Market Research

[MDE3]

I noted in the article that 18 months of market research has been done to see if this format would be viable. I would be interested in seeing what readers on IHC have to come up with as what's needed to make "Pro Inline Hockey" a viable entity. I have seen a lot of "what won't work" opinions, but try to consider all the factors needed before you express an opinion.

Some major factors I see:

1) an interested audience:

1a) from within the sport
1b) from outside the sport

2) a place for them to watch the sport in surroundings similar to other pro sports

3) television appeal

4) true "pro level" talent and the challenge of developing same.

5) game recognition by an existing audience

6) player recognition - from the existing fan base

7) Deep pockets to give the development a chance

8) How difficult will it be to get the whole inline sport/ industry playing a game similar to the "pro version"

9) Full contact or not?

Just some of the issues and I'm sure people will come up with others.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Mike,

You make good points. I'm sure you'll start a great discussion.

Similar suggestions have been made before, and one great example is Benny Gulakiw's "Central Square" column from March 11, 2000. Check it, and other Central Square columns concerning pro inline hockey, to deepen the discussion:

<A HREF="http://www.inlinehockeycentral.com/central/central031100.shtml" target="_new">http://www.inlinehockeycentral.com/c...al031100.shtml</A>

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central

[MDE3]

Kind of says it all - except where to find enough money to do it that way.

I have questions about equipment suppliers being major players in the development of a new league.

Obviously for them to grow as suppliers, the sport must also grow so they have a natural incentive to promote a successfull Professional League for what it will do to long term growth of all related sport sales. My concern about such a radical departure from the "traditional game" is that I wonder sometimes if it is being driven by the desire to promote the Pro Game and the long term growth of the sport and eventually seeing a sales boom of equipment? - Or is it driven by the desire to see short term returns from new equipment sales.

I know that finding people willing to invest in such a venture must also involve finding business people who see a projected return on their investment. Is the pressure to see this return faster driving the radical changes? - more than the concept that these changes will make the sport more marketable and accessible to a larger viewing and participating audience over a long term growth plan?

[rlrhky13]

Great point on equipment companies Mike. Look at Mossion when they started they were only Roller and now they make more money in ice sales than roller sales by far. CCM never really got into the market although rumor is they are for next season. Thats what needs to happen I think, there needs to be more equipment sponsors involved in the growth of this sport.

As far as investors, working with a group of investors i see that right now the way the markets are no-one wants to gamble and unless its a 100% guaranteed return on investments they are shying away from thins stuff.. I work with a group of guys that are all sports consultants and investors so I see the day to day stuff and after talking with them a few times about building a complex here that could house a pro team ( ice and roller ) alot came out about fears of losing money at this time.

[missionhockey21]

Thats a great list.

[missionhockey21]

Mission really makes more money in ice sales than roller? Thats kind of weird becauses I am one of the few who I know who uses Mission equipment in ice pick up games and stuff. Anyways I hope thast doesnt mean they'll cut the inline equipment anytime soon. But back on track wasnt PBH equipment sponsored? I am thinking Mission and maybe VForm?

[rlrhky13]

Mission started to make more in ice when they starting sponsoring NHL players. They are definately not giving up roller... Trust me they do well in that area to...

[missionhockey21]

Thats right, I dont know how I could forget the sponsoring NHL players. I just got the Mission 2003 calender with all the players they are sponsoring, and they have some big names imo. And I am glad they arent giving up roller ^_^

[dcdawgs]

I don't think Mission will ever stop the roller hockey market. There skates are still the most overall popular brand on the market. I use to work at a hockey store, and every kid came in wanting Missions. There inline skates I believe are there bread and butter.

I think Benny's article is very good. Pro roller hockey could maybe work better out west, than in the east, because the teams are closer, and there are more players. In the east, you have teams in Florida, New York, Washington D.C., Penn, and Canada, and thats to spaced out for travel.

Whoever starts up one and plans on having it last, needs to figure out how to reduce the costs, in my opinion.

Josh

[missionhockey21]

I was just a little nervous about there situation. But I know what you are talking about, whenever I work in a pro shop the parents with kids playing for the first time almost always buy Mission skates.

[SpiderRat]

It was Franklin and V-Form I think.

[missionhockey21]

Yeah I couldnt remember the equipment sponsor, but I did remember those god awful v-forms. lol

[yokes]

Who could forget those V form skates and the goalies draped in Franklin equipment, Yuk!!!

Its just not fun unless you stand in front of it!

[missionhockey21]

Lol, it was pretty unsightful for anyone who knew a thing about equipment.

[RichardGraham]

Hi Yokes,

Hate to tell tales, but V-Form threatened to "bury" IHC for mentioning in a chat room session that they hadn't paid their ad bill, and Franklin pledged to support IHC six years ago... and I'm still waiting. Wonder why credibility is important? lol

Sincerely,

Richard Graham
Editor
Inline Hockey Central