Swiss NLA: more goals; more fans.

08 Nov 2012 | Luis Lopes

The NHL lockout has bought twelve percent more goals and five percent more fans in Swiss Hockey stadiums. Only Kloten see his attendance drop a little.

In last two lockouts Swiss NLA managers had always bet in forward NHL players. This year's lockout isn't different. With players like John Tavares, Rick Nash, Henrik Zetterberg, Tyler Seguin and Patrick Kane the show is almost granted.

In only 119 games players had scored 727 goals. That's 6,11 goals by game compared with 5.46 goals compared to the same period one year ago. The big names and their promised show had a desired effect in Swiss NLA clubs. 6 557 is the average attendance, 313 fans and 5.01% more than one year ago before the November break. This is a record average attendance for an European Hockey league. If the lockout continue until March Swiss Hockey league would one time pass the Swedish league with the highest average attendance in Europe. In Sweden clubs closed the window to NHL stars and "only" an average of 5675 fans came to games until now. Elitserien is overtaken not only by Swiss League but also by KHL with the inclusion this season of Slovan Brastilava and Lev Prague. Russian league passe from 5902 fans to 6236 fans.

The biggest increase in Swiss NLA is definitely the Lakers. Helped by Ottawa Senators Jason Spezza the club climb places on and off ice. The team is currently battle for a play-offs spot and have 766 fans(19,4% more) in Stadium than last year. Also defending champions Zürich Lions pass from 7321 fans last year to 8471 this season(15.71%).

Kloten Flyers are the only team with a fewer percentage fans(less 10,1 % and 586 fans) comparability with last year. The financial crises, the player sales and the Swedish coach dismissed left their traces at Kolping Arena.

The SC Bern are still the leaders in Swiss and in Europe with 16,210 fans more 800(5.2%) than last year.

Numbers from Swiss hockey site: Hockey fans. http://www.hockeyfans.ch/legacy/stats/teamstats