In August and September this date was but a destination in mind for over three hundred Junior A players in the BCHL. Some eight months later it has become a reality for just over forty of them including twenty plus that rode the host train. Of course for many Spruce Kings fans, volunteers, players and staff that ride is a familiar ride that brings back many cherished memories. I personally remember spending countless hours working on the website, breaking down stats and trying to coordinate the webcast.
That was just two years ago and to see the improvements that have been made in the delivery of the game for the fans is truly remarkable. Technology doesn't come cheap, but something inside me cries foul when I see the price to be paid to listen to the games that should be widely disturbed to the masses of fans that enjoy amateur hockey at its best. To make matters worse, the broadcasts are only for the round robin and semi final games ... the championship game will be presented live and in full colour on TSN.
Why would we not want to use the first twelve games to help generate interest for each successive game and of course the Championship game? The RBC Royal Bank Cup is a national championship earning the respect of a national audience that is growing both in the attendance numbers in the host rink, listeners to the webcast and television viewers.
My vision in 2007 was to find a sponsor or sponsors that would offset the measurable costs of the broadcast and then to offer the broadcast for free. It seems to me that we may have gotten away from the ideal that Junior A hockey is to be played at the amateur level. A level where players play for the love of the game and fans get to enjoy the raw talent and energy at the most affordable prices possible.
I know it is too late for this year, but I hope that we can reverse this for the years to come and avoid it becoming a precedent setting situation.
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