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Post by PTH on Mar 7, 2015 18:27:41 GMT -5
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Post by blny on Mar 7, 2015 18:39:41 GMT -5
I saw a similar story in another publication. There were a lot of "ifs". Word is there's a new 10000 seat arena being built in Laval, and that the Canadiens intend for that to be the home of the team. It won't be completed until 2017-18 though. The Bulldogs lease is through next season, and they've already sent out renewal forms to season ticket holders. At most, I think you'd be looking at one season in St John's.
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Post by Skilly on Mar 7, 2015 20:33:04 GMT -5
I saw a similar story in another publication. There were a lot of "ifs". Word is there's a new 10000 seat arena being built in Laval, and that the Canadiens intend for that to be the home of the team. It won't be completed until 2017-18 though. The Bulldogs lease is through next season, and they've already sent out renewal forms to season ticket holders. At most, I think you'd be looking at one season in St John's. Two seasons
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Post by Disgruntled70sHab on Mar 7, 2015 20:52:34 GMT -5
I saw a similar story in another publication. There were a lot of "ifs". Word is there's a new 10000 seat arena being built in Laval, and that the Canadiens intend for that to be the home of the team. It won't be completed until 2017-18 though. The Bulldogs lease is through next season, and they've already sent out renewal forms to season ticket holders. At most, I think you'd be looking at one season in St John's. Two seasons How far of a drive would that be for you, Skilly ... close enough for season's tickets? ... edit: I'd have season's tickets if they were in either Kingston or Belleville (45 mins), but I could see a team like that destroying their junior franchises ... they're both small cities and I don't think there'd be enough people to support both a Major Jr A and AHL team in either place ... too bad because there are a lot of Habs fans in the greater Kingston area ... they'd be a hot ticket ... I suspect it would be the same in St John's ... Cheers.
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Post by blny on Mar 7, 2015 21:54:58 GMT -5
I saw a similar story in another publication. There were a lot of "ifs". Word is there's a new 10000 seat arena being built in Laval, and that the Canadiens intend for that to be the home of the team. It won't be completed until 2017-18 though. The Bulldogs lease is through next season, and they've already sent out renewal forms to season ticket holders. At most, I think you'd be looking at one season in St John's. Two seasons 2015-16 Hamilton 2016-17 ? 2017-18 Laval
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Post by Skilly on Mar 7, 2015 23:30:38 GMT -5
2015-16 Hamilton 2016-17 ? 2017-18 Laval They are leaving at the end of this season ..... 2015-16 - Not Hamilton (St. John's?) 2016-17 - Not Hamilton (St. John's?) 2017-18 - Laval
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Post by Skilly on Mar 7, 2015 23:35:27 GMT -5
How far of a drive would that be for you, Skilly ... close enough for season's tickets? ... edit: I'd have season's tickets if they were in either Kingston or Belleville (45 mins), but I could see a team like that destroying their junior franchises ... they're both small cities and I don't think there'd be enough people to support both a Major Jr A and AHL team in either place ... too bad because there are a lot of Habs fans in the greater Kingston area ... they'd be a hot ticket ... I suspect it would be the same in St John's ... Cheers. Mile One is about 15 min drive from my house. I had season tickets for both the St. John's Maple Leafs and the St, John's IceCaps. I didn't get tickets this year, because I figured Winnipeg wouldn't ice a competitive team with them moving. And I didn't want to waste my money knowing the move was a done deal. For the Baby Habs though, I'd get season tickets again knowing they are moving. I didn't get season tickets for the QMJHL Fog Devils though ...
