The Pittsburgh Penguins situation

John F · 01-18-2007, 06:17 PM

We've been having discussions on the NHL forum regarding the future of the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise in Pittsburgh. Mario Lemieux is now looking into relocating the franchise because, time and again, Pittsburgh just hasn't come together to support the Pens and keep the franchise solvent.

The franchise has twice declared bankruptcy and had Mario save the team -- the first time, as a player; the second time as the new owner. He came out of retirement in order to further interest in the club. But the one sticking point was replacing Mellon Arena, which is the oldest arena in the NHL (as well as one of the worst).

And of course, that didn't happen.

So now there is talk about moving the team and I cringe at some of the would-be relocation cities. Of course, I cringed hearing the North Stars were moving to Dallas, and the collective hockey world cringes when thinking of the Hartford Whalers relocating to the Carolina's and becoming the Hurricanes...

But Las Vegas, Nevada? Kansas City (missouri)?

Some believe Las Vegas is ripe for a pro sports team but when you have a franchise loaded with young talent (as the Penguins are), putting them at risk by having them reside in Sin City just seems like the biggest mistake to be made. That goes for pro athletes, period -- on paper, Las Vegas looks good but the climate (tourist town where Prostitution is legal and alcohol flows like water, along with other vices) isn't.

bedir than average · 01-18-2007, 06:21 PM

Cough, Cough

Seattle area might wind up as a possibility if Clay Bennet gets his way in Renton or Bellevue for a world class Arena similar to the one in Denver. He has supposedly talked to the NHL and AFL about getting teams.

Seattle also has the highest rate of hockey playing youth of any market in North America, at least according to the Seattle Youth hockey people.

John F · 01-18-2007, 06:29 PM

Well, Portland is the Pacific Northwest city that has been mentioned in all this. If Seattle came a'courtin' Mario, I am certain he will listen.

Zen653 · 01-18-2007, 07:08 PM

Winnipeg, Waterloo and Hamilton have been mentioned as potential Canadian destinations for the Penguins franchise. I think it would be a good idea for the NHL to embrace Canada a bit more by relocating some teams there. Waterloo doesn't make a lot of sense (too small) but I think Winnipeg could definitely work, as could Quebec City, and possibly Hamilton.

JoseA · 01-19-2007, 06:55 PM

How about the NHL shove another team right in America's heartland. Maybe in K.C., Wisky, or another one in Chicago sounds good (to replace the Blackhawks)

Timmer · 01-20-2007, 02:14 PM

Herea re some ideas:

Hamilton or Winnipeg, as someone mentioned

Hartford

Seattle or Portland

Milwaukee

Cleveland

Cincinnati

Providence, since the NHL doesn't seem to mind smaller cities

Salt Lake City

Just about any of thse would be at least as good as KC, likely better. Brooklyn would work too, except tehy'd be the fourth team in thr area. (Geography is what puts Baltimore out of the picture too.) And Vegas is a joke. What would they call themselves? The Aces? The Blackjacks? The Chips? Maybe they could seel naming rights to the team to one of the casinos and be the Las Vegas Flamingoes. Yeah, that sounds good.

But seriously, I'd like to see them stay in Pittsburgh.

John F · 01-23-2007, 02:32 PM

Most of those cities aren't actively seeking the NHL. Many of them have AHL franchises (Providence, Salt Lake City, Cleveland, Cinncy) and aren't actively looking to join the NHL ranks.

Adding Seattle or Portland (two distinct markets) would be the best case for the league right now. It's a move into a region where there is a hockey following (and under-served by the current NHL alignment -- the closest team being in Vancouver).

bedir than average · 01-26-2007, 09:06 AM

Which now requires a passport to return from the game. The wait time at the border can be hours long as well.

But this region couldn't support two NHL teams right now.

It would be either Seattle or Portland

John F · 01-26-2007, 11:58 AM

Well, we're only talking one team and relocation right now to begin with -- and that's the Penguins. I just note that Seattle/Portland can't be lumped together.

