This is a great move for both the development of our players and fans
Shocked lolHate it.
Loved the Utica environment.
i think thats ugly as hell but okSomething around the Abbotsford Pilots would be interesting - especially if they could incorporate this fan mock-up into it somehow;
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i think thats ugly as hell but ok
Honestly think Prescott Valley or SLC would've made way more sense given how far away Abbotsford is from any AHL team.
Has a blueberries joke been made yet
I want to be real for a second though, as much as this has been clamoured for for a long time, the AHL in the PNW doesn't work yet. Travel is going to be horrendous for the team and they will likely have to fly everywhere. It doesn't add up if Francesco is tightening the purse strings. Methinks this is a fast twitch reaction to losses during covid, thinking that the team will generate more revenue closer to the fan base, but the expenses are going to add up big time and it will have a serious impact on players with travel and practice time.
It's always been a fun fantasy having a team down the road but just doesn't make sense in practice. Just screams very poor business planning and decision making on a number of fronts.Western AHL teams literally play 10 fewer games than everyone else because the travel is so horrible. It’s a pretty big deal.
Western AHL teams literally play 10 fewer games than everyone else because the travel is so horrible. It’s a pretty big deal.
I think logistically it’s a good move. But I’ll echo what I said previously - the fans and the hockey culture in Utica were a terrific environment, and that community is so good and deserving of a strong affiliate. It the rumors are true and they are about to embark on a partnership with the Devils, best of luck to them.
And to the fans who provided us all with updates here - Bad Goalie and all the others - you guys are fantastic. Best of luck to your new squad.