Haha:) You and Neil make a very good team! Also, really love your take on Green Bay/Milwaukee. Being from Minnesota, I have always wondered why Wisconsin does not have an NHL team. Doesn't make any sense to me.
Seattle lost the super sonics cause attendance was complete shit. Their NFL numbers were trash until seattle stopped sucking dick in 2012. I dont exactly see them selling out mariners games either. So please tell me how seattle is a great sports city?
Wisconsin would be a fantastic market for the NHL. I think Seattle will see one first for 2 reasons; to balance the western conference, and more corporate sponsorship in Seattle.
I'm a Bluejackets fan since they were formed, never had a home state team growing up. I always pulled for the Whalers though. Love the logo and color scheme.
@@loredomattoni6248 Regina pretty big for is size, I think it could work nonetheless. They had a team in the WHL in the early to late 1920's called the Regina Capitals, so brining a team back could work.
Killian Hackenschmidt But in other sports both Milwaukee and Chicago have teams. Multiple teams in fact (such as the white sox and cubs in Chicago while the brewers being in Milwaukee.. bucks in Milwaukee and bulls in Chicago) I think it can work!
It would be a better idea to send it to Madison just to avoid controversy with Chicago Blackhawks. It wasn't a big 40 years ago with NBA and MLB moving to Milwaukee but in today's time with money hungry con-men, the city and NHL would be slammed with lawsuits. Relate this to Jerry Jones with his opposition to Houston Texans and rejected proposal for San Antonio.
Gary Bettman agrees and that's all that really matters. Love him or hate him he has proven one thing, he will always follow the money....and Seattle has a lot of it.
This is hard. I think that Milwaukee is the best one to choose in the US category. They have the greatest sports fans in Wisconsin. And the fact that they sell out the Bradley Center for the Admirals tells you that an NHL team is just waiting.
One thing that a lot of people don't know is that Halifax is the most accessible place within Atlantic Canada. You guys only talked about the Maritimes, but Halifax could definitely get strong support from Newfoundland and Labrador, as the three main airports in Newfoundland (St. John's, Deer Lake, and Gander) are all within 1 1/2 hours flight to Halifax, whereas with Moncton, anyone flying would have to go through Halifax first. Then there's also the fact that Halifax is accessible from every major population centre in the Maritimes (Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Summerside, Charlottetown, and Sydney) are all within a five hour drive, or 50 minute flight to Halifax. Nova Scotia alone has around 850000 people within a three hour drive to Halifax, and Moncton is only 2 1/2 hours away, which draws another 150000 people. The Mooseheads always sell around 7000 tickets per game, even when they suck, in an arena which seats around 10500 people. An NHL team would definitely draw immediate interest, and I could see seasons tickets selling out within an hour of going on sale. I don't see Halifax being an NHL city any time soon, but if an expansion team, or already existing team, is struggling enough, I could definitely see Halifax having a team with a ton of fan support.
I knew you guys had mentioned Halifax in the video, and it's an idea that does intrigue me. Even with our small population, we could easily support a team. The only thing that I could see happening to prevent this forever is destroying Bettman's perfect world of having an entire conference in one time zone, since Halifax is Atlantic time. Also, I did not know that Moncton had a certified international airport as of now, though there are still many more regularly scheduled flights in and out of Halifax. There are 4-7 to and from Toronto daily, and 2-3 to and from St. Johns. There are also the daily flights to and from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, so people could easily come and watch games. I know Halifax is a long shot, but if Quebec City can do it, I think that Halifax can too.
+Thomas Duck I think once the Bettman reign is over and we get a sensible commissioner then maybe, just maybe, we will get someone who isn't so money hungry and will reward cities like Halifax who probably could support a team now. I know I would drive to Halifax to see games on a regular basis.
I agree 100%. Bettman is the only thing holding Quebec City from getting their team back. Bettman would move every team to the US if he could, but that could never happen. If anyone remembers his face when he announced that the Thrashers were moving to Winnipeg, we was visibly unhappy. Also, I would pay good money to go see home games in Halifax, even as a Leafs fan.
Would love to see Milwaukee get a team! I’m not a big hockey person right now because I have no team to support but if Wisconsin would get a team that would change.
I really wanted this video and the quality is good but I have some points to disagree upon. First, Portland could easily get a team before Seattle since if the coyotes rumors of relocating to the Pacific Northwest hold true, only Portland would have an NHL ready arena at this time, which is the moda center. Another reason why is because the Portland winterhawks, a whl team, has averaged better attendance than seattles whl team, the thunderbirds, in 18 out of the past 19 years. Finally Seattle will not get an NHL team for some time if they manage to get an NBA team, since the city's main priority is to bring back the supersonics. Some things you failed to mention were how Houston has an NHL arena, the Toyota center, supported their wha team and were loyal fans to their ahl team, and not to mention that it's the largest metro area in us or Canada without a complete big 4 sports set, and has more Fortune 500 companies than us cities except NYC. Finally, Houston has a huge economic surplus of over 100 million dollars and could easily support an NHL franchise. Another thing that bothered me was how you listed the city population, other than the entire metro area, which is far more important. Besides for these opposing viewpoints I thought this was a great video and I do like hearing your reasons about some cities having an NHL team.
+supremebeam I appreciate the feedback. I implied metro areas by saying "surrounding areas". It was a bit of a last minute video and we tried to do as much research as possible with the time we had.
It's a bit unfair to say that Portland averages a higher attendance, considering that Portland's two arenas have capacities of 19,980 and 12,888 while Seattle's arena has a capacity of 6,500. Also, part of the reason that Seattle's attendance is not higher is because the team is actually located in Kent, Washington, which is a 40 minute drive from Seattle without much traffic. I personally have never been to a Thunderbirds game due to games starting at 7 and the 40 minute drive back doesn't make it very accessible, I have however been to an Everett Silvertips game and the atmosphere was amazing. I have also been to a Seattle Totems (Jr Hockey) game. The NHL has also expressed interest in Seattle, more so that Portland, and overall I think if Portland gets a team, its more to set up a rivalry between the two cities.
Wyatt thank you for that feedback because I always thought the thunderbirds played in key arena, which seats about 15000 and not a 6500 seat arena. I do think Seattle would probably be the better place to have a team, but aren't currently ready to house one.
It's all about corporate sponsorship. Seattle has A LOT more money. If Bettman has shown one thing, it's that he'll follow the money. I think you hit the nail on the head with Houston and there is a very strong possibility they will get one. Plus it would give a local opponent for Dallas and generate some buzz with the very populated and corporate rich State that is Texas.
Teams you'll see before Quebec City; Seattle, and Wisconsin. Really the only way you'll see a team in Quebec City is if someone from Montreal ponys up the money.
Quebec city will not get an expansion team as long as Bettman is there, relocation is the only possibility like Atlanta moving to Winnipeg in 2011 and still I have doubt.
There are a couple of potential problems with Canadian cities: 1. Vegas ponied up $500M for the expansion fee 2. Although it shouldn't be an issue in Canada the fact that, unlike Montreal, French is the more common language in Quebec City could cause problems attracting free agents. 3. Copps Colliseum in Hamilton would need a substantial upgrade...like the KeyCenter in Seattle...and Buffalo would still say "No". 4. With respect to Saskatchewan the Roughriders only play their home games on Saturday or sometimes Sunday and usually in the afternoon; the reason is that their fans aren't restricted to Regina. A hockey team plays most of its games at night and at least one or two games during the week...and driving in Saskatchewan in January isn't as easy as driving there in the fall! Hopefully Seattle will adopt blue and green as their colours thereby freeing the Canucks to bring back the "Flying V" and "Electric Skate". As far as expansion beyond Seattle (which looks like a given) is concerned you would have to look at adding no less than 4 teams and they'd have to be geographically balanced. With respect to Portland, the city has an arena and an NBA team with a deep-pocketted owner (Paul Allen) who also owns the Seahawks. Why isn't his name associated with the Seattle ownership? Maybe he knows something about the profitability of hockey vs other sports in the US. Toronto? I think that Toronto is a Maple Leaf city as opposed to a hockey city.
Neil and Brent, You gentleman do a great job together (good chemistry) as you discuss specific subjects. Very knowledgeable in all things hockey. I enjoy your videos!
Houston should get at the very least an Ahl team again, Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, about to surpass Chicago. There is a standing arena that seats ~18,000 There are also many Canadian transplants who come here for the Oil and gas industry from Alberta. The Houston Aeros had some of the best attendance in the AHL, and the fans were passionate. USA hockey stats also show that Texas is one of the fastest growing hockey states in the US. Having a NHL team would bring the west to 16 teams, and create a Kings- ducks- sharks type in state rivalry with the stars. As a houstonian however, it disappoints me to know that the reason the Houston aeros left was because the greedy Houston rockets owner raised the aeros rent by 300%, and this guy is an obstacle standing in the way of hockey in Houston. Also there are currently no prominent people pushing for it here to pay the expansion fee. These 2 factors are probably the most important, but if someone in Houston really pushed the NHL to get a team here like they did in Las Vegas, then Hockey would most likely boom in Houston, and the owner of the Toyota center here might agree to let a team reside in the arena
Ss 240 v spec Don't say anything about Tampa bud pretty much every home game has had sellouts for years and a cup and an population of 2.8 million people that's why
I think Quebec would pick them off if they don't get an expansion team, but if they don't go for the Canes then 5/10 years down the road I can see them being sold and returning to Hartford
The Sprint Center, in KCMO, is absolutely lovely. I sat in the nosebleeds for a concert and the seats were still great. Parking and transportation is also very accessible. I live in midtown and would love a team that I could basically take the bus to go see!!
