[HighFlyingDonkey]

Originally posted by Snakeeye@Feb 5 2005, 07:01 PM
Well, it is no secret that Edmonton has been desperately trying to land a WHL team, looking with envy at what the Flames have built with the Hitmen.

It only makes logical sense. Calgary has proven that it can support junior hockey, as well as box lacrosse, and in both cases, the Flames make good coin off of these teams.

The Oilers would be foolish not to consider the same, and their desire for a WHL team proves this. The AHL became the alternate option when the Roadrunners were kicked out of Ricoh, and no WHL team took the Oilers offer. I'm still not convinced that the NHL and AHL can coexist in Edmonton (Roadrunners tickets too high to really qualify as the "family alternative") but if they do, great. If not, the Oilers will continue to press for a WHL team.

The exact same thing applies for the NLL. I wouldnt classify Edmonton as being "desperate" for the NLL, but if a team could fill Skyreach up with 10,000 fans 8 nights a year like the Roughnecks do, it is worth considering. The NLL commissioner has specifically mentioned Edmonton and Winnipeg more than once recently, which suggests that there is interest from someone in Edmonton. Given the NLL's current policies on ownership, that someone is either the Oilers or the Eskimos.

lol...kicked out of Ricoh hah?? Im sure you flame fans would have loved to been in that position because next Semptember when the maple leafs farm team moves in they pay the Oilers nearly 2 million dollars.