OT: Second NHL team for Toronto?

[paranoid_android]

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/521571

The 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.

[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.

[shyn3]

I think Gardens is too close to ACC so that would probably be an issue that the MLSE will get pissy about.

[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.

[Winggfly]

Dude your a little late on posting a thread on this article....

[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.

[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!).

[jay632]

yeah, more raptor games on tsn2 if this happens, because sportsnet and tsn will air all the hockey they can.

[Brownman06]

I thought hockey was dying in GTA?!

[mcleex]

I thought hockey was dying in GTA?!

Wtf..........

[sh00n]

Im letting it go this time, but if you troll again you'll be getting an official warning


-Crowned

[Brownman06]

I thought hockey was dying in GTA?!

Wtf..........

http://www.torontosun.com/news/columnis ... 1-sun.html

http://www.thestar.com/Hockey/NHL/article/497899

[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.