So a few thoughts I have about these potential new NHL markets you listed. . . Quebec = *YES.* Everything (arena, ownership, fanbase) seems ready to go and the NHL CBA allows for smaller market Canadian teams to be stable, but the NHL needs a vacancy out east. Hamilton = Everything I hear suggests it'd work great as a market, but Buffalo and Toronto would veto it (or at least poo-poo it). Saskatoon, Halifax, Moncton = Likely too small Toronto II = No chance in hell the Leafs would bless that, but Toronto is probably big enough to have 2 teams. Seattle = *YES (if there's a new arena).* People here (👋) primarily want the Sonics/NBA back, but we're a GROWING metropolitan area that loves our sports teams and we'd be fine with welcoming a hockey team since we NEED winter sports. Plus, the NHL needs more western teams anyway. We just need the arena to get built (preferably NOT at the KeyArena site). Houston = Would be a nice rival for Dallas and a big western TV market, but my understanding is it's in writing that the Rockets/NBA owner is the only person who can own an NHL team in their existing arena and his relationship with Gary Bettman is frosty. Kansas City = Probably maxed out in terms of corporate dollars with the Chiefs/NFL and Royals/MLB already there; the City and AEG also don't seem inclined to earmark 41 dates at the Sprint Center arena for a hockey team that they could otherwise use for big concerts and other events. Hartford = Probably too small and you have the Islanders, Rangers, Bruins and Devils all nearby. Plus, the arena there is too old. OKC = It's a small market and they already have a winter sports team in the Thunder/NBA (that they stole from Seattle 😒). Indianapolis = Likely maxed out in terms of corporate dollars because of the Colts/NFL and Pacers/NBA being there; plus, the arena doesn't accommodate hockey. Portland = Would love to see a Portland/Seattle/Vancouver I-5 rivalry and I think Portland would be a solid NHL site, but it's complicated because Paul Allen owns the Rose Garden arena and he doesn't seem interested in welcoming a hockey team to his arena since it'd directly compete with his Trail Blazers/NBA. Plus, Paul isn't passionate about hockey, so he's not really interested in buying a team. Milwaukee = Would be a great site and great natural rival for the Wild, but you're likely starting to get maxed out with corporate dollars with the Bucks/NBA, Brewers/NFL and Packers/NFL (by extension) already there. Plus, the Bucks owners, who will control the new arena there, aren't interested in bringing in an NHL team to the best of my knowledge. So long story short, I'd say Quebec and Seattle (with a new arena) would make sense. Everything else: probably not realistic.
Portland has the Moda Center, it seats about 18,000 for hockey. And the Winterhawks, with there success, has brought a lot hockey love to the rose city.
Islanders have a new arena being built but I do think they should play a lot of regular season games in Hartford until it is built to expand their fanbase.
SN They can but they cant do it in bankers life fieldhouse, the way its designed is like barclays, it dont work for nhl, so needing an arena is a problem that would set Indianapolis back a long time
First of all greetings from Sacramento CA. I've just recently discovered your channel and this channel is fantastic. Keep up with the good work you guys hope you rate one mill. Also show some more love to the the Ducks they're a strong team
Magnificent Cheese it's ok I understand you guys have been around forever. I mean it took you 44 years to win your first Stanley cup and you did it on the short bus season. Better hope Anaheim doesn't get another one in the next 20 years or they will have gotten two faster then LA. Which means LA really won't have anything to say to that sea of orange that walks into staples center.
A Houston team would work. The Aeros had a decent following in the WHA, IHL and AHL. Although the team would have to win quickly first of because we're somewhat of a bandwagon city except for football with the Texans, the team would have market the sport heavily across the city, and finally the team would have to set up youth leagues across the city as well. Similar to what the Ducks have done in Anaheim.
brian thomas Houston barely supports the Rockets and they were like one of the best teams in the NBA same with Astros plus the owner of Toyota Center isn't the easiest person to work with
Blasto Manto That's why I say the team would have to win quickly. But I believe the attendance numbers overall would be on par with Anaheim. I agree with you Les Alexander the owner of the Toyota Center. It would take some heavy convincing to get him to go after a team after he got burned by the Oilers almost moving down here and expansion during the late 90s.
Houston had a decent following in the AHL? What is your source? I don't think it would work in the long run, look at Dallas now... Houston is full of Mexicans and they don't even know what a hockey puck up is lol
This is a really late comment but it was so cool to see you guys mention Hamilton (that’s where I live). Hockey thrives here and there’s so many young players involved in different leagues with teams (more commonly the huskies and steel hawks) as well as our Hamilton Bulldogs! As much as I would love to see a team here, it would be a bummer to chose between Toronto and Hamilton if it came down to it!
A few things you missed that I want to touch on. Hartford - Connecticut is the 2nd densest state in America with a population of 3 million and growing. CT successfully supports two AHL teams, Hartford and Bridgeport, and there is a fierce divide between Boston and NY fans in every sport. Talking to people in CT, some fans would leave their current teams for The Whalers, but some might be to loyal. Unfortunately we have no good Arena, and we are in the east and behind Quebec for a team. Kansas City - Kansas City is in the state of Missouri, and an hour away from St Louis. The hockey culture has spread from St Louis and more and more rinks are popping up in the city. Also, the St Louis/Kansas City youth development program for hockey is one of the best in North America, and more and more rookies are coming from Missouri. Milwaukee - Milwaukee and Wisconsin residents in general are rabbis hockey fans, and sell out almost every Admirals game. With Vegas playing in the Pacific, the 32nd teams would need to be in the Central Division. I think this makes Kansas City and Milwaukee the best candidates. Houston - Nobody in Houston really cares about Hockey. Baltimore - Baltimore is a city you definitely missed. Although it is right next to Washington, Baltimore residents to not support DC teams after the basketball franchise moved to DC. There are plenty of disenfranchised hockey fans within Maryland that are waiting for a team, they just need an Arena. Preseason games held in Baltimore sell out reasonably often, and they even throw Crabs on the ice. The culture divide between Baltimore and DC is too big to grab both franchises. Other cities that have been thrown around in the US are San Diego, New Orleans, San Antonio, Austin, and even a true Miami team, but none of these would really work
Stefan Gamble san antonio has the rampage. I go the games a lot since I live in san antonio. however the AT&T center is too small. Austin area has the Texas stars and are affiliate to Dallas. if a Texas team ever gets an nhl team it might be Houston, but it will never happen.
I feel like if there was going to be a team in Wisconsin it should be in Green Bay. The Packers fan base is absolutely insane and it would be super easy to get them rooting for a hockey team. In Milwaukee they would have to compete with the Bucks. Although the Bucks aren't on the same level as the Brewers and Packers.
Stefan Gamble god bless u Baltimore does need a team I really don't wanna be divided between the Flyers and and Capitals I would watch hockey so much more if Baltimore got a team
Seattle, Milwaukee, or Kansas City would be my top 3 choices for the next NHL franchise. I prefer that there be no additional teams in Canada because they wouldn't help grow the game of hockey in the US. If any team should relocate, it must be the Coyotes. Otherwise, great discussion
I'll tell you we would love an NHL team here in Oklahoma City. Before the Thunder came, It was college football and Blazers hockey. They got a new team for a short period of time called the Barons, but did not do well because of the competition between the Thunder on the same day since they both played in different arenas. As long as they play in Chesapeake Arena, they would do really good for the western conference.
Heyy guys there's stadium/ arena and it's called Moda Center and it's where Portland Trail Blazers play. You guys forgot that by 20:20 and they probably could fit a lot of people.
I live in Houston and would love to see hockey here. We had the Wild's minor league team and supported them pretty well. They were chased away by the Rocket's ownership because of his need to control the arena. Sadly, that same owner will block any NHL bid. The only reason he (Les Alexander) bid in the past was to block the other bid coming to Houston. It's really too bad. This is a huge city with a massive northern population. I think hockey could do very well - it would surprise people. And there could be a nice rivalry with the Stars and a perfect fit in the Western Conference.
A Texas rivalry with Dallas would be insane if they put a team in Houston. 4th largest city in America. Never had a team. They will be next after Seattle. Relocation of Arizona will be most likely to happen.
We see with a lot of American towns and cities that although they have less hockey fans they tend to have a larger metropolitan outreach. San Jose outreaches to about 8 million people within an hour and thirty minutes away, LAK and ANA outreaches to about 12 million people. New York to about 15 million people within an hour and a half away. Dallas has a large core with Fort Worth and San Antonio. Boston has a huge outreach through all of Cape Cod and many away fans. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia both have historical roots like New York and both have huge populations.
i got three that arent on your list 1 is san Francisco they have a huge population are getting a new arena for the warriors in the nba and rivalries with california teams would be huge 2 is salt lake city they hosted the 2002 olynpics theu have the jazz in the nba and rivalries are around that area and 3 is grand forks its a long shot but hockey is popular in North Dakota plus you have south dakota it be a western team with lots if rivalries
Post2Post what do you think about a Nhl team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? I mean why not, it is HUGE with The Admirals, there woul be instant profit there, especially because the AHL games are huge enough, NHL is way more popular and would be very loved. Plus I live in Milwaukee and would finally be able to see an NHL game, live and at a stadium. And please do a video on NHL Teams That should relocate because, why the heck would you have a team in the dessert?(Arizona)
but the problem with more expansions, is there needs to be more AHL teams, and with milwaukee being an NHL team, nashville would lose its affiliate, unless another AHL team is expanded for either milwaukee or nashville, this is just one example
first :v okay honestly, I think they should move the Panthers to Seattle. THEN give me my Nordiques back! >:V boom everybody's happy (besides Florida fans, but they have a more successful Tempa Bay team :v)
Mayhem By that logic you should just go to Montreal games. Not that Quebec City doesn't deserve a team, but let's not pretend any relocation is victimless.
Being swedish, hearing that the benchmark-population being 600.000 people just blows my mind. My SHL-team (/town) Mora has about 20.000 people and still average 4.100 in our 4.500 arena. Yes, i know the arenas in NHL are between 16-25.000, but still. Our attendence represents about 20% of our population.
