Le retour des Nords?

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case, because last year finally stopped the bleeding of their attendance numbers, general interest, etc. Making the playoffs for them was huge on a lot of different levels. But if they can't keep that momentum going, they'll be right back in the toilet.

I agree.

If they aren't in the playoffs this year, Columbus maybe in for a shaky time. Especially if a team moves to Hamilton (not that it's that close, but it wouldn't help them).

[VM1138 1,921]

You guys are missing something when you list all the teams that could move. There won't be some big collossal realignment no matter how hard up some teams are. Look how hard it is to move Phoenix and they're the most obvious case of a failed franchise in every sense of the word.

The only two right now that have any chance (and even those chances are slim) of moving are the Isles and the 'Yotes. Florida, Atlanta, etc. may be failed in our eyes, but they're not miserable enough to move to the head of the line, and realignments and moves don't happen in great numbers.

[cusimano_brothers 1,655]

From Toronto Star :

Quebec City has announced its intention to build a new arena in the hopes of bringing back an NHL team and one day hosting the Winter Olympics.

Mayor Regis Labeaume said on Friday that he's hired engineering firm SNC Lavalin to conduct a feasibility study. He hopes to see the arena built from 2010 to 2012.

Labeaume expects the arena to cost $400 million, with the city contributing $50 million to the project. He wants the federal and provincial governments to each pony up $175 million under infrastructure programs.

...

[schulzte 18]

I think it would be cool if Winnipeg and Quebec got teams back. There is more sentiment for Winnipeg, but the Nordiques drew much better attendance than Winnipeg back in the day. Quebec was averaging 14,000+ in a 15,000 seat arena when they moved to Colorado. How is Winnipeg going to get a team with its arena being too small? They are going to have to expand it somehow to get a team in the long run. Phoenix and Nashville will be the two teams to move.

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

ummm guys Columbus isn't going anywhere.

Columbus, unlike a few other places, has the corporate support needed due to Wendy's/Tim Horton's and Nationwide.

I think Dallas may be a candidate to move if their owner's money troubles continue, Florida is always a possibility as is, obviously, Phoenix.

But columbus isn't moving anywhere (physically) anytime soon. They MIGHT move to the Eastern Conference in the next 2-3 years if other moves pan out, but still...

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

I agree.

If they aren't in the playoffs this year, Columbus maybe in for a shaky time. Especially if a team moves to Hamilton (not that it's that close, but it wouldn't help them).

Explain how?

A team in Hamilton might shove them to the Eastern Conference and probably nearly guarantee a playoff spot with the team they currently have....

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Explain how?

A team in Hamilton might shove them to the Eastern Conference and probably nearly guarantee a playoff spot with the team they currently have....

Loss in attendance. Location, Location, Location...Hamilton poaches from like 5 teams in potential attendance, while other places do near none. It's the whole reason for western expansion, none of the owners wanna give up a slice of their pie, but they want a bigger market and more money.

[rage 24]

From Toronto Star :

You've got to be kidding me!

These assholes are already planning a new arena in hopes of holding the next Olympic Games?!??!?!?!? Not to mention this year's Olympic's will be in VANCOUVER!!

GEEEEZZZZZZZZ........WONDER WHAT THE TURN AROUND FOR THAT WILL BE???

4 YEARS?????????

8 YEARS?????????

12 YEARS????????????????????????

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, GO CANADA!! Wow, what a bunch of self-absorbent punks!

Your new area will not be built in this time period and you should be happy for the teams (in Canada) because the teams we have (in the US) are not the best........

Edited October 17, 2009 by rage

[Cern 0]

...the hell?

One, they're not looking to host *the next* Olympics; those are in Russia. Two, bidding for the games dosen't guarantee you'll host the Games, but without any modern facilities to present to the IOC a bid is going to be impossible. Three, it's the WINTER Olympics; you're pretty limited when it comes to appropriate spots for bids. By 2022/2026 the Games are likely to return back to North America, in which case why the hell CAN'T Quebec City make a bid?

[betterREDthandead 58]

Loss in attendance. Location, Location, Location...Hamilton poaches from like 5 teams in potential attendance, while other places do near none. It's the whole reason for western expansion, none of the owners wanna give up a slice of their pie, but they want a bigger market and more money.

