zetajerk
Registered User
- Jan 1, 2015
- 738
- 589
Not admitting Houston was a huge mistake, that looks more ridiculous 40 years after the team voted to suspend operations, as a result of not entering the NHL. The largest market without an NHL team in North America. An NHL_ready arena, that is only 15 years old, a natural rivalry with the Stars, and most importantly, an NHL team in Houston would balance out the Divisions.
The NHL should have granted an NHL team to Houston after their failed bid for the Oilers in the late 90s. Instead Atlanta was granted a second team, and we all know how that went down. Raleigh, NC was also a poor choice for an NHL team. In fact, of the six cities either awarded an NHL team by expansion or relocation between 1996-2000, only Minnesota would have done better than a team in Houston.
Phoenix (1996): a complete disaster. The owners never even bothered to properly survey the America West Arena, as there were hundreds of obstructed seats for hockey. When the team moved to the suburbs, people in the region stopped caring about the team. The Coyotes have been on life support for nearly a decade.
Carolina (1997): They would have been better off staying in Hartford, and building a new arena. The first two years, in particular, make the team the laughing stock of the sports world, when they were forced to play in front of 80% empty seats in Greensboro. Like Nashville, the Canes could attract interest with a competitive club, but more often than not, they are terrible.
Nashville (1998): successful today, but it took years before the team really caught on with the locals, and they nearly relocated to Hamilton.
Atlanta (1999): A decade of poor ownership caused locals to stop attending games, and at the end, could only manage to fill 1/2 the arena. Never won a playoff games, and lost their second NHL team to Winnipeg.
Minnesota (2000): A model team. Well run organization, competitive, and located in a traditional hockey market. Big win by the NHL for allowing Minnesota to return to the league.
Columbus (2000): Not sure what the issue is with Columbus, but it was obvious from day one that the local would have supported the team as it matured. However, after nearly 20 seasons, the Blue Jackets have never won a playoff round, and rarely sellout any games.
Please, Mr. Fertitta. Bring a team to Houston now!
That may be the most reductionist post I've ever seen here.
