Pittsburgh named finalist for 2018 WJC

[BayStreetBully]

Cop-out. They should've gone with Pittsburgh. You don't always have to put it right by the border.

 

[canuck2010]

Bah humbug! Great for Buffalo but an outdoor game in a world tournament come on.

Enough with these outdoor games at any level. The amount of money grubbing in sports is almost to the point of no return. Will we have special sweaters (jerseys to you American fans) to buy?

 

[La Cosa Nostra]

Enough with the "oh they picked Buffalo because it's near the border" Buffalos market is rabid enough to fill up the majority of the seats just drawing on its local fan base. You really are going to disrespect arguably the largest U.S. Hockey market? You do know that Buffalo almost always is the 3rd highest TV market during the cup only behind the two markets actually playing in it?

 

[Ward Cornell]

Enough with the "oh they picked Buffalo because it's near the border" Buffalos market is rabid enough to fill up the majority of the seats just drawing on its local fan base. You really are going to disrespect arguably the largest U.S. Hockey market? You do know that Buffalo almost always is the 3rd highest TV market during the cup only behind the two markets actually playing in it?

Not disputing your facts above but I might be very generous in saying that 15% of the arena last time was filled by local residents the rest was by fans from Southern Ontario.
and yes, I was there for the whole tourney!

 

[BayStreetBully]

Enough with the "oh they picked Buffalo because it's near the border" Buffalos market is rabid enough to fill up the majority of the seats just drawing on its local fan base. You really are going to disrespect arguably the largest U.S. Hockey market? You do know that Buffalo almost always is the 3rd highest TV market during the cup only behind the two markets actually playing in it?

It's not about disrespect. You just had the WJC! Let another city have its fun.

 

[CaseyMitts37]

Not disputing your facts above but I might be very generous in saying that 15% of the arena last time was filled by local residents the rest was by fans from Southern Ontario.
and yes, I was there for the whole tourney!

I would probably say less than 15% were American, I'm pretty sure I was the only American in my section

 

[The Zombonis]

I don't love the Outdoor game component of this...but the choice of Buffalo is a no-brainer.
Pittsburgh or St. Louis just don't have comparable facilities.
Has anyone here been to HarborCenter? It's two brand new rinks (one seats about 2,000) with world class exercise facilities and a new Marriott Hotel all under one roof. Oh and it's basically attached to the First Niagara Center where the Sabres play. How is any other American city gonna compete with that plus you get the added bonus of all the cross-border ticket sales.

For all those that think the organizers should be "exposing" other parts of the country to amateur hockey that's just nonsense. Pittsburgh and St. Louis don't need to be educated about hockey. There's a lot more money to be made by having it in Western New York. That's the bottom line.

I would argue that St. Louis has comparable - or at least acceptable - facilities to host this tournament. Scottrade Center holds 19k+ and is expected to have some renovations well in advance of 2018. And the Family Arena in suburban St. Charles holds almost 10,000 for hockey and was home to the Missouri River Otters of the United Hockey League from 1997-2006. So I'd say the facilities were there. I think if St. Louis applies for the next one in the U.S., it should be in line to host.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

Not disputing your facts above but I might be very generous in saying that 15% of the arena last time was filled by local residents the rest was by fans from Southern Ontario.
and yes, I was there for the whole tourney!

in all fairness Buffalo's market includes southern Ontario

Bah humbug! Great for Buffalo but an outdoor game in a world tournament come on.

Enough with these outdoor games at any level. The amount of money grubbing in sports is almost to the point of no return. Will we have special sweaters (jerseys to you American fans) to buy?

while normally I'd agree with this, Buffalo was nuts about the last outdoor game and we've been begging for another, tailgating AND hockey, yes please! I think this one was more to do with TPegs trying to get us another winter classic game and not chasing bucks

If you really want to conspiracy something, The Pegula's are trying to get USA hockey to relocate their HQ to Buffalo, so it wouldnt suprise me at all if this is also a TPegs reach around for USA hockey

 

[clevelandcane]

I'm thrilled they selected Buffalo but I would have been just as happy if it were Pittsburgh. I live in Cleveland which is just 3 hours from Buffalo and 2+ to Pittsburgh.

The outdoor game? I'm not feeling that. I've been to some outdoor events and they just don't work for sight lines.

