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OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 1:56 pm
by paranoid_android
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/521571The subject of a second NHL team, either in or near Toronto, once again is a public talking point. The response here and elsewhere, as it has been and will be again, is simple: bring it on.
Gary Bettman's attempt to make the NHL an attractive property throughout the United States will run right into the brick wall of the declining U.S. economy.
Jim Balsillie apparently still wants a team, even though his Research In Motion company took a $13 billion one-day tumble in a stock market gully a couple of weeks ago. That must have impressed the NHL governors; how many in their lodge could take that kind of punch and keep coming forward?
If a suitable place to play is the issue, well, things are happening. The $310 million project at Woodbine, on the GTA's largest zoned but undeveloped piece of property, is still scheduled to start next spring. It includes a small arena/ice pad for skating shows. Here's betting Woodbine and the development company would listen to ideas. Also, the 2015 Pan Am Games bid is moving forward and could involve significant construction of sports facilities at Downsview. We'll know within 10 months if that project lives or dies, but, again, the chance is there to add or expand an arena.
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:01 pm
by Jatt
M'eh, don't mind the idea, think if they want to make the team a 'hit' in this city, they should buy and refurbish Maple Leaf Gardens, they would get sell out after sell out just from hockey fans wanting the sense of nostalgia.
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:33 pm
by shyn3
I think Gardens is too close to ACC so that would probably be an issue that the MLSE will get pissy about.
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:35 pm
by Gold Chain
It would not be in Toronto as it would violate the Leafs territory.
Hamilton or Kitchener/Tri-City is much eaiser to believe.
Let's hope so that we can go to more than one NHL game a year here in the southern Ontario.
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:36 pm
by Winggfly
Dude your a little late on posting a thread on this article....
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:42 pm
by g.muresan
Uhhhh... Hamilton has been primed and waiting for a team. Copps is there and was built for easy expansion for luxury boxes etc.
Gretzky: NHL in Hamilton would work -->
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/09/ ... n_gretzky/R.I.M. stock is up 50%+ in the past month, I don't think Bassille is hurting for now.
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 2:44 pm
by springbreak
The arena proposal in Vaughan is a joke (and the article in the Globe makes it sound like the group that is proposing it are too). I wouldn't want a 2nd team here, and if this is moving forward there better be no government money to assist in building a totally unnecessary 17-20K seat stadium in the GTA. Winnipeg deserves their team back, or give Seattle something to fill the void left by the Sonics (for the next 5 years until they get them back!).
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 3:45 pm
by jay632
yeah, more raptor games on tsn2 if this happens, because sportsnet and tsn will air all the hockey they can.
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 3:53 pm
by Brownman06
I thought hockey was dying in GTA?!
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:16 pm
by mcleex
Brownman06 wrote:I thought hockey was dying in GTA?!
Wtf..........
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:32 pm
by sh00n
Im letting it go this time, but if you troll again you'll be getting an official warning
-Crowned
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 1:49 am
by Brownman06
Re: OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?
Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 6:10 am
by J-Roc
This would kill the Sabres once and for all. Not worth it for the NHL to lose Buffalo for Hamilton. Same size markets, but Buffalo is at least a US tv market.