10-21-2008, 12:57 PM
Well can any of you provide justification for why this idea is so 'idiotic' or do you just have a hate on for Toronto?
From a business perspective it is a no-brainer. Southern Ontario is easily the largest hockey market on earth and with only one team it is grossly underserved. Winnipeg's building is quite small by NHL standards, and it's highly questionable as to whether the corporate base there is large enough to buy up all the high priced boxes and club seating. Hamilton would certainly address the need for another southern Ontario team, but in additonal to having to appease MLSE, a perspective Hamilton owner would also have to appease the Sabres, as they get a decent percentage of their fans from this side of the border. Corporate support could be an issue there as well, plus there's the expense of renovating Copps or building a few facility.
From a business perspective it is a no-brainer. Southern Ontario is easily the largest hockey market on earth and with only one team it is grossly underserved. Winnipeg's building is quite small by NHL standards, and it's highly questionable as to whether the corporate base there is large enough to buy up all the high priced boxes and club seating. Hamilton would certainly address the need for another southern Ontario team, but in additonal to having to appease MLSE, a perspective Hamilton owner would also have to appease the Sabres, as they get a decent percentage of their fans from this side of the border. Corporate support could be an issue there as well, plus there's the expense of renovating Copps or building a few facility.