Report: Winnipeg's True North attempting to land WHL franchise to share MTS with Jets

[BWK Fan 97]

It would be awesome if we could get a second WHL team in Manitoba. Its not like there is a tone of extra travel for the visiting teams, and they'd have an instant rivalry with the Brandon Wheat Kings. there is more than enough hockey to go around in Winnipeg and all of Manitoba!

 

[Fixed to Ruin]

I would rather see the league place teams in mid-sized cities like Nanaimo, BC, or Grande Prairie, AB.

I have a bit of news to share on the Grande Prairie front.

http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/2013/04/01/crystal-centre-expansion-could-cost-44-million

You don't have to read the whole thing i'm just posting the link so you know i didn't make it up... you just have to read this part here:

If the City of Grande Prairie wants to expand the Crystal Centre, it’s going to cost $44 million to do it effectively, a report states.

Proposed expansion plans would increase seating capacity to 5,000 seats and the Bowes Family Crystal Gardens by 10,000 square feet.

The new expanded building (if they go ahead with it) would put us on par with Lethbridge i think in terms of building capacity and we are roughly the same size in terms of city population.

Something to keep an eye on for the future.

 

[Shrimper]

Nanaimo would be an awesome place to have a team. Currently have the Clippers but the arena is small and holds around 3,000. The interest is there I'd say in Nanaimo but they'd need a bigger arena.

 

[cheswick]

To the original post, True North sent out survey's today to gauge interest in WHL hockey for the Winnipeg market.

According to the True North release:
The purpose of the survey will be to gauge the potential interest in a Western Hockey League (WHL) franchise in Winnipeg, should an opportunity develop for this market. The survey will be sent to a sample group of current and former MTS Centre and Winnipeg Jets customers. Only those that are sent an email will be asked to participate in the survey at this time. We will continue to advise the media in the event there are further developments with respect to True North Sports & Entertainment and the Western Hockey League

http://illegalcurve.com/2013/04/05/...ential-interest-in-whl-franchise-in-winnipeg/

 

[BWK Fan 97]

Serious bussing, how?

If a Major Junior team becomes a reality in Winnipeg there will be some serious bussing time! Also, may be difficult recruiting East Coast boys to play in -40°c! However, the positives would be an instant Wheat King rivalry and the fact that fans would be able to actually get affordable tickets! Hopefully this franchise would not affect the Winnipeg Blues (MJHL - Jr 'A')....
I would call them the Winnipeg Bone Chillers!

You do realize Brandon is only 2 hours from Winnipeg right? Teams have to come all the way out here anyways

 

[timekeep]

You do realize Brandon is only 2 hours from Winnipeg right? Teams have to come all the way out here anyways

I am more worried about the East Coast guys.

 

[paul-laus]

Does anyone know what's happening yet? If the survey has been completed. Dear Lord do I want junior hockey in Winnipeg over the next couple of seasons!

 

[Rocko604]

Since when are East Coast guys recruited to play in the WHL?

 

[SNIPE]

I am more worried about the East Coast guys.

What ????

 

[timekeep]

What ????

You have to read a couple of quoted posts, Rowdster was concerned about East Coast guys.

 

[HamiltonOHL]

what are the chances of this actually happening

 

[Rowdster]

You have to read a couple of quoted posts, Rowdster was concerned about East Coast guys.

Sorry about the typo - I meant WEST Coast players! It might be a bit of an adjustment for a kid to move from Victoria to Winnipeg! TeeShirts to Parkas! I realize that many WHL players are draft or list players - however recruitment does play a large role.
Best of luck to the 'Peg - the Wheat Kings deserve a shorter commute!

 

[Rowdster]

You do realize Brandon is only 2 hours from Winnipeg right? Teams have to come all the way out here anyways

I meant the travel for the Winnipeg team! They are a FURTHER two hours from the rest of the league.

 

[HamiltonOHL]

So which chances are one of the weaker teams to move

 

[NorthStar]

So which chances are one of the weaker teams to move

Curious as to who you are referring to as one of the weaker teams?? Would like to know so might be very interesting ...

 

[Lunatik]

If Winnipeg got a WHL team would is signal the return of the Moose?

 

[HamiltonOHL]

Weaker team I ment attendence wise

 

[Brewster]

If Winnipeg got a WHL team would is signal the return of the Moose?

You mean would they name the WHL team the Manitoba Moose? No, since Brandon is already in the league.

If you mean would they get another AHL team in addition to the WHL team, no chance in hell. Supporting three teams of such stature would require a far larger population than Winnipeg possesses.

 

[Rocko604]

You mean would they name the WHL team the Manitoba Moose? No, since Brandon is already in the league.

If you mean would they get another AHL team in addition to the WHL team, no chance in hell. Supporting three teams of such stature would require a far larger population than Winnipeg possesses.

I think he was just referring to the name. I'm assuming TNSE still have the rights to the name and logo. I think it would be awesome if they were to bring it back. Loved the logo and colours.

 

[SNIPE]

I guess it would have to be the Winnipeg Moose