So... how much do the games cost? Can I buy individually or will only packets be available? I know Canada robs folks blind but I wasn't watching this tourney last time it was in the US so I don't know if we rob folks too. Any thoughts on pricing?

 

[Megaera]

So... how much do the games cost? Can I buy individually or will only packets be available? I know Canada robs folks blind but I wasn't watching this tourney last time it was in the US so I don't know if we rob folks too. Any thoughts on pricing?

I don't remember the exact prices last time it was in Buffalo, but my recollection is that the tickets and ticket packages were very reasonable (and that you could buy either individually or packets). Much cheaper than the tickets in Canada last year.

 

[LaxSabre]

2011 World Junior Hockey Championships Ticket Info - Buffalo, NY.

Gold Package - Includes tickets to all 31 games at the two venues (HSBC Arena and Dwyer Arena) including medal rounds.
$40 per seat/$1240 total. 100 Level Seating and Harbor Club Access for all games at HSBC Arena.
Prime Seating at Dwyer Arena - which was the sections from blue line to blue line.

Silver Package - Tickets to all 21 games at the HSBC Arena including medal rounds.
$39.66 per seat/$833 total - 100 Level Seating and 200 Level Seating.

Bronze Package - Tickets to all 21 games at the HSBC Arena including medal rounds.
$23.48 per seat/$493 total - 300 Level Seating.

 

[Insomniac99]

that's disgusting. An outdoor game? USAH challenging Hockey Canada for the title of greediest.

Canadians should just stay on our side of the border and watch this on TV.

Please, feel free to stay.

 

[Les Averman]

UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex just opened a couple months ago too.

Unfortunately it wouldn't be big enough unless you're talking about games with limited attendance. The secondary rink would be fine for practicing, without about 400 seats and the other is limited to about 1,000 plus some standing room at the top. I know that they were hoping to have some involvement as they're currently finishing up a hotel on the premises along with some restaurant and retail space off of 228, but it realistically wasn't going to big enough. Beautiful facility though. Amenities in the locker rooms, weight room and spa are absolutely state-of-the-art. Nicest I've seen.

 

[DyerMaker66*]

in all fairness Buffalo's market includes southern Ontario

Then why don't I get their games on TV?

 

[Jim Bob]

http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/585526?referrer_id=1093254

For the first time ever, the IIHF World Junior Championship will include an outdoor game as part of the preliminary round with the likely matchup between the U.S. and Canada.

“It was an extremely difficult decision as all three finalists in contention to host the event were exceptional,†said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. “We’re excited to be returning to Buffalo and are most thankful for the extraordinary support of the Pegulas, and everyone involved with the Sabres and Bills organizations and Pegula Sports and Entertainment. We look forward to an outstanding event.â€

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

Then why don't I get their games on TV?

68 games to be shown in southern Ontario this season, 15% of the season ticket holders are also from southern Ontario

 

[Jim Bob]

68 games to be shown in southern Ontario this season

My guess is that they don't have Bell TV or they are outside of the area that is getting the games.

http://sabres.nhl.com/v2/ext/pdf/Sabres In Canada FAQs.pdf

http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=781762

The Buffalo Sabres today announced that 68 Sabres games will be carried on Bell TV in Southern Ontario, Canada in the 2015-16 season.

The games will be carried on Bell Fibe TV and Satellite TV services on channel 442 (standard definition on Satellite TV only) and channel 1442 (high definition on Fibe TV and Satellite TV) in homes from Fort Erie/Niagara Falls to Stoney Creek in Southern Ontario.

http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=732274

The Buffalo Sabres today announced that 53 Sabres games will be carried on Bell TV in Southern Ontario in the 2014-15 season.

The games will be carried on Bell Fibe TV and Satellite TV services on channel 442 (standard definition on Satellite TV only) and channel 1442 (high definition on Fibe TV and Satellite TV) in homes from Fort Erie/Niagara Falls to Stoney Creek in Southern Ontario.

 

[OkimLom]

It's not about disrespect. You just had the WJC! Let another city have its fun.

Be mad at USA Hockey more than Buffalo.

Terry and Co. would be doing a disservice to the city of Buffalo if they didn't at least try. There's a reason why they did it, and the majority of it is for money reasons(as if we need another reason for Canadians to spend their money here). There's a reason why Buffalo was chosen. From the history of hosting other tournaments, and the confidence from USA Hockey of Buffalo running it smoothly. Theres many hotels for the players to stay in, with easy access to the rinks around the area. There's two rinks in the same building as where the majority of the players are staying along with the main rink within walking distance.

