Inspired by Dr.Crab's post on possible relocations of NHL teams and some of the circumstances surrounding such potential relocations. The three contenders listed were Winnipeg, Quebec City, and Hamilton.I'm also adding Toronto as my own suggestion,so let's take a look.
1.Winnipeg-The obvious front runner for relocation.
Fan Support:Solid. The Jets always played to a large crowd, and really became a community team. Support for Winnipeg's AA baseball and CFL teams is consistently among the highest in their respective leagues. Ditto for support of the current AHL club(the Moose).
Arena:MTS Centre was opened in 2004 and has all the required amenities for an NHL club.No problems here.
Reality Check:MTS Centre only holds 15,000 people,which would make it the smallest arena in the NHL.Concerns have also been raised by the city's chamber of commerce of whether Winnipeg has the economic base to support an NHL team in today's market. It's likely however that we will find out in the next 5 years.
2.Quebec City-No serious chance.
Fan Support:Quebec's junior team is receiving phenomenal support. Concerns are raised however,by the fact that both the IHL and AHL failed to last more than a couple of seasons.
Arena:Part of the reasons the Nordiques left, Le Colisee is still the prominent venue in this area.With the provincial government, cutting social programs to resolve a budget deficet, don't expect any government assistance on a new arena. For a team to be relocated, a new facilty will have to be built and operating prior to any relocation.
Reality Check:The most optimistic appraisal, sees the NHL returning to the capital of La Belle Province as a longshot at best.
3.Hamilton-Used to be mentioned at least once a year
Fan Support:Hamilton's AHL team receives adequate support, and its CFL franchise recives strong support despite a recent lack of performance.
Arena:Copps Coliseum is the perfect NHL arena...for 1987. Either a new building or extensive renovation will be required. Due to the potential market, this can probably wait until an NHL team sets up in the city, though an agreement will be required first.
Reality Check:The AHL's Bulldogs have been having trouble in Hamilton since Day 1. Only in recent years has the team become more stable. Is this because Hamilton feels that they are a big league city? Whatever it is, it will be a stumbling block to a team deciding to relocate there.
4.Toronto-NBA,NFL,and MLB have 2 teams in one city, why not the NHL(NYC excluded)
Fan Support:Is Toronto a Leaf town or a hockey town? While the Leafs enjoy unbelievable support, fan response to Major Jr and AHL in the city has been lukewarm. However, a counterbalance to the Leafs may be just what Toronto needs and wants.
Arena:The ACC is there, however it is also owned by the MapleLeafs. Also as home of the Raptors, the Rock, and being the primary venue for concerts and trade shows in Toronto, this would be a short term solution at best. That is, if the Leafs allow it.
Reality Check:Playing second fiddle to another team is not a good way to build fan or corporate support. Also, a problem arises with the Tornoto Maple Leafs who still hold considerable sway at the Commisioner's office, and may use that to obstruct any such relocation in order to protect their monopoly.
So after examining the potential sites. Here's my guesses:
Quebec City:Not a chance (Sorry, you may deserve, but that's not enough)
Winnipeg:Next five years. It'll be an experiment with the owners ready to jump ship whenever things are looking down.
Hamilton or Toronto(not both):Next ten years.The NHL needs more strong franchises, and both these areas represent the oppurtunity to build them
Hamilton not for 20 years. Winninnipeg next. Whats wrong with your Argonauts why can't they draw more than 25K to their games. What you canucks don't like football?
This post has every ounce of honest knowledge about the game. And everyone knows your team is the Leafs but you used scholarly objectivism. This post is your best.
As everyone knows my team I write with an appreciation and fervence for the NHL. (Not bragging I set the standards high even when i write if it is not good it does not get posted.)
Leaf you did that. Phenomanal job.
-lgrw
Last edited by letsgoredwings on April 1st at 8:24 AM.
Winnipeg would definetly make sense. Why did the Jets leave? Who did they become. (I haven't followed a whole lot of hockey recently), How bout giving Indianapolis a team so I have someone to root for, since the Blackhawks royally suck.
The Jets left because of some major issues concerning costs as time went on. Operating costs were rising and player salaries were getting too high for them to pay, despite a lot of fan support in the area. That's pretty much the overview of why they got sold to an out of town group and were relocated.
Bigbrutha: The timeline for relocation in southern Onatrio depends on the status of the NHL's weaker franchises. If they improve, they won't be moved.I'd be suprised if the NHL isn't already discreetly floating this option around the league.
As for the Argos..don't ask me, I don't live in Toronto(and I'm a Blue Bombers fan). Though 25,000 is a good CFL crowd, the league probably isn't American enough for Torontonians.
LGRW:Thanks for the compliment.Keep em coming!
MrNFL and residentlune:A major issue aside from costs was the arena in Winnipeg as well.While the arena issue is now solved, the costs may prove to be a bigger issue.
Last edited by leafnation709 on April 2nd at 8:35 PM.
Great post! I'd really like to see some more teams up north. I thought that with Canada's passion for the game, TV exposure, etc., the NHL made a big mistake pulling teams out of there.
MrNFL:Regarding a team in Indy,cannot give a good answer as I have little knowledge of the area. The last pro team there, was the Indianapolis Ice of the IHL. Since they no longer exist, the best first step would be for Indy to acquire an AHL franchise to demonstrate that there is a local hockey market. Any potential relocation would also be contingent on use of the Conseco Fieldhouse(if it can be used for hockey).
If you notice anything inaccurate about this, please feel free to correct me.
DrCrab:Any suggestions for NHL franchise relocations within the US(Kansas City was mentioned back in the fall).
Last edited by leafnation709 on April 2nd at 8:41 PM.
Hockey fan from St.John's,NL Canada. Lover of all sports. As the name and avatar suggests, I have a troubling obssession with the Toronto Maple Leafs and proudly refer to myself as the only Leafs fan around who's still willing to admit it! I also battle delusions that every year is the Leafs year to win the Stanley Cup(If I keep saying it, I'll eventually be right). My other favorite teams are the Toronto Blue Jays, as well as the Craptors...I mean Raptors. Also a fan of the Washington Redskins. I have an opinion about EVERYTHING, sometimes its a well informed opinion, other times...well, not so much.
