QMJHL fans came out in big numbers in 2005-06
BOUCHERVILLE, Friday, March 24, 2006 (QMJHL) The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has shattered its previous attendance records, which were established last year. Officially, 2,279,744 fans were drawn to team arenas, an average of 3,619 patrons per game. Last year’s figures were 1,872,144 and 2,972 respectively.
The Commissioner of the major junior circuit, Mr. Gilles Courteau, is impressed by the results. "We’re very happy to see that are our fan following is growing from year to year. Many people assumed that the end of the NHL’s lock-out and the departure of Sidney Crosby would invariably result in lower attendance figures. But, I think this demonstrates how passionate our fans are for major junior hockey. The growth that we experienced last year was no fluke."
Also, several teams surpassed their previous highs:
The Quebec Remparts entertained a total of 301,126 fans compared to 242,187 last year. Also, they attracted the highest single-game figure with 15 338 patrons for a game against the Saguenéens last March 17th. The Moncton Wildcats also broke their previous record of 188,560 fans established during the course of the 1996-97 season, welcoming 203,010. The Chicoutimi Saguenéens did the same, boasting 144,621 spectators, up from 131,651 during the 1979-80 season. Finally, the Drummondville Voltigeurs broke their record of 71,069 fans, with a showing of 86,728.
Furthermore, the best average attendance figures per game were noticed in Quebec (8,604), Halifax (7,720) and Moncton (5,800).
Even after a difficult inaugural season, the Saint John Sea Dogs still managed to break the attendance record for an expansion franchise. Indeed, they attracted 156,694 fans, eclipsing the total of 134,371 previously held by the Halifax Mooseheads (1994-95).
Finally, five teams saw considerable hikes in their numbers over last year, including Acadie-Bathurst (+41.3%), Moncton (+25.9), Quebec (+24.3), Drummondville (+22%) and Chicoutimi (+21.1%).
To consult the final statistical attendance report (official), please click on the link below.
<a href=" https://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/old_lhjmq/assistances/saison20052006/LHJMQ_ASSIST_200506_pourCommunique_20060323_FINAL.htm" class="lnkBase10px">* <b>QMJHL Final Attendance Report</b></a>
