I agree that putting an AHL team in a WHL city will never work.
I don't think it needs to be said, but I'll say it anyways: the AHL is a divisive league. It requires you to have an allegiance to the NHL parent club, especially if that AHL team is based out of Canada.
The WHL on the other hand has no such allegiance. You can cheer for the Oilers, Canucks or Flames and still enjoy a Giants, Rebels, Hitmen, Hurricanes game. It's what makes the CHL such a fun league to watch.
I just don't think Canada in general is a good market for the AHL because of how tribal Canadian hockey fans are. Yes, the AHL worked extremely well in Winnipeg at one point in time and yes, the AHL is working well out in St. John's right now. But that's because those places essentially devoid of hockey and not within decent driving distance of any hockey.
Clearly I think the best move (if it were to happen) would be to the northern States somewhere. Like I said, Billings or Boise.
Another option could be Rapid City, South Dakota. They've got a decent population of about 70,000. They've also got the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center that seats 5000. However, they've got the Rapid City Rush which is a CHL team. Don't know what type of support they get.
Just throwing it out there though for the sake of discussion.
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