[Rumour] Flames to move AHL affiliate to Utica NY. UPD: Canucks move affiliate to Utica

[sureLoss]

don't know how good his information is but Joe Yerdon has tweeted the following:

Joe Yerdon ‏@JoeYerdonPHT Old AHL haunts coming back into vogue? Rumblings out there over Flames moving from Abbotsford to Utica.


Joe Yerdon ‏@JoeYerdonPHT
But if the Flames do move from Abby to Utica, the Canucks would almost certainly go from Chicago to Abby.


He writes for http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/

Utica newspaper reports the deal is done:
http://www.uticaod.com/blogs/x114597...13-2014-Season

No longer rumor, but fact - professional hockey will once again be on display in New York's Mohawk Valley. An American Hockey League affiliate will be in operation for the 2013-2014 season. The Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League's western conference will be developing their talent in the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Utica last had an AHL team during the 1992-'93 seasson , the final season of the New Jersey Devils six-season run at the Aud.

Here's what we do know, according to a reliable source. A 10-year deal has been struck with the Flames. There had been discussion in previous months that an AHL affiliate could be relocated to Utica, but not until the 2014-'15 season, due to scheduling issues. As far as any opt-out clause in the deal, I don't know for sure if or when one has been added. However, you would think an escape route, for both parties ( local operators and the Flames ) would/should want one. 10 years is infinity and beyond in any relationship.

A lobbying firm in Albany is involved with those locally who will be managing the franchise. Two sources have informed us that public money is being pursed in conjunction with the return of professional hockey to Utica. There are a few phases of upgrades to the Aud planned. Skyboxes are in the plans to be added to the 54-year old arena, however it isn't clear at this time during what planning phase work will get under way.

[killer_carlson]

Not a fan of having our farm team more than one time zone away. I like it being close to where we play the majority of our games.

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by killer_carlson

Not a fan of having our farm team more than one time zone away. I like it being close to where we play the majority of our games.

Yup, not good for emergency call ups.

[Zulu29]

Makes no sense. Abby is an hour flight from Calgary, the city of Abbotsford covers any losses financially for the team. I guess the only advantage would be the travel schedule for the team. Not happy if this is true.

[TurnedTheCorner]

Weird. Why does our affiliate move seemingly every 3-5 years?

[Da_Chief]

Do not like!

[Enoch Root]

The flip side is that the travel Abby has causes them to miss a tremendous amount of practice time. It also wears them out.

How many times a year is there an emergency callup that has to happen within a matter of hours? Pretty much never.

I would rather have more practice time and less travel for my team.

[Ashasx]

I don't see the benefit here for the Flames.

[getbak]

Funny that the Flames purchased the old Utica franchise and moved them to Saint John 20 years ago.


Also, parts of Slapshot were filmed in the Utica arena.

[sureLoss]

IMO the Flames would love to stay in Abbotsford, but without knowing the terms of the lease agreement with the City of Abbotsford, I suspect that the Flames are being pushed out.

Probably due to the city covering million dollar losses for 3 years and the fact the Canucks are showing interest in moving to Abbotsford

[Locke]

Originally Posted by TurnedTheCorner

Weird. Why does our affiliate move seemingly every 3-5 years?

I think thats pretty standard turnover in the AHL, its a much less stable league than the NHL outside of the major markets.

[The Original FFIV]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

IMO the Flames would love to stay in Abbotsford, but without knowing the terms of the lease agreement with the City of Abbotsford, I suspect that the Flames are being pushed out.

Probably due to the city covering million dollar losses for 3 years and the fact the Canucks are showing interest in moving to Abbotsford

That combined with the talk Aquilini is going to buy the arena, would presume that Calgary is getting a pretty penny to walk away.

[foofighter15]

Takes one look at an AHL City Map to see why this move makes 100% sense. Link

[killer_carlson]

Fine, move the team, but at least keep it within a short flight's range - if vancouver moves their affiliate from Chicago to Abbotsford, then move ours to Chicago.

[CaramonLS]

Why not do KC?

Or do a swap with Vancouver and Chicago and get Rockford.

[nik-]

It sucks for PMM. However, lets be honest here, it was a horrible decision to put the Flames affiliate in Abbotsford, and the crowds have proven it.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by foofighter15

Takes one look at an AHL City Map to see why this move makes 100% sense. Link

And...yeah. Theres that.

Flights are inconsequential for emergency callups, they're probably going to save a fortune on AHL travel.

[Freeway]

Looking into this.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Move them to Wichita. Natural rivalry with OKC and I get to watch them. New arena too.

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

Move them to Wichita. Natural rivalry with OKC and I get to watch them. New arena too.

Hold out for a bit, you're going to get the Coyotes soon.