Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducay
I know Bettman has repeatedly outlined the NHLs commitment to the Valley, but have they ever expressed rationale as to why?
They've moved franchises before with far fewer issues and better attendance. Is there some crazy market data they have access to that indicates there are a million repressed hockey fans waiting to come out of the woodwork? Is playing out of a tiny arena really worth a third/fourth attempt at turning things around there?
I know its a giant population centre, but you gave it a good college try and it didnt pan out. Time to try somewhere else, even if that's Houston.
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That's what I don't get.
I can understand not moving Arizona (4.5M metro pop) to Quebec City (800k) in terms of overall market size and opportunity.
But there is no argument that would apply to Arizona that wouldn't also apply to Houston (7.0M metro pop) but without the baggage of the 26 previous years.
It's a bigger city with an actual downtown arena that can accommodate hockey.
Maybe Fertitta isn't interested anymore due to COVID, but he has previously stated publicly that his dream was to bring a hockey team to Houston.