Five? Columbus fans are in Ohio, nobody's gonna drive all the damn way around Lake Erie for a hockey game. Especially not a weeknight game. Hamilton poaches from about 2 and a half teams: the Wings take a hit, but it's right in the Leafs' market and the Sabres would probably be hit even harder.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Five? Columbus fans are in Ohio, nobody's gonna drive all the damn way around Lake Erie for a hockey game. Especially not a weeknight game. Hamilton poaches from about 2 and a half teams: the Wings take a hit, but it's right in the Leafs' market and the Sabres would probably be hit even harder.

Your thinking about everyday hard core fans... I'm talking numbers. Keep in mind your trying to convince a red wings fan living in CALIFORNIA, that the 300 miles from Columbus to Hamilton won't poach players.

Any owner's going to vote for a team in Quebec before they do in Hamilton (except maybe Montreal).

I double checked things, Hamilton is within 250 miles of 4 markets (Ottawa, Toronto, Detroit, Buffalo), 6 within 300mi (Pittsburgh & Columbus). Quebec City is within 250mi of 2 markets (Montreal & Ottawa), and Boston @ ~300mi makes 3.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

ummm guys Columbus isn't going anywhere.

Columbus, unlike a few other places, has the corporate support needed due to Wendy's/Tim Horton's and Nationwide.

I think Dallas may be a candidate to move if their owner's money troubles continue, Florida is always a possibility as is, obviously, Phoenix.

But columbus isn't moving anywhere (physically) anytime soon. They MIGHT move to the Eastern Conference in the next 2-3 years if other moves pan out, but still...

Arby's (Tim Hortons? that's so 2006.) is currently working on giving Wendy's a face lift, and the banking sector has been really hot this last year (Nationwide is a private company and does not release public financials).

[Buppy 1,720]

Your thinking about everyday hard core fans... I'm talking numbers. Keep in mind your trying to convince a red wings fan living in CALIFORNIA, that the 300 miles from Columbus to Hamilton won't poach players.

Any owner's going to vote for a team in Quebec before they do in Hamilton (except maybe Montreal).

I double checked things, Hamilton is within 250 miles of 4 markets (Ottawa, Toronto, Detroit, Buffalo), 6 within 300mi (Pittsburgh & Columbus). Quebec City is within 250mi of 2 markets (Montreal & Ottawa), and Boston @ ~300mi makes 3.

Considering that any Columbus fan would likely have to go through either Detroit or Buffalo to get to Hamilton, and the proximity of Pittsburgh and Chicago, I'd say that any fans willing to take a long trip for a Hockey game already have much better options than anything that might move to Hamilton. So it's probably safe to assume that any Columbus fans either aren't willing to travel, or just aren't interested in other teams.

The only franchise Hamilton would significantly threaten is Buffalo.

[Lamothe 5]

I'd prefer not to see any teams moved, but rather more teams added. Putting one in Quebec and one in Winnipeg would equalize the conferences, and thats good enough for me.

I'm also not opposed to a team in Hamilton, but they'd have to add another to continue to keep things even.... I SAY, GENTLEMEN, SAULT. ST. MARIE!!!!

[evilmrt 636]

You've got to be kidding me!

These assholes are already planning a new arena in hopes of holding the next Olympic Games?!??!?!?!? Not to mention this year's Olympic's will be in VANCOUVER!!

GEEEEZZZZZZZZ........WONDER WHAT THE TURN AROUND FOR THAT WILL BE???

4 YEARS?????????

8 YEARS?????????

12 YEARS????????????????????????

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, GO CANADA!! Wow, what a bunch of self-absorbent punks!

Your new area will not be built in this time period and you should be happy for the teams (in Canada) because the teams we have (in the US) are not the best........

Ok, you have no idea what you're talking about. Quebec City is not eligible for a Winter Olympics until 2022, as the bidding process for the 2018 Olympics is already started (will be France, Germany, or South Korea). 2014 has already been awarded to Sochi, Russia...I'm surprised you didn't notice that after all the talk about the NHL not participating possibly...and Ovechkin, Malkin, and others already saying publically they will play in Sochi regardless.

So the new arena won't be done by 2022?

You know, Canada has only hosted the Winter Olympics once before, and the Summer games just once as well. We in the US have had 4 Winter Olympics, and 4 Summer Olympics.

