[Rumour] Lethbridge Hurricanes and Kootenay Ice to relocate

[ToraToraTora]

Originally Posted by Trailer Fire

I remember going to Ice games during hockey tournaments in Cranbrook. Watching Blackburn and Stoll and Green, and eventually Dawes, is one of my best memories if minor hockey.

That's one of those things...im thinking of "stars" I used to watch growing up...and there was, besides Salvadore, Byron Ritchie. Thats about it...

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Derek Sutton]

Originally Posted by nobles_point

Nothing wrong with punting another nepotistic Brodsky from junior hockey. I'm still waiting for the Blades to recover from over two decades of ineptitude. Since the bantam draft was instituted they haven't been able to list elite players from Saskatoon when they're 13.

Plus it looks like Craig Button is going to help hire a new GM.

https://twitter.com/dnbsports/status/448546505943547904

Are the new owners not worse then the previous? Everything I've read has nothing good to say about Priestner who made his young son the Manager of Hockey Ops

[ToraToraTora]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Are the new owners not worse then the previous? Everything I've read has nothing good to say about Priestner who made his young son the Manager of Hockey Ops

You cannot possibly be worse.

Sent from my SGH-I337M using Tapatalk

[Incogneto]

Is this Winnipeg's contingency plan for when they lose their NHL team again?

....JOKES!!!

[Sylvanfan]

Cranbrook and the East Kootenay's is just too small of a market. I spent 8 years of my childhood in Cranbrook. I remember going to Royals and Colts game as a kid, but for that town to draw 1000 people to a game is asking 1 out of every 15 people living there to go to a game. Not exactly an area where the locals are overflowing with cash either as it's highly dependent on Forestry, and sad Albertans wanting to see mountains in the summer. My Dad nearly killed himself 10 times over those 8 years driving those crappy East Kootenay roads so it's not like people from Fernie want to drive 200km return on a weeknight to watch a junior game. Plus their travel is a real mess too as they'd almost be better off in the US Division given their location.

It's an area that loved hockey...but in today's junior game, markets like that really are going to be in tough to stay in the WHL.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Jets4Life

I'm not sure Winnipeg can support a NHL and WHL club. I read that despite the Edmonton Oil Kings performance, crowds haven't been that great. Edmonton is more populated, and has more disposable income than Winnipeg. TNSE has their work cut out for them.

If Calgary and Edmonton can do it, Winnipeg could do it. Especially as a family-friendly alternative to NHL prices. The larger risk will be to the MJHL teams in Winnipeg.

It would be unfortunate for Cranbrook if they relocate - that's a nice little arena - but the market is incredibly tiny. Strange though how they apparently can't make a go of it, but Swift Current can in an even smaller community and smaller rink.

As far as Lethbridge goes, something needs to happen, and this would be almost the best case scenario for that city. The situation down there is almost bad enough that having the WHL revoke the franchise would be preferable to allowing that farce continue into next season.

[foshizzle11]

What are the crowds in Abby like? How many go each game?

How many people go the Hurricane games? Would the Heat make any money in Lethbridge?

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Cranbrook and the East Kootenay's is just too small of a market. I spent 8 years of my childhood in Cranbrook. I remember going to Royals and Colts game as a kid, but for that town to draw 1000 people to a game is asking 1 out of every 15 people living there to go to a game. Not exactly an area where the locals are overflowing with cash either as it's highly dependent on Forestry, and sad Albertans wanting to see mountains in the summer. My Dad nearly killed himself 10 times over those 8 years driving those crappy East Kootenay roads so it's not like people from Fernie want to drive 200km return on a weeknight to watch a junior game. Plus their travel is a real mess too as they'd almost be better off in the US Division given their location.

It's an area that loved hockey...but in today's junior game, markets like that really are going to be in tough to stay in the WHL.

I lived in Cranbrook for 11 years of my childhood as well. Grew up there. The crowds at Ice games were very good during the Stoll/Blackburn/Dawes days, but slowly tailed off.

It's unfortunate because the Ice put a winner out there every year despite it being in a minuscule market. I'm not sure why there's been a loss of interest in the team recently, especially considering it's the ONLY sports entertainment in town. Next closest are the Dynamiters in Kimberley, which is a huge drop off.

It'll be upsetting from a nostalgic standpoint if the Ice leave.

