[News] Gridin and Brzustewicz assigned to AHL for Olympic break

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

Who's going to pay for a new arena in Airdrie to make that possible?

I think a 5-6K seat arena in Airdrie could be built by CSEC and make a profit. Or the city could do it. Medicine hat built their 7K arena themselves.

[FlamesAddiction]

I don't know the dollars and cents about having the AHL and NHL teams in the same house versus having them in stand alone markets, but the management logistics have benefits and the new arena seems to be being built with both teams in mind. Not having to worry about negotiating arena deals and moving players back and forth probably comes with savings, but I don't know if that makes up for fewer ticket sales.

I would assume that the AHL would prefer to have them in their own market rather than sharing the spotlight with an NHL team

[Locke]

Originally Posted by Steve's Stick

CMA of Saskatoon is now north of 370,000.

It might be possible to support both.

It might be 'possible' but I'd wager unlikely.

My understanding is that the people in that region are fiercely loyal sports fans and they've been supporting the Blades for so long that if it were to come down to a choice between their local team and an air-dropped AHL team? I think the WHL would win out.

I'm perfectly fine with the Wranglers in Calgary. It doesnt appear to be a scheduling issue, all 3 major hockey teams seem to draw just fine and the convenience of having your farm team in the same building cant be beat.

Eliminates a ton of senseless travel, eliminates much of the doubling of living expenses, etc. You want to call up or send down a player? They walk across the Hall and still go home to same apartment, etc. No reacclimating to new surroundings, none of the hassle.

Especially after hearing some of the horror stories about Stockton.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I think a 5-6K seat arena in Airdrie could be built by CSEC and make a profit. Or the city could do it. Medicine hat built their 7K arena themselves.

Of course...because Airdrie never pays for anything themselves...

[Jay Random]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

I would assume that the AHL would prefer to have them in their own market rather than sharing the spotlight with an NHL team

Ideally, yes, but I think the AHL places more value on having stable franchises after so many clubs have come and gone. They don't seem to have any trouble with the San Jose Barracuda, Chicago Wolves, Laval Rocket, or Manitoba Moose being located in NHL markets.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I think a 5-6K seat arena in Airdrie could be built by CSEC and make a profit. Or the city could do it. Medicine hat built their 7K arena themselves.

Originally Posted by Locke

Of course...because Airdrie never pays for anything themselves...

Not sure what you mean but I suggested either.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Not sure what you mean but I suggested either.

I was merely inferring Airdrie's natural status as a Parasite community...nothing to do with you.

[Tbull8]

Gridin and the pacific win the 3 on 3 tournament!

[gvitaly]

Some more Gridin content

https://twitter.com/user/status/2021743548031291891

[bdubbs]

Gridin is a beauty.

[Steve's Stick]

Originally Posted by Locke

It might be 'possible' but I'd wager unlikely.

My understanding is that the people in that region are fiercely loyal sports fans and they've been supporting the Blades for so long that if it were to come down to a choice between their local team and an air-dropped AHL team? I think the WHL would win out.

I'm perfectly fine with the Wranglers in Calgary. It doesnt appear to be a scheduling issue, all 3 major hockey teams seem to draw just fine and the convenience of having your farm team in the same building cant be beat.

Eliminates a ton of senseless travel, eliminates much of the doubling of living expenses, etc. You want to call up or send down a player? They walk across the Hall and still go home to same apartment, etc. No reacclimating to new surroundings, none of the hassle.

Especially after hearing some of the horror stories about Stockton.

There is also some talk that the city has outgrown the Blades. Saskatoon likes to prove itself as a significant hockey center (why the World Juniors here are among the best) - so if an AHL team comes in, I think there would be an incentive to make it a success to prove how viable hockey is here.

I agree, from the outside seems like the Flames are set to keep the Wranglers in Calgary. As you say, the new arena has this plan built-in.

I hate to admit this, but an Edmonton AHL team would be viable (the plurality of those fiercely loyal fans you mention are Oiler-inclined at the NHL level).

However, this is just speculation - the arena likely won't be done until 2030 or later. By that time we'll be north of 400k, maybe we aim for an NHL team again - lol (we'd at least be a more viable option than Quebec City).

[IliketoPuck]

As an aside, Gridin was on my flight to Chicago on Monday morning this week. Tall kid.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I think a 5-6K seat arena in Airdrie could be built by CSEC and make a profit. Or the city could do it. Medicine hat built their 7K arena themselves.

Isn't Medicine Hat also one of the richest cities in Canada? I recall at one point, they were the only city to be able to say they had 0% homelessness because they were able to house everyone. Their city actually generates revenue from things other than property taxes.

What does Airdrie have? They're essentially a satellite community for Calgary. I can't think of anything that's produced out of Airdrie.

[Monahammer]

Gridin is great. I think we should build a little stable of Russians around him and Kuz as well. That little banter with Simashev was great.

[Lewis_D]

I do wonder about how viable it would be to have 3 teams playing in the new rink along with an increase in concerts and other events. But I suppose if all these US markets can get by with NHL and NBA teams as tenants then I'm sure you could make it work with the Hitmen/Flames/Wranglers given the lighter schedule in AHL & WHL.

Do you guys think that when they are in the new building attendance will increase for the Wranglers, at least in the first few seasons? From what I've observed this season the place looks pretty empty most nights, but I saw some highlights from a recent game once the break started and there was a decent amount of people attending.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

Isn't Medicine Hat also one of the richest cities in Canada? I recall at one point, they were the only city to be able to say they had 0% homelessness because they were able to house everyone. Their city actually generates revenue from things other than property taxes.

What does Airdrie have? They're essentially a satellite community for Calgary. I can't think of anything that's produced out of Airdrie.

What do you mean "produced"? They have a lot of large scale retail, warehouses (well in RVC), mechanics, etc.

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Jay Random

It's a neat idea, but it would kill the Blades and Pats stone dead.

It probably would - but I doubt either team would survive long term if they both stuck in the market (unless the Flames are willing to write-off loses for the AHL team)

[Braden]

Haha watched a few vids on Wranglers X page, Gridin referring to his own shoot out goal as nasty is just gold

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

What do you mean "produced"? They have a lot of large scale retail, warehouses (well in RVC), mechanics, etc.

I just know Medicine Hat has a lot of natural gas as things they get royalties on, and they are quite fiscally responsible. Not sure what Airdrie's situation's like or if they are comparable to M

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by The Yen Man

I just know Medicine Hat has a lot of natural gas as things they get royalties on, and they are quite fiscally responsible. Not sure what Airdrie's situation's like or if they are comparable to M

I really doubt a municipality is collecting royalties on PNG.