Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Jussi Rynnas looks down moments before playing against the Philadelphia Flyers in NHL hockey action in Toronto on Thursday, March 29, 2012.Nathan Denette
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As if ordained by the hockey Gods above, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been bounced from the playoffs for the seventh straight hockey season.
But it's not just the devout fans and bandwagon jumpers whose hopes have been dashed by the team's grandiose collapse. Their lousy season (not helped by their embarrassing loss against the Flyers last night) also delivers a blow to small businesses – including sports bars, restaurants and apparel stores – that count on a winning team to draw crowds.
"Every game the Leafs were in the playoffs would most likely double an average night's revenue, if not more. A couple of rounds of playoff hockey in Toronto could literally keep a struggling business open for an extra year," said Ryan Macor, the owner of a Crabby's Bar in Bolton, Ont., in this article from the Sun.
While struggling franchises are commonplace in Toronto, it's not the only city facing troubles, according to EPSN. The difference is that the Leafs are the most valuable franchise in the NHL, valued at $521-million in 2011 and generating $81.8-million in operating income in 2010, according to this list from Forbes. And so the fact that they persistently lose is doubly frustrating.
Calls have been made for change at the top, and some of the loudest cries seem to be coming from the industries that count on the team's success.
"The hospitality industry really relies on our local teams. So when the Leafs can't muster one playoff game in eight years, it's hard not to be a little let down by Burke and Company," Mr. Macor said.
Inc. launches new series on failure
Today, the popular entrepreneur magazine launches a new series called Friday Fail. Rather than bore you with another success story, it's serving up tales of embarrassment and shame. This week, it shines a light on awkward hiring situations.
Tips for video marketing
In our weekly Web strategy series, the Report on Small Business has offered several helpful ways to enhance your website with video, including:
This article from AMEX Open Forum offers ways to enhance your video with features and techniques called SmartVideo.
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Do you want to own your own business?
On Saturday, from 11 p.m. to 5 p.m., check out the National Franchise and Business Opportunities Show in Vancouver at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Click here for more details.
Small Business Summit Calgary
Don't forget to mark April 25 on your calendar for the next Small Business Summit being held in Calgary. Brought by The Globe and Mail's Report on Small Business in conjunction with Achilles Media, the one-day event for entrepreneurs wil be filled with strategies, sessions and presentations that will offer essential insights to growing your business. For more information, click here.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Age no barrier to finding right mentor fit
Juice Truck's young co-founders have made a winning connection with Blo's equally young co-founder.
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Video: Who is your mentor?
Young techpreneurs in Kitchener-Waterloo reveal the people they look up to most.
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