Everybody loves a theme night. Wailers Night and Star Wars Night were big magnets for fans during the regular season. What’s next for the Carolina Hurricanes?
Theme nights are common place in the NHL and have been for many years. There’s been some weird and wonderful nights across the franchises in the past, even the Carolina Hurricanes ‘tried’ a Superhero Night once. That said, all themes chosen are worthy ones.
What you don’t see very regularly are nights that are a little more outside the box. Something different and out of the ordinary, in keeping with popular culture. The Star Wars night was brilliant and to this day, the Sebastian Aho Star Wars theme sits as the lock screen on my phone.
In the 2007-08 season, the St. Louis Blues held Mortgage Nights. A lucky fan that attended the game would have their mortgage or rent paid for FOUR MONTHS! Also, the Philadelphia Flyers once held a Scott Hartnell wig night, with the first 5000 fans to attend being gifted wigs of curly red hair.
This is something I really think league as a whole could benefit from more of. It would get people talking for sure and it’s going to cause interest in your franchise. All press is good press. It could even lead to more interest in the sport as a whole. Getting there first means your team is the one new fans hear about first.
The use of popular culture in hockey is of benefit to everyone involved. It gives the fans a chance to celebrate much loved films, era’s and even the original roots of the team! Adding more of these nights into the calendar could mean more bums in seats.
Another piece that gets fans through the door is merch. Every fan wants to get hold of that one-off piece of merchandise that’s only available on one night of the year. Whether it’s bobbleheads, t-shirts or something a little more wacky (as we’ll see later), it’s appealing.
Now, we’re going to take a look at three possible theme nights that are a bit more out there. Along with the accompanying little trinkets that could be available, should the idea ever come to fruition. They’re a little different, but it would be refreshing to see a team try and be bold. If anyone can be bold, it’s the Carolina Hurricanes.