| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cloneinator |
Posted - 01/30/2015 : 08:27:20 AM
While not Cyclones specific and doesn't seem it will affect the team, thought this was kind of interesting since I saw some you discussing this previously. http://lakingsinsider.com/2015/01/29/ahls-pacific-division-announced-more-details/ |
| 14 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Donnie Hockey |
Posted - 02/03/2015 : 7:15:18 PM
quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
quote:
Originally posted by Donnie Hockey
quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
The big thing to remember about the Abbottsford experiment is that they were on an Island, just like Alaska. Now, however, with 5 teams out west it's only a matter of time before the AHL map mimmicks the NHL map. I can see Vancouver and Colorado both looking into options to bring their affiliates closer.
Springfield (Columbus Blue Jackets) and/or Portland (Arizona Coyotes) are two AHL franchises that are candidates over the next couple years to be sold and relocated West. Springfield would become Colorado's affiliate, while the Blue Jackets would go into Cleveland (Lake Erie Monsters) to replace Colorado.
I can definitely see Columbus moving to Lake Erie but Colorado moving to Springfield makes no sense. OK, maybe for a short term but I think over time the AHL map will slowly start to mirror the NHL map. Some NHL team will purchase their affiliates and move them into new markets closer to home, while some opt to take over ECHL teams/markets as was the case with Ontario, Stokton and Bakersfield. In this regard Colorado is a natural choice.
Colorado wouldn't go to Springfield. The Springfield franchise would be relocated out west. |
| cMan2KellyCup |
Posted - 02/03/2015 : 2:23:13 PM
I was absolutely right about the notion that the Clones and the Indy teams moving to the Western Conference.... I dont think, however, the Clones are going to be made to go to Alaska too much... and I think Alaska is going to either have to go to the AHL or go away now that all of their easy access is gone since the ECHL is pulling out of California |
| elvis77 |
Posted - 02/03/2015 : 11:35:26 AM
@cycfan - I was thinking the same thing. I'm not sure if travel is subsidized or not but if it isn't it's going to have to be or the League really risks hurting a lot of teams financially. The only other option I can think of would be to have teams fly up there once per season and play the their whole season series at once, basically a 2 week trip playing 6 to 8 games. As a fans it would suck, look at how much we bitch about seeing the same 3 teams over and over, but financially it wouldn't make sense for the League to make teams fly up there 2 or 3 times a season.
I can't see the Aces sticking around more than a season or 2 unless there's additional expansion in the true Western US. |
| elvis77 |
Posted - 02/03/2015 : 11:28:24 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Donnie Hockey
quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
The big thing to remember about the Abbottsford experiment is that they were on an Island, just like Alaska. Now, however, with 5 teams out west it's only a matter of time before the AHL map mimmicks the NHL map. I can see Vancouver and Colorado both looking into options to bring their affiliates closer.
Springfield (Columbus Blue Jackets) and/or Portland (Arizona Coyotes) are two AHL franchises that are candidates over the next couple years to be sold and relocated West. Springfield would become Colorado's affiliate, while the Blue Jackets would go into Cleveland (Lake Erie Monsters) to replace Colorado.
I can definitely see Columbus moving to Lake Erie but Colorado moving to Springfield makes no sense. OK, maybe for a short term but I think over time the AHL map will slowly start to mirror the NHL map. Some NHL team will purchase their affiliates and move them into new markets closer to home, while some opt to take over ECHL teams/markets as was the case with Ontario, Stokton and Bakersfield. In this regard Colorado is a natural choice. |
| cycfan |
Posted - 02/02/2015 : 8:32:45 PM
I'm not sure how Alaska survives the loss of three franchises from the Pacific. There will only be four teams left out west including Alaska. It seems like it would make more financial sense to have Idaho, Colorado, and Utah join the former CHL teams. I think Alaska subsidizes travel right now, but that's going to get substantially more expensive if they have to pay for teams from the Central US to come up to play. Anyone have any insight? |
| Donnie Hockey |
Posted - 02/02/2015 : 7:18:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by elvis77
The big thing to remember about the Abbottsford experiment is that they were on an Island, just like Alaska. Now, however, with 5 teams out west it's only a matter of time before the AHL map mimmicks the NHL map. I can see Vancouver and Colorado both looking into options to bring their affiliates closer.
Springfield (Columbus Blue Jackets) and/or Portland (Arizona Coyotes) are two AHL franchises that are candidates over the next couple years to be sold and relocated West. Springfield would become Colorado's affiliate, while the Blue Jackets would go into Cleveland (Lake Erie Monsters) to replace Colorado. |
| elvis77 |
Posted - 02/02/2015 : 12:57:19 AM
The big thing to remember about the Abbottsford experiment is that they were on an Island, just like Alaska. Now, however, with 5 teams out west it's only a matter of time before the AHL map mimmicks the NHL map. I can see Vancouver and Colorado both looking into options to bring their affiliates closer.
|
| tjpavlik |
Posted - 02/01/2015 : 8:38:29 PM
Alaska is on an island. I have heard the team is profitable but with the elimination of teams in California with its easy airline service (LAX/SFO)they are going to face some tough times.
