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John F · 05-21-2007, 01:13 PM

Here's a challenge for NHL fans --

I've been peeved for a while about the Eastern Conference / Western Conference alignment of the league. In recent years, I've also grown to see the disadvantage of having the Western Conference so spread out geographically while the Eastern teams are relatively close together (this is especially evident come playoff time).

So here's my concept and challenge to fans and posters alike: Realign the NHL in two distinct conferences in an East/Central/West alignment of both conferences. It's a difficult task due to rivalries and traditionalism but the current alignment of divisions sucks. The ultra-regionalism may foster rivalries but it also fosters apathy towards new teams in non-traditional markets.

There are some Rules though. No fantasy team movement. You have to work with the 30 franchises that exist, where they currently exist. Meaning you can't relocate teams, contract teams, give expansion teams, etc...

Mix and match. Don't align conferences by tradition or age of teams (meaning putting original 12 teams in one conference and all the expansion teams/WHA teams in another)...

Remember -- 2 conferences, divided into 3 divisions (East / Central and West) And of course, there will be some inter-conference play but limited...

05-21-2007, 01:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Fan Realignment of the NHL Here's a challenge for NHL fans -- I've been peeved for a while about the Eastern Conference / Western Conference alignment of the league. In recent years, I've also grown to see the disadvantage of having the Western Conference so spread out geographically while the Eastern teams are relatively close together (this is especially evident come playoff time). So here's my concept and challenge to fans and posters alike: Realign the NHL in two distinct conferences in an East/Central/West alignment of both conferences. It's a difficult task due to rivalries and traditionalism but the current alignment of divisions sucks. The ultra-regionalism may foster rivalries but it also fosters apathy towards new teams in non-traditional markets. There are some Rules though. No fantasy team movement. You have to work with the 30 franchises that exist, where they currently exist. Meaning you can't relocate teams, contract teams, give expansion teams, etc... Mix and match. Don't align conferences by tradition or age of teams (meaning putting original 12 teams in one conference and all the expansion teams/WHA teams in another)... Remember -- 2 conferences, divided into 3 divisions (East / Central and West) And of course, there will be some inter-conference play but limited...