Definitely Hartford, it has one of the most successful merchandise lines, as of now, and it isn't even a team anymore! I know so many people who would be happy if the whalers came back to Connecticut
I wouldn't mind either Portland or Milwaukee teams you brought up good points on how they would do really good in those markets and I never considered till you brought them up.
Would love to see the Seattle the fans are crazy about every sports team they have I'm 100% it will be the same if they get a hockey team. Btw this channel is in a path of success 6.6k subscribers and you guys get 3k minimum views which is very impressive keep it up!
Back tracking a bit here, as for an arena in Seattle there is a planned arena, in an attempt to have an NBA team return to the city and proposed arena will also include hockey. I think they only thing the city is waiting for is a team.
I believe Saskatoon could support a NHL team. The Rush Lacrosse team has sold out every game for their past two year existence in Saskatoon. They have also appeared in finals both of those years. An average NLL player makes 20k and the province can still support the team. They had world Juniors filled the rink, Memorial cup hockey put up decent numbers, and CIS hockey where they averaged 8 thousand fans a game. Also, there are 3 teams around that location which could draw in some other fans. I believe they could support it
I'm not sure about team vetoes but years ago when Hamilton tried for a team the Leafs put pressure on Bettman to block the team because of merchandise sales and viewing rights. In Southwestern Ontario when it comes to NHL merchandise sales Toronto dominates with Detroit in second. Neither team would want the competition. As far a Saskatoon goes they have a junior team (The Blades) that does sell out but like Brent said getting 16-18 thousand in for a NHL game would be a challenge. The Oilers are playing the Hurricanes there for a preseason game. If the NHL expanded again in the west my picks would be Seattle, Portland and Milwaukee. And if any team in the East folds I hope Quebec City get the team, I'm looking at you Florida! Great video Neil and Brent
Doubt you'll respond since it's an old video, but as a Monctonian, an NHL team here would be very tricky. We have a new arena for the Wildcats coming up, but it's half the size of an NHL arena. As well, even with extra fans from the Maritimes, it may be hard to get a sell-out all the time just because the tickets would be expensive. As much as it would be great to get a Maritime team, that'd be ta struggle. But, I've been binging your videos and I'm loving it.
NHL Expansion: Put a team in Quebec City (eastern conference) Hartford (eastern conference) Seattle (western conference) Kansas City (western Conference) and Houston (western Conference) would even out the league at 36 teams.
Just a heads up you said people that live in southern Connecticut like the Islanders and the Devils but I live there I have never met a Islanders or Devils fan. They are almost all Rangers, Capitals, or Penguins. But we would love a team back
Amarillo, Texas. Gets colder and more snow than Dallas and it would create a nice cross state rivalry. Off the top of my head, the Amarillo Bombers would be a nice homage to Amarillo's nickname, "Bomb city"
Thanks for the comment! I'm actually not uploading content on this channel anymore, but I would love it if you could subscribe to my current channel Post2Post Productions where I am making more Hockey content on a daily basis! ua-cam.com/users/post2postproductions
Post2post is awesome, only one thing i recommend. You should consider a serious logo change. Make it something that looks like it go on a jersey, and you could even sell the jerseys.
Moda center in Portland can house an NHL team no problem. Trail blazers games there are super loud, and if the fan support is there, they would be a great regional rival for Vancouver San Jose, and to a lesser degree Colorado and the southern California teams.
I know MN already has a team but for people more up in the Northern region who can't make it to Minneapolis with having to drive 3-4 hours to get there are feeling left out. I think an expansion team in Duluth MN would be awesome to have!
From 1992 to 2009 here in oklahoma city we had a central hockey leauge team called the OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS And we won 9 divons title and two cups and orwards Carl Boudreau, 5-11, 180, Asbestos, Quebec: Boudreau returns to the Blazers after playing last season for the Gothiques Amiens in France. Begins season - his third overall here - as the team's second all-time scorer with 67 goals and 178 points in 112 games. The 1992-93 Central Hockey League All-Star is one of five players in Blazers history to reach the 40-goal plateau in a single season. Boudreau's 107 points in 1993-94 remains a franchise record. Tonight's team captain. Joe Burton, 5-9, 170, Garden City, Mich.: One of the most popular players in franchise history, "Smokin' Joe" begins his fourth season. Burton is the team's all-time leading scorer with 126 goals and 214 points in 175 games. The career goal total also represents the most in the CHL since its 1992 rebirth. He had his best season last winter, scoring a franchise-record 59 goals and 97 points in 66 games. During a 16-1 rout of Dallas last December, the right winger set CHL records for most goals (6) and points (8) in a game. A two-time CHL All-Star. Ken Donaldson, 5-10, 165, Dauphin, Manitoba: Donaldson begins his first pro season after a stellar junior career. Had 29 goals and 85 points in 60 games for the Lebret Eagles of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Despite size, Donaldson is not afraid of being aggressive - last season's 149 penalty minutes say so. Named as Lebret's MVP. George Dupont, 5-11, 195, Nepean, Ontario: While centering Burton on the No. 1 line, Dupont set a franchise record with 78 assists. Add 27 goals, and Dupont was the Blazers' leading scorer with 105 points. Was 15 points shy of winning league scoring title. Considered one of the scrappiest players in the CHL, Dupont set franchise record with 250 penalty minutes. Begins second full season in Oklahoma City. Tom Gomes, 5-10, 200, Harrow, Ontario: Begins second stint with the Blazers, scoring 20 goals and 42 points a year ago. Scored a goal in eight of Oklahoma City's final 10 games. Helped the Munkors win the Swedish Division II championship in 1993-94, scoring 24 goals and 54 points in 54 games. Had pre-season tryout with the Atlanta Knights of the IHL. FROM THE HOMEPAGE Unaccountable: Oklahoma midwives oversaw at least seven out-of-hospital deaths last year but faced no repercussions HEALTHUpdated: 1 day ago Chris Laganas, 5-10, 200, Seabrook Beach, N.H.: "Chinner" is among the franchise's all-time leaders in games played (174), goals (47), assists (57) and points (104). Laganas' 527 penalty minutes over three seasons represent the most in the Blazers' modern history. A key to the Blazers' penalty-killing unit. Darcy Pengelly, 5-11, 177, Reston, Manitoba: See related story. Simon Olivier, 5-11, 190, St. Jean Chrysostome, Quebec: Completed a collegiate career in Brandon of the Canada West League with 40 goals and 83 points over 56 games. Before playing college hockey, Olivier had 36 goals and 68 points in 59 games for the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan League. Steve Simoni, 6-2, 225, Haileybury, Ontario: Begins fourth year here. The Blazers' third all-time leading scorer with 90 goals and 163 points in 176 games. Has a franchise-high 18 game-winning goals. Added 25 pounds of muscle during off-season. Not known as a tough guy, but Simoni can handle himself when bullies go too far - just ask former CHLers Rob McCaig and Bob Berg. (Story continued below...) RECOMMENDED STORIES 7 Best Herbs For Natural Kidney Cleansing Wellness 99 High school football: Depew's Blake Stafford dashes into record books with 613-yard, 11-touchdown performance These Time Saving Tips Will Change Your Life Weekly Sauce OU football: Delarin Turner-Yell out from game, reports by TaboolaPromoted Links Barkley Swenson, 5-9, 185, Melfort, Saskatchewan: Swenson won the Saskatchewan Junior League scoring title last season, collecting 49 goals and 112 points for the Melfort Mustangs. The first-team All-Star had 216 penalty minutes, so he is not afraid to mix it up when needed. Before joining the Blazers, Swenson had a tryout with the Michigan K-Wings of the International League - the triple-A affiliate of the Dallas Stars. Synopsis: Naturally, no one knows what will happen until the season gets started, but if past numbers mean anything, the Blazers have their best forward end since the franchise returned here in 1992. As of Monday, Oklahoma City coach Doug Sauter had Dupont centering Gomes and Burton on the first line; Boudreau passing off to Olivier and Laganas on the second; and Swenson the middle man with Pengelly and Simoni on the wings. Dupont and Burton are potential 100-point scorers as well as Boudreau. Keep an eye on Olivier. Goaltending Jean-ian Filiatrault, 5-11, 165, Lavel West, Quebec: Comes to Oklahoma City on recommendation of the Montreal Canadiens. The storied NHL team has not signed Filiatrault to a minor-league contract, but they are interested in seeing what he can do for the Blazers. Filiatrault played the last few years for Saint Laurent College in Cornwall, Ontario. The three-time All-Star had an outstanding 2.14 goals against average and .915 saves percentage last season. Has six career shutouts. Dan Morrissey, 5-11, 170, Merritt, British Columbia: This rookie led the Cranbrook Colts to the Rocky Mountain Junior League championship, posting a 2.44 goals against average and .908 saves percentage in the playoffs. A first-team All-Star, Morrissey won the Mowatt Cup for being the playoff Most Valuable Player. FROM THE HOMEPAGE High school football: Depew's Blake Stafford dashes into record books with 613-yard, 11-touchdown performance SPORTSUpdated: 4 hours ago Synopsis: Dependable veteran Alan Perry has retired, and Sergei Naumov signed with San Diego of the West Coast League. Sauter has filled a huge hole with two rookies, which should be scary, but the coach believes the best competition in training camp came from the crease. Filiatrault, says Sauter, is a prospect to watch. A true test will be how these youngsters react when there are 13,000 fans in a rockin' Myriad and the Blazers own a 3-2 third period lead - against the Tulsa Oilers. Defenseman Kevin Barrett, 6-3, 215, Winnipeg, Manitoba: "The Bear" is a productive defenseman, who provides the grit missing from the Blazers' lineup a year ago. The third-year pro played last season with Flint (Mich.) of the Colonial Hockey League, scoring 16 goals and 30 points with 254 penalty minutes. Skated for Muskegon (Mich.) of the CoHL in 1993-94, where he had 25 points and 307 penalty minutes. Jeff Fancy, 6-0, 203, Cranbrook, British Columbia: Toughness? Fancy can provide that, too. Spent the previous two seasons with Cranbrook of the Rocky Mountain League, where he had 32 goals, 69 points and 392 penalty minutes in 76 games. Played one season with Victoria of the Western League, collecting two goals, nine points and 306 minutes over 65 games. Merv Kopeck, 5-10, 185, Regina, Saskatchewan: Played the last four years at Princeton. Scored 11 goals and 28 points in 33 games last season, and six goals and 18 points over 28 games in 1993-94. The second Princeton graduate to play for the Blazers, the other being former defenseman Sean Gorman. Stephen Phillips, 6-3, 210, Los Angeles: Phillips has pro experience, spending last season with Nashville of the ECHL. Scored six goals and 13 points over 32 games. Played collegiately at Northeast in the Hockey East League. Usually a center, Phillips will begin this season on defense. Mike Will, 5-11, 190, Tisdale, Saskatchewan: Returns to pro hockey after sitting out a year. During a career in the Saskatchewan Junior League, Will had 20 goals and 68 points over 110 games for Minot. Was team MVP and amassed 320 penalty minutes over two seasons. Attended the Edmonton Oilers' rookie camp in 1994.In 1992, a new Central Hockey League began play in the same territory as the older league. It also acquired several team names in tribute to the former CHL, including the Oklahoma City Blazers. The new Blazers began play in the Myriad Convention Center, the same home arena as the old team. They averaged 9,128 fans per game over 17 seasons.