Las Vegas rumored to get an expansion team

[LeftWinger 5,036]

I really don't think that the outside interference will be that bad...They have prostitution and strip clubs in EVERY city they travel to. Some cities have gambling in them, so its not like that will be something new. It's all in how they conduct themselves. They STILL have team curfews no matter which city they are in, and if they break those, they get fined or benched or disciplined another way. They still don't want to blow all their money on gambling (at least I wouldn't want to) so I am sure MOST players would be frugal enough to cut it off at a certain point.

I get it though, Las Vegas, Sin City, parties abundant! Porn Stars! Sex Clubs! Blah, Blah...like its been said, most, if not all of those temptations are available everywhere in North America. I understand that its more available there, but, if anything, teams may have even MORE team rules while they are in Vegas, just to keep the players in check more...

I don't want to see expansion (although it may rid my team of a useless player (but that is another story)) but if Arizona moved there, I wouldn't be mad, nor would I be worried about the players getting out of hand after the game.

[Shinzaki 72]

Legal prostitution.

No..that is false. Vegas does not have legal prostitution. The state of Nevada does, but it's confined to rural areas literally in the middle of nowhere.

[Mckinley25 678]

No..that is false. Vegas does not have legal prostitution. The state of Nevada does, but it's confined to rural areas literally in the middle of nowhere.

You wouldn't know it by going there. I'm sure enough of you have been to know you can't swing a dead prostitute without hitting a prostitute in Vegas.

I don't have the economic knowledge to question the expansion from a business standpoint, but I hate the idea as a hockey fan.

[Shinzaki 72]

hunter...you are arguing image vs reality. You imagine that Vegas offers some unique cornucopia of sin and temptation that is going to be overwhelming to these impressionable young men. It's hogwash...bunkum..I'd ever go so far as to say it's pure unadulterated hokum. Yeah...I went there. Prostitution is as illegal in Vegas as it is Detroit....who cares? If these guys want to find a quick hook up, there's ample opportunity everywhere.....EVERYWHERE

Yes..Vegas will have sports books and no other state outside of Delaware does...what difference does that actually make? There are other forms of gambling via casinos everywhere (AGAIN... OUR OWNER HAS A CASINO) hell...you or I could fire up the smartphone and gamble online...who cares? If a player is going to be susceptible to gambling issues, he will be just as susceptible in Detroit as Vegas.

Your fixation with Vegas as some hotbed of sin that you must protect these fine young men from is so childish and naive that I find it amusing

You wouldn't know it by going there. I'm sure enough of you have been to know you can't swing a dead prostitute without hitting a prostitute in Vegas.

I don't have the economic knowledge to question the expansion from a business standpoint, but I hate the idea as a hockey fan.

Re prostitution...same can be said for any town that hosts conventions with any regularity.

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

I don't care about protecting the players, I care about the league having scandals like the NFL, and NBA have as often as they do, and they won't even put teams there.

We already have to deal with a lockout every ten years, I'm not saying something horrible is going to happen in Vegas, I'm saying the risks are higher there. Which is true, even if its simply because the guys who can't control it, lose it there.

Not every player is going to go there and dive in to all the temptations they can find because they're so overwhelmed by it, but the ones who already have issues, or when the young guys get their big payday and are out there and have had a little too much to drink. Things are going to go bad and I dont think the NHL has a strong enough following in the deserts(other than being propped up by casinos/hotels) to make it worth the risk that comes with it. Messages seem to get muddied when you have to explain them 15 different ways to someone, so I guess I see where you got confused.

Edited August 11, 2015 by jimmyemeryhunter

[Shinzaki 72]

I'm not confused about anything...you've mapped out a series of arguments based on the notion that there is something especially bad about Las Vegas when it comes to...for lack of a better phrase...moral temptations. I think that's a rather silly concept as temptations literally follow these guys around.

I don't think Vegas is a good target for expansion for other reasons. Phoenix had a far better track record of supporting minor hockey and a WHA team and the NHL has failed there. I don't think Vegas would fare any better...I can't even think of a reason why it might. I'm unconvinced that hockey can make it in the desert. I think Seattle or Salt Lake City in the west maybe Cleveland in the Midwest (the Barons failed because the arena they were in was a Godawful haul from the city..in my mind it's a miracle the Cavs survived.) perhaps even Cincinnati...would be better options than Vegas.

