Hockey in Winnipeg?

[Scott]

It's being talked about, seriously.

The Atlanta Thrashers are the team that could be moved, according to CBC's early game, second intermission, group of talking heads. Another point they made was that Jim Balsille's atest attempt at ownership has exposed how weak some of the southern US franchaises really are.

Bring back the white wave! We'll likely see them get a Cup before one rolls down Bay Street again

 

[Antoine]

I agree, and I've heard rumor about Quebec city looking to get back an NHL team. More Canadian teams on ice will be great.

 

[muskrat89]

The Coyotes were doing pretty well here in Phoenix when they first arrived. At some point, they moved their team to Glendale which is on the far west side of town. When it came time to explore a new arena, the owners got in a tiff with Scottsdale (their first choice) and Glendale offered them a screamin deal to build there.

The problem is, not only do most of the people/hockey fans live in the center or east side of "the Valley", most of the corporate money is center-east as well. For most people, going to a hockey game on a weeknight means a 15-60 minute trip home, and then another 60+ minute trek back to Glendale. Add to that a team that isn't performing, and its a recipe for disaster.

All that to say it is my belief, and that of most I talk to, that if the Coyotes were on the east side of town, it would be a completely different story. The current situation in Phoenix isn't so much a reflection of popularity, but of team success and arena location.

Remember, people here didn't grow up with hockey in their blood like they do in the north and also the east; in addition, many Phoenix residents are from "somewhere else" and bring their loyalties with them.

 

[George Wallace]

........... in addition, many Phoenix residents are from "somewhere else" and bring their loyalties with them.

We have seen a demise in football (North American) and baseball across Canada as well.  I have seen ball diamonds torn out and made into parks or the new "FAD" soccer (or to some football).  The cost of equipment hasn't help to make some of these decisions to switch to "cheaper" sports any less enticing.

 

[George Wallace]

Muskrat89

Just using Google Earth to try and figure out what you are talking about in the case of  Phoenix.  Just been on a few interesting tours of Phoenix using Google Earth's "Street View" capabilities.  Very interesting. 

Do you have a location for the two arena's you were talking about?  Phoenix is a monsterous 'town' for an outtatowner to find things.

 

[muskrat89]

George - The arena is located at  http://www.jobingarena.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=130

Jobing.com Arena
9400 W. Maryland Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85305

They were going to build at  Scottsdale Road and McDowell  in Scottsdale

I work pretty centrally downtown Phoenix at 7th St and Van Buren - most of the population and business is east of me

I live a bit farther out than typical, look at Power Rd and Queen Creek Rd

Also look at the communities of Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler - all on the east side