[2] The franchise led the CHL in attendance in each of its 17 seasons in the league. On the ice, the Blazers excelled as well, winning nine regular season division championships (including seven straight from 1996 to 2003), five regular season points titles, and CHL championships in 1996 and 2001. The franchise's two greatest stars, Joe Burton and Hardy Sauter, are the CHL's first and third all-time career leading scorers. so we have been a hockey town before and i would love to see the nhl hockey here in oklahoma city again In 2002, the Blazers changed their home venue to the new Ford Center. In 2009, the Blazers withdrew their application a lease extension with the Ford Center and ceased operations. It was reported at the time that city officials were in negotiations with the American Hockey League for an expansion franchise. Following months of speculation, Oklahoma City was granted an AHL franchise on February 10, 2010, when the NHL's Edmonton Oilers reactivated their dormant affiliate and created the Oklahoma City Barons. They began play in the 2010-11 season in the smaller Cox Convention Center (formerly the Myriad) and the team was operated by the former owner of the Blazers, Bob Funk. John Brooks, the radio play-by-play voice for the University of Oklahoma football and men's basketball teams from 1978 to 1992 and of the original Blazers hockey team, was the on-air play-by-play voice of the relaunched Blazers. Brooks semi-retired from the Blazers after 2004-05 season after 27 seasons in total for both franchises and was inducted into the Blazers Hall of Fame on March 11, 2005.[citation needed]
Post2Post I live in Saskatchewan and we could without a doubt sell out NHL games. We sell out Saskatchewan Rush games (lacrosse) and riders games. If we can sell out lacrossse games like we do we can sell out NHL games. We have very dedicated fans here in Saskatchewan. Plus there are talks of a new arena here in Saskatoon moving downtown to avoid the traffic problems on the edge of the city.
The thing is I believe that it’s better to collect population within a metropolitan area or 45 minute- 1 hour commute away because the metro area of Seattle is about 3mil-3.5mil
Seattle: Huge sports city. They do have three major sports teams with the Seattle Sounders always leading the attendance in MLS. I want a Seattle hockey team but the idea renovating it's old KeyArena, which is the former home of the popular Seattle SuperSonics, could not help. SODO Arena should have built to stay it relevant for the next upcoming three decades. What Seattle really want first is to get their Seattle SuperSonics back and an NHL expansion/relocation team comes to second. NBA would probably approve an expansion team when they have a deal of a new arena to be built but renovating KeyArena (as I said at first and you guys said) would not help and even for a future NHL team. Portland: They don't really have a major sports team besides the Blazers. Portland is a huge basketball city. Portland Trailblazers saw a sell-out season from 1977-1995, early 2000's, and again this 2011-present. They do have Moda Center a huge facility and it houses over 19, 300 for basketball games and it can probably seats around 18, 100 during hockey games. The problem is the facility is already 21 years old and it's getting age if we realize it. But with the Winterhawks filling seats when they play their home games, I can see that Portland can support a NHL team. Indianapolis: Anotner huge sports city and specifically have a huge basketball traditions just like what you guys said. They do have a hockey team in ECHL named Indy Fuel and I don't know if they are doing well in attendance. The arena they play is called Bankers Life Fieldhouse and it's built for basketball games only. Not hockey specific type arena. I don't also know if they do have a hockey traditions. So, they might need to build a new arena that can house for both basketball and hockey teams if they want to bid an NHL team in the future. Milwaukee: Well small market size but they do have a loyal fanbase for both the Brewers and Bucks. With the new arena currently being built, I can see Milwaukee have a potential to get an future NHL team.
Went to Barrons games in OKC before they moved, most of the fans were transplants, and it was only an ahl team, but the way the whole state started supporting their first pro sports team the Thunder, makes me think they would support an NHL team also. Might be to risky to try it though.
start with this: in the current east/west format, you can forget ANY Eastern Time Zone cities. Detroit and Columbus pitched a fit - and rightly so with the playoff logistics - about being in the western conference. So, you have to do one of two things: 1) eliminate any eastern time zone cities, OR 2) go to a different alignment. the second of those options seems unlikely given the recent nature of how recent the realignment was. but given Bettman's incompetence, he probably awards two expansion teams in the eastern timezone to keep the league at an odd number and throwing the balance way out of whack.
your dad's geographic knowledge is great
+JCAliberty82 he is the smartest person I know.
He impressed the hell out of me. His knowledge of American geography is exponetally better than most Americans.
Damn thought that was some random old guy he hanged out with
Seattle is a great sports city... that needs to be the next city to get one! I prefer seeing your dad in your videos, too. He is a great hockey mind!
Nick Jones , you're a great judge of hockey minds! ha
Haha:) You and Neil make a very good team! Also, really love your take on Green Bay/Milwaukee. Being from Minnesota, I have always wondered why Wisconsin does not have an NHL team. Doesn't make any sense to me.
Nick Jones I love my city of Seattle
Seattle lost the super sonics cause attendance was complete shit. Their NFL numbers were trash until seattle stopped sucking dick in 2012. I dont exactly see them selling out mariners games either. So please tell me how seattle is a great sports city?
Wisconsin would be a fantastic market for the NHL. I think Seattle will see one first for 2 reasons; to balance the western conference, and more corporate sponsorship in Seattle.
Man... I would love a team in Milwaukee!!!
seth kibble finally someone who agrees with me?
I thought you died in 1980!
bring back the Whalers
They can’t, not enough fans because of the Islanders, Bruins, and Rangers
Heard the population of Hartford is shrinking? Becoming a Detroit/ Baltimore/Memphis type city if you know what I mean.
I'm a Bluejackets fan since they were formed, never had a home state team growing up. I always pulled for the Whalers though. Love the logo and color scheme.
Yessssssssss
DA DA DA DUH DUH DUH DA DUH DUH-DUH DA DA DA DUHHHHHH
Quebec, Hartford or Seattle!
Shaedon Shergill Quebec
SEATTLE!!!
same
All of them
Quebec for sure.
Here an idea:
Move the coyotes to Seattle
Then give the expansion team to Wisconsin
Finally move the Hurricanes back to Quebec when their lease is up
Marc Luu The Hurricanes are a playoff team next year and the fans will come back after this long drought.
Hurricanes are from Hartford. Colorado is from Quebec.
Or Florida
Marc Luu the Hurricanes were relocated from Hartford. The Avalanche were relocated from Quebec City.
no and no
I would like to see a Saskatchewan team.
Joshua Toews way too small
@@loredomattoni6248 Regina pretty big for is size, I think it could work nonetheless. They had a team in the WHL in the early to late 1920's called the Regina Capitals, so brining a team back could work.
They still have a who team
Whl
Saskatoon should be good 😎
Milwaukee would be awesome!!!
SocalHockeyFan 97
If they go to the state of Wisconsin, it would be Green Bay since Milwalkee is too close to Chicago.
Killian Hackenschmidt But in other sports both Milwaukee and Chicago have teams. Multiple teams in fact (such as the white sox and cubs in Chicago while the brewers being in Milwaukee.. bucks in Milwaukee and bulls in Chicago) I think it can work!
Killian Hackenschmidt Bulls and Bucs? Brewers and White Sox Cubs?
An outdoor game at Lambeau field would be sick
It would be a better idea to send it to Madison just to avoid controversy with Chicago Blackhawks. It wasn't a big 40 years ago with NBA and MLB moving to Milwaukee but in today's time with money hungry con-men, the city and NHL would be slammed with lawsuits. Relate this to Jerry Jones with his opposition to Houston Texans and rejected proposal for San Antonio.
Who agrees with a Seattle hockey team ?
Dolfan 2009 Oakland??
Could be potential.
There is three teams in California, its enough
Gary Bettman agrees and that's all that really matters. Love him or hate him he has proven one thing, he will always follow the money....and Seattle has a lot of it.
RandomGamer95 he's talking about Oakland
I see you are growing rapidly!! Keep it up and big congrats on the growth! you will be passing me in no time ;D
A Tampa fan replying to a hockey channel...... I Like it. I've
subscribed
your dad is so knowledgeable with geography. i love him!
Milwaukee needs a team
Sean Ballard thank you
Sean Ballard agreed
David Ryan why not
Well with Milwaukee begin only two hours from Chicago would it really work
Point Place needs a team. lololololol
Seattle, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis could all support a team
This is hard. I think that Milwaukee is the best one to choose in the US category. They have the greatest sports fans in Wisconsin. And the fact that they sell out the Bradley Center for the Admirals tells you that an NHL team is just waiting.
