This time the “What Would You Do” series is extending into the realm of NHL Franchise relocation.
Today’s challengers: Hamilton vs. Winnipeg
Population of Hamilton: 692,911 (Census Metropolitan Area)
Population of Winnipeg: 694,668 (Census Metropolitan Area)
This one actually surprised me, but you have to remember that Hamilton has more metropolitan areas surrounding it than Winnipeg does. Numbers-wise, Winnipeg wins, but with intangibles (aka the GTA and Detroit), Hamilton gets it. +1 for Hamilton.
Hamilton Professional Sports Teams: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) and Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)
Winnipeg Professional Sports Teams: Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), Manitoba Moose (AHL) and Winnipeg Goldeyes (Northern League Baseball)
No one saw that one coming did they? Winnipeg is actually supporting three professional sports franchises. This could work for or against them. On the one side, they’ve got a fan base that is showing up to sports games. On the other hand, is there enough corporate support spread between three franchises that could possibly support a fourth? I’m going to say Winnipeg takes this one though, because of nostaglia and an apparent willingness to support local sports teams.
Hamilton Hockey Arena: Copps Coliseum- built in 1985- seats up to 17,383 for ice hockey
Winnipeg Hockey Arena: MTS Centre- built in 2004- seats up to 15,015 for ice hockey
Copps Coliseum was built specifically in the hopes that it could bring an NHL franchise to Hamilton. While it may be older, it already seats more than the MTS Centre. Both arenas have hosted IIHF events (World Juniors and World Women’s). The belief is that a smaller arena could create a positive supply and demand situation in Winnipeg, but I think Copps has more potential because it is already a bigger venue. Give this to Hamilton.
Hamilton AHL Franchise- Hamilton Bulldogs/Montreal Canadiens
Winnipeg AHL Franchise- Manitoba Moose/Vancouver Canucks
This one goes to Winnipeg strictly by association between Hamilton and the Montreal Canadiens. Oh those poor Canadiens.
Hamilton’s Nostalgia Appeal- none.
Winnipeg’s Nostalgia Appeal- everything.
Who wouldn’t want to see the return of the Jets, White-outs, and retribution for a lost Canadian franchise.
BOTTOM LINE:
While Hamilton is more likely to be able to support an NHL franchise, the Phoenix Coyotes are the wrong team to move there. Winnipeg has shown that it can support sports teams, and they deserve a chance–under the new CBA and current economic climate–to show that the Phoenix/Winnipeg franchise can be a success there again. Hamilton should still get a team from the Sun Belt, but not this one.
Stay classy Hamilton. You’ll get there soon.
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