Vancouver moving their AHL team to Alaska is a possibility, but relocating Utica to Seattle (Current WHL team/possible NHL team) or Abbottsford makes more sense. Calgary tried an AHL team in Abbottsford and it didn't work, perhaps Vancouver would have better luck.
Salt Lake is a possibility as well due to their Delta hub. That drew the Ducks to Cincinnati. And we all know how that turned out. Time will tell. |
| bags |
Posted - 02/01/2015 : 07:35:33 AM
Without the California teams, will the cost burden of trips to Alaska
keep them alive ? Vancouver Canucks would be a good match for an AHL
franchise for the Alaska team (talking distance terms only) if switched. |
| cMan2KellyCup |
Posted - 01/31/2015 : 8:52:01 PM
Has anyone thought about the fact that the ECHL might force Cincy, Indy and Evansville into the Western Conference? |
| bags |
Posted - 01/31/2015 : 5:51:52 PM
Situation in Las Vegas may be similar to Cincinnati. When the Cyclones waited until the
possible AHL franchise fell through to restart, Las Vegas is in a waiting game over a
possible NHL team. Would not be surprised if that fails, Las Vegas will make a run on an
AHL franchise site. New possible arenas in Vegas would cater my guess to no less than AHL
level play. |
| Donnie Hockey |
Posted - 01/30/2015 : 7:08:15 PM
The Anaheim Ducks got the ball rolling toward the AHL having a division of teams on the West Coast 10 years ago when they had their AHL team in Cincinnati. They felt their prospects didn't have enough practice and recovery time with the travel schedule the team had in Cincinnati, especially after Louisville and Lexington left the league. The moves in the AHL and ECHL will make the product better in both leagues. |
| Cyclonesdiehard |
Posted - 01/30/2015 : 5:25:22 PM
http://echl.com/echl-board-of-governors-announces-major-moves-p196041
This answers some of my questions. Glen Falls, NY, Manchester, NH, and Norfolk, VA become ECHL territories.
ECHL BOARD OF GOVERNORS ANNOUNCES MAJOR MOVES
Add This
January 30, 2015
The following items were approved by the Board at the Mid-season Board of Governors Meeting, held in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the 2015 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Orlando.
Transfer of Controlling Interest in Stockton
The Board of Governors approved the Transfer of Controlling Interest in the Stockton Thunder Membership from SC Hockey Franchise Corporation, an entity controlled by Brad Rowbotham, to Adirondack Flames Canada Limited, an entity controlled by the Calgary Flames Limited Partnership.
“Brad has been a passionate owner and an active member of our Board. We wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors” ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna said. “We welcome the Flames ownership group to our League as they add an ECHL team to their impressive list of teams at various levels.”
Transfer of Home Territory for Bakersfield, Ontario and Stockton
The Board of Governors approved the Transfer of Home Territory from Bakersfield, Calif. to Norfolk, Va.; the Home Territory from Ontario, Calif. to Manchester, N.H. and the Home Territory from Stockton, Calif. to Glens Falls, N.Y. The teams will begin play in their new cities in the 2015-16 season.
“These transfers represent a major move by the ECHL and a significant transformation of the minor league hockey landscape,” McKenna said. “While we are exiting some strong, traditional ECHL markets in California, the move is in the best, long-term interest of hockey and will allow for better alignment in the development system.”
Las Vegas voluntarily withdraws Membership
The Las Vegas Wranglers have voluntarily withdrawn from Membership in the ECHL. The Wranglers were under a Voluntary Suspension for the 2014-15 season but were unable to find a location to play for the 2015-16 season and beyond.
“We are disappointed that the Wranglers will not play in the 2015-16 season,” McKenna said. “The team had developed a strong following over the past decade at the Orleans Arena, which is an outstanding facility. We would like to thank the fans for their support and thank Gary Jacobs for his efforts on behalf of the Wranglers and the ECHL.”
Las Vegas is now an open territory.
Cap on Memberships
The Board of Governors approved a cap on the number of ECHL Memberships at 30. The League currently operates with 28 teams in the United States and Canada.
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| Cyclonesdiehard |
Posted - 01/30/2015 : 4:58:19 PM
This is major news, and the effects will be felt all the way through the ECHL. I wonder what will happen to Alaska, Idaho, Utah, Rapid City, and Colorado. I think Allen, Tulsa, Wichita, Missouri, and Quad City will be fine. I also wonder will the ECHL try and "move" teams into other cities in the west such as Fresno, Reno, Las Vegas, Prescott Valley, and other cities that once had a team. Interesting times are ahead for minor league hockey. |
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