Daily dose of post to post
Keep posting guyssss I love your channel and the unbiased opinions you share with us!
One thing that a lot of people don't know is that Halifax is the most accessible place within Atlantic Canada. You guys only talked about the Maritimes, but Halifax could definitely get strong support from Newfoundland and Labrador, as the three main airports in Newfoundland (St. John's, Deer Lake, and Gander) are all within 1 1/2 hours flight to Halifax, whereas with Moncton, anyone flying would have to go through Halifax first. Then there's also the fact that Halifax is accessible from every major population centre in the Maritimes (Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Summerside, Charlottetown, and Sydney) are all within a five hour drive, or 50 minute flight to Halifax. Nova Scotia alone has around 850000 people within a three hour drive to Halifax, and Moncton is only 2 1/2 hours away, which draws another 150000 people. The Mooseheads always sell around 7000 tickets per game, even when they suck, in an arena which seats around 10500 people. An NHL team would definitely draw immediate interest, and I could see seasons tickets selling out within an hour of going on sale. I don't see Halifax being an NHL city any time soon, but if an expansion team, or already existing team, is struggling enough, I could definitely see Halifax having a team with a ton of fan support.
We mentioned Halifax in the video! Additionally Moncton could support flights since it now has a certified International Airport.
I knew you guys had mentioned Halifax in the video, and it's an idea that does intrigue me. Even with our small population, we could easily support a team. The only thing that I could see happening to prevent this forever is destroying Bettman's perfect world of having an entire conference in one time zone, since Halifax is Atlantic time. Also, I did not know that Moncton had a certified international airport as of now, though there are still many more regularly scheduled flights in and out of Halifax. There are 4-7 to and from Toronto daily, and 2-3 to and from St. Johns. There are also the daily flights to and from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, so people could easily come and watch games. I know Halifax is a long shot, but if Quebec City can do it, I think that Halifax can too.
Also, is this based out of Halifax? I'm asking that based on the fact that you said Halifax hit a little close to home.
+Thomas Duck I think once the Bettman reign is over and we get a sensible commissioner then maybe, just maybe, we will get someone who isn't so money hungry and will reward cities like Halifax who probably could support a team now. I know I would drive to Halifax to see games on a regular basis.
I agree 100%. Bettman is the only thing holding Quebec City from getting their team back. Bettman would move every team to the US if he could, but that could never happen. If anyone remembers his face when he announced that the Thrashers were moving to Winnipeg, we was visibly unhappy. Also, I would pay good money to go see home games in Halifax, even as a Leafs fan.
You guys are the best youtube channel I have seen in literally years! Keep it up! :P
Would love to see Milwaukee get a team! I’m not a big hockey person right now because I have no team to support but if Wisconsin would get a team that would change.
Since that every division has 8 except for Central, I thought about Milwaukee
Mason Stoltz 28 No Iowa we don’t have a single professional team Milwaukee already has the bucks
I would think about Houston
Not enough people to support a professional team
@@randomronaldo706 ???
I really wanted this video and the quality is good but I have some points to disagree upon.
First, Portland could easily get a team before Seattle since if the coyotes rumors of relocating to the Pacific Northwest hold true, only Portland would have an NHL ready arena at this time, which is the moda center.
Another reason why is because the Portland winterhawks, a whl team, has averaged better attendance than seattles whl team, the thunderbirds, in 18 out of the past 19 years.
Finally Seattle will not get an NHL team for some time if they manage to get an NBA team, since the city's main priority is to bring back the supersonics.
Some things you failed to mention were how Houston has an NHL arena, the Toyota center, supported their wha team and were loyal fans to their ahl team, and not to mention that it's the largest metro area in us or Canada without a complete big 4 sports set, and has more Fortune 500 companies than us cities except NYC. Finally, Houston has a huge economic surplus of over 100 million dollars and could easily support an NHL franchise.
Another thing that bothered me was how you listed the city population, other than the entire metro area, which is far more important. Besides for these opposing viewpoints I thought this was a great video and I do like hearing your reasons about some cities having an NHL team.
supremebeam You have a good point. But, they need an owner to get a team started.
+supremebeam I appreciate the feedback. I implied metro areas by saying "surrounding areas". It was a bit of a last minute video and we tried to do as much research as possible with the time we had.
It's a bit unfair to say that Portland averages a higher attendance, considering that Portland's two arenas have capacities of 19,980 and 12,888 while Seattle's arena has a capacity of 6,500. Also, part of the reason that Seattle's attendance is not higher is because the team is actually located in Kent, Washington, which is a 40 minute drive from Seattle without much traffic. I personally have never been to a Thunderbirds game due to games starting at 7 and the 40 minute drive back doesn't make it very accessible, I have however been to an Everett Silvertips game and the atmosphere was amazing. I have also been to a Seattle Totems (Jr Hockey) game. The NHL has also expressed interest in Seattle, more so that Portland, and overall I think if Portland gets a team, its more to set up a rivalry between the two cities.
Wyatt thank you for that feedback because I always thought the thunderbirds played in key arena, which seats about 15000 and not a 6500 seat arena. I do think Seattle would probably be the better place to have a team, but aren't currently ready to house one.
It's all about corporate sponsorship. Seattle has A LOT more money. If Bettman has shown one thing, it's that he'll follow the money. I think you hit the nail on the head with Houston and there is a very strong possibility they will get one. Plus it would give a local opponent for Dallas and generate some buzz with the very populated and corporate rich State that is Texas.
Quebec will get a team to have an amazing rivalry with the canadiens
ya,i would love to see a quebec team back
Teams you'll see before Quebec City; Seattle, and Wisconsin. Really the only way you'll see a team in Quebec City is if someone from Montreal ponys up the money.
Quebec city will not get an expansion team as long as Bettman is there, relocation is the only possibility like Atlanta moving to Winnipeg in 2011 and still I have doubt.
There are a couple of potential problems with Canadian cities:
1. Vegas ponied up $500M for the expansion fee
2. Although it shouldn't be an issue in Canada the fact that, unlike Montreal, French is the more common language in Quebec City could cause problems attracting free agents.
3. Copps Colliseum in Hamilton would need a substantial upgrade...like the KeyCenter in Seattle...and Buffalo would still say "No".
4. With respect to Saskatchewan the Roughriders only play their home games on Saturday or sometimes Sunday and usually in the afternoon; the reason is that their fans aren't restricted to Regina. A hockey team plays most of its games at night and at least one or two games during the week...and driving in Saskatchewan in January isn't as easy as driving there in the fall!
Hopefully Seattle will adopt blue and green as their colours thereby freeing the Canucks to bring back the "Flying V" and "Electric Skate".
As far as expansion beyond Seattle (which looks like a given) is concerned you would have to look at adding no less than 4 teams and they'd have to be geographically balanced. With respect to Portland, the city has an arena and an NBA team with a deep-pocketted owner (Paul Allen) who also owns the Seahawks. Why isn't his name associated with the Seattle ownership? Maybe he knows something about the profitability of hockey vs other sports in the US.
Toronto? I think that Toronto is a Maple Leaf city as opposed to a hockey city.
You guys deserve more support. You guys are really good
Possibly a team in Atlantic Canada that could play half its games in Halifax and the other half in munkton a possibly one a year in new foundland
Neil and Brent,
You gentleman do a great job together (good chemistry) as you discuss specific subjects. Very knowledgeable in all things hockey. I enjoy your videos!
Papa Neil and I would think that either Hartford or Quebec they want a team again. Another great video.
We need more Canadian teams like if u agree
Bring back the Hartford Whalers!
My list would be Quebec, Milwaukee, Hartford, Seattle, possibly Houston and/or Spokane.
Houston should get at the very least an Ahl team again, Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, about to surpass Chicago. There is a standing arena that seats ~18,000 There are also many Canadian transplants who come here for the Oil and gas industry from Alberta. The Houston Aeros had some of the best attendance in the AHL, and the fans were passionate. USA hockey stats also show that Texas is one of the fastest growing hockey states in the US. Having a NHL team would bring the west to 16 teams, and create a Kings- ducks- sharks type in state rivalry with the stars. As a houstonian however, it disappoints me to know that the reason the Houston aeros left was because the greedy Houston rockets owner raised the aeros rent by 300%, and this guy is an obstacle standing in the way of hockey in Houston. Also there are currently no prominent people pushing for it here to pay the expansion fee. These 2 factors are probably the most important, but if someone in Houston really pushed the NHL to get a team here like they did in Las Vegas, then Hockey would most likely boom in Houston, and the owner of the Toyota center here might agree to let a team reside in the arena
+The Minty Tomahawk Thanks for that great detail, Tomahawk! It's important to have local insight into these markets right in the comments section.
Well since the central division would need the team, the few teams that can work would be Indianapolis, Kansas, Milwaukee
Vegas gets a team, But Hartford, Seattle, and Quebec City don't. Why? Just all you have to move is Carolina, Arizona, and Florida. Bam they get teams.
Ss 240 v spec hartford was carolina
Ss 240 v spec Don't say anything about Tampa bud pretty much every home game has had sellouts for years and a cup and an population of 2.8 million people that's why
*FLORIDA* As in the *PANTHERS* I'm happy with Tampa and know it's a Hockey town for sure.
Ss 240 v spec Exactly!!
Seattle doesn't have a rink yet and bettman is stupid
Milwaukee gets one so every division has 8 teams for now and Wisconsin will have a team from the 4 major sports leagues.
houston has an arena, and there was a lot of people that attended the game when they had a team
This is radical but it seems interesting: Blues to Indianapolis, Sabers to Hamilton, Penguins to Houston
Please tell me you were intoxicated when you wrote that.
There's Whaler plates coming next year to Connecticut
Also they're mentioned on local news channels at least once or twice a month
hurricanes will probably go back to Hartford in the coming years hopefully we can upgrade or rebuild the arena by then
I think Quebec would pick them off if they don't get an expansion team, but if they don't go for the Canes then 5/10 years down the road I can see them being sold and returning to Hartford
Kirsi •_• I always thought they wanted the Panthers but hey the canes would work
The Sprint Center, in KCMO, is absolutely lovely. I sat in the nosebleeds for a concert and the seats were still great. Parking and transportation is also very accessible. I live in midtown and would love a team that I could basically take the bus to go see!!
