@RichNairn9 How do the Phoenix Coyotes promote a winter sport to 3,000,000 Hispanic soccer fans in the desert of Phoenix Arizona?
I'm the Commissioner of the University Ice Hockey League in Monterrey Mexico (UIHLM). I currently have 10 teams within the league in two divisions, an "A" league and a "B" league.
Two of the Universities within the league are well know across the country for their sports. One is known as the Tigres (Tigers) from UNAL and the other is known as the Borregos (Long Horn Sheep) from the TEC, which is a well known technical school, both located here in Monterrey.
Here is my proposal:
Once a year, say around Christmas time (depending on your schedule) The Phoenix Coyotes put on a "Torneo de la Feliz Navidad" (Merry Christmas Tournament) This tournament would start with 4 teams. U of A, NAU, TEC and UANL
Now if this tournament could not be performed at this time, then maybe the week of September 16 (Mexican Independence Day) or Easter or May 5th (Cinco de Mayo)
What will this do for you?
1. It introduces Ice Hockey to 3,000,000 Hispanic soccer fans. Hispanics love their sports. They love fast moving sports and love boxing. Hockey provides the best of both worlds.
2. Having two University from their home country will help re-establish national pride and at the same time, generate new fans for the Coyotes.
3. It will help build awareness in four individual programs. Coyotes, U of A, NAU and the UIHL of Monterrey. Our goal as ambassador's of Ice Hockey is to generate more interest within the sport.
4. It would give you the opportunity to observe possible talent from 4 Universities during the tournament.
5. It would add public relations to both the Hispanic community in Phoenix, Tucson and Monterrey Mexico. Currently I have a small youth hockey group of kids that are playing in a school league. A relationship with an NHL team would also generate interest at our youth hockey level. Plus, it too would generate interest at the Hispanic youth community in Arizona.
One of the things that the Arizona Diamondbacks sell within the stands are frozen margarita's. Why? Because a lot of Hispanics go to baseball games. This is something that you could provide at the tournament. Yes I know this sounds crazy, but maybe you can also have a Taco night.
If you are interested on how I built my program, I would be more than happy to consult or help you with this project.
Thanks for your time.
Rob Lopez - Commissioner
University Ice Hockey League - Mexico