OVG's plans for FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton, Ontario could include an AHL team.

[Takuto Maruki]

If it was ever about "convenience" the Canucks would have their team downtown or at the Pacific Coliseum, not in Abbotsford.

I mean...it's more 'convenient' for the Canucks to have AHL ops in Abby considering they have a throughline to most of the Pacific Division from Abbotsford International.

 

[DoyleG]

I mean...it's more 'convenient' for the Canucks to have AHL ops in Abby considering they have a throughline to most of the Pacific Division from Abbotsford International.

YXX doesn't have any flights to the US. The Canucks operate their flights out of YVR.

 

[Jeffrey93]

An NHL or bust mentality seems to me to be the epitome of letting perfection be the enemy of good.

That being said, would the AHL be better supported than the OHL there? I could've sworn that there was genuine excitement the last time the Bulldogs closed their AHL ops and changed into an OHL team.

The response to the OHL Bulldogs was much better than the AHL. It's just more exciting hockey and players actually want to be there.
I really can't believe that Andlauer was that butt hurt by an admittedly weak line of communication that he'd not bring the OHL team back to play in what will likely be the best venue in the league. The luxury suites in the lower bowl, the event level boxes, the ability to host the Memorial Cup, World Junior hosting....I can't believe he'd turn all that down. But, he's done weird things in the past, so maybe he will.

I'd actually prefer an ECHL team over an AHL team, more fun to watch.

 

[Jeffrey93]

No , makes no sense, it’s a 2 hour 15 minute drive atm.
About 5 1/2 -6 hours, to Hamilton

Keeping a rivalry with Toronto, is not at the top of their wish list, and Belleville is only 2 hours away from TO, not to mention that there are rumours of the Marlies moving to Hamilton.

I think if the Sens have their AHL affiliate in Belleville or Hamilton, in the grand scheme of things, it's a pretty petty difference either way. How often are you busing players to your home rink where a few hours matter? If it's that important...hire a pilot and have that Hamilton player in Ottawa in 40 minutes. I'm not sure if that's a real option in Belleville.

But, just like when the Habs had their AHL team in Hamilton....it's not a team people in Hamilton really align with. The Canucks had a good response ( I thought) when they had their AHL team in Hamilton.
The Canadiens and Senators are Maple Leaf rivals....and if Hamiltonians can't have their own team, they're Leafs fans. Asking a fan base to support the minor league affiliate of their NHL rival is a pretty ballsy move.

Best choice for everyone is the Marlies move to Hamilton. Well, best choice is Hamilton having an NHL team of their own....but this is the best AHL scenario.

 

[jetsmooseice]

The response to the OHL Bulldogs was much better than the AHL. It's just more exciting hockey and players actually want to be there.

Having been a STH for the AHL (Moose) and WHL/junior (ICE) I can tell you that hands down, my preference between the two is junior. And it's not even close really.

• More entertaining style of play...AHL has the somewhat dull discipline/systems of the NHL but without any star power
• Stable rosters... even the brightest lights stay with their junior team for two years, while AHL rosters can be like a revolving door some years and great players never stay long
• Junior tickets are cheaper, AHL tickets are more expensive but for a duller overall experience
• Just better overall grassroots vibes, when the ICE were here they did lots of events for minor hockey players/kids, my kids took advantage of a lot of those and there were some great experiences

I know there is a certain prestige with a pro AHL team but realistically for most hockey fans, I think they're going to enjoy junior a lot more. The AHL kind of delivers a watered down version of the NHL game, while junior is a much different product altogether.