Calgary is one of the best NHL markets now that our city has critical mass and is continuing to grow. That can change too however.
But little old Mr.Coffee, sitting in my basement that flooded two years ago trying to figure out my retirement plan and fund my kids ####? Yeah pretty sure I don't feel like paying for a nicer building for Matt Stajan, or anyone actually. These players and owners are rich enough, thank you. We're talking about pro hockey here, something to do on the odd winter night. There is a limit to how much the public should be expected to pony up for their salaries and buildings.
To be perfectly honest if they don't want to front the bill, somebody else will and guess what? Will still make millions. But leave my tax money the fata out of that and let me decide to keep those ridiculous salaries high with my discretionary income- not forced dollars removed from my taxes. I don't care if they feel the need for a new rink, I think the Saddledome is just fine. If it means some free agent won't come here then fine, probably not the type of "character" you want anyway.
The owners bought the team understanding these risks and here is the poker game. You're a billionaire... time to pony up and if you don't want to, sell the team or move it. A new one will come along to make the available money clearly in the market.
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