Vegas before Quebec is ridiculous. But now, you can move Detroit to the Central (Chicago rivalry) and add the Nords in the Atlantic.
Mike O'Grady zDetroit moved to the east to get out of the travel
So a few thoughts I have about these potential new NHL markets you listed. . .
Quebec = *YES.* Everything (arena, ownership, fanbase) seems ready to go and the NHL CBA allows for smaller market Canadian teams to be stable, but the NHL needs a vacancy out east.
Hamilton = Everything I hear suggests it'd work great as a market, but Buffalo and Toronto would veto it (or at least poo-poo it).
Saskatoon, Halifax, Moncton = Likely too small
Toronto II = No chance in hell the Leafs would bless that, but Toronto is probably big enough to have 2 teams.
Seattle = *YES (if there's a new arena).* People here (👋) primarily want the Sonics/NBA back, but we're a GROWING metropolitan area that loves our sports teams and we'd be fine with welcoming a hockey team since we NEED winter sports. Plus, the NHL needs more western teams anyway. We just need the arena to get built (preferably NOT at the KeyArena site).
Houston = Would be a nice rival for Dallas and a big western TV market, but my understanding is it's in writing that the Rockets/NBA owner is the only person who can own an NHL team in their existing arena and his relationship with Gary Bettman is frosty.
Kansas City = Probably maxed out in terms of corporate dollars with the Chiefs/NFL and Royals/MLB already there; the City and AEG also don't seem inclined to earmark 41 dates at the Sprint Center arena for a hockey team that they could otherwise use for big concerts and other events.
Hartford = Probably too small and you have the Islanders, Rangers, Bruins and Devils all nearby. Plus, the arena there is too old.
OKC = It's a small market and they already have a winter sports team in the Thunder/NBA (that they stole from Seattle 😒).
Indianapolis = Likely maxed out in terms of corporate dollars because of the Colts/NFL and Pacers/NBA being there; plus, the arena doesn't accommodate hockey.
Portland = Would love to see a Portland/Seattle/Vancouver I-5 rivalry and I think Portland would be a solid NHL site, but it's complicated because Paul Allen owns the Rose Garden arena and he doesn't seem interested in welcoming a hockey team to his arena since it'd directly compete with his Trail Blazers/NBA. Plus, Paul isn't passionate about hockey, so he's not really interested in buying a team.
Milwaukee = Would be a great site and great natural rival for the Wild, but you're likely starting to get maxed out with corporate dollars with the Bucks/NBA, Brewers/NFL and Packers/NFL (by extension) already there. Plus, the Bucks owners, who will control the new arena there, aren't interested in bringing in an NHL team to the best of my knowledge.
So long story short, I'd say Quebec and Seattle (with a new arena) would make sense.
Everything else: probably not realistic.
Surprised you didn't mention how the St. Louis Blues almost moved to Saskatoon.
Portland has the Moda Center, it seats about 18,000 for hockey. And the Winterhawks, with there success, has brought a lot hockey love to the rose city.
they should just move the islanders to Hartford
Walton Interchange and make them the Whalers
That's like moving from Hell to Purgatory.
Islanders have a new arena being built but I do think they should play a lot of regular season games in Hartford until it is built to expand their fanbase.
fuck no
@@ATCguy1973 you mean barclays center? Thats not a hockey arena
Milwaukee, Seattle, Quebec City.
Indianapolis can definitely support an NHL team!
SN yes!! Ty
No one ever talks about it except here
Jacksonville
YES!!! Of the Bluejackets don’t work out well, we may get a team! Although their relocation is more likely to go to Quebec or Hartford.
SN They can but they cant do it in bankers life fieldhouse, the way its designed is like barclays, it dont work for nhl, so needing an arena is a problem that would set Indianapolis back a long time
Portland has the Moda Center, aka the Rose Garden, which is NHL ready.
Doug T and key arena
What about Salt Lake City? Utah needs a team. Could be many rivals.
In my opinion...
Seattle gets an expansion team
Arizona moves to Milwaukee to even the western divisions
Florida moves to Quebec City
First of all greetings from Sacramento CA. I've just recently discovered your channel and this channel is fantastic. Keep up with the good work you guys hope you rate one mill. Also show some more love to the the Ducks they're a strong team
Andrea Lara fu
Magnificent Cheese someone's a hater. Do you wear black purple and grey and call yourself a princess.
Time 4peace GKG
Magnificent Cheese it's ok I understand you guys have been around forever. I mean it took you 44 years to win your first Stanley cup and you did it on the short bus season. Better hope Anaheim doesn't get another one in the next 20 years or they will have gotten two faster then LA. Which means LA really won't have anything to say to that sea of orange that walks into staples center.
Time 4peace Wtf bro, it's just sports rivalry stop taking it so seriously
I'm from Quebec... I would love to see an NHL team in Quebec City
A Houston team would work. The Aeros had a decent following in the WHA, IHL and AHL. Although the team would have to win quickly first of because we're somewhat of a bandwagon city except for football with the Texans, the team would have market the sport heavily across the city, and finally the team would have to set up youth leagues across the city as well. Similar to what the Ducks have done in Anaheim.
brian thomas Houston barely supports the Rockets and they were like one of the best teams in the NBA same with Astros plus the owner of Toyota Center isn't the easiest person to work with
Blasto Manto That's why I say the team would have to win quickly. But I believe the attendance numbers overall would be on par with Anaheim. I agree with you Les Alexander the owner of the Toyota Center. It would take some heavy convincing to get him to go after a team after he got burned by the Oilers almost moving down here and expansion during the late 90s.
Houston had a decent following in the AHL? What is your source? I don't think it would work in the long run, look at Dallas now... Houston is full of Mexicans and they don't even know what a hockey puck up is lol
This is a really late comment but it was so cool to see you guys mention Hamilton (that’s where I live). Hockey thrives here and there’s so many young players involved in different leagues with teams (more commonly the huskies and steel hawks) as well as our Hamilton Bulldogs! As much as I would love to see a team here, it would be a bummer to chose between Toronto and Hamilton if it came down to it!
A few things you missed that I want to touch on.
Hartford - Connecticut is the 2nd densest state in America with a population of 3 million and growing. CT successfully supports two AHL teams, Hartford and Bridgeport, and there is a fierce divide between Boston and NY fans in every sport. Talking to people in CT, some fans would leave their current teams for The Whalers, but some might be to loyal. Unfortunately we have no good Arena, and we are in the east and behind Quebec for a team.
Kansas City - Kansas City is in the state of Missouri, and an hour away from St Louis. The hockey culture has spread from St Louis and more and more rinks are popping up in the city. Also, the St Louis/Kansas City youth development program for hockey is one of the best in North America, and more and more rookies are coming from Missouri.
Milwaukee - Milwaukee and Wisconsin residents in general are rabbis hockey fans, and sell out almost every Admirals game. With Vegas playing in the Pacific, the 32nd teams would need to be in the Central Division. I think this makes Kansas City and Milwaukee the best candidates.
Houston - Nobody in Houston really cares about Hockey.
Baltimore - Baltimore is a city you definitely missed. Although it is right next to Washington, Baltimore residents to not support DC teams after the basketball franchise moved to DC. There are plenty of disenfranchised hockey fans within Maryland that are waiting for a team, they just need an Arena. Preseason games held in Baltimore sell out reasonably often, and they even throw Crabs on the ice. The culture divide between Baltimore and DC is too big to grab both franchises.
Other cities that have been thrown around in the US are San Diego, New Orleans, San Antonio, Austin, and even a true Miami team, but none of these would really work
Nice information. Some of these are really good points.
Stefan Gamble san antonio has the rampage. I go the games a lot since I live in san antonio. however the AT&T center is too small. Austin area has the Texas stars and are affiliate to Dallas. if a Texas team ever gets an nhl team it might be Houston, but it will never happen.
I feel like if there was going to be a team in Wisconsin it should be in Green Bay. The Packers fan base is absolutely insane and it would be super easy to get them rooting for a hockey team. In Milwaukee they would have to compete with the Bucks. Although the Bucks aren't on the same level as the Brewers and Packers.
Stefan Gamble a
Stefan Gamble god bless u Baltimore does need a team I really don't wanna be divided between the Flyers and and Capitals I would watch hockey so much more if Baltimore got a team
Seattle, Milwaukee, or Kansas City would be my top 3 choices for the next NHL franchise. I prefer that there be no additional teams in Canada because they wouldn't help grow the game of hockey in the US. If any team should relocate, it must be the Coyotes. Otherwise, great discussion
I need Quebec, Victoria and Regina. We need more Canadian teams.
I'll tell you we would love an NHL team here in Oklahoma City. Before the Thunder came, It was college football and Blazers hockey. They got a new team for a short period of time called the Barons, but did not do well because of the competition between the Thunder on the same day since they both played in different arenas. As long as they play in Chesapeake Arena, they would do really good for the western conference.
Can you have Brent in more videos please!!!
Heyy guys there's stadium/ arena and it's called Moda Center and it's where Portland Trail Blazers play. You guys forgot that by 20:20 and they probably could fit a lot of people.
move detroit back to west
exactly, bring the detriot-chicago rivalry back
petes101 You mean Colorado right?
detroit
?
Hugo Ekman Colorado is already in the West Conference. Bringing in Quebec to east and sending Detroit to the West, would even each divison to 8 teams
I live in Houston and would love to see hockey here. We had the Wild's minor league team and supported them pretty well. They were chased away by the Rocket's ownership because of his need to control the arena. Sadly, that same owner will block any NHL bid. The only reason he (Les Alexander) bid in the past was to block the other bid coming to Houston. It's really too bad. This is a huge city with a massive northern population. I think hockey could do very well - it would surprise people. And there could be a nice rivalry with the Stars and a perfect fit in the Western Conference.
