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Possible major relocations in the AHL


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I can't remember the exact source quoted on the radio this morning but according to the team 1040 there are major talks going on in the AHL about relocating as many as 6 teams to the west.

These teams would likely form a new division and make it easier for teams like the failed Abbotsford Heat to survive without having to pay other teams travel costs.

Let the speculating over Utica moving to Abbotsford begin!

Edit: If anyone has a link to the podcast or more information than I have please share it!

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I'd rather our prospects stay in Utica. The travel there is so much better and less demanding on them. Also, the fans there have really gathered around the team and have been giving them lots of support. I think it's better for our prospects to develop in an environment where they fans are supportive and won't criticize the players for every mistake that they make.

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If anything, I'd rather have the prospects playing in the west, getting used to travelling east. If they're going to be playing for the Canucks, it stands to reason that they would benefit from being exposed to similar travel routines prior to lacing up in the NHL.

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I'd rather our prospects stay in Utica. The travel there is so much better and less demanding on them. Also, the fans there have really gathered around the team and have been giving them lots of support. I think it's better for our prospects to develop in an environment where they fans are supportive and won't criticize the players for every mistake that they make.

Good points but I think if the Comets were moved to Abby they would thrive. You may be right about the unwanted fan criticisms but that is something that all players have to get used to eventually.

The main reason that the Heat failed IMO was because they were the Flames farm team. They would double their attendance if they were representing the Canucks.

Having 5 other teams in the west would cut down a huge chunk of travel time.

We're pretty much a year too late for the Abbotsford dream. Seems like things in Utica are going pretty well.

And I believe the Comets have 4 or 5 years left on their deal. No reason to believe that would be an issue though if the Canucks really wanted to move them.

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Good points but I think if the Comets were moved to Abby they would thrive. You may be right about the unwanted fan criticisms but that is something that all players have to get used to eventually.

The main reason that the Heat failed IMO was because they were the Flames farm team. They would double their attendance if they were representing the Canucks.

Having 5 other teams in the west would cut down a huge chunk of travel time.

And I believe the Comets have 4 or 5 years left on their deal. No reason to believe that would be an issue though if the Canucks really wanted to move them.

?

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If the AHL does in fact relocate 6 teams out west I would have to believe the Canucks would want their farm team here as well. The Heat still had a few years left on their 10 year deal and they were bought out and moved. The Canucks could easily do the same.

That's what lawyers are for :P

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If the AHL does in fact relocate 6 teams out west I would have to believe the Canucks would want their farm team here as well. The Heat still had a few years left on their 10 year deal and they were bought out and moved. The Canucks could easily do the same.

That's what lawyers are for :P

That's two totally different scenario's. Utica is actually working out, plus the community is becoming attached to the Comets. Not to mention the community needs it.

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I'd rather our prospects stay in Utica. The travel there is so much better and less demanding on them. Also, the fans there have really gathered around the team and have been giving them lots of support. I think it's better for our prospects to develop in an environment where they fans are supportive and won't criticize the players for every mistake that they make.

Basically this. Our prospects don't need the media storm that they would consistently get if they were playing in BC. I'd rather them be able to focus on hockey and have easier travel. The fans in Utica have really embraced the team too, and I'd rather not take that away from them. Why mess with a good thing?

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That's two totally different scenario's. Utica is actually working out, plus the community is becoming attached to the Comets. Not to mention the community needs it.

Teams get moved around all the time. Utica could just as easily have another one brought in.

I was merely getting excited over the prospect of having a Canucks farm team in a Canucks market. One that would actually make sense from a financial standpoint. The Heat were a terrible idea. Sure they had their small and devoted fan base but IMO they were the wrong team to put into the market. I can see how it is hard to cheer for a team when you know that their star players are going to end up playing for a hated rival.

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Travel is a big pain for an Abbotsford team. While I agree that the Canucks farm team would do really well in Abbotsford, the fact is that nearly all the teams are in the East.

AHL-League-Map.jpg

I do think that the market would love to watch the Canucks prospects in the lower mainland. The logistics are just such a pain in the butt.

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Teams get moved around all the time. Utica could just as easily have another one brought in.

I was merely getting excited over the prospect of having a Canucks farm team in a Canucks market. One that would actually make sense from a financial standpoint. The Heat were a terrible idea. Sure they had their small and devoted fan base but IMO they were the wrong team to put into the market. I can see how it is hard to cheer for a team when you know that their star players are going to end up playing for a hated rival.

No one's disagreeing Abbotsford is a good location for the Canucks farm, but that ship was sailed for a little while. They're committed.

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I'd rather they stay where they are right now.

It's in the heart of AHL territory, which means less travel time and more practice time for our players.

And besides, the Utica community has embraced that team. Look at this video of their last game of the season and tell me again why we should move them.

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Were the Canucks' farm team to move to Abbotsford, I believe they will be more successful than the Heat. And while it would allow our prospects to get used to the extensive travel inherent in being a Pacific Northwest team, the problem is that Utica is a better central location. If the Canucks are playing in Winnipeg or in the Eastern Conference it would be quicker for them to recall a player.

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Were the Canucks' farm team to move to Abbotsford, I believe they will be more successful than the Heat. And while it would allow our prospects to get used to the extensive travel inherent in being a Pacific Northwest team, the problem is that Utica is a better central location. If the Canucks are playing in Winnipeg or in the Eastern Conference it would be quicker for them to recall a player.

Only if the AHL were spread out extensively(as in NHL), would it make sense.

BTW,like your quotes, especially Lewis(reminds me of Milan Kundera)

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