Smartest move in the history of time would be for the Oilers to move their AHL affiliate to Fort Mac. It's a fly-in league and that would solve a lot of issues with buses on the highway. Flames should strongly look at Thunder Bay if not Saskatoon, and leave Abby to the Canucks which just makes sense.
Winnipeg can definitely do a WHL squad and make it work. They're better positioned than the Flames or Oilers even as they own the rink. A LOT more synergy there as it fills more event nights and they won't get pillaged on the rent like some of the other W clubs in larger markets do. But realistically with no roster payroll to speak of and mostly bus/hotel costs to contend with, if they were drawing 3000 a night in the MTS (they'd probably get more, easily as a 'family alternative' to the N) they'd bare minimum break even, if not clear some solid cash. Not to mention the jersey sales and merch etc etc and the chance to job share a bulk of the office staff means less overhead overall.
Lethbridge would not want an A squad. W markets are W markets. Once you've seen that kind of hockey, you get pretty spoiled. AHL just doesn't have the same buzz.
I'd love to see Lloyd get a team based on the routing alone. They'd need a new rink first. There's money there and the town has started to be pretty progressive. Their AJ squad could easily slide up to Cold Lake that already has an arena ready to go, and the Bonnyville/Cold Lake rivalry would be nothing short of epic.
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