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Post by Skilly on Mar 7, 2015 23:39:21 GMT -5
BULLDOGS COULD LEAVE; NO ONE'S DENYING IT Are the Bulldogs' days in Hamilton numbered? A newspaper report out of Manitoba says that's likely. Are the Hamilton Bulldogs on their way out of town? A new report says there's a "strong chance" the AHL club will be leaving the city at the end of this season, but not to the landing spot that's long been rumoured. At least, not yet. A story in Saturday's Winnipeg Free Press said the Winnipeg Jets will bring their farm team home from St. John's to share the MTS Centre with the big club. To fill the empty building left behind, the Montreal Canadiens have reached a deal to move their farm team to Newfoundland in time for the start of next season. It will be a temporary home until a new arena in the Montreal suburb of Laval is completed. The Bulldogs have released a statement saying they are aware of the report, but at this point nothing is official. "We don't want to add to the speculation with unconfirmed and inaccurate information," the team continued. "What we can tell you is that Michael Andlauer has been committed to our community, the fans and hockey in the city of Hamilton for over a decade and that will not change moving forward. We have no further comment at this time." Reached in Florida Saturday afternoon, Andlauer, the Bulldogs' owner, said the statement "is a fair statement" and offered no further comment. This means that neither the Bulldogs nor any other parties who would be privy to the deal — including the Canadiens, St. John's IceCaps and the AHL — have denied the story. A league spokesperson told The Spectator he couldn't speak to the reports and deferred questions to "the folks in Montreal or St. John's." IceCaps Chief Operating Officer Glenn Stanford — formerly the president of the Bulldogs — would not comment on the story or any parts of it. Neither would Donald Beauchamp, the Habs' senior vice president of operations. "We've seen the reports," he said from Arizona, where the team plays Saturday night. "The Canadiens' organization will not issue any further comments at this time." Current Bulldogs' president Stephen Ostaszewicz was likewise mum, answering several other questions about specific parts of the story — including a suggestion that a special meeting of the AHL board of governors was being convened next week to vote on the move — with "I'm not aware." AHL president Dave Andrews could not be reached for comment. This is the latest chapter in a story that never seems to go away. It stems from the fact that a new 10,000-seat arena is being built in Laval that will be managed by the marketing arm of the Canadiens. According to a number of Quebec politicians who have spoken on the record in recent months, Habs' owner Geoff Molson has told them a professional hockey team will play out of the arena. While he's never committed to what team, it's long been believed he'll bring his prospects closer to the big club when the rink is ready in 2017. Under this new scenario, the Canadiens' minor leaguers would play out of St. John's for two years before finally making their move to Laval. That would buy them the time they need and buy the folks in Newfoundland a couple of years to find a permanent tenant. As for Hamilton, it is widely believed an Ontario Hockey League team will ultimately land at FirstOntario Centre. Rumours have been swirling in Erie that Andlauer is about to buy the Otters which have been for sale for some time and whose owner, Sherry Bassin, is motivated to sell. Bassin is presently being sued for $4.5 million by the owners of the Edmonton Oilers who loaned him money with a plan to eventually buy the team and move it here, court documents filed in Pennsylvania show. However, Bassin flatly denies there's anything to the rumours that he's about to sell to Andlauer. "I've had no negotiations with him," he said Saturday. Andlauer has long said that he will have a hockey team playing out of the downtown arena, whether it's AHL or OHL. And he's insisted that it will be called the Hamilton Bulldogs. He owns the franchise, the brand and the arena lease. "There may not be CH on the (players') shoulders," he said back in December. "If not, so be it. But I've been committed to this city on a community and sports level, and I'll continue to be."
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Post by The Habitual Fan on Mar 8, 2015 19:23:31 GMT -5
I had posted in the Bulldog thread back in November from an inside source that the Bulldogs would be moving to St. John's and it was a done deal then. Understanding was that it would be a 5 year deal to start with Laval likey getting a team in the Q for starters. Only Toronto or Montreal makes sense for St. John's since there are direct flights to each city daily. If the team leaves after 5 years then Danny Williams (who almost has Oprah money) could not secure another AHL team he would buy a junior team and move them.
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Post by Polarice on Mar 9, 2015 10:32:29 GMT -5
I'd rather the Habs stay in Hamilton until they move to Laval. Something close to Montreal for those times you need an emergency call up.
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Post by Tankdriver on Mar 9, 2015 11:02:25 GMT -5
I would think staying way out on the East coast makes for a lot more traveling than would staying in Hamilton. I am not a follower of the AHL, so I don't know how much traveling they do now but I would think this makes it more. There has got to be a reason why teams (AHL/CHL) don't stay out on the Rock. Maybe Skilly could tell me more about it?
