Normally, you would not be able to hear yourself think when at a Maple Leafs home game. The raucous crowds, energetic arena music and collective passion for the team makes it an unforgettable (though expensive) night out.
But with the advancement of business owning large swaths of premium seats, a lot of criticism has come on the lack of response from fans, but one former NHL defenseman has a unique way to spice things up.
Former defenseman Jason Demers was speaking on the NHL Network and when questioned about Toronto's lack of passion after Ryan Reaves' first fight, he offered a wild, but quite intriguing solution:
It would follow in the footsteps of not only European hockey, but of European football as well, as stadiums often feature a home and visitors section so like-minded and passionate fans can be as close as possible.
The four-figure plus cost for lower bowl seats offer a once in a lifetime experience, and while it's great the Maple Leafs have the ability to get those seats filled, often they are bulk purchased, or a deal with a corporation that allows their workers premium access.
That's not to say there are no passionate fans who occupy those seats but more often than not you see banners and signs hanging high above in the 200, 300, and 500 sections where that motivation could be better used down below.
The team lives and dies by its fans, and the Maple Leafs would not be as successful or as historic without the passion and dedication of their fans.
In a corporate world where numbers mean all, the team has lost sight of what made them so beloved in the first place.
The fans have suffered enough Toronto, time to reward those who have stuck with you through the best and worst of times.
POLL | ||
JANVIER 25 | 429 ANSWERS Former NHL Defenseman Unveils Bold Plan to Amp Up Energy For Maple Leafs Fans at Scotiabank Arena Do you think the Maple Leafs should allow fans with nosebleed tickets to sit lower down at Scotiabank Arena? | ||
Yes | 353 | 82.3 % |
No | 76 | 17.7 % |
List of polls |