Mario spoke with Houston about relocation recently. I should find the article. That's another region I don't want to see the NHL in (and Aerosfan would talk about how I was being racist to southern americans by this declaration and la-de-da

)

G-Man · 03-08-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen653

Winnipeg, Waterloo and Hamilton have been mentioned as potential Canadian destinations for the Penguins franchise. I think it would be a good idea for the NHL to embrace Canada a bit more by relocating some teams there. Waterloo doesn't make a lot of sense (too small) but I think Winnipeg could definitely work, as could Quebec City, and possibly Hamilton.

I agree the NHL really needs to embrace Canada more.

I'd like to see the Pens stay where they are and have some other team (Florida, for instance) reestablish themselves in Seattle, Quebec City, Hamilton, or Winnipeg.

Just somewhere where people actually play hockey; there's an idea.

John F · 03-14-2007, 01:43 PM

The Pens are saved!

Joe Strummer · 08-12-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoseA

How about the NHL shove another team right in America's heartland. Maybe in K.C., Wisky, or another one in Chicago sounds good (to replace the Blackhawks)

Replace the Blackhawks? You mean one of the Original 6 teams from 1926? Those Blackhawks? Replace them as in the Blackhawks ceasing operations or relocating or just getting a 2nd team in general? All of those idea's are stupid. No matter what you meant by it.

Joe Strummer · 08-12-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Man

I agree the NHL really needs to embrace Canada more.

I'd like to see the Pens stay where they are and have some other team (Florida, for instance) reestablish themselves in Seattle, Quebec City, Hamilton, or Winnipeg.

Just somewhere where people actually play hockey; there's an idea.

I agree with you on that one. There should be more teams in Canada and even in some more US places that actually support hockey. Winnipeg, Hamilton and Quebec City for sure in Canada. And as for the US I would like to see a team Seattle, Portland, Milwaukee, Indianapolis and Hartford. Seattle and Portland especially. Both of those cities support junior hockey. Even though those teams compete in the Western Hockey League witch is part of the CANADIAN Hockey League. Do you think Kansas City or Vegas could support a team that (other than 3 other American teams in the WHL) mostly plays teams from small Canadian towns in Saskatchewan like Swift Current or some thing? I don't think so.

Joe Strummer · 08-12-2008, 05:15 PM

By the way...
To make that happen I would like to see the Panthers, Lightning, Hurricanes, Thrashers, Devils, Coyotes, Ducks and the Predators.
I would hate to see the Devils and the Ducks go because they're both so good on the ice but there's already 2 other teams in NY and both with great history... the Devils would be my choice to go if I had to choose and the Ducks just because LA already has the Kings, it's LA they don't need to NHL teams.

Joe Strummer · 08-12-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John F

Well, we're only talking one team and relocation right now to begin with -- and that's the Penguins. I just note that Seattle/Portland can't be lumped together.

Mario spoke with Houston about relocation recently. I should find the article. That's another region I don't want to see the NHL in (and Aerosfan would talk about how I was being racist to southern americans by this declaration and la-de-da

)

Houston might not be my first choice but Houston should have a NHL franchise for sure. They have a history of hockey back in the 70's with the Houston Aeros in the WHA, they lasted all 7 season and almost made it into the NHL during the merger. Plus Houston also supports the AHL and before that the IHL (the old one). Look how successful Dallas is. It would be great in my opinion to see the NHL in Houston but again I would rather have teams more up north in the USA like Seattle, Portland, Hartford and so on.

01-18-2007, 06:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	The Pittsburgh Penguins situation We've been having discussions on the NHL forum regarding the future of the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise in Pittsburgh. Mario Lemieux is now looking into relocating the franchise because, time and again, Pittsburgh just hasn't come together to support the Pens and keep the franchise solvent. The franchise has twice declared bankruptcy and had Mario save the team -- the first time, as a player; the second time as the new owner. He came out of retirement in order to further interest in the club. But the one sticking point was replacing Mellon Arena, which is the oldest arena in the NHL (as well as one of the worst). And of course, that didn't happen. So now there is talk about moving the team and I cringe at some of the would-be relocation cities. Of course, I cringed hearing the North Stars were moving to Dallas, and the collective hockey world cringes when thinking of the Hartford Whalers relocating to the Carolina's and becoming the Hurricanes... But Las Vegas, Nevada? Kansas City (missouri)? Some believe Las Vegas is ripe for a pro sports team but when you have a franchise loaded with young talent (as the Penguins are), putting them at risk by having them reside in Sin City just seems like the biggest mistake to be made. That goes for pro athletes, period -- on paper, Las Vegas looks good but the climate (tourist town where Prostitution is legal and alcohol flows like water, along with other vices) isn't.

