Which NHL teams are offering incentives to fans?

TORONTO – Now that the NHL’s shortened-48 game season is scheduled to kick off Saturday, teams around the league are offering incentives to try and get paying customers back into the arenas.

But winning some fans back could prove difficult. Some showed anger or indifference the 113-day lockout, which officially ended January 12 when the players ratified the new CBA.

Global News takes a look at what some NHL teams—both in the United States and Canada—are doing to woo fans back.

From the cable companies in the United States and Canada:
Various companies who offer NHL cable services in the United States are offering reduced rates for those who wish to watch hockey games. Satellite and cable companies in Canada have a set price for the service but carriers have yet to post any information on whether or not they will offer a discount for the shortened season.

From the NHL league teams in Canada:
Ottawa Senators
Among the offerings to the fans are free parking on opening night, free admission to kids 14 years of age and younger in four of the first 10 home games, $1 popcorn and pop in seven of the first 10 games and half price merchandise up until the end of opening night at home.

“For all of our fans, we know you love Senators hockey and have missed the games these last few months,” team president Cyril Leeder told The Canadian Press. "We're sorry that you had to miss those games and we can't get those games back, but we can make the remaining 48 game meaningful and important to you."

Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said that winning games, rather than discounts and giveaways, is the best way to appease fans after four months of bitterness.

"Other than free hot dogs, although they're important, the most important thing that we can give is to have these players come out every night and deliver you a winning team," Melynk said. "Ownership for me is secondary to the passion. I'm sorry for all of us because we had to endure these four months."

YOUR THOUGHTS: Are NHL teams doing enough to win their fans back? Let us know on our Facebook page here.

Montreal Canadiens
Montreal fans, come with your stomachs empty!
On Thursday January 17, the Habs are offering free admission on a first-come, first served basis to open practice at the Bell Centre. Those who attend will receive a free combo meal consisting of chips, a hot dog and a soft drink.

For those who want to pick up some Canadiens gear, the league will be offering 50 per cent off all merchandise at the Bell Centre’s Habs Zone boutique on January 17 and 19.

Toronto Maple Leafs
While some fans might say that the firing of Leafs GM Brian Burke was a good enough incentive to bring them back into the arena, those who prefer to watch the team during their morning skate can on January 19 at 11:30 a.m. following the Habs practice at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Vancouver Canucks
Because what fan wouldn’t want a jersey full of sweat (and perhaps tears from the losing team)? Both Boston and Vancouver Canucks are offering a “jersey off their back” promotion on opening night where fans can not only win game-worn sweaters from the players but can instantly Instagram themselves (in a Lo-Fi setting, of course) wearing their dirty souvenir winnings.

If used jerseys do not tickle your fancy, the Canucks are also giving fans the chance to win a flight on the team’s charter. Road trip, anyone?

Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are also trying to win over some fans by opening their practices to the public Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning of this week.
The team also opened up a concession booth to offer free popcorn and pop.

From the NHL league teams in the United States:
Washington Capitals
The Capitals are hosting a “Fan Appreciation Week” where they will give away prizes such as autographed sticks and pucks as well as will host meet and greets with players, free tickets and access to a luxury suite during the week.
On Thursday January 17, the team will offer complimentary refreshments and photo opportunities with the players during open practice at the Verizon Center.

Dallas Stars
Like the Senators, the Stars are also offering ticket promotions that will admit a child for free when an adult buys a full-price ticket. The deal is being offered though February for children 12 and under.

Nashville Predators
Those who buy tickets for Game 1 on Saturday night can attend the Predators second game on the following Monday for free. FOR FREE. Fans who get thirsty during both home games can receive 50 per cent of all soda and certain beer (lets cue The Simpsons 'Hey You, Beer Me' by Lionel Richie song...now).



Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers
On opening day of Camp, Tampa Bay offered 200 season tickets for $200 apiece to their fans while their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers, are giving season tickets for as low as $7 a seat, along with a jersey and free parking.

New Jersey Devils
Some teams are also reaching out to social media and their websites to host contents throughout the season. The New Jersey Devils, for example, are giving away a pair of season tickets.

Pittsburgh Penguins
Fans of Pittsburgh who have tickets to the first four home games are in for a treat. The league is offering free select concession items and half off all merchandize at their first four home games.

With files from The Canadian Press