BUSINESS OF HOCKEY: FINDING CREATIVE REVENUE SOURCES So many hockey organizations at all levels often rely on traditional tuition or players fees to fund their organizations.

So many hockey organizations at all levels often rely on traditional tuition or players fees to fund their organizations. Hockey is becoming more expensive every year and the cost of participation is taking its toll on enrollment and often quality of operations. Like every business managers must think outside the box and look for other revenue sources. Let's take a look at some revenue options.

Rink ownership is different at every rink so not all of these ideas work in every case. But I have learned to ask and suggest ideas to rink owners as they want organizations to grow and rent more ice each year. If you don't ask the answer is always no.

Food concessions is always a good place to start. Some rinks have elaborate concessions and many don't. If you are a rink owner you are missing a great revenue source if you don't have quality food options at your rink. Growing up in travel hockey families always knew what rink had good food and those that didn't offer much. We would stay between games to eat at the rink with good food and plan on outside meals when rinks did not have good options. Junior teams should work closely with rink owners to offer quality concessions at their games to improve fan experiences and don't be afraid to ask for a percentage of concessions as a revenue source for the team and an incentive to draw fans to the games. Having a bar with beer sales is always a winner for revenue.

Advertising sales is another area most teams don't pursue. Many rinks don't have much advertising sold or full time people to sell it. Teams can suggest a sales plan to increase advertising exposure in the rink with an agreed upon split of revenues with the rink owner. If signage is not available check to see if you can sell banners that can go up and come down for your games. Social media and websites are also sources of revenue teams can sell and control.

Merchandise sales are another key area of potential revenue and are also a great form of branding. There are many ways to sell merchandise at the rink or online. There are companies that will set up a shop online, produce and sell your merchandise and give the organization a commission .

Skate a thons, golf tournaments, 50/50 raffles, Super Bowl lotteries and good old fashioned baked goods sales are all ways to raise additional revenues. Driving other sources of revenues may help organizations keep participation costs lower or help the organization provide other services. Think outside the box or rink in this case for new revenues .