NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

[SonofScray]

https://www.espn.com.au/nhl/story/_/id/36156286/melbourne-host-two-nhl-pre-season-games-rod-laver-arena

Pretty historic stuff. The NHL is coming to town.

Kings v Coyotes in a preseason fixture at Rod Laver Arena.

A real shot in the arm for the game I love most outside of footy, we have a really solid but small hockey community in Melbourne, a rich history and a lot of fanatical fans of the NHL and European leagues.

This will be fantastic.

Coyotes will be playing in front of some of the biggest crowds they'll have seen

[mjp]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

https://www.espn.com.au/nhl/story/_/...od-laver-arena

Pretty historic stuff. The NHL is coming to town.

Kings v Coyotes in a preseason fixture at Rod Laver Arena.

A real shot in the arm for the game I love most outside of footy, we have a really solid but small hockey community in Melbourne, a rich history and a lot of fanatical fans of the NHL and European leagues.

This will be fantastic.

Coyotes will be playing in front of some of the biggest crowds they'll have seen

Great to watch live - favourite ever live sporting experience for me was Vancouver vs San Jose with the green men in full effect during (I think) 2007 and the Red Wings vs Blackhawks in that same season...I battle to watch it on TV though despite several attempts.

[Flamethrower]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

I am a huge NHL fan, and seeing a game live is the only way to really appreciate the game.

But starting the tickets at $99 for a preseason game is really stretching the friendship, especially when it is only the lowly Arizona Coyotes coming to town. If it was Edmonton with Connor McDavid, an historic team like the Rangers or Canadiens, or my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, then I would all over it.

Having been to a few NHL games in the USA, it is worth the experience if you can get tickets. I'll be watching Slapshot (again).

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

Yeah I was a little disappointed when they announced it was only preseason games. There was talk about regular season a couple months back.

Seen a few games in North America. A great sport to watch. How they are so physical on ice skates is impressive.

[SonofScray]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

I believe the NHLPA scuttled plans for opening round games like they have done in other countries. Also ruled out east coast teams too.

Still a significant moment to grow the game here. Yotes mightvrelocate here when they realise they can pull a bigger crowd in AUS than at home!

I’d recommend WOOFERs have a squizz. Nothing beats being there, I’ve been to a handful of games overseas, watch the AIHL regularly and have been playing for the past 12 years or so. It’s got some real similarities to footy in a sort of divergent evolutionary way.

[Grantysghost]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

Serious question.

Can you see the Puck live?

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

Serious question.

Can you see the Puck live?

You can. It's much better live than on TV.

[Axe Man]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

The only pro sport game I was able to catch when in the US was an NHL game at Anaheim. Unfortunately the NBA players were on strike at the time and our trip just didn't quite coincide with NFL games on the right days. I remember seeing people heading to a 49ers game as we were heading to the airport to leave San Francisco.

Certainly worth seeing an NHL game live if you can.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

I've watched all 4 major leagues and college football.

NHL was the best to watch. College had the best atmosphere

I follow NBA the most and it was great. But live hockey is something else.

[SonofScray]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

Serious question.

Can you see the Puck live?

Yes, it’s easier to track and see in person.

I can still manage playing pretty well after my eye injury because of the high contrast between the black puck on the white ice surface.

[SonofScray]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

It’s this weekend.

I’m going to Open Practice and having a picture with the Stanley Cup on Friday, then to the game on the Sunday.

[mjp]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

It’s this weekend.

I’m going to Open Practice and having a picture with the Stanley Cup on Friday, then to the game on the Sunday.

Enjoy it mate. Jealous.

[SonofScray]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

Games are on Kayo and 9now.

Great vibe down there the past two days. Check out the goal from Cooley, of the Yotes, as good as you’ll ever see.

[Flamethrower]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

I am a huge NHL fan, and seeing a game live is the only way to really appreciate the game.

But starting the tickets at $99 for a preseason game is really stretching the friendship, especially when it is only the lowly Arizona Coyotes coming to town. If it was Edmonton with Connor McDavid, an historic team like the Rangers or Canadiens, or my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, then I would all over it.

Having been to a few NHL games in the USA, it is worth the experience if you can get tickets. I'll be watching Slapshot (again).

Watched the game on Fox and was pleasantly surprised, both by the talent that made the trip down under (I thought stars like Drew Doughty and Anze Kopitar would sit out), and the play of the Coyotes - they have some good youg talent coming through.

And they had a good old fashioned fight to entertain the locals. Both goons in regular season form too.

[Flamethrower]

Re: NHL Preseason games in Melbourne

I've watched all 4 major leagues and college football.

NHL was the best to watch. College had the best atmosphere

I follow NBA the most and it was great. But live hockey is something else.

I have been to Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, College Baseball, College Football, NHL and NBA games (never been able to get NFL tickets for a reasonable price) in the USA and Canada.

Much better to watch live than on TV - baseball, ice hockey (yes you can see the puck, even from the cheaper seats).
Better to watch on TV - American football.

Baseball and hockey are my favourites - probably because I played baseball for many years (and tried to play ice hockey but was no where near a good enough skater), so I know how the inside tactics of baseball and just how difficult both games are to play (especially trying to hit a baseball fair - hall of famers FAIL 7 time out of 10 - 0.300 batting average - says it all).