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THE HPT 10: Markets that need an NHL team Print
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Written by Mike Cook   
Saturday, July 31, 2010 00:00
The Phoenix Coyotes may or may not remain in the desert. Most of the Southeast Division has attendance problems, and the Nashville Predators have been on life support in Music City seemingly for five years.

If any of these teams look to relocate or – gulp – the league decides expansion is a viable option, which area should be considered for the NHL? Critics might say some of the following cities have had their chance, but in most cases it was not because of their fans. 

10. Houston

The largest U.S. city without an NHL team, Houston has supported hockey since Gordie Howe and the Aeros in the 1970s. The AHL team gets adequate support – better than how Dallas supported minor-league hockey before the Stars moved to Big D. Natural rivalry with the Stars.

9. Saskatoon

Is there enough of a population base (about 1 million) to support an NHL team? The WHL's Blades have a great local following, but would enough fans come from throughout the province to fill the rink every night? The area continues to grow, but corporate support could also be an issue. Potential rivalry with Edmonton.

8. Hartford

Bring back the Whale!

7. Kansas City

New arena with plenty of amenities awaits some owner. No pro hoops to compete against. Potentially a prime rivalry with the Avalanche. Being America's 33rd-ranked media market hurts.

6. Las Vegas

Constantly overlooked by every major sport, some team or league will eventually take a chance. With a metropolitan area of over 2 million people, plus all the tourist dollars that exist, Sin City deserves a chance.

5. Quebec City

The Nordiques left for Denver because the value of the Canadian dollar was low, and they couldn’t get a new arena. Mayor Regis Lebeaume has expressed support for a $400-million, 18,000-seat arena that would be funded with $50 million in local taxpayer money with the provincial and federal government covering the remaining costs.  Canada’s largest market without an NHL team has a rabid fan base.

4. Seattle

The Emerald City makes sense geographically. The city has desirable population (14th in market size), income level and corporate base, not to mention a good history with minor-league hockey. Would be an instant rival to Vancouver and maybe the California teams. Also, could potentially allow Detroit or Columbus to move to the Eastern Conference. The Sonics went to Oklahoma City through no fault of the fans. However, Key Arena could be a concern, just as it was for the Sonics. The city already won a Stanley Cup with the Metropolitans in 1917.

3. Toronto

It's all about demand. For decades, the Maple Leafs have been one of the worst teams in the league, yet the Air Canada Centre is full every night, and season tickets are nearly impossible to get. Another natural rivalry would be good for the game in a hockey-crazed country. Potential to be White Sox-Cubs, Yankees-Mets or Rangers-Islanders. This is almost a license for the league to print money.

2. Winnipeg

A newer arena, albeit a smaller one (capacity: 15,015), resolves much of why the Jets went to Phoenix. It was not the fan support that drove away the Jets. This market would definitely work much better than many of the current southern USA markets. Wouldn’t it be great to see the White Ocean back where it belongs? Have to bring back the Jets name. 

1. Hamilton

There are something like 6 million people with 50 miles. Owners threatening to move – or potential owners like Jim Balsille – have reportedly been comfortable with arena upgrades and corporate involvement. Fans have put down deposits showing their willingness to purchase season tickets. However, Buffalo is not that far away and the league might fear hurting the smaller-market Sabres. Hamilton used to have an NHL team, albeit from 1920-25. (See videos of the June 2009 civic rally.)

Other possibilities: Kitchener/Waterloo, Milwaukee, Portland, Oklahoma City, Baltimore.

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Last Updated on Thursday, July 29, 2010 11:25