NHL Meets with Markham, Ontario Group

[Ironhead]

This has been mentioned before, here on TERB, but I just heard on the FAN that the NHL has now admitted to the fact. Bill Daly said the NHL has met with a group from Markham, but told them to not expect anything to come from the meeting.
Markham has been mentioned several times as a possible destination for a second NHL team in the Toronto area. There has been talk about an NHL sized rink possibly built in the area.

Whether or not it ever happens, Markham is now officially on the NHL's radar.

 

[Ironhead]

More ' i's have crossed and t's dotted ' in the hope of bringing an NHL team to Markham.
Markham council voted in favor, by the slimmest of margins 7-6, of going foreword with a NHL sized arena.

 

[fmahovalich]

Another white elephant to be built...without a lease.

Seattle, Portland, Kansas City, Quebec City.......all wait.

Join the crowd Markham.

 

[MuffinMuncher]

Which of these cities-in-waiting would have to pay some sort of territorial rights penalty before acquiring a franchise?

If Hamilton was going to owe big bucks, then undoubtedly Markham is in the same boat. Quebec City to Ottawa? Probably not.

If Winnipeg can get a team back, then Quebec City should be able to. No? And everyone knows that the GTA can support 2 teams. I'd personally love to see 2 more Canadian teams and at least 2 fewer US... take one of the Florida teams, take Phoenix.

 

[CreampieEater]

I wonder if the Bell/Rogers MLSE ownership will make it easier for another southern Ontario team? I don't believe for a second that the Teachers wanted it but for the new owners, this would provide tremendous content for their media outlets and would present a greater opportunity to use hockey to promote their products and services.

I've heard many opinions that in time, Bell will buy out Rogers' stake in the Leafs. I believe it's very possible that Rogers would want in on a Markham franchise if it happened, though I believe Quebec City will get a team first.

 

[Jennifer_]

Hamilton sold out of 2 years' worth of season tickets back in the day yet was denied.

I think there will be a heckuva lota sour grapes if Marham wins a team.

Honestly - I'd rather see a team go to the Hammer.

I have a family member who works for the Bulldogs - they still pull substantial crowds.

It's really too bad that a city who would love to support an NHL team can't....

 

[fmahovalich]

As cool as Hamilton is...Its deadsville.

Better access, better highways, more affluent crowd in Markham
..Sadly Hamilton is on the decline!

 

[jackflerj]

Hope this goes through. I could use a second team.

 

[mightymouse007]

I'm fine with either Hamilton or Markham. Toronto can definitely support another NHL team, so I can stop cheering for the leafs.

 

[Brian Burke]

This has been mentioned before, here on TERB, but I just heard on the FAN that the NHL has now admitted to the fact. Bill Daly said the NHL has met with a group from Markham, but told them to not expect anything to come from the meeting.
Markham has been mentioned several times as a possible destination for a second NHL team in the Toronto area. There has been talk about an NHL sized rink possibly built in the area.

Whether or not it ever happens, Markham is now officially on the NHL's radar.

I am the face of this Markham group.

Its payback time to the Leafs. I will win Stanley Cup again for our group way before our weak cousins in TO.

 

[Wendel]

There will never a 2nd NHL team operate in GTA including Markham.

Torontoians should have supported that IHL franchise but didn't.

Back then IHL wasn't NHL but it was better than AHL.

Now its too late.

 

[splooge]

If I played in the NHL, I'd love to play where there are beaches or at least palm trees....

 

[Brian Burke]

If I played in the NHL, I'd love to play where there are beaches or at least palm trees....

Done. NP. If I ever manage a team again I will send you to Hawaii. (Please set up a petition and vote for me to return to my rightful GM job)