https://www.recordnet.com/sports/201...eam-is-staying
Quote:
Local hockey fans say they want the Stockton Heat to put a good team on the ice, and they want to enjoy a celebration of 15 years of pro hockey in Stockton.
And they say they want an answer to a question close to their hearts: Will the Heat still be in Stockton after this season, or will they be moving on?
The deadline for that decision has officially passed, and neither the City of Stockton nor the team’s management has said anything that really hints at the answer.
|
Quote:
When the Heat came to town in 2015, they agreed to a five-year contract with the city, with a five-year option belonging to the team. According to Heat CEO Brian Petrovek, the franchise must inform city officials whether the option is being enacted before the start of the last season on the original contract.
That was Oct. 4. Petrovek has declined to be interviewed on the subject by The Record, but in comments forwarded by the Heat on Friday said “the team has fulfilled its contractual obligation of giving notice.”
Connie Cochran, the City of Stockton’s spokeswoman, said that there was nothing to report, but the city is in communication with the Heat.
If the team made its decision, one way or another, it seems an answer should be forthcoming. One possibility is that the sides decided to extend the deadline and keep negotiating, which is not uncommon in these cases. The Heat has made it clear it wants some arena improvements.
With no official statements from the franchise or the city, rumors filled the offseason. Some fans feared a move was almost certain because of the Calgary Flames’ history with their AHL franchise. Stockton is the fifth different home for Calgary’s AHL team since 2005.
|
John Hoven | The Mayor
@mayorNHL
If the Heat are leaving Stockton (sure sounds like it), two best alternatives in CA were mentioned here during original reporting cycle
http://mayorsmanor.com/2014/12/sourc...ahl-west-move/
CA remains best AHL option due to travel costs. Outside CA, Boise and Salt Lake likely provide best built in fanbases.
John Hoven | The Mayor
@mayorNHL
Update: Hearing there is a dark horse in the race... Colorado Springs.
Stay tuned #Flames fans (and AHL West fans)
John Hoven's article mentioned Fresno or Sacramento as Northern California options.