From the mind of Dan...

Thanks for the question.

In your case, Anonymous, the simple reply is that you are correct in having no reason to be angry. You are getting value from a product you are not financially supporting. Continue to enjoy your NHL hockey without anger my new friend!

If this question was spurred on by my fan protest idea, I’ll explain my motivation in a little more detail. In general, my investment in the NHL goes to local pubs and breweries. Occassionally I get to see a game live, but not often enough.

As talk of an impending deal began surfacing, so did talk of a fan boycott. I have a background in activism. The more I thought about the idea of a fan boycott, the more I was convinced it would not work due to the hardcore hockey following in my hometown and other ‘hockey’ cities. So I began brainstorming for an idea that would give hardcore fans an outlet for protest, without depriving them of the chance to see the first live NHL hockey in six months. An idea everyone could embrace and participate in. #sharethesilence was born.

The idea of the silent protest was actually inspired by watching Summit on Ice over the holidays. In one of the interviews the Canadian players remarked on how surreal it was to play in packed Russian arenas that were largely silent during the game.

Playing to a silent full arena would be the type of experience players won’t forget easily. Hardcore fans that have invested heavily in the product over the years deserve to express their displeasure, but in the end, this is a game we love.

I think a 'slow clap’ applause at the end of the 1st period will also be a surreal and positive welcome back for the players we love to watch play.

Thanks again for the question!