Team USA obviously feels more confident in Buffalo being able to handle everything than the other cities at this moment. There's a history there.

 

[Nibbler]

Buffalo is a great place for hockey, I just dont like this choice, I feel like they're relying too much on Canada. Canada is basically co-hosting this now. I think Pittsburgh/Erie would have been a better balance. It's still very driveable for Ontario fans and there are international airports, but it would help to grow the game more in other American cities.

Erie is an hour and a half from Buffalo. I'm pretty sure that 1.5 hours would not deter Canadians from coming to watch.

 

[Nibbler]

Not disputing your facts above but I might be very generous in saying that 15% of the arena last time was filled by local residents the rest was by fans from Southern Ontario.
and yes, I was there for the whole tourney!

You're right there. I'm from Buffalo, and I will admit that there is no way we would sell out any WJC game without the help of Canadian fans.

We love our hockey here in Buffalo, but we are also cheap. If it's not NHL or NFL, there are not many fans who are going to spend their money on it. They will stay home and watch it on TV.

 

[Big McLargehuge]

Unfortunately it wouldn't be big enough unless you're talking about games with limited attendance. The secondary rink would be fine for practicing, without about 400 seats and the other is limited to about 1,000 plus some standing room at the top. I know that they were hoping to have some involvement as they're currently finishing up a hotel on the premises along with some restaurant and retail space off of 228, but it realistically wasn't going to big enough. Beautiful facility though. Amenities in the locker rooms, weight room and spa are absolutely state-of-the-art. Nicest I've seen.

Oh, I agree, but it is very similar to Harbor Center in terms of facilities and capacity outside of the hotel and being right next to the big arena (which is a nice luxury, but not something that really matters).

Pittsburgh's downfall is that the best secondary arena option is in Wheeling, an hour away. There's no mid-size arena within the city, and unless the University of Pittsburgh starts up a hockey program (please, please, please) it's hard to reason why one would be built within an hour (Wheeling, Johnstown, and Youngstown all in that 'just a bit outside of an hour away range).

I'd have liked it if Erie was involved as the second city along with Pittsburgh, though it's closer to Buffalo than Pittsburgh (still only ~2 hours).

 

[BayStreetBully]

Be mad at USA Hockey more than Buffalo.

Terry and Co. would be doing a disservice to the city of Buffalo if they didn't at least try. There's a reason why they did it, and the majority of it is for money reasons(as if we need another reason for Canadians to spend their money here). There's a reason why Buffalo was chosen. From the history of hosting other tournaments, and the confidence from USA Hockey of Buffalo running it smoothly. Theres many hotels for the players to stay in, with easy access to the rinks around the area. There's two rinks in the same building as where the majority of the players are staying along with the main rink within walking distance.

Team USA obviously feels more confident in Buffalo being able to handle everything than the other cities at this moment. There's a history there.

Don't get me wrong, I'm fine with Buffalo. Now that it's done, I'm sure Buffalo will do a great job, and I'll probably even head over for a game. My opinions had less to do with Buffalo and more to do with spreading the wealth.

 

[Canada4Gold]

For the first time ever, the IIHF World Junior Championship will include an outdoor game as part of the preliminary round with the likely matchup between the U.S. and Canada.

Likely matchup? Assuming they stick with the normal grouping rules you might define it as unlikely. If we put Canada in 1 group, then there' only 4/9 spots left in that group for USA or 44% they play each other in the round robin.

If we put both in the SF the previous year, then that leaves the chances they meet the following year at 33%, the USA is somewhere 1-4, lets say 2, then of the 3 other teams, Canada being 1 of them only 1 of the remaining 3 spots will be in the USA group, the team that gets Bronze. 1/3 = 33%

Unless they're just going to screw with the groups and flip a pair of teams to ensure that Canada and the USA get put in the same group so they can do a Canada/USA outdoor game.

 

[YMCMBYOLO]

Outdoor game for an ACTUAL preliminary game? Wow that's incredibly stupid


Makes the tournament a gimmick

 

[pf8363]

Outdoor game for an ACTUAL preliminary game? Wow that's incredibly stupid


Makes the tournament a gimmick

Is the NHL season a gimmick?