[PavelValerievichDatsyuk 1,935]

I'm not confused about anything...you've mapped out a series of arguments based on the notion that there is something especially bad about Las Vegas when it comes to...for lack of a better phrase...moral temptations. I think that's a rather silly concept as temptations literally follow these guys around.

I don't think Vegas is a good target for expansion for other reasons. Phoenix had a far better track record of supporting minor hockey and a WHA team and the NHL has failed there. I don't think Vegas would fare any better...I can't even think of a reason why it might. I'm unconvinced that hockey can make it in the desert. I think Seattle or Salt Lake City in the west maybe Cleveland in the Midwest (the Barons failed because the arena they were in was a Godawful haul from the city..in my mind it's a miracle the Cavs survived.) perhaps even Cincinnati...would be better options than Vegas.

I'm against Vegas (and Pheonix) having a team, but I think the Phoenix comparison is problematic. Maybe hockey wouldn't survive there regardless, but it seems that a lot of their problems stem from putting the arena in Glendale rather than downtown Phoenix where there is a more dense population and near nightlife, etc.

If the Vegas arena was on or near the strip, that would make it more likely to succeed than the Yotes.

[GMRwings1983 8,799]

Will there be slot machines in the penalty box?

Imagine the partying the team would do after games.

[Euro_Twins 4,485]

Imagine the partying the team would do after games.

No guys. It's just like being in Detroit

[kipwinger 8,621]

It's not "just like being in Detroit". But It's probably not significantly more tempting for a young person than places like Miami or LA. This notion that after parties in Vegas spell impending doom for young players, but the ones in South Beach don't, is absurd and completely overblown. Didn't Jarret Stoll just get busted for cocaine in LA? What do you think he'd do if he played for a team in Vegas...cocaine? Or is the implication that he'd be on heroin or meth?

In general this entire thread seems to be full of people attempting to justify their knee jerk distaste for a team in Vegas. Which is entirely unnecessary. Why not just own up to the fact that many hockey fans are extremely protective of their (niche) sport, and are uncomfortable with the idea of it being played in places (and by people) who are incompatible with our traditional notions of what is "hockey-like"? In other words, "we don't want them playing it, because this is our sport, and they aren't like us". Hockey is perceived as a northern sport and we don't want southerners or westerns playing it, even if it's perfectly viable in the south and west (which is mostly is).

Edited August 13, 2015 by kipwinger

[GMRwings1983 8,799]

I wonder how Moe Greene would feel about a hockey team in Vegas?

[DickieDunn 2,571]

Will there be slot machines in the penalty box?

No, just strippers

[Shinzaki 72]

The penalty boxes are full of coupons for discount at buffets and awesome drink specials at the casinos

[55fan 5,133]

No guys. It's just like being in Detroit

They have no guys in Detroit either?

That sucks, but I doubt that guys are what the majority are looking for.

[LeftWinger 5,036]

I can imagine they may have slots on the concourse though, eh?

Just imagine the between periods entertainment, Tony Bennet, Celine Dion, The winner of America's Got Talent, Katie Morgan, Blue Man Group...Criss Angel, now we're talking!

Edited August 13, 2015 by LeftWinger

[Euro_Twins 4,485]

They have no guys in Detroit either?

That sucks, but I doubt that guys are what the majority are looking for.

Lol I'm dying

Vegas won't be able to support a hockey team. It's simple

[wingsfan4795 552]

Didn't Jarret Stoll just get busted for cocaine in LA?

Actually he was arrested in Las Vegas but I agree with your overall argument

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

It's not "just like being in Detroit". But It's probably not significantly more tempting for a young person than places like Miami or LA. This notion that after parties in Vegas spell impending doom for young players, but the ones in South Beach don't, is absurd and completely overblown. Didn't Jarret Stoll just get busted for cocaine in LA? What do you think he'd do if he played for a team in Vegas...cocaine? Or is the implication that he'd be on heroin or meth?

