I hate to say it, but I think we Canadians are becoming whiny bitches when it comes to the non-traditional market teams in the U.S. Everywhere you turn, there's some piece on how 'non-tradtional' markets just aren't working, and the NHL should return to its roots.
Nobody complains about the Dallas Stars, Carolina or any of the three California teams. *ALL* of those are non-traditional markets. It's not really about 'tradition' at all. After all, even teams in 'traditional' markets have struggled or currently are. Edmonton, Buffalo, Ottawa and the New York Islanders come to mind here.
This chatter has only been heightened with the woes of the Coyotes franchise, of which there are several factors involved, including the location of the arena in relation to population distribution, the actual product on the ice, and the financial mismanagement from ownership to this point.
Look, the owners aren't stupid (not many stupid people can earn the multi-millions it takes to purchase and maintain any professional sports franchise). They know they'll make a boatload of money in Hamilton, but why not get the expansion fee as well? That's all they're waiting for. That's the cherry on top. It's not that they don't want more teams in Canada, they just want to maximize their profit from it.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Enough With The 'Non-Traditional' Tag
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I've certainly never said "non-traditional" market. I don't give a damn if its a traditional market - it just needs to make sense for God sakes.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, continually putting teams in places that failed in the past is a stupid idea, especially when Canada has to fight tooth and nail to get a team period. Cities that previously failed in the U.S. and have been given second chances: Colorado, Atlanta, Minnesota, and so on. Winnipeg and Quebec will never get another chance at NHL teams.