01-18-2007, 06:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
bedir than average Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Starbucks Posts: 8,256	Cough, Cough Seattle area might wind up as a possibility if Clay Bennet gets his way in Renton or Bellevue for a world class Arena similar to the one in Denver. He has supposedly talked to the NHL and AFL about getting teams. Seattle also has the highest rate of hockey playing youth of any market in North America, at least according to the Seattle Youth hockey people. __________________ US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying \| Democracy in Sports Meets My First Campaign "You're only so sure you're right because they're so sure you're wrong." Orson Scott Card in Xenocide

01-19-2007, 06:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
JoseA Moderator Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA Posts: 2,097	How about the NHL shove another team right in America's heartland. Maybe in K.C., Wisky, or another one in Chicago sounds good (to replace the Blackhawks) __________________ Register here and join the discussion

01-26-2007, 09:06 AM	#8 (permalink)
bedir than average Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Starbucks Posts: 8,256	Which now requires a passport to return from the game. The wait time at the border can be hours long as well. But this region couldn't support two NHL teams right now. It would be either Seattle or Portland __________________ US Men's National Team World Cup Qualifying \| Democracy in Sports Meets My First Campaign "You're only so sure you're right because they're so sure you're wrong." Orson Scott Card in Xenocide

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01-18-2007, 06:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Well, Portland is the Pacific Northwest city that has been mentioned in all this. If Seattle came a'courtin' Mario, I am certain he will listen.

01-18-2007, 07:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Zen653 Hall of Famer Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6,901	Winnipeg, Waterloo and Hamilton have been mentioned as potential Canadian destinations for the Penguins franchise. I think it would be a good idea for the NHL to embrace Canada a bit more by relocating some teams there. Waterloo doesn't make a lot of sense (too small) but I think Winnipeg could definitely work, as could Quebec City, and possibly Hamilton.

01-20-2007, 02:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Timmer Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,845	Herea re some ideas: Hamilton or Winnipeg, as someone mentioned Hartford Seattle or Portland Milwaukee Cleveland Cincinnati Providence, since the NHL doesn't seem to mind smaller cities Salt Lake City Just about any of thse would be at least as good as KC, likely better. Brooklyn would work too, except tehy'd be the fourth team in thr area. (Geography is what puts Baltimore out of the picture too.) And Vegas is a joke. What would they call themselves? The Aces? The Blackjacks? The Chips? Maybe they could seel naming rights to the team to one of the casinos and be the Las Vegas Flamingoes. Yeah, that sounds good. But seriously, I'd like to see them stay in Pittsburgh.

01-23-2007, 02:32 PM	#7 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Most of those cities aren't actively seeking the NHL. Many of them have AHL franchises (Providence, Salt Lake City, Cleveland, Cinncy) and aren't actively looking to join the NHL ranks. Adding Seattle or Portland (two distinct markets) would be the best case for the league right now. It's a move into a region where there is a hockey following (and under-served by the current NHL alignment -- the closest team being in Vancouver).

01-26-2007, 11:58 AM	#9 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	Well, we're only talking one team and relocation right now to begin with -- and that's the Penguins. I just note that Seattle/Portland can't be lumped together. Mario spoke with Houston about relocation recently. I should find the article. That's another region I don't want to see the NHL in (and Aerosfan would talk about how I was being racist to southern americans by this declaration and la-de-da )

03-14-2007, 01:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
John F Administrator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Tampa Bay area, Florida Posts: 2,497	The Pens are saved!

08-12-2008, 05:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
Joe Strummer Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 50	By the way... To make that happen I would like to see the Panthers, Lightning, Hurricanes, Thrashers, Devils, Coyotes, Ducks and the Predators. I would hate to see the Devils and the Ducks go because they're both so good on the ice but there's already 2 other teams in NY and both with great history... the Devils would be my choice to go if I had to choose and the Ducks just because LA already has the Kings, it's LA they don't need to NHL teams.