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Post by seventeen on Mar 9, 2015 11:43:37 GMT -5
I had posted in the Bulldog thread back in November from an inside source that the Bulldogs would be moving to St. John's and it was a done deal then. Understanding was that it would be a 5 year deal to start with Laval likey getting a team in the Q for starters. Only Toronto or Montreal makes sense for St. John's since there are direct flights to each city daily. If the team leaves after 5 years then Danny Williams (who almost has Oprah money) could not secure another AHL team he would buy a junior team and move them. Thanks. It will be interesting to see if they sign a 5 year deal.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 9, 2015 13:53:54 GMT -5
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Post by Skilly on Mar 9, 2015 17:14:07 GMT -5
I would think staying way out on the East coast makes for a lot more traveling than would staying in Hamilton. I am not a follower of the AHL, so I don't know how much traveling they do now but I would think this makes it more. There has got to be a reason why teams (AHL/CHL) don't stay out on the Rock. Maybe Skilly could tell me more about it? There is some travel, but I wouldn't think it's as bad as other spots. I can't be certain, but those Northeastern US teams are close enough that I'd think they are probably busing it. At least you have to fly from here. I'd like to also highlight that the St. John's Maple Leafs stayed here from 1991-2005. At the time they left they were the second oldest team in the league. So teams do stay. Why do they leave? First let me explain what it's not. It's not attendance. St. John's Ice Caps sold out for over three consecutive seasons , and I believe they set the all time sell out record in the AHL. (Or just came shy of it) It isn't travel costs. The St. John's franchise was forced to subsidize the travel costs of other teams coming here and they still made a profit! When St. John's Maple Leafs left, there was some discussion that Toronto wanted more money for the franchise fee. I think St. John's was paying one million a year, and if memory serves, they wanted to raise it to two million. That started it. Then there was the fiasco of leasing the building... But that could have easily been worked out The fan base here has been told that it is easier to develop players if they are closer to the parent team. Which is hogwash. Are the Marlies developing players better than St. John's was? And now you hear the "call-up" excuse. I don't buy that either, cause it all depends on where the farm and parent team are located at the time of call up ... But that's what they are hanging their hat on. The team is very profitable, the players are in a great environment, they learn a sense of community, it's never a bad thing to be exposed to good ol Newfie sensibilities, the players are playing in front of very knowledgable fans, the stadium is packed, ... I could go on. The pros FAR outweigh the cons When Montreal moves to Laval, Danny Williams has said he will buy a current AHL team and move them here .... It will be an AHL flagship franchise once again like the Baby a Leafs once were
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Post by GNick99 on Mar 9, 2015 17:49:45 GMT -5
I had posted in the Bulldog thread back in November from an inside source that the Bulldogs would be moving to St. John's and it was a done deal then. Understanding was that it would be a 5 year deal to start with Laval likey getting a team in the Q for starters. Only Toronto or Montreal makes sense for St. John's since there are direct flights to each city daily. If the team leaves after 5 years then Danny Williams (who almost has Oprah money) could not secure another AHL team he would buy a junior team and move them. Is this a done deal for 5 years?
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Post by The Habitual Fan on Mar 10, 2015 6:50:53 GMT -5
That I don't know. That is what I had heard in November but nothing was signed and it wasn't official so a lot may have changed in that time. The agreement in was in place to replace the Ice Caps with the Habs farm team coming here for 5 years and if worked out for the Habs they could sign longer term. There was no mention of going to Laval after a year or two but who knows for real. It wouldn't make sense for a team to commit to a city and have it invest a large amount of money for such a short term because you would never recoup your investment. It would be better for the Habs to sign a 1 year lease extension to stay in Hamilton or play out of center in the Montreal area if that was the case. St. John's would then move to look for a long term tenant for their arena.
