Sodboy13 Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 Okay, since the AHL is now the premier league for pro hockey in North America (for better or worse,) let's talk about it a little. The Iowa Stars are entering the AHL next season, expanding the AHL to 29 teams. Assuming that all of this year's franchises stick around (the Worcester affiliation is being transferred to Peoria, so no team lost there,) the next logical step would be to expand to 30 teams, thereby giving each NHL club its own farm team. So, where should the 30th AHL team go? My vote is for either Oklahoma City or Fort Wayne. Both teams are drawing upwards of 7,000 fans per game in AA leagues. Both teams have a long history of sustained fan support. Of course, I imagine there are other cities that are also viable candidates. I have a soft spot for the Komets, myself, because that would bring to 8 the total number of franchises from my beloved IHL into the AHL. What do you guys think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slapshot Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 I think the Calgary Flames are committed to putting a team in Omaha next season. Their contact to be a dual affiliate of the Lowell LockMonsters ends after this season, and Calgary will be sending its players to the Midwest. The Carolina Hurricanes will remain as Lowell's NHL affiliate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suigi Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 Giving my props to Quebec City, Kansas City, or Oklahoma City. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randyc Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 ya Omaha will supposedly be the 30th in the AHL next season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STL FANATIC Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 If Worcester could get a team together, there's no reason they couldn't have another one.From what I understand, the move has very little to do with problems in Worcester. Rather, it's a matter of the owner of the current Peoria team and Blues second level minor league team wanting to make their team (well actually relinquishing/folding/selling their team, buying and then moving Worcester) the top level Blues affiliate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slapshot Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 I'll bet the low attendance numbers also figured into that move to Peoria as well. Worcester has been in the bottom quarter of the league in attendance the past few seasons.I did hear a rumor that some people from Portland had been down to take a look at the DCU Center back in November when the move was first mentioned, but I have no idea if it's about a possible move for the Pirates franchise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mings Posted March 4, 2005 Share Posted March 4, 2005 You know what I dont get? People that complain about teams moving due to poor attendance, but have never been to a game themselves. Not saying its any of you guys. I was talkin to a guy today and he was like yeah the colts better not move, it wouldnt be right for the fans. so i asked if hes ever been to a game. and what do ya know he hasnt.on a side note, democrats in the indiana statehouse are dumb, they boycotted and killed over 130 bills, including financing for the stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sodboy13 Posted March 4, 2005 Author Share Posted March 4, 2005 If Worcester could get a team together, there's no reason they couldn't have another one.From what I understand, the move has very little to do with problems in Worcester. Rather, it's a matter of the owner of the current Peoria team and Blues second level minor league team wanting to make their team (well actually relinquishing/folding/selling their team, buying and then moving Worcester) the top level Blues affiliate. Yep, it's something the Peoria owners have wanted to do ever since they went down a notch back in '96 - make themselves the Blues' top affiliate again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROCHitman Posted March 5, 2005 Share Posted March 5, 2005 See below Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROCHitman Posted March 5, 2005 Share Posted March 5, 2005 I think the Calgary Flames are committed to putting a team in Omaha next season. Their contact to be a dual affiliate of the Lowell LockMonsters ends after this season, and Calgary will be sending its players to the Midwest. The Carolina Hurricanes will remain as Lowell's NHL affiliate. RIGHT!Lowell currently shares affiliations with Calgary and Carolina just as Hamilton shares with Dallas and Montreal.There's no need for a 30th when Rochester dominates the other 28 17 straight here!Team GP W L T OTL SOL PTS Rochester 60 42 10 0 3 5 92 Manitoba 57 34 16 0 1 6 75 St. John's 60 33 23 0 1 3 70 Edmonton 58 26 20 0 4 8 64 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEAD! Posted March 5, 2005 Share Posted March 5, 2005 Did you have to double post to make your point? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROCHitman Posted March 5, 2005 Share Posted March 5, 2005 SOrry, I used the back button to edit. It's early in the morning here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dilbert Posted March 5, 2005 Share Posted March 5, 2005 Like mentioned beforeWorcester is going to PeoriaSt.John's is going to TorontoIowa joins the league.Calgary has mentioned of putting a team in Omaha, but nothing is official yet.Portland has also thought of putting a team in Worcester(and I dont see why not.)If the Omaha thing doesnt fall through I would have to say(If theNHL doesnt make it happen at least give the AHL a try) Seattle. Yes they have junior hockey but its just not the same as professional hockey.Also mentioned before in a post were Quebec City, Kansas City,and Oklahoma City.I think it would be a good idea for the OKC Blazers to leave the CHL for the AHL.The Ford Center seats 18,100, so the arena is definitly big enough.Kansas City just got back in the hockey game with a team in the UHL, but with the building of a new arena, they are trying to lure an NHL team to KC.Quebec City had a team in the AHL from 1999-02. Im not sure why they folded, but Quebec needs a new team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ez Street Posted March 5, 2005 Share Posted March 5, 2005 Kansas City would be great. UHL sucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.