Thanks for playing.

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

Loss in attendance. Location, Location, Location...Hamilton poaches from like 5 teams in potential attendance, while other places do near none. It's the whole reason for western expansion, none of the owners wanna give up a slice of their pie, but they want a bigger market and more money.

You're smoking some seriously good stuff if you think Columbus BJs fans are going to convert to Hamilton fans

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

Your thinking about everyday hard core fans... I'm talking numbers. Keep in mind your trying to convince a red wings fan living in CALIFORNIA, that the 300 miles from Columbus to Hamilton won't poach players.

Any owner's going to vote for a team in Quebec before they do in Hamilton (except maybe Montreal).

I double checked things, Hamilton is within 250 miles of 4 markets (Ottawa, Toronto, Detroit, Buffalo), 6 within 300mi (Pittsburgh & Columbus). Quebec City is within 250mi of 2 markets (Montreal & Ottawa), and Boston @ ~300mi makes 3.

It won't.

How often, if ever, have you been to Columbus?

If they lose the BJ's now, that will turn off the entire city minus the Pittspuke and Detroit fans on the NHL. They won't be driving the entire way around Lake ******* Erie AND crossing an International border to see a friggin hockey game. Get real.

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

Arby's (Tim Hortons? that's so 2006.) is currently working on giving Wendy's a face lift, and the banking sector has been really hot this last year (Nationwide is a private company and does not release public financials).

Again if you don't know the city, you shouldn't comment.

Wendy's and Tim Horton's was bought by Arby's but they are still maintaining a very strong presence in the city itself at least corporately.

And Nationwide is doing just fine, especially since they are STILL HIRING. And it should be noted they aren't just a banking institution (again that whole not knowing what you're talking about thing).

Columbus hasn't been as affected by this economic downturn as a lot of other cities have been. There is a large and growing FedGov installation, Wright Patterson AFB isn't that far off, and you have the nation's 2nd largest public University sitting about 5 miles north of the arena.

[Seraph 240]

I doubt they'll move any team that has a history of winning cups. It'll probably be one of the failing new franchises.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Ok, you have no idea what you're talking about. Quebec City is not eligible for a Winter Olympics until 2022, as the bidding process for the 2018 Olympics is already started (will be France, Germany, or South Korea). 2014 has already been awarded to Sochi, Russia...I'm surprised you didn't notice that after all the talk about the NHL not participating possibly...and Ovechkin, Malkin, and others already saying publically they will play in Sochi regardless.

So the new arena won't be done by 2022?

You know, Canada has only hosted the Winter Olympics once before, and the Summer games just once as well. We in the US have had 4 Winter Olympics, and 4 Summer Olympics.

Thanks for playing.

Heh... Canada has a smaller population than California. Though that arguement falls apart quickly if ya compare either of the countries to India, China, Brazil, etc... and it's all outta whack. It's $$$.

Canada is bending over and taking it from the IOC. I'm unhappy about it, but I posted about that already.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Again if you don't know the city, you shouldn't comment.

Wendy's and Tim Horton's was bought by Arby's but they are still maintaining a very strong presence in the city itself at least corporately.

And Nationwide is doing just fine, especially since they are STILL HIRING. And it should be noted they aren't just a banking institution (again that whole not knowing what you're talking about thing).

Columbus hasn't been as affected by this economic downturn as a lot of other cities have been. There is a large and growing FedGov installation, Wright Patterson AFB isn't that far off, and you have the nation's 2nd largest public University sitting about 5 miles north of the arena.

Ohio Unemployment (NYTimes)

Your wonderful state that hasn't been hit by this downturn is currently considering casinos to try and correct it's loss of revenue to Detroit and Windsor.(I got a link if ya want).

Ohh... and the Wendy's/Arby's merger means that your lovely Wendy's parent company is headquartered in Atlanta. It's also revamping it's image AGAIN.

OSU is number 1 as of Fall 2009.

Edit:

As to Nationwide, I said their financials are private.

I didn't specify them as only a bank. Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

Get a clue already.

Edited October 19, 2009 by CaliWingsNut

[BuckeyeWingsfan80 209]

Ohio Unemployment (NYTimes)

Your wonderful state that hasn't been hit by this downturn is currently considering casinos to try and correct it's loss of revenue to Detroit and Windsor.(I got a link if ya want).

