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WAXERS LOOK TO ATTRACT FAN
SUPPORT At the same time however, Herrington is seeking fans. With the Waxers making their home debut tomorrow at 8:00pm (Friday, September 18) against the Wexford Raiders, Herrington wants to see more spectators at Centennial Arena and make it a fan friendly environment.
Herrington's concern came about after receiving feedback from various fans and potential sponsors that voiced their concerns over incidents that took place at Waxers' home games over the last two campaigns. One of those, he said, stemmed from spectators who sat near the players benches and were subject to hearing abusive language from the participants. Herrington acknowledged it was a problem and insists that will change. As a cure, he said the first four or five rows directly behind the players benches will be off limits to spectators. Herrington also vows the calibre of hockey the fans will see this season from the Waxers will be "solid, tough hockey," with none of the so-called goon tactics. "The players on our team will never be sent out to fight. I feel strongly about that," he said. "If we play the right brand of hockey, which includes winning and responsible on-ice conduct, the people will come out. We want to see people come out and say that they saw a great game."
As members of the revamped Provincial Junior A Hockey League this season the Waxers have the potential to fill some of the empty seats through the continuation and creation of rivalries. The Waxers will once again have Wexford and Thornhill as two opponents in the league's newly formed Central Division. The addition of teams from nearby Stouffville, Aurora and Newmarket should create new rivalries, predicts Herrington. As another means in trying to attract fans, Herrington said the club is currently negotiating with various local businesses to run game-day promotions this season. "We had fans who came to the home games and were disillusioned. I want to say to them to give us another chance. Things will be different and better this year. We'll consider the fans rather than just the players. We want the people to come back out."
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"Getting fans into the building will be my top priority,"
revealed the Waxers' general manager. "One of the most important factors in junior
hockey anywhere is to get people in the building. It's important for local atmosphere. We
have a narrow market as compared with teams that are in other centres. In the past there's
been a few problems and complaints and we'll be addressing that this year," he added.