add yourself to the "We The Fans" union by noting your yearly NHL expenditures here!
| Unfortunately, the lockout will end when the players give in. They need the NHL more than the NHL needs them. The owners hold all of the cards and they don't NEED the hockey money nearly as bad as the majority of the players do. Crosby, Ovi, etc should be set for life financially, but there are way more second, third, and fourth-line guys than there are superstars. Eventually, their money will run low and they'll play for whatever the owners will pay them. It would be great for all of us if they would just come to that realization now and agree to the owners terms. |
| --Chris W |
In an effort to make the NHL understand our frustrations we are calling for a boycott on all of hockey's business partners. This group is headlined by Bridgestone, the sponsor of the 2013 Winter Classic. Show your support for "We The Fans" by joining us in our abstention of these company's products and services.