A Texas rivalry with Dallas would be insane if they put a team in Houston. 4th largest city in America. Never had a team. They will be next after Seattle. Relocation of Arizona will be most likely to happen.
The NHL is not going back to Quebec. Not with the way the Canadian dollar is right now. Another Quebec team in the future it's highly unlikely.
We see with a lot of American towns and cities that although they have less hockey fans they tend to have a larger metropolitan outreach. San Jose outreaches to about 8 million people within an hour and thirty minutes away, LAK and ANA outreaches to about 12 million people. New York to about 15 million people within an hour and a half away. Dallas has a large core with Fort Worth and San Antonio. Boston has a huge outreach through all of Cape Cod and many away fans. Pittsburgh and Philadelphia both have historical roots like New York and both have huge populations.
The Seattle deal comes down to NBA team coming. No arena deal if no NBA team. Hockey is just an added bonus.
Seattle got screwed out of an NBA team. The city is begging for an NBA team again and with NBA, NHL is a possibility.
With the Ice Caps relocating, I'd plan a trip to watch hockey in New Brunswick. Newfies need a way to watch hockey live haha
i got three that arent on your list 1 is san Francisco they have a huge population are getting a new arena for the warriors in the nba and rivalries with california teams would be huge 2 is salt lake city they hosted the 2002 olynpics theu have the jazz in the nba and rivalries are around that area and 3 is grand forks its a long shot but hockey is popular in North Dakota plus you have south dakota it be a western team with lots if rivalries
San Jose and San Francisco is the Bay Area.
California doesn't need another team
Between MN, COL, and WPG and the low populations I don't see that happening.
The San Jose Sharks basically serve as the professional Bay Area team for the NHL. San Francisco doesn't need a team.
awesome video. you should do your favorite nhl goalies of all time. keep it up guys
will u address the playoff pool winners?
+Justin z sure will
Post2Post thank you!
Post2Post what do you think about a Nhl team in Milwaukee, Wisconsin? I mean why not, it is HUGE with The Admirals, there woul be instant profit there, especially because the AHL games are huge enough, NHL is way more popular and would be very loved. Plus I live in Milwaukee and would finally be able to see an NHL game, live and at a stadium. And please do a video on NHL Teams That should relocate because, why the heck would you have a team in the dessert?(Arizona)
but the problem with more expansions, is there needs to be more AHL teams, and with milwaukee being an NHL team, nashville would lose its affiliate, unless another AHL team is expanded for either milwaukee or nashville, this is just one example
Great job Neil and Brent!
first :v
okay honestly, I think they should move the Panthers to Seattle. THEN give me my Nordiques back! >:V boom everybody's happy (besides Florida fans, but they have a more successful Tempa Bay team :v)
Mayhem you spelled Tampa wrong,also I like the Panther s
Big Smoke Yeah because you know Tampa would destroy a new thrashers team it would be great
Arizona to Seattle, Florida to Quebec
Asxico A Just relocate in Miami, they usually see a sellout games when they play in Miami Arena.
Mayhem By that logic you should just go to Montreal games. Not that Quebec City doesn't deserve a team, but let's not pretend any relocation is victimless.
Being swedish, hearing that the benchmark-population being 600.000 people just blows my mind. My SHL-team (/town) Mora has about 20.000 people and still average 4.100 in our 4.500 arena. Yes, i know the arenas in NHL are between 16-25.000, but still. Our attendence represents about 20% of our population.
#BringBackHartfordWhalers
Definitely Hartford, it has one of the most successful merchandise lines, as of now, and it isn't even a team anymore! I know so many people who would be happy if the whalers came back to Connecticut
need better arena and better arena deal - food, parking money
Detroit should move to the west in the central division just like the Blackhawks
Then there is the problems of Away Games in California, Vegas, Arizona and Denver.
I wouldn't mind either Portland or Milwaukee teams you brought up good points on how they would do really good in those markets and I never considered till you brought them up.
Kitchener! Great Hockey city, plus would include Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford and London that's a total pop of over 1,000,000
Would love to see the Seattle the fans are crazy about every sports team they have I'm 100% it will be the same if they get a hockey team. Btw this channel is in a path of success 6.6k subscribers and you guys get 3k minimum views which is very impressive keep it up!
Back tracking a bit here, as for an arena in Seattle there is a planned arena, in an attempt to have an NBA team return to the city and proposed arena will also include hockey. I think they only thing the city is waiting for is a team.
Love your vids keep up the good work!
I believe Saskatoon could support a NHL team. The Rush Lacrosse team has sold out every game for their past two year existence in Saskatoon. They have also appeared in finals both of those years. An average NLL player makes 20k and the province can still support the team. They had world Juniors filled the rink, Memorial cup hockey put up decent numbers, and CIS hockey where they averaged 8 thousand fans a game. Also, there are 3 teams around that location which could draw in some other fans. I believe they could support it
I'm not sure about team vetoes but years ago when Hamilton tried for a team the Leafs put pressure on Bettman to block the team because of merchandise sales and viewing rights. In Southwestern Ontario when it comes to NHL merchandise sales Toronto dominates with Detroit in second. Neither team would want the competition.
As far a Saskatoon goes they have a junior team (The Blades) that does sell out but like Brent said getting 16-18 thousand in for a NHL game would be a challenge. The Oilers are playing the Hurricanes there for a preseason game.
If the NHL expanded again in the west my picks would be Seattle, Portland and Milwaukee.
And if any team in the East folds I hope Quebec City get the team, I'm looking at you Florida!
Great video Neil and Brent
Doubt you'll respond since it's an old video, but as a Monctonian, an NHL team here would be very tricky. We have a new arena for the Wildcats coming up, but it's half the size of an NHL arena. As well, even with extra fans from the Maritimes, it may be hard to get a sell-out all the time just because the tickets would be expensive. As much as it would be great to get a Maritime team, that'd be ta struggle. But, I've been binging your videos and I'm loving it.
+Canadian Ryan woo NB rep! Glad to have you on board here :)
You guys weren’t far off on Seattle 😂
NHL Expansion:
Put a team in Quebec City (eastern conference) Hartford (eastern conference) Seattle (western conference) Kansas City (western Conference) and Houston (western Conference) would even out the league at 36 teams.
Just a heads up you said people that live in southern Connecticut like the Islanders and the Devils but I live there I have never met a Islanders or Devils fan. They are almost all Rangers, Capitals, or Penguins. But we would love a team back
Amarillo, Texas. Gets colder and more snow than Dallas and it would create a nice cross state rivalry. Off the top of my head, the Amarillo Bombers would be a nice homage to Amarillo's nickname, "Bomb city"
What about Cleveland? Even though they have the Monsters in the AHL, still, an NHL team back in Cleveland? It could be possible.
Thanks for the comment! I'm actually not uploading content on this channel anymore, but I would love it if you could subscribe to my current channel Post2Post Productions where I am making more Hockey content on a daily basis! ua-cam.com/users/post2postproductions
Iowa would be a great place to have a hockey team. We don’t have a single professional team and it’s about time we get one
And it would be a great add-on to the Central division too
Post2post is awesome, only one thing i recommend. You should consider a serious logo change. Make it something that looks like it go on a jersey, and you could even sell the jerseys.
We already did that contest.
Post2Post ive seen the nhl logo contest, i mean your 'post2post' logo. Unless youve done that too amd i haven't seen it.
Do best atmospheres in the NHL!:)
Moda center in Portland can house an NHL team no problem.
Trail blazers games there are super loud, and if the fan support is there, they would be a great regional rival for Vancouver San Jose, and to a lesser degree Colorado and the southern California teams.
I just love listening to you guys Charlie about hockey
I know MN already has a team but for people more up in the Northern region who can't make it to Minneapolis with having to drive 3-4 hours to get there are feeling left out. I think an expansion team in Duluth MN would be awesome to have!
From 1992 to 2009 here in oklahoma city we had a central hockey leauge team called the OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS
And we won 9 divons title and two cups and orwards Carl Boudreau, 5-11, 180, Asbestos, Quebec: Boudreau returns to the Blazers after playing last season for the Gothiques Amiens in France. Begins season - his third overall here - as the team's second all-time scorer with 67 goals and 178 points in 112 games. The 1992-93 Central Hockey League All-Star is one of five players in Blazers history to reach the 40-goal plateau in a single season.
Boudreau's 107 points in 1993-94 remains a franchise record.
Tonight's team captain.
Joe Burton, 5-9, 170, Garden City, Mich.: One of the most popular players in franchise history, "Smokin' Joe" begins his fourth season. Burton is the team's all-time leading scorer with 126 goals and 214 points in 175 games. The career goal total also represents the most in the CHL since its 1992 rebirth. He had his best season last winter, scoring a franchise-record 59 goals and 97 points in 66 games. During a 16-1 rout of Dallas last December, the right winger set CHL records for most goals (6) and points (8) in a game. A two-time CHL All-Star.
Ken Donaldson, 5-10, 165, Dauphin, Manitoba: Donaldson begins his first pro season after a stellar junior career. Had 29 goals and 85 points in 60 games for the Lebret Eagles of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Despite size, Donaldson is not afraid of being aggressive - last season's 149 penalty minutes say so. Named as Lebret's MVP.
George Dupont, 5-11, 195, Nepean, Ontario: While centering Burton on the No. 1 line, Dupont set a franchise record with 78 assists. Add 27 goals, and Dupont was the Blazers' leading scorer with 105 points. Was 15 points shy of winning league scoring title.
Considered one of the scrappiest players in the CHL, Dupont set franchise record with 250 penalty minutes. Begins second full season in Oklahoma City.