In general this entire thread seems to be full of people attempting to justify their knee jerk distaste for a team in Vegas. Which is entirely unnecessary. Why not just own up to the fact that many hockey fans are extremely protective of their (niche) sport, and are uncomfortable with the idea of it being played in places (and by people) who are incompatible with our traditional notions of what is "hockey-like"? In other words, "we don't want them playing it, because this is our sport, and they aren't like us". Hockey is perceived as a northern sport and we don't want southerners or westerns playing it, even if it's perfectly viable in the south and west (which is mostly is).

I think it will be fine in Vegas.

I do think their will be more conflicts/drama than we are used to, sort of like what were dealing with this off season compared to others.

I am worried about it becoming an actual problem, and the NHL getting a bad reputation, but the girls/drugs thing wasn't my biggest concern with it even though I do think its slightly more risky there, which is still my opinion. But if there is a scandal about someone betting on games that they play in, I think the back lash will be severely overblown simply due to the fact that the NHL was the first to expand there. I don't expect everyone to agree with my rational for it, but it is what it is.

For the record, in the old thread I did say I'd have less of a problem with it if they moved a struggling team there instead of expanding.

Hahaha.

It was actually in Vegas.

With coke, and MDMA...

Edited August 14, 2015 by jimmyemeryhunter

[frankgrimes 1,836]

I think it will be fine in Vegas.

I do think their will be more conflicts/drama than we are used to, sort of like what were dealing with this off season compared to others.

I am worried about it becoming an actual problem, and the NHL getting a bad reputation, but the girls/drugs thing wasn't my biggest concern with it even though I do think its slightly more risky there, which is still my opinion. But if there is a scandal about someone betting on games that they play in, I think the back lash will be severely overblown simply due to the fact that the NHL was the first to expand there. I don't expect everyone to agree with my rational for it, but it is what it is.

For the record, in the old thread I did say I'd have less of a problem with it if they moved a struggling team there instead of expanding.

Hahaha.

It was actually in Vegas.

With coke, and MDMA...

Why even defend the thoughts ? I don't care what some people think I want hockey to remain a niche sport, it's nice to know who is there but more importantly who isn't and hopefully never will be. Also I hope hockey will never ever become close to the crimerates of the thugleague = NBA or the NFL

The current front-office would play hockey on the moon if there was a 1 % chance of that, I mean I don't surf in the winter and hockey doesn't belong to places like Vegas not just because of the huge sideshows but also because their isn't and will ever be enough interest most of the fans will be of the opposing teams and the premium seats will be sold but empty. Also people are always mentioning Phoenix and Florida but keep in Mind Carolina is also getting into more and more trouble so that's 3 possible relocation teams in the next 5 years.

[jimmyemeryhunter 2,747]

Why even defend the thoughts ? I don't care what some people think I want hockey to remain a niche sport, it's nice to know who is there but more importantly who isn't and hopefully never will be. Also I hope hockey will never ever become close to the crimerates of the thugleague = NBA or the NFL

The current front-office would play hockey on the moon if there was a 1 % chance of that, I mean I don't surf in the winter and hockey doesn't belong to places like Vegas not just because of the huge sideshows but also because their isn't and will ever be enough interest most of the fans will be of the opposing teams and the premium seats will be sold but empty. Also people are always mentioning Phoenix and Florida but keep in Mind Carolina is also getting into more and more trouble so that's 3 possible relocation teams in the next 5 years.

I have a feeling that the hockey market could grow there though, which is kind of the point of expansion. The draw of Having a pro team there should be enough to fill more seats than buffalo has had the last few years. And I have a feeling that the season tickets, if not being used by the owners, will find someone to sit in those seats through the hotels or casinos.

I can appreciate you wanting it to remain a niche sport, but I'd like for it to grow.

[wings4thecup06 504]

I just think that, like it or not, these guys are professional athletes, and therefore they are role models to millions of people and children growing up. Thus, they're off ice behaviour is probably, almost more important than the behaviour they exhibit on it. If we place a team in Vegas, are we likely to see more stories about off ice behaviour? Can you imagine if the NFL had a team in Vegas?

All of these things are obviously subject to our own opinions, and are all projectables. These things may or may not happen at all, and a team there could be a success. Or it coiuld not, and could end up giving the league a bad name. Personally, I don;t think it's worth the risk, especially considering that the 3 biggest sports in the US do not have a franchise in Vegas. I would have thought that would be enough to prohibit the NHL from attempting something like this. Especially considering the vast failures they've had in small, non-hockey markets...