2/16/2005

Could hockey burse the economy?

http://npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4499659
During this years season the National Hockey League (NHL) has had a major lockout. Now it appears the entire season maybe called off. Not only has this been a bad year to attend a hockey game, but it turns out that manufactures and retailers of hockey apparel and equipment are being hit hard as well. Hockey fans are not purchasing clothing, hats, or skates this season. They are having a hard time purchasing and wearing such items when there are no games to attend.

As the players are trying to get higher salaries they are hurting the economy. By staying off of the ice they are crippling a billion dollar a year industry. Since September sales of related paraphernalia have dropped by 50 to 60 percent depending on reign.

Should these hockey players expect their fans to return in droves when and if the season resumes. After all, it is just a game, right? People are getting paid, and paid well, to do what they love. Now because of their selfishness they are putting the hurt to the economy.

1 comment:

Dr. Tufte said...

-2 for spelling mistakes, and a poorly formatted link in Rex's post.

This is another prisoner's dilemna (negotiations often are). The strategy choices that are most beneficial for each side only work if the other side rolls over and plays dead. So, they each end up with a lousy outcome.

What get's me about hockey is that it isn't making any money when the management and players do agree. How dumb are they to think that disagreeing will do better?