Welcome Back NHL? No thanks…I’ll have a Beer Tube instead

Now that we’ve learned that the NHL Players Association and the owners are finalizing a labor agreement and the hockey season is slated to start this month, on behalf of Beer Tubes we would like to say, “Welcome Back You Idiots!” Maybe it’s the “fiscal cliff hangover” we’re dealing with, but we can’t help but be a little cynical about seemingly intelligent people taking so long to resolve issues that seemed attainable during the off season. Way back in August when hockey wasn’t on most people’s radar (and thanks to the lockout, that number may be increasing exponentially), the dueling sides could have sat down on a patio and discussed their differences over an ice cold beer, served from a Beer Tube Hockey Helmet dispenser…of course. A few laughs and some old-fashioned negotiating (and definitely more than one beer tower) and maybe it wouldn’t have taken so long to figure out how to split their millionaire pies.

All during the negotiations (and this holds true for all work-related stoppages in sports) both sides KNEW that eventually fans will come back. They always do. Why? Because fans use sports to escape from the day-to-day grind. Fans use sports to connect with their favorite players…and vent frustration at the opponent or even other fans. And it’s the passion of the fan that ultimately pays the bills. Fans increase the value of televsion contracts, merchandising, advertising and player contracts.

(A side note on fan behavior. Venting frustration at an opponent or thier fans should NOT be handled this way… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/25/nfl-fans-fight-browns-bill-redskins-brawl_n_1910567.html. Maybe these Browns and Bills fans were fighting over a new coach?)

Whether hockey fans like it or not, the NHL is kind of like Ringo Starr. Sure he was a member of The Beatles, but nobody paid too much attention. And the league may have a tough time gaining back the fans that were on the fringe to begin with. Now while we do like attending hockey games, this season we’re taking a different approach. Instead of filling the pockets of the league this year, we’re going to visit bars/restaurants around the arenas instead (especially those that serve Beer Tubes). This will allow us to support the beer industry and yell at Red Wing fans without paying full price for tickets (and beer) in a half-full arena. And if the popcorn vendor doesn’t like it, he/she are welcome to stop by after the game and we’ll buy them a beer.

One more point about Ringo. He did sing “With a Little Help From My Friends” so he’s pretty cool in our book. In fact, Beer Tubes now has an official theme song to sing while enjoying over 100 ounces of ice cold Molson.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,

Mmm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

Cheers!

The Beer Tubes Guys