[Bootsy]

Fort Mac and Grande Prairie are both long over due a WHL team. While travel logistics are a problem, I am fully confident both cities and teams would both get huge support , would have long term stability and be moneymakers for the league. I'd argue the Prince George and Brandon roads trips are no worse.
Arenas upgrades may be needed in both cities but both have more than enough money backers to get it done if they were awarded teams.

[Resolute 14]

I don't think upgrades would cut it. Grande Prairie would need a new arena - I don't think space exists to expand the Crystal Centre. Not sure about Fort Mac.

And for an ideal balancing act, expand to Nanaimo when it is ready, and find an appropriate US market to balance the league at 24 teams.

[Bootsy]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I don't think upgrades would cut it. Grande Prairie would need a new arena - I don't think space exists to expand the Crystal Centre. Not sure about Fort Mac.

And for an ideal balancing act, expand to Nanaimo when it is ready, and find an appropriate US market to balance the league at 24 teams.

What about the coca-cola centre? Is it set up better for an upgrade/ expansion?
I agree the crystal centre was built very stupidly without any future considerations.
Would a new arena be built if they had an opportunity at a WHL team? I know there was groups in the past up there trying to get one.

[Resolute 14]

I've never been to the Coca-Cola Centre, but looking at the video below, you're probably still looking at a complete rebuild: http://www.cityofgp.com/index.aspx?page=126

Crystal Centre would do as a temporary venue, but I think they'd need to build new. Hell, the parking situation alone would render the Crystal Centre unsuitable in the long term.

[N-E-B]

If true, then I feel great for the people of Lethbridge. They've suffered enough with that steaming heap of horse-poop they call the Hurricanes. Although the Canes are my favourite WHL team (I'm from there), they're lousy and I find I'm starting to like the Hitmen more than them. It's tough cheering for losers year after year. The Canes are the Oilers of the WHL.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by N-E-B

If true, then I feel great for the people of Lethbridge. They've suffered enough with that steaming heap of horse-poop they call the Hurricanes. Although the Canes are my favourite WHL team (I'm from there), they're lousy and I find I'm starting to like the Hitmen more than them. It's tough cheering for losers year after year. The Canes are the Oilers of the WHL.

the Canes are closer the the Islanders IMO. I really hope this all comes to fruition so I can actually start cheering for the team again. I refuse to support them until the current ownership regime is gone.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Bootsy

Fort Mac and Grande Prairie are both long over due a WHL team. While travel logistics are a problem, I am fully confident both cities and teams would both get huge support , would have long term stability and be moneymakers for the league. I'd argue the Prince George and Brandon roads trips are no worse.
Arenas upgrades may be needed in both cities but both have more than enough money backers to get it done if they were awarded teams.

Fort McMurray is extremely interested in getting a WHL team. They need a tenant for their new NHL-quality arena, which will be breaking ground in the near future. I can see that city getting a team sooner than you think. I'd place money on it, actually.


Posted from Calgarypuck.com App for Android

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by Derek Sutton

Are the new owners not worse then the previous? Everything I've read has nothing good to say about Priestner who made his young son the Manager of Hockey Ops

That's junior hockey to a tee though, here in Kelowna almost every executive position with the team is filled by a family member of the owner. Granted they are doing great as an organization but a meritocracy it is not. I am a long time Albertan and I find in general hiring family and giving business to buddies is way worse is BC though.

[stang]

I wish Lloydminster would get a whl team... We are damn near the same size as Prince Albert

[getbak]

Lloyd would make a lot of sense geographically, but the Civic Centre isn't really WHL calibre.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

If Calgary and Edmonton can do it, Winnipeg could do it. Especially as a family-friendly alternative to NHL prices. The larger risk will be to the MJHL teams in Winnipeg.

It would be unfortunate for Cranbrook if they relocate - that's a nice little arena - but the market is incredibly tiny. Strange though how they apparently can't make a go of it, but Swift Current can in an even smaller community and smaller rink.

As far as Lethbridge goes, something needs to happen, and this would be almost the best case scenario for that city. The situation down there is almost bad enough that having the WHL revoke the franchise would be preferable to allowing that farce continue into next season.

The only MJHL team left in Winnipeg is the Winnipeg Blues and I believe they are owned by either True North or Craig Heisinger. They play out of the Jets practice facility (MTS Iceplex).

[Azure]

I can't believe the WHL hasn't stepped in and forced the sale of the Hurricanes to a private owner a long time ago.

Unreal how badly that organization has been run.