One of the things that is most synonymous with the NHL is the playoff beard. Some would say the most synonymous thing. Not only is it steeped in hockey tradition, but it’s the one thing that fans can join along in (sometimes to the chagrin of their wives … trust me, I know). And it’s done by so many that there are websites that enable you to grow along for charity.
It’s a shame that there’s a television guy that would ruin all of that if he had his way. The following is from Mark Lazarus, Chairman of NBC Sports:
“The players won’t like this, but I wish they all would stop growing beards in the postseason. Let’s get their faces out there. Let’s talk about how young and attractive they are. What model citizens they are. (Hockey players) truly are one of a kind among professional athletes. (…) I know it’s a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements. Or simply more recognition with fans saying, ‘That guy looks like the kid next store,’ which many of these guys do. I think that would be a nice thing.”
I’ll give Lazarus points for having the awareness to realize that this wouldn’t be popular among players. The scary part though is that he actually took the time to bring this up with the league and with the players, so he’s serious about this! What he may not understand is that this wouldn’t be popular among fans as well. Like I said, we as fans can’t strap on the pads and knock heads with Duncan Keith. But some can at least grow their playoff beards along with the players. Or buy fake playoff beards if they can’t grow one themselves. As far as recognition goes:
Yeah, that facial hair on Lebron is making him unmarketable. (Also; ‘lumbersexual’) https://t.co/QPHXu30SNL
— Daryl Reaugh (@Razor5Hole) June 9, 2015
Hasn’t hurt this guy either:
HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 29: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets poses for a video shoot during the Rockets Media Day at the Toyota Center on September 29, 2014 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Television guys are supposed to think about marketing. And that’s fine. But these guys go without beards for six months before the playoffs … three months of which while NBC is airing games. So there’s plenty of time for marketing before April. No reason to mess with tradition.
At least it seems like this isn’t going to have any traction. But if you’re thinking of ways to market the game, how about not having a playoff game switch to a cable channel in double overtime for three hours of horse racing coverage. But that’s just me.
