Vancouverites might still be basking in September sunshine, but the hockey season is upon us.
Canucks’ pre-season opens with a home game against San Jose Sharks in just a week’s time on September 16.
And for the first time in over a decade, Canucks are set to host every team in the league.
But, after a lackluster performance in the shortened season last year, a coach change and controversial goalie trade, will the fans tune back in?
If this weekend’s opening ticket sale is anything to judge by, the answer is yes.
The ticket sale officially kicked off this Saturday, and Kingsley Bailey, the manager of ticket retailer Vancouverticket.com, says it was “very brisk.”
The big ticket item on this year’s schedule is the November 2nd game against Maple Leafs, during which the Canucks will retire Pavel Bure’s No.10 jersey.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs game really did not need any help because of the amount of Toronto fans in town, but when you throw into the mix Pavel Bure’s retirement night, it takes it to a whole new level,” says Bailey.
He says for every ten calls they got this weekend, three were for Pavel Bure’s night.
The game is now completely sold out on Ticketmaster.com.
Bailey says other in-demand games include visits from Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburg Penguins and New York Rangers.
The opening night of the regular season takes place Saturday, October 5 against Edmonton Oilers.
On November 23, the Canucks will face the 2013 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks.
For pre-season games, tickets are still available.
For example, the September 18th pre-season opener is selling for anywhere between $69.25 to $240 a pop.
For the opening October 5th game, the prices range from $97 to $336, and tickets are still around.
Bailey says the weekend’s sale definitely beats last year’s interest levels.
“Last year, the games were mediocre at best. There was not that much interest. The fans were kind of perturbed with what the ownership and the players were doing… we were upset.”
A five-month NHL lockout and the never-ending goalie saga in the shortened season was a serious test for even the most dedicated of fans.
But Bailey says now with only Luongo in the crease, the interest should pick up even more.
But Global sports commentator Squire Barnes says the interest in the Canucks does not depend on players.
“This team will be followed closely win or lose,” says Barnes. “Ticket sales always depend on how the team plays, and they are still going to be a decent team….Also, having every team show up at least once is going to make some games, like Pittsburgh, a big ticket item.”
Bailey says having the hottest franchises in the NHL make a trip to Vancouver will definitely add to the appeal.
“Last year, we saw a lot of mediocre teams three of four times, and the fans do not want to see mediocre teams three or four times… The fans want to see every team in the building. It is sad when it takes four years for you to see Ovechkin or Crosby play. When you pay this kind of money for tickets, you want to see an A-product.”
To see Canucks’ full schedule, go here.
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