REPORT: CANADA Could Support Nine NHL Teams

[yankeesgiants]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=387334

[pietasterp]

I'm not sure what to make of that...I mean, isn't that like ESPN saying "Report: U.S.A. could support 40 NFL Teams". I think Canada could easily support more than 9 teams, but I may be talking out of turn as an outsider...

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

I'm not sure what to make of that...I mean, isn't that like ESPN saying "Report: U.S.A. could support 40 NFL Teams". I think Canada could easily support more than 9 teams, but I may be talking out of turn as an outsider...

I think the final number will be eight. Quebec City will get one at some point, but I have my doubts whether a third team in Ontario will ever happen, due mainly to politics. There's little doubt that it'd make money, but a 2nd team in Toronto would basically be the hockey Clippers, and a team in Hamilton could spell big trouble for the Sabres. Other cities outside Ontario (Regina, Saskatoon, Halifax, Victoria) are just too small.

[BunnyHardaway]

If that arena in Markham gets built I can definitely see them getting a team, but I doubt it will.

[VanCitySportsGuy]

I think Toronto could support another team but like what DrJones said they would be the Clippers of the NHL. Almost everybody that is born in Toronto will grow up cheering for the Leafs and not the new team. Anybody that moves to Toronto will likely just support their original team. The team will always be 2nd fiddle to the Leafs.

The proposed LA Live type site is in Markham which is only (roughly) a 30-40 minute drive to the ACC.

[halifax]

they could put a second team in vancouver, montreal and toronto.

[yankeesgiants]

Saskatoon wants in.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=389234