Amazing, eh?
Not to be too Canadian about it, but let's take a look at this whole situation. It would appear that the NHL took too much flak for allowing viable financial franchises to leave their cities and relocated too easily. I, for one, am delighted to see Bettman rushing around the continent to protect these unstable franchises and to be fighting for them. It's necessary. Hartford should still exist, as should Quebec City, and hockey in Canada should be so much stronger and better represented than it is.
Considering the sheer number of Canadian players in the National Hockey League, not to mention the financial windfall created by the strength of the Canadian markets (Toronto and Montreal specifically) in the overall profit sharing and escrow situation the new CBA contains, the league should have a few more teams in Canada.
As a matter of fact there are several other places that have been mooted as possible destinations for relocated teams, and another several that haven't been mentioned and could be interesting.
First of all, there should be another team in Quebec City. I think everyone knows that. It's just about a given. There should be a second team in Southwestern Ontario, whether that's in Hamilton or London/KW area. It would easily be viable and financially stable.
Other places they have discussed included Kansas City, where apparently an ownership group has already created an NHL-ready stadium that could hold a large crowd. All that is missing is an NBA or NHL franchise. The issue would arise when most of the Missourians that I know utter, "what the heck is NHL hockey?" Most of them would likely go to one game and then turn around and say, "wow, crazy."
I know several people from Missouri, and they live in either St. Louis or KC, and they both couldn't give a rats ass about hockey. Not only that, when we talk about it they say, "wow, cool," but without any real interest.
Las Vegas is a potential spot for the NHL. Lots of Canadians vacation there and could be interested in attending games. Lots of people from all over the United States are drawn there on vacations and would likely plan around their home team visiting the desert. The only issue is that it may draw people away from Phoenix even more.
What about Wisconsin? There are a couple of great cities there, like Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay. There is lots of minor hockey being played there, and with their close proximity to Minnesota, Michigan and Illinois, surely there would be people drawn to the games? not to mention loads of Ontarians and Manitobans that can't make it to either a Winnipeg or Leafs game.
Just a thought.
I just got back from a short jaunt through Halifax, and I have to say that they're hockey crazy over there. With a population just under 400,000 -- similar to London, ON, and several other open, smaller markets with a penchant for traveling around like Prince Edward Island, Moncton, St. John, and of course the rest of the Maritime provinces, you wonder why they haven't seriously considered relocating a team to the east coast.
I'm sure with overall economics not looking good, and the GDP of some of those provinces relying solely on fisheries and natural resources that aren't always booming.
Anyway, that's that. There is a big series beginning tonight and we are all going to witness some history made.
I'll review most of the games, late at night on my night shift so that you can read it first thing in the morning.
I'll also preview some spots where hockey could probably settle down and live for awhile.
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