Tom Gomes, 5-10, 200, Harrow, Ontario: Begins second stint with the Blazers, scoring 20 goals and 42 points a year ago. Scored a goal in eight of Oklahoma City's final 10 games. Helped the Munkors win the Swedish Division II championship in 1993-94, scoring 24 goals and 54 points in 54 games. Had pre-season tryout with the Atlanta Knights of the IHL.
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Chris Laganas, 5-10, 200, Seabrook Beach, N.H.: "Chinner" is among the franchise's all-time leaders in games played (174), goals (47), assists (57) and points (104). Laganas' 527 penalty minutes over three seasons represent the most in the Blazers' modern history. A key to the Blazers' penalty-killing unit.
Darcy Pengelly, 5-11, 177, Reston, Manitoba: See related story.
Simon Olivier, 5-11, 190, St. Jean Chrysostome, Quebec: Completed a collegiate career in Brandon of the Canada West League with 40 goals and 83 points over 56 games. Before playing college hockey, Olivier had 36 goals and 68 points in 59 games for the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan League.
Steve Simoni, 6-2, 225, Haileybury, Ontario: Begins fourth year here. The Blazers' third all-time leading scorer with 90 goals and 163 points in 176 games. Has a franchise-high 18 game-winning goals. Added 25 pounds of muscle during off-season. Not known as a tough guy, but Simoni can handle himself when bullies go too far - just ask former CHLers Rob McCaig and Bob Berg.
(Story continued below...)
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Barkley Swenson, 5-9, 185, Melfort, Saskatchewan: Swenson won the Saskatchewan Junior League scoring title last season, collecting 49 goals and 112 points for the Melfort Mustangs. The first-team All-Star had 216 penalty minutes, so he is not afraid to mix it up when needed. Before joining the Blazers, Swenson had a tryout with the Michigan K-Wings of the International League - the triple-A affiliate of the Dallas Stars.
Synopsis: Naturally, no one knows what will happen until the season gets started, but if past numbers mean anything, the Blazers have their best forward end since the franchise returned here in 1992. As of Monday, Oklahoma City coach Doug Sauter had Dupont centering Gomes and Burton on the first line; Boudreau passing off to Olivier and Laganas on the second; and Swenson the middle man with Pengelly and Simoni on the wings. Dupont and Burton are potential 100-point scorers as well as Boudreau. Keep an eye on Olivier.
Goaltending Jean-ian Filiatrault, 5-11, 165, Lavel West, Quebec: Comes to Oklahoma City on recommendation of the Montreal Canadiens. The storied NHL team has not signed Filiatrault to a minor-league contract, but they are interested in seeing what he can do for the Blazers. Filiatrault played the last few years for Saint Laurent College in Cornwall, Ontario. The three-time All-Star had an outstanding 2.14 goals against average and .915 saves percentage last season. Has six career shutouts.
Dan Morrissey, 5-11, 170, Merritt, British Columbia: This rookie led the Cranbrook Colts to the Rocky Mountain Junior League championship, posting a 2.44 goals against average and .908 saves percentage in the playoffs. A first-team All-Star, Morrissey won the Mowatt Cup for being the playoff Most Valuable Player.
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Synopsis: Dependable veteran Alan Perry has retired, and Sergei Naumov signed with San Diego of the West Coast League. Sauter has filled a huge hole with two rookies, which should be scary, but the coach believes the best competition in training camp came from the crease. Filiatrault, says Sauter, is a prospect to watch. A true test will be how these youngsters react when there are 13,000 fans in a rockin' Myriad and the Blazers own a 3-2 third period lead - against the Tulsa Oilers.
Defenseman Kevin Barrett, 6-3, 215, Winnipeg, Manitoba: "The Bear" is a productive defenseman, who provides the grit missing from the Blazers' lineup a year ago. The third-year pro played last season with Flint (Mich.) of the Colonial Hockey League, scoring 16 goals and 30 points with 254 penalty minutes. Skated for Muskegon (Mich.) of the CoHL in 1993-94, where he had 25 points and 307 penalty minutes.
Jeff Fancy, 6-0, 203, Cranbrook, British Columbia: Toughness?
Fancy can provide that, too. Spent the previous two seasons with Cranbrook of the Rocky Mountain League, where he had 32 goals, 69 points and 392 penalty minutes in 76 games. Played one season with Victoria of the Western League, collecting two goals, nine points and 306 minutes over 65 games.
Merv Kopeck, 5-10, 185, Regina, Saskatchewan: Played the last four years at Princeton. Scored 11 goals and 28 points in 33 games last season, and six goals and 18 points over 28 games in 1993-94.
The second Princeton graduate to play for the Blazers, the other being former defenseman Sean Gorman.
Stephen Phillips, 6-3, 210, Los Angeles: Phillips has pro experience, spending last season with Nashville of the ECHL. Scored six goals and 13 points over 32 games. Played collegiately at Northeast in the Hockey East League. Usually a center, Phillips will begin this season on defense.
Mike Will, 5-11, 190, Tisdale, Saskatchewan: Returns to pro hockey after sitting out a year. During a career in the Saskatchewan Junior League, Will had 20 goals and 68 points over 110 games for Minot. Was team MVP and amassed 320 penalty minutes over two seasons. Attended the Edmonton Oilers' rookie camp in 1994.In 1992, a new Central Hockey League began play in the same territory as the older league. It also acquired several team names in tribute to the former CHL, including the Oklahoma City Blazers. The new Blazers began play in the Myriad Convention Center, the same home arena as the old team.
They averaged 9,128 fans per game over 17 seasons.[2] The franchise led the CHL in attendance in each of its 17 seasons in the league. On the ice, the Blazers excelled as well, winning nine regular season division championships (including seven straight from 1996 to 2003), five regular season points titles, and CHL championships in 1996 and 2001. The franchise's two greatest stars, Joe Burton and Hardy Sauter, are the CHL's first and third all-time career leading scorers. so we have been a hockey town before and i would love to see the nhl hockey here in oklahoma city again
In 2002, the Blazers changed their home venue to the new Ford Center.
In 2009, the Blazers withdrew their application a lease extension with the Ford Center and ceased operations. It was reported at the time that city officials were in negotiations with the American Hockey League for an expansion franchise. Following months of speculation, Oklahoma City was granted an AHL franchise on February 10, 2010, when the NHL's Edmonton Oilers reactivated their dormant affiliate and created the Oklahoma City Barons. They began play in the 2010-11 season in the smaller Cox Convention Center (formerly the Myriad) and the team was operated by the former owner of the Blazers, Bob Funk.
John Brooks, the radio play-by-play voice for the University of Oklahoma football and men's basketball teams from 1978 to 1992 and of the original Blazers hockey team, was the on-air play-by-play voice of the relaunched Blazers. Brooks semi-retired from the Blazers after 2004-05 season after 27 seasons in total for both franchises and was inducted into the Blazers Hall of Fame on March 11, 2005.[citation needed]
I would love Milwaukee! I live in the Fox Valley (where Oshkosh is) and it'd be very popular here!
Post2Post I live in Saskatchewan and we could without a doubt sell out NHL games. We sell out Saskatchewan Rush games (lacrosse) and riders games. If we can sell out lacrossse games like we do we can sell out NHL games. We have very dedicated fans here in Saskatchewan. Plus there are talks of a new arena here in Saskatoon moving downtown to avoid the traffic problems on the edge of the city.
I would root for them 🐰 and I live in MB
The thing is I believe that it’s better to collect population within a metropolitan area or 45 minute- 1 hour commute away because the metro area of Seattle is about 3mil-3.5mil
Great job guys I'm for Quebec, Seattle, and Houston as my next 3 franchises myself
Seattle: Huge sports city. They do have three major sports teams with the Seattle Sounders always leading the attendance in MLS. I want a Seattle hockey team but the idea renovating it's old KeyArena, which is the former home of the popular Seattle SuperSonics, could not help. SODO Arena should have built to stay it relevant for the next upcoming three decades. What Seattle really want first is to get their Seattle SuperSonics back and an NHL expansion/relocation team comes to second. NBA would probably approve an expansion team when they have a deal of a new arena to be built but renovating KeyArena (as I said at first and you guys said) would not help and even for a future NHL team.
Portland: They don't really have a major sports team besides the Blazers. Portland is a huge basketball city. Portland Trailblazers saw a sell-out season from 1977-1995, early 2000's, and again this 2011-present. They do have Moda Center a huge facility and it houses over 19, 300 for basketball games and it can probably seats around 18, 100 during hockey games. The problem is the facility is already 21 years old and it's getting age if we realize it. But with the Winterhawks filling seats when they play their home games, I can see that Portland can support a NHL team.
Indianapolis: Anotner huge sports city and specifically have a huge basketball traditions just like what you guys said. They do have a hockey team in ECHL named Indy Fuel and I don't know if they are doing well in attendance. The arena they play is called Bankers Life Fieldhouse and it's built for basketball games only. Not hockey specific type arena. I don't also know if they do have a hockey traditions. So, they might need to build a new arena that can house for both basketball and hockey teams if they want to bid an NHL team in the future.
Milwaukee: Well small market size but they do have a loyal fanbase for both the Brewers and Bucks. With the new arena currently being built, I can see Milwaukee have a potential to get an future NHL team.
Went to Barrons games in OKC before they moved, most of the fans were transplants, and it was only an ahl team, but the way the whole state started supporting their first pro sports team the Thunder, makes me think they would support an NHL team also. Might be to risky to try it though.
start with this: in the current east/west format, you can forget ANY Eastern Time Zone cities. Detroit and Columbus pitched a fit - and rightly so with the playoff logistics - about being in the western conference.
So, you have to do one of two things: 1) eliminate any eastern time zone cities, OR 2) go to a different alignment.
the second of those options seems unlikely given the recent nature of how recent the realignment was.
but given Bettman's incompetence, he probably awards two expansion teams in the eastern timezone to keep the league at an odd number and throwing the balance way out of whack.
Haven't watched every video yet, so you may have done it. But my suggestion: playoff picture/predictions for the upcoming season.