Beakermania said:
How about rewarding fans who would support it, sure Canada gets it a lot, but we are a big nation, it being in Vancouver does nothing more for me than it being in finland interms of me being able to go to games. Vancouver is like a three or 4 day drive from where i am in Hamilton. We support the sport, we should get more games before a country that won't show up to games should. Bring it to Toronto 2009.
If by "we" you mean the people of Toronto or the GTA, then I will have to agree and disagree with you, here's why...
Yes we are a crazy hockey market, however when it comes to almost anything that isn't Toronto Maple Leaf related, this market really isn't all that enthused about it. I am with you, if they brought the tourney to Toronto, I would love it, however, history speaks for itself.
The OHL really is not that well received with the St. Mikes Majors, when they hosted the Draft day in '02 it was a disaster. I know that really isn't the same thing, but my point is that it is a very short tournament, and they have to maximize their profits. So by choosing not to have it in Toronto, there must be a very good and profitable reason for it.
As far as exposure goes, there would be no better place, but you need to back that up with fannies in the seats. By and large this is not a hockey market, it is very much however a Maple leaf market. The fans want the best and nothing else really seems to measure up or is worth their time.
The NHL is undoubtedly the best league in the world, so you have Leafs fans and season ticket holders on waiting lists for their chance to put a 2nd mortgage on the house just so that they can get their Leafs fix first hand.
Now you have the St. Johns Maple Leafs coming to town next season, and while it is hard to argue with bringing them here, it would make call ups easier, and the fans can watch the prospects grow worthy of a spot ont the parent team. Do I think it will work? No, not really, because this town wants the big show, it has to be NHL or nothing.
As I said before this is not how I feel personally, because I love junior hockey and would absolutely be thrilled to see the WJC here, that is just how I see the situation around Toronto.