There is some talk about how the Red Wings payoff tickets are not selling like they used to.  The major complaint seems to be the increased cost of tickets.  Playoff tickets will be higher priced, that is for sure, but charding $68US for a Standing Room Only ticket? Insane. How do you get your moneys worth paying that much?

Now, this could turn ugly, as I’m posting about the Red Wings, but I am not doing this to slam them or their fans. Instead, let’s look at something else. Let’s look at options, Detroit.

About 25 miles from Detroit, the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL are in the second round of their playoffs.  Call them and see if they have any more Family Value Pack Nights.  4 tickets for $44 dollars, which includes food and drinks.

Michigan is riddled with UHL teams, and it looks like all of them will be making the playoffs.  Get in your car and drive to Flint (68 miles), Port Huron (62 miles), Kalamazoo (143 miles), or make a weekend of it, and go to Muskegon (197 miles). 

Ann Arbor (43 miles) is the home of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, and they are about to start their playoff run in the NAHL.

There’s still hockey to be played in Grand Rapids (158 miles), and the Griffins have not clinched a playoff spot yet.

Of course, you can always head out of state to Toledo, OH (60 miles), and see the Toledo Storm compete in the ECHL Kelly Cup playoffs.

And you know what?  All of these teams would be happy to have you there.  They could use the cheering section, they could use the crowd, and let’s be honest, they could use your money.  The UHL teams have some of the most character driven (IE old but cool) rinks in pro hockey.  You get a game, but you really get an experience.

I wish I had options like these. Cheap live hockey within reach is one of the benifits of living in the northern US.When the season is done for the Avs, so is my ability to see live hockey.  The closest playoff team I have is the Colorado Eagles of the Central Hockey League (since the Rocky Mountain Rage (and their seven jerseys) are done for the year).  And that is presently out of reach. 

Or, then again, you don’t have to go see a live game.  You could just sit and watch the NHL playoffs at home.  But you would be missing out on some great hockey.

Lots of links there, better get to it.

But trust me, you would be missing out.