Ohh... and the Wendy's/Arby's merger means that your lovely Wendy's parent company is headquartered in Atlanta. It's also revamping it's image AGAIN.

OSU is number 1 as of Fall 2009.

Edit:

As to Nationwide, I said their financials are private.

I didn't specify them as only a bank. Thanks for putting words in my mouth.

Get a clue already.

Yeah that's great, quote the NYSlimes

I know you don't believe me. I know I don't really give a good goddamn. Columbus isn't going anywhere and the city is actually doing just fine in this economy - I don't care if you want to believe it or not. And yes you CLEARLY stated the "banking sector was doing hot" and implicitly tied Nationwide into that mess. As for Wendy's, it is still maintaining it's corporate presence in Columbus to a certain extent. That was part of the deal with the Thomas family.

Ohio State and South Florida are continually flipping back and forth for who is actually #1 in total full time student attendance.

And if you think CBJ fans are going to convert to hamilton fans AND ACTUALLY GO TO GAMES you need to smoke more of that funny s*** they sell out there on the leftist coast

Thanks for playing.

Edited October 20, 2009 by BuckeyeWingsfan80

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Yeah that's great, quote the NYSlimes

I know you don't believe me. I know I don't really give a good goddamn. Columbus isn't going anywhere and the city is actually doing just fine in this economy - I don't care if you want to believe it or not. And yes you CLEARLY stated the "banking sector was doing hot" and implicitly tied Nationwide into that mess. As for Wendy's, it is still maintaining it's corporate presence in Columbus to a certain extent. That was part of the deal with the Thomas family.

Ohio State and South Florida are continually flipping back and forth for who is actually #1 in total full time student attendance.

And if you think CBJ fans are going to convert to hamilton fans AND ACTUALLY GO TO GAMES you need to smoke more of that funny s*** they sell out there on the leftist coast

Thanks for playing.

Funny... Michigan's a medical marijuana state now too. Funny you mention it today aswell: Feds Won't Pursue Medical Marijuana Users, Sellers Abiding By State Laws

Ok, so now nationwide isn't a bank? I'm sure there homeowner's & car insurance departments are looking a lot brighter with how those markets have been lately aswell.

No, Columbus, the city is not going anywhere, nor did I say the BJ's were in impending doom. I suggested the possibility their financials weren't as bright as some (such as yourself) may think.

Funny how this:

I agree.

If they aren't in the playoffs this year, Columbus maybe in for a shaky time. Especially if a team moves to Hamilton (not that it's that close, but it wouldn't help them).

Turns into I think Columbus is going to die and lose all it's market to Hamilton. What I was suggesting is the potential maybe 2% (2 outta 100?) loss of fans to another nearby market, which is not what any owner wants.

Edit: even 2% is more than I'm really thinking... were talking out of thousands of fans.

2nd Edit: I posted a separate thread about the justice department memorandum in the political discussion forum, if you wish to discuss that, please do so there as to not muddy our bright and lovely conversation here.

Edited October 20, 2009 by CaliWingsNut

[StevieY9802 6]

Anyways back on the topic a little bit. EK, who we know is full of it most of the time, posted an interesting blog today.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/The-...ain-but/1/23770

"It is no secret that 32 teams is a magic number of sorts. The NHL would get 4-eight team divisions and the return of divisional playoffs that are a win/win for the league."

"If the NHL were to expand to 32 teams I also got the impression that the other team would come down to Vegas, Winnipeg, or Portland, Oregon."

While I like the idea of divisional playoffs again I'm not about expanding to other markets like Vegas or Portland just yet. I've said it 1000 times fix what is here first. Someone earlier said don't relocate teams? Why not? Florida, TB, Nashville, Atlanta and Phoenix are bleeding money and the Jackets aren't doing so hot either. And most of those teams have had very little, to no on-ice success. Relocated to Winnipeg and Quebec City and then go from there. Florida and Phoenix would be my top two teams to move with Atlanta right there. I hope we get a team back in Quebec. I think that would be just huge.

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Vegas would have been an amazing spot for a club, pre Nov 2008.

Now I'm not so sure.

However my fears are only temporary, as I see a return, just a delayed one.