Pete DeBoer was one of the mind’s behind the idea. I have no issues with this, to be honest. No ones coming to the games, even though this team has been on fire the last month. No one cares. If this is what it takes to get more then 14,000 in a 19,250 seat arena, go for it.

http://floridapantherstalk.blogspot.com/2009/02/panthers-promise.html

It’s wonderful that he’s trumpeting the program (what else would a rookie coach with no other NHL experience do), but being a superstitious sort – and I would guess most of those involved in the on-ice aspect of the organization are as well – I still find this to be a move that smacks of misguided opportunism. The Cats still have not won anything yet. Call this year a wash – no matter what transpires – and build toward next year, marketing-wise.

I HATE the idea of promoting a team on a gamble. Especially in such a precarious market as this. So they sell a few more seats: big deal. The “fans” will come out when consistent winning is established, and we won’t need any more of these phony-baloney gimmicks.

My two cents. But I respect your argument…

That’s a fair enough point of view. But the fact of the matter is, selling a few more seats IS a big deal. With the financial situation the way it is, a few more seats now, even if it is through a hokey gimmick that would and probably will be ridiculed north of the border (state boarder). But right now, there is no real “market” for the Panthers. They haven’t done anything in 15 years. Hell, this market quit on the Marlins just 1 year after they win a World Series, twice. And they were in the playoff race last year until August, and playing in front of hundreds, not thousands, of fans. This market is what it is. With no winning resume to draw in fans, they have to do these gimmicks until there is a solid fan base, at which time they won’t (hopefully) have to draw up these things to get people to care.