OHL Expansion

[OMG67]

Niagara IceDogs. But given their attendance decline from 4800/game to 3200/game, 18 million may be too much to ask. I doubt he sells unless he gets close to his asking price.

I think a capable owner can easily recapture disillusioned fans. $18mil for that franchise, in OHL terms, is probably a steal depending on the status of the current lease.

 

[bigsportsfan]

I know he approached two different wealthy individuals in Niagara to ask if they had any interest in buying the IceDogs. One said they were not interested but I don’t know the outcome of the other discussion.

Icedogs fans are cautiously optimistic.

 

[the dog]

With right ownership this franchise is top 5 in ohl

 

[dogs777]

I think a capable owner can easily recapture disillusioned fans. $18mil for that franchise, in OHL terms, is probably a steal depending on the status of the current lease.

The status of the lease is I believe 10 more years

 

[OMG67]

The status of the lease is I believe 10 more years

Yeah. I was thinking more about the cost

 

[HockeyPops]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/cornwall-absolutely-ready-to-welcome-ohl-back-says-mayor-1.7419143

 

[OMG67]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/cornwall-absolutely-ready-to-welcome-ohl-back-says-mayor-1.7419143

Would love it for Cornwall to get a team. It would make the East Division a little easier to navigate with all teams East of the GTA. Then when the Baby senators leave Belleville, add another team to Belleville and the East Division would be healthy with six teams east of the GTA in a 24 team league.

The one good thing about that rink is I think they can raise the roof and add private boxes above the south side stands. I think the seating is adequate enough for the rest of the rink. IT does have a reasonable number of seats and that can support the team for sure. IT is more a matter of whether renovations can happen at a reasonable cost.

 

[Roadhog]

Nobody has mentioned Newmarket. 3700 seats at Ray Twinney, but the same age as FOC in Hamilton so likely needs a few upgrades.

 

[backwoods]

The OHL needs to address playing the same teams 8 times a year.. it's a joke. Change it up.. play the west more then twice a year or vice versa.

 

[Otto]

Nobody has mentioned Newmarket. 3700 seats at Ray Twinney, but the same age as FOC in Hamilton so likely needs a few upgrades.

3,700 isn't a permanent solution for an OHL franchise these days

The OHL needs to address playing the same teams 8 times a year.. it's a joke. Change it up.. play the west more then twice a year or vice versa.

It's done to limit travel costs

 

[backwoods]

I get that.. but if Ottawa is riding to niagra or Brampton. A few more kms to Guelph or kitchener is no big deal. The teams in the Gta could play west teams closer then then east teams.

 

[backwoods]

Why is the Sault in the west when both teams in the north Sudbury and northbay in the east.. lots of arguments on this subject in my eyes.

 

[Otto]

Why is the Sault in the west when both teams in the north Sudbury and northbay in the east.. lots of arguments on this subject in my eyes.

This has been beaten to death. Takes just as long to go to Sudbury from the Soo as it does to go to Saginaw. Flint is 30 minutes closer to the Soo than North Bay is. Windsor and Sarnia are closer to the Soo than any other team not mentioned

I get that.. but if Ottawa is riding to niagra or Brampton. A few more kms to Guelph or kitchener is no big deal. The teams in the Gta could play west teams closer then then east teams.

Except it is a big deal.. it's another night in a hotel + meals for 35+ people.

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

The OHL needs to address playing the same teams 8 times a year.. it's a joke. Change it up.. play the west more then twice a year or vice versa.

You have to remember that more than half the kids are still in high school too. And while many are doing things virtually, there are still expected / required to attend a certain amount of classes. More long trips mean likely more missed Monday or Thursday/Friday classes.