The Semi-Official Hockey Thread...
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Nowhere
I mostly agree, Monkei.
I know Paul Allen has been trying to get a team in Portland (to share the arena with the Trail Blazers). Not sure how viable the NHL is in Portland, but can't be worse than a few of the new markets. I haven't heard much about Seattle, and I'd think the proximity to Vancouver would either hurt it's viability or make a really good rivalry. Tough to say. As far as franchises to move? Tough to say. Carolina stands at the fore, along with Florida. Atlanta, Nashville, Anaheim, Phoenix, and maybe TB are questionable. Phoenix has done much better than Winnipeg did, Colorado is (and always will be) far ahead of Quebec, though Quebec was doing better (attendance) than several current franchises are doing. Interestingly enough, Chicago, New Jersey, and Long Island all have attendance that is considerably below average.
The problem with moving franchises to Canada is that they generate revenue and CDN money and players get paid in USD. As long as our currency is worth substantially more than Canadian, that will hinder the sustainability of Canadian teams.
Also, there's not too many markets left in the snow belt. MSP, Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philly, NYC x 3, Boston, DC, and Columbus all have teams. Buffalo is a very small market, the smallest of the US franchises. The only major cities left are Milwaukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and maybe Hartford (as cool as the Whalers were). Cleveland probably has the most viability of these. Milwaukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Hartford all have AHL teams. Hartford is a slightly bigger market than Buffalo.
As far as canadian markets, the top 6 are covered, and Calgary and Edmonton (#5 and 6) are considerably smaller than Buffalo. Quebec and Winnipeg are #7 and 8 market wise. One could argue that Mississauga deserves a team more than Quebec or Winnipeg. Hamilton or London could possibly support a team by virtue of proximity to Toronto, as well, but that's stretching.
I know Paul Allen has been trying to get a team in Portland (to share the arena with the Trail Blazers). Not sure how viable the NHL is in Portland, but can't be worse than a few of the new markets. I haven't heard much about Seattle, and I'd think the proximity to Vancouver would either hurt it's viability or make a really good rivalry. Tough to say. As far as franchises to move? Tough to say. Carolina stands at the fore, along with Florida. Atlanta, Nashville, Anaheim, Phoenix, and maybe TB are questionable. Phoenix has done much better than Winnipeg did, Colorado is (and always will be) far ahead of Quebec, though Quebec was doing better (attendance) than several current franchises are doing. Interestingly enough, Chicago, New Jersey, and Long Island all have attendance that is considerably below average.
The problem with moving franchises to Canada is that they generate revenue and CDN money and players get paid in USD. As long as our currency is worth substantially more than Canadian, that will hinder the sustainability of Canadian teams.
Also, there's not too many markets left in the snow belt. MSP, Detroit, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philly, NYC x 3, Boston, DC, and Columbus all have teams. Buffalo is a very small market, the smallest of the US franchises. The only major cities left are Milwaukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and maybe Hartford (as cool as the Whalers were). Cleveland probably has the most viability of these. Milwaukee, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Hartford all have AHL teams. Hartford is a slightly bigger market than Buffalo.
As far as canadian markets, the top 6 are covered, and Calgary and Edmonton (#5 and 6) are considerably smaller than Buffalo. Quebec and Winnipeg are #7 and 8 market wise. One could argue that Mississauga deserves a team more than Quebec or Winnipeg. Hamilton or London could possibly support a team by virtue of proximity to Toronto, as well, but that's stretching.
I like the Rangers and the Sharks. And before the Sharks were born, I was a Kings fan.
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Mish-she-gan
Originally Posted by WestSideBilly,Sep 26 2004, 07:38 PM
Not sure I can stand watching football all season...
I haven't followed any of the hockey news... is there any?
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: This is not my house!
Originally Posted by vtecmom,Sep 26 2004, 09:29 PM
SO whens Mom gonna see St.Louis on TV again huh common gimmie a clue 
