Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community - View Single Post

Resolute 14 · 02-07-2005, 11:12 AM

I would guess that the decision not to put our AHL affiliate in Calgary is purely financial.

The first hurdle is the existance of the Hitmen. Calgary and Edmonton can suppport two major franchises, but I highly doubt either could support three.

It costs a hell of a lot more to operate an AHL franchise than it does WHL. Specifically to Calgary, the travel costs. After Edmonton, the nearest team would be 1300KM away. The team would have to fly everywhere. Conversely, there are five WHL teams within a 4 hour bus ride away.

That's one of the reasons why I believe that long term, Edmonton is better off in the Dub than the AHL.

The Hitmen also have a very well developed fan base. They averaged 7600 last year, third in the CHL, despite the Flames run. Dumping the WHL for the AHL would force the Flames to start all over again, not to mention alienate the hard core WHL fans in the city.

02-07-2005, 11:12 AM	#44
Resolute 14 In the Sin Bin Join Date: Jan 2003 Exp:	I would guess that the decision not to put our AHL affiliate in Calgary is purely financial. The first hurdle is the existance of the Hitmen. Calgary and Edmonton can suppport two major franchises, but I highly doubt either could support three. It costs a hell of a lot more to operate an AHL franchise than it does WHL. Specifically to Calgary, the travel costs. After Edmonton, the nearest team would be 1300KM away. The team would have to fly everywhere. Conversely, there are five WHL teams within a 4 hour bus ride away. That's one of the reasons why I believe that long term, Edmonton is better off in the Dub than the AHL. The Hitmen also have a very well developed fan base. They averaged 7600 last year, third in the CHL, despite the Flames run. Dumping the WHL for the AHL would force the Flames to start all over again, not to mention alienate the hard core WHL fans in the city.