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The Hockey Writers
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Michael Viola

Michael writes on the business of hockey and how it impacts the fan's enjoyment of the game. He is a PR and Marketing professional with a background in journalism and a love for hockey.

Playoff Ratings Are Up, But So Is The Goonery

Michael Viola | April 17, 2012

The 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are being broadcast nationally in their entirety for the first time ever. That’s great. Early returns show that ratings are up significantly when compared…

The NHL Is Its Own Worst Enemy

Michael Viola | April 3, 2012

There is a reason the NHL is seen as a third tier sport by most sport fans in this country. To the vast majority, the NHL is just boxing on…

Set Phasers to Negotiate – Bettman Ready to Meet With Players Union

Michael Viola | March 23, 2012

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is ready, willing and able to meet with the players union in order to negotiate a new contract between the two, however, Bettman has stated that…

“Old-Time Hockey” is Killing the Game

Michael Viola | March 2, 2012

There is an epidemic in today’s NHL. Stars are dropping left and right and it is taking away from the game’s overall appeal. Sidney Crosby hasn’t played for the better…

You Don’t Wear Number 66

Michael Viola | February 23, 2012

Retiring jersey numbers is a ritual in almost every sport. It is a gesture by a team or league to show appreciation to a certain player for their contributions to…

2013 Winter Classic To Be Officially Announced Thursday

Michael Viola | February 8, 2012

According to many sources and outlets, the NHL will make official Thursday what most hockey fans already know. That is, the site and teams of the 2013 Winter Classic. For…

2012 Winter Classic Ticket Prices Skyrocket

Michael Viola | December 21, 2011

Would you like to purchase tickets to this year’s Winter Classic game? There are plenty of tickets available, however, most are priced in the neighborhood of an arm and a…

Islanders Fail With New Third Jersey

Michael Viola | November 21, 2011

Last Wednesday the New York Islanders kept with their tradition of debuting terrible looking jerseys by, well, debuting a terrible looking jersey. We are all familiar, unfortunately, with the fisherman…

Hockey, Credit Cards and Doughnuts…Smells Like Revenue Dollars To Me

Michael Viola | November 4, 2011

Last month I wrote on this site about how the NHL has a chance to increase both their viewership and advertising dollars as a result of the current NBA lockout.…

Hockey Fights Cancer: A Good Fight for the NHL

Michael Viola | October 3, 2011

While the debate rages on whether or not fighting should be allowed in the NHL, one league-wide fight goes unopposed. I am speaking of course about the NHL’s annual Hockey…

Molson and Labatt Drop the Gloves Over NHL Sponsorship

Michael Viola | July 13, 2011

Canadians are passionate about three things. Their county, their hockey and their beer. In recent months, two of these three were the subject of much debate within the Canadian court…

Can the Jets Stay Grounded in Winnipeg?

Michael Viola | July 8, 2011

The Winnipeg Jets have taken off. They have signed their captain Andrew Ladd to a five-year, $22 million deal. They hired a coach in Claude Noel and they hired former…

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Founded in 2009, The Hockey Writers is a premier destination for news and information on everything hockey. Updated hourly, with analysis, commentary and features from hundreds writers worldwide, our articles are read over 5 million times every month.

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  • NHL Teams
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Recent Posts

  • 4 Canadiens Unlikely to Return For 2022-23 Season
  • Chicago Blackhawks’ 2021-22 Player Grades: Defense
  • The 5 Most Memorable Pavel Datsyuk Moments
  • Best NHL Player From Each U.S. State
  • 3 Bruins’ Draft Picks That Didn’t Work Out in Boston