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Post by BadCompany on Mar 10, 2015 7:49:48 GMT -5
I would think staying way out on the East coast makes for a lot more traveling than would staying in Hamilton. I am not a follower of the AHL, so I don't know how much traveling they do now but I would think this makes it more. There has got to be a reason why teams (AHL/CHL) don't stay out on the Rock. Maybe Skilly could tell me more about it? There is some travel, but I wouldn't think it's as bad as other spots. I can't be certain, but those Northeastern US teams are close enough that I'd think they are probably busing it. At least you have to fly from here. I'd like to also highlight that the St. John's Maple Leafs stayed here from 1991-2005. At the time they left they were the second oldest team in the league. So teams do stay. Why do they leave? First let me explain what it's not. It's not attendance. St. John's Ice Caps sold out for over three consecutive seasons , and I believe they set the all time sell out record in the AHL. (Or just came shy of it) It isn't travel costs. The St. John's franchise was forced to subsidize the travel costs of other teams coming here and they still made a profit! When St. John's Maple Leafs left, there was some discussion that Toronto wanted more money for the franchise fee. I think St. John's was paying one million a year, and if memory serves, they wanted to raise it to two million. That started it. Then there was the fiasco of leasing the building... But that could have easily been worked out The fan base here has been told that it is easier to develop players if they are closer to the parent team. Which is hogwash. Are the Marlies developing players better than St. John's was? And now you hear the "call-up" excuse. I don't buy that either, cause it all depends on where the farm and parent team are located at the time of call up ... But that's what they are hanging their hat on. The team is very profitable, the players are in a great environment, they learn a sense of community, it's never a bad thing to be exposed to good ol Newfie sensibilities, the players are playing in front of very knowledgable fans, the stadium is packed, ... I could go on. The pros FAR outweigh the cons When Montreal moves to Laval, Danny Williams has said he will buy a current AHL team and move them here .... It will be an AHL flagship franchise once again like the Baby a Leafs once were If I'm not mistaken Skilly, aren't there daily flights from St. John's to both Montreal and Toronto?
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Post by Skilly on Mar 10, 2015 15:02:29 GMT -5
There is some travel, but I wouldn't think it's as bad as other spots. I can't be certain, but those Northeastern US teams are close enough that I'd think they are probably busing it. At least you have to fly from here. I'd like to also highlight that the St. John's Maple Leafs stayed here from 1991-2005. At the time they left they were the second oldest team in the league. So teams do stay. Why do they leave? First let me explain what it's not. It's not attendance. St. John's Ice Caps sold out for over three consecutive seasons , and I believe they set the all time sell out record in the AHL. (Or just came shy of it) It isn't travel costs. The St. John's franchise was forced to subsidize the travel costs of other teams coming here and they still made a profit! When St. John's Maple Leafs left, there was some discussion that Toronto wanted more money for the franchise fee. I think St. John's was paying one million a year, and if memory serves, they wanted to raise it to two million. That started it. Then there was the fiasco of leasing the building... But that could have easily been worked out The fan base here has been told that it is easier to develop players if they are closer to the parent team. Which is hogwash. Are the Marlies developing players better than St. John's was? And now you hear the "call-up" excuse. I don't buy that either, cause it all depends on where the farm and parent team are located at the time of call up ... But that's what they are hanging their hat on. The team is very profitable, the players are in a great environment, they learn a sense of community, it's never a bad thing to be exposed to good ol Newfie sensibilities, the players are playing in front of very knowledgable fans, the stadium is packed, ... I could go on. The pros FAR outweigh the cons When Montreal moves to Laval, Danny Williams has said he will buy a current AHL team and move them here .... It will be an AHL flagship franchise once again like the Baby a Leafs once were If I'm not mistaken Skilly, aren't there daily flights from St. John's to both Montreal and Toronto? There are indeed daily flights ... On more than one provider too. (Air Canada, Porter, Westjet ....)
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 10, 2015 16:44:00 GMT -5
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Post by GNick99 on Mar 12, 2015 15:15:25 GMT -5
Bob McKenzie @tsnbobmckenzie 59s60 seconds ago Tough break for Belleville, apparently set to lose OHL Bulls to Hamilton. Doesn't seem that long ago Doc Vaughan got the franchise (in 1981)
Guess that answers who is going to Hamilton.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 12, 2015 15:16:27 GMT -5
The first domino seems to be falling. The OHL Belleville Bulls appear to be moving to Hamilton.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on Mar 12, 2015 17:13:25 GMT -5
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Post by Skilly on Mar 12, 2015 17:39:13 GMT -5
I hope they change the jersey colours to red white and blue though ...
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Post by Skilly on Mar 12, 2015 17:42:27 GMT -5
I guess season tickets are in order once again ... Go Caps Go!
