Alex the Great Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 METRO VANCOUVER — The buzz continues to escalate throughout the Fraser Valley real estate community that Francesco Aquilini has his sights on buying the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre and the land it occupies. By extension, Aquilini would cut a deal with the Calgary Flames that would result in the Vancouver Canucks’ No. 1 farm team, the Chicago Wolves, switched to Abbotsford. Calgary’s American Hockey League affiliate — the Abbotsford Heat — are locked into a 10-year supply fee agreement with the City of Abbotsford and after three years, it’s been a disaster. The Heat played four post-season games this season in their home building that can accommodate 7,046 fans for hockey and drew an average of 2,389. There is a hockey board meeting scheduled for Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. in Abbotsford. Ken King, president of the Calgary Flames, will be there. Lane Sweeting, chairman of Fraser Valley Sports and Entertainment as well as Abbotsford Heat Hockey Ltd., says that while he has not been told anything by the city about a potential Aquilini takeover, it would not surprise him. Aquilini did not respond to messages left for him Friday http://www.vancouversun.com/touch/business/story.html?id=7108799 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanuckRow Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 I think most saw this coming. This is long overdue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanucksFanMike Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 This would be great! Then the Canucks prospects are just a short drive from Rogers Arena if they are called up instead of a 4 hr plane ride! This would be a very good move for the Canucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinga Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 I think more fans would go catch a game knowing the team is part of the Canucks organization. I really think it would be a great move for both organizations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smith80 Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 The Heat and the AESC are losing a lot of money. Over 2 million a year, in fact. I have thought for some time that it was a terrible move to not only move Calgary's farm team into this area, but, to call them the Heat, and have them wear basically the same uniforms, and even have the same goal horn, as the Flames. Any other team with any other logo and uniform would have done fine, IMO. I live about a 3 minute walk from AESC, and have never gotten into the Heat despite it being an affordable option that's far closer to my home than any other. I have been to many games, but, find myself cheering for the opposition most of the time. Sad,and maybe even unfair on my part, but, I have been raised to hate the Flames, and no matter what, I always will.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LostViking Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Our prospects will have more travel than any other in the NHL, one of the leading factors that negatively impacts development. Not to mention getting thrown in the fish bowl early, which has been known to destroy player's development. As an Abbotsford resident, on the other hand, it would certainly be great for me and my city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opmac Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Would they be able to complete the move in time for the 2012-13 season (ignoring the possibility of a lockout)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
etsen3 Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 If the Canucks bought the heat, it would be a great deal for both teams. Abbotsford's attendance would skyrocket. Only question is, would playing in the Fraser Valley put too much pressure on the prospects? If the deal gets done, I will definitely go to a game when I want some cheaper Canucks entertainment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtpasc Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 what a great move this would be. my parents are heat season ticket owners... if the team changed hands and affiliations, those would be so much more valuable to me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ossi Vaananen Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 This would be a great move by Aquilini, that dude must have some serious cash. I don't know if the Flames are in support of having their farm team moved all the way out to Chicago. I'd make the treck for some heat games for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elvis15 Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Would they be able to complete the move in time for the 2012-13 season (ignoring the possibility of a lockout)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn antoski Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 hmmmmm would this hurt rogers arena attendance - half the people at rogers arena are fair weather fans, eating sushi, drinking coffee and texting on the phone i can see the fans in abby being loud beer drinking hockey crazed fans it wont hurt attendance but it might just be a better crowd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WHL rocks Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 This is great news for Canucks fans. Chicago is way too far and I kinda felt not as close to our prospects since they moved from the Peg. Weird but its true. I would love to get a chance to go watch a few games a year to see our prospects in Abbotsford. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SOB for MVP Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 What would they call them? I dont think they can remain as the Heat, with their name and colours being directly related to the Flames Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danthecanucksfan Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Our prospects will have more travel than any other in the NHL, one of the leading factors that negatively impacts development. Not to mention getting thrown in the fish bowl early, which has been known to destroy player's development. As an Abbotsford resident, on the other hand, it would certainly be great for me and my city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharnhayre Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 This would be a great move. I know Canucks fans would fill the building in Abbotsford to see our future prospects. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Heffy Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Our prospects will have more travel than any other in the NHL, one of the leading factors that negatively impacts development. Not to mention getting thrown in the fish bowl early, which has been known to destroy player's development. As an Abbotsford resident, on the other hand, it would certainly be great for me and my city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trelane42 Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 About time. Funny how a year ago everyone with the Heat was putting a brave face on it but money always talks loudest. No doubt in my mind that a Nuck farm team in the valley would rake in the dough. No issue with it hurting the big club. Totally different crowd. Some diehards but most are there just to be seen. Canucks priced me out long time ago but I would check out the farmhands few times a year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tragoedia Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 Hope this happens. I already go see some Heat games, but I would definitely feel more comfortable cheering for our own prospects! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cIutch Posted August 18, 2012 Share Posted August 18, 2012 great news Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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