Canada vs USA still a go in Christchurch New Zealand

The promoters for the International Ice Hockey Canada vs USA event have announced (press release seen here) that the game will continue as scheduled on July 30, 2011 in Christchurch. The city was rocked by a earthquake in February but, according to the press release, the rink was left unscathed and the event looks to bring in an estimated $2 million in revenue to boost the economy that was already hurting before the quake.

It’s not about making money, says Douglas.

“It’s about giving the people of Christchurch our support and giving the city and residents back some energy and excitement.

“It’s about giving them something to look forward to.”

It's a little about making money though, right?

Maybe a little early to make revenue estimates with no final roster announcements or the promoters are taking into account the fact that players are paying $3200 to be a part of this event while the promoters are charging around $145 a ticket to the games!

Bringing the international series to Christchurch is not without its problems; the North American tour directors are cautious about letting their NZ$100 million product come to a broken city.

“I do not care if I have to fly them in one hour before the game and out again after, If Prince William feels safe then so should they,” Douglas says.

I think the NHL, Hockey Canada, and USA Hockey would be concerned if they were actually sending their $100 million dollar products down there when in fact they are not. Of course they wouldn't be concerned about what state of safety New Zealand is in, they would be more concerned about their star players getting hurt in a game that isn't sanctioned. None of these organizations, including the NHL Players Association, have announced this event as an officially sanctioned by the IIHF.  Meaning that if NHL players come down there, they are risking no insurance coverage for their multi-million dollar contracts if they get injured.

In fact the only confirmed players coming to New Zealand are NHL veterans Darryl Shannon and Mike Wilson. Wilson is actually semi-retired and fills in a roster spot for the ECHL Toledo Walleye when they are short a body. Shannon has not play a competitive game of hockey since 2004!

I can understand what Craig Douglas is trying to do with these press releases but I just can't accept how he is trying to sell something that is not what it seems. I will go out on a limb and say and that there will be no current NHL players attending this event, unless it turns into a charity fundraiser to help rebuild Christchurch. This is a for-profit event and Douglas and the Moose ice hockey tour company are looking to make some money off of this event.

Would much rather see all profits being donated to local minor hockey development.