Saw a post on Facebook saying there'd be AHL hockey in Iowa next season, then asking if Houston would have any pro hockey at all. Anyone know an official link to info on this, or has anyone heard anything?
http://blog.chron.com/hockeystop/2013/01/outlook-grim-for-future-of-aeros-in-houston/
Understand... a newspaper headline is designed to catch eyeballs more than essence, and as print continues to die (or evolve, hopefully), I'd expect stories like this. All they're saying is, despite it being three months before a lease normally gets renewed, it's not renewed. There's no reasons given as to why renewal may not happen.
Just recall the "where there's smoke there's fire" cliche. You still have to account for the possibility that this wasn't simply drama queen journalism.
Two other AHL teams didn't last in Des Moines why go back? From what I've heard, The USHL's Buccaneers are first in hockey fans hearts there.
I know Houston has been mentioned for NHL expansion... nothing substantial just talk among fans. I think the only way they lose the AHL Aeros is if the Aeros name is used for a NHL franchise.
Des Moines I know is always mentioned as expansion for the CHL. Again just rumors, nothing substantial.
I wouldn't think the AHL will leave a market like Houston anytime soon. And if that were to happen, the CHL would be wise to move in
Problem there is that the Rockets' lease with Toyota Center states that the only NHL team that can come in is one owned by the Rockets. So unless they suddenly get the urge to put a hockey team in there, it's not happening.That could be the solution to the Phoenix problem long-term; Houston is the largest city without an NHL team.
Are we sure about that? I thought there could be a non-Rockets-owned team, but the lease terms would make it nearly impossible to make money -- so technically not the ONLY team that can come in... just the only way the team could be financially feasible.Problem there is that the Rockets' lease with Toyota Center states that the only NHL team that can come in is one owned by the Rockets. So unless they suddenly get the urge to put a hockey team in there, it's not happening.
Nope, Les Alexander has exclusivity:Are we sure about that? I thought there could be a non-Rockets-owned team, but the lease terms would make it nearly impossible to make money -- so technically not the ONLY team that can come in... just the only way the team could be financially feasible.
I could be misremembering, however.
[...]if the NHL were to settle in Houston with the Toyota Center as its home base, [Houston Sports Authority director Janis] Schmees said Rockets owner Les Alexander would own the team — specific language was written in the Toyota Center lease saying as much. If another individual or group expressed a desire, another venue would have to be located or built.
Alexander, who has flirted with the possibility of NHL ownership on at least two occasions during the past decade, declined to comment.[...] According to Schmees, Alexander and Toyota Center are a package deal.
Two other AHL teams didn't last in Des Moines why go back? From what I've heard, The USHL's Buccaneers are first in hockey fans hearts there.
I hope this means that Houston will get an NHL team. Phoenix really isn't working and a team in Houston would keep the team in the south and Western Conference.
I hope this means that Houston will get an NHL team. Phoenix really isn't working and a team in Houston would keep the team in the south and Western Conference.
Any chance that Abbotsford would move to Des Moines? Utica will have quite the up hill battle to be successful.
Crazy thought, but would the Rockets be interested in owning an AHL team a la the Cavaliers and Spurs?
no, remember the premise about Alexander, JW.