My two cents on the Phoenix situation:
I'm surprised that people like the entertainment area around the rink. To me it is a suburban wasteland. Dave and Buster's, Johnny Rocket's, it is outdated chain restaurant heaven and completely dead unless there is a football game. Luckily given the location I doubt its anything like what will happen in Calgary.
The location in Glendale is inconvenient, but not why the team is failing IMO. Yes there's no great transit accessibility but Phoenix is a spread out, driving town. Only a few miles of rail lines. But yeah, hockey is no one's first priority in Phoenix so convenience of going to a game is important.
The growth of minor hockey in Phoenix is being underestimated. We have travelled to a few large minor hockey tournaments held there. There are several rinks, and quite a few teams.
I do think the NHL in Phoenix could have worked but enough bad decisions along the way and seems like it is inevitable it will move. I used to believe Fertitta wanted to bring a team to Houston since he controls the arena, but now I wonder if he has the financial means.
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