It would make more sense to keep the baby Sens where they are and move the Bulldogs to Cornwall
Cornwall would be great but the existing rink is horrid. If Cornwall could ever figure out a Reno or a new rink, it would be a really good option. I know the City is in a much better financial situation than it was a decade ago but I am not sure they are willing to sink $$$ into Reno’s.
IIRC, I believe the existing rink can have its roof pulled off and some form of expansion can happen but my memory on that is a little foggy So I cannot say for sure.
Would Andlauer sink $$$ into the junior team at this stage or is he more likely to try to sell the Bulldogs and concentrate on the Sens? I think that may be an important question as well. If he does sell the team, that opens the possibility of a relocation to almost anywhere that makes sense for the league.
Completely different topic all together and it would NEVER happen but a relocation of the Gatineau Olympiques to the OHL would be awesome for both the Olympiques and the OHL. Gatineau pretty much has to go through Montreal to visit any team they need to play (Rouyn-Noranda and Val D’Or being the exceptions at 4:30 and 5:30 away).
While basically a reverse swap from 2015 does make much sense, especially with the size of the markets, I’m not sure the move makes sense for the Ottawa Sens to relocate their farm team further from Ottawa. NHL teams have been moving their affiliates closer for better accessibility to call up and send down players. Moving the AHL team from Belleville to Hamilton pretty much doubles the commute for players, which isn’t easy if a player in Hamilton is told he’s in the lineup tonight in Ottawa.
I wouldn’t rule out the idea, but it’s probably one of the main challenges for Andlauer and the Ottawa Senators to consider. With that said, there is no doubt that Andlauer has a passion for hockey in Hamilton.
Considering there is an airport in Hamilton with flights to Ottawa or close proximity to Pearson if they were on the road at the time, I think Hamilton, although further distance wise, would be a much better transportation hub for player access. Belleville is fine provided the access is via car.