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Post by The Habitual Fan on Mar 12, 2015 18:20:28 GMT -5
St. John’s New Home for Montreal Canadiens’ AHL Team Club to Start Play in 2015-16 Season ST. JOHN’S, NL – Owner, President and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens Geoff Molson, along with CEO Danny Williams and COO Glenn Stanford of the St. John’s IceCaps, announced today that starting in the 2015-16 season, Mile One Centre will be the new home of the Montreal Canadiens’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate team (currently the Hamilton Bulldogs). Mr. Williams will lease the franchise from the Canadiens organization. The relocation of the franchise has been unanimously approved by the AHL Board of Governors. a “We could not be more thrilled to partner with the Montreal Canadiens and to welcome this legendary hockey organization to St. John’s,” said Mr. Williams. “We have proven within the league that St. John’s is a thriving hockey city, with an outstanding fan base and a great depth of corporate support. We enjoyed a tremendous partnership with True North Sports and Entertainment and the Winnipeg Jets, but circumstances have changed and we now look forward to this exciting new partnership. I have every confidence that our fan base and corporate partners will be as enthusiastic about this new arrangement as are management.” a “We are delighted in making St. John’s our new home and look forward to playing in front of fans who have long been Canadiens supporters and who will now have an opportunity to watch our finest prospects as they hone their skills with our AHL affiliate team,” said Mr. Molson. a “Having previously worked with the Canadiens organization in Hamilton for many years, I am excited to welcome them to my hometown,” said Mr. Stanford. “No doubt this will create a whole new dynamic at Mile One Centre in the upcoming season and promises to be an exciting new chapter for our organization and our fans. We want to thank the Jets organization for their outstanding support over the past four years. And I would also like to personally thank AHL President Dave Andrews and the league for working so hard along with us to facilitate this new arrangement.” a The agreement between the IceCaps and the Montreal Canadiens is for two seasons. The name of the St. John’s AHL team will remain the IceCaps and new uniforms will be released in the coming months. a The renewal process for current season ticket holders will begin within the coming weeks (season ticket holders will be informed via email). Those interested in becoming a new IceCaps season ticket holder for the upcoming seasons can do so beginning noon tomorrow by calling the Mile One Centre box office at 709-576-7657 or online at www.mileonecentre.com. Fans that purchase tickets for the six IceCaps home games in April and place a $50.00 non-refundable deposit per seat will be given priority access to season tickets before the general public. The seat selection process for new season ticket holders will begin after the renewal process is complete with current season ticket holders. All other new season ticket inquiries will be placed on a waitlist until after the 2014-15 regular season is over. Fans with inquiries are asked to call the Mile One Centre box office. a Mr. Williams also took time to praise current and past IceCaps players and coaching staff for their contributions in building the franchise in this city. a “We have been fortunate to have some outstanding talent come though this organization and each and every player who has worn the IceCaps jersey has played an invaluable role in building the franchise,” said Mr. Williams. a “They have also been incredible role models within the community and have been both aspirational and inspirational for our young athletes. And of course, the coaching staff and their support team have been just great to work with and we wish them all the very best as they move forward. The current edition of the IceCaps remains in the hunt for a play-off position and I know our fans will continue to support this team as it makes another run for the Calder Cup.”
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Post by Skilly on Mar 12, 2015 18:48:05 GMT -5
We are a Hab-not province no more!!
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Post by Skilly on May 28, 2015 17:59:27 GMT -5
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Post by franko on May 28, 2015 20:34:00 GMT -5
major sponsor: Tim Hortons (overused already, I'm sure).
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Post by Skilly on May 28, 2015 21:01:46 GMT -5
major sponsor: Tim Hortons (overused already, I'm sure). When they were first named, people said that would be the link .... But the name is a play on iceberg Alley, and the longtime Newfoundland Senior Hockey team being called the St. John's Caps (Capitals). The logo is pretty unique in that the iceberg is actually one half Labrador and the other is shaped like the island. Same design as when Winnipeg was here, but they changed the colours to red , white and blue. I'll be getting my jersey and ball cap this week.
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Post by NWTHabsFan on May 28, 2015 22:49:48 GMT -5
Ever since I read the the ice is shaped like both Labrador and Newfoundland, it keeps jumping out on the logo now.
Nice to see them keep the same logo and name while converting over to the bleu-blanc-rouge.
Edit: In other minor league news, the Habs announced their ECHL affiliate for next season will be the Brampton Beast. They sent Dalton Thrower there last season to recover from his off-season surgery. The ECHL is the only Canadian franchise in the league and keeps a small footprint in Ontario. Adios Wheeling Nailers, we hardly knew ya.
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