Fate of Coyotes decided in 2 decades(?)

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

You and I probably have a much different picture of the word "viable". When I see that word I think "successful". Portland seems like a good thing because they have the NBA team plus The Timbers who the locals have embraced. There's a reason for that. It's because both teams have been there for a very long time. Just planting a NHL team there now wouldn't do great just because IMO. As for your assertion that the market isn't the problem with Phoenix, yes it absolutely is the problem! FFS, I feel like I'm in bizzaro world sometimes when it comes to discussing this sport. Hockey isn't that popular, OK?! Quit trying to force it where it doesn't work. It's OK to acknowledge where you are as a sport and maximize what you can out of that. Sorry for the rant at the end there, that wasn't meant directly for you, pietasterp.

Ha! No problem, man - we're all "friends" here (insomuch as you can be friends w/ people who you have no idea who they are and have never met...). Always room for vigorous disagreement.

When I say Portland is viable, I also mean successful. Maybe not on a Toronto or Quebec level, but given the population, it's a really sports-friendly area that embraces their teams with nary a big pro team other than the Blazers. I think there's a WHL team there that is one of the more fervently supported teams in the league. But in the end, I really can't "prove" that the NHL would do well there, it's just a feeling I get based on the demographics, the overall vibe of the area and people I know that live there. And as a side note, haven't the Portland Timbers only been there for like a year or two? I thought they were a brand-new team in the MLS.

As for your second point, I fully acknowledge that may be totally right.

[BunnyHardaway]

Quote: Originally Posted by pietasterp

Ha! No problem, man - we're all "friends" here (insomuch as you can be friends w/ people who you have no idea who they are and have never met...). Always room for vigorous disagreement. When I say Portland is viable, I also mean successful. Maybe not on a Toronto or Quebec level, but given the population, it's a really sports-friendly area that embraces their teams with nary a big pro team other than the Blazers. I think there's a WHL team there that is one of the more fervently supported teams in the league. But in the end, I really can't "prove" that the NHL would do well there, it's just a feeling I get based on the demographics, the overall vibe of the area and people I know that live there. And as a side note, haven't the Portland Timbers only been there for like a year or two? I thought they were a brand-new team in the MLS. As for your second point, I fully acknowledge that may be totally right.

The MLS team has only been playing since 2011 but the original Timbers started playing in the NASL in 1975.

[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by JJLinn

The MLS team has only been playing since 2011 but the original Timbers started playing in the NASL in 1975.

Huh...Learn something new every day!

[Coug00]

Paul Allen hasn't been shy about refusing to share the Rose Garden with an NHL team. I don't see Portland with a team anytime soon.

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[jb12780]

Seattle Sounders. They top the charts in MLS attendance and have a great fanbase. It's a no brainer.

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[pietasterp]

Quote: Originally Posted by Coug00

Paul Allen hasn't been shy about refusing to share the Rose Garden with an NHL team. I don't see Portland with a team anytime soon.

No, I don't either. I just threw that out there as the name of a market where I think the NHL could do well.

[TracerBullet]

I know they're probably just using us (just like another league), but I'd be there game one (barring anything big blocking me from that night).

The second biggest reason I wanted the Sonics back was because I wanted a hockey team.

[Coug00]

Quote:

Paul Giblin ‏@PaulGiblinAriz 41s #Glendale Councilwoman Norma Alvarez just walked out from the executive session. “I couldn’t stand it any more.” #Coyotes. Paul Giblin ‏@PaulGiblinAriz 6m #Glendale Councilman Manny Martinez said a vote concerning #Coyotes by June 25 is unlikely. How’s that sit with #Renaissance and the #NHL? Paul Giblin ‏@PaulGiblinAriz 4m #Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers had no comment. I asked if there was enough there to keep talking. No comment. MT @paulgiblinariz: Glendale’s atty says city staff will cont talks w/#Renaissance. This is certain: There wasn’t instant love for proposal.

I'm trying keep expectations down, but the willingness of the city of Seattle, as well as the potential new owners offering $50M more for the Yotes (with $0 being borrowed from the NHL), has me letting optimism creep in.