I went to a hockey game on Saturday, my first one here. It was Seattle vs. Everett. Key Arena was packed, and as I sat there, I wondered why the hell this city doesn't have an NHL team? What do you think?

Has it been tried?

The NHL has wanted a team in Seattle since the 70's, but we never built an NHL viable arena. When Key Arena was built in 1995, they designed it for basketball, not hockey. At that time if the NHL were to come, it would have had to been played in the Kingdome.

If our elected leaders in Olympia get their act together and get an arena deal done, then maybe we will have a chance in the future at the NHL.

There's utterly zero chance of building a suitable arena.

Also, Seattle doesn't have a ton of hockey fans to support it on a pro level. Everett and Seattle (soon Kent) will support their junior teams, but how many would buy $30 tickets, spend $100,000 on skyboxes, or advertise during televised games? Who even pays attention to hockey?

There's utterly zero chance of building a suitable arena.

Also, Seattle doesn't have a ton of hockey fans to support it on a pro level.

I disagree with both. We built Safeco Field and Qwest Field, two world class venues. Over the past few sessions, they have thrown money towards strip malls and other projects. If they can fund strip malls, they can and should creatively finance an arena.

Also the Seattle area has plenty of hockey fans. The Seattle area is regularly at the tops of minor league/major junior hockey attendance.

There's utterly zero chance of building a suitable arena.

Also, Seattle doesn't have a ton of hockey fans to support it on a pro level. Everett and Seattle (soon Kent) will support their junior teams, but how many would buy $30 tickets, spend $100,000 on skyboxes, or advertise during televised games? Who even pays attention to hockey?

Quite a few people considering Key Arena was extremely crowded. I'd love for Seattle to have a NHL team.

Seattle couldnt handle a NHL team. No owner in their right mind would consider Seattle.

The city couldnt keep a NBA team, who would think it could keep a NHL team?

Seattle couldnt handle a NHL team. No owner in their right mind would consider Seattle.

The city couldnt keep a NBA team, who would think it could keep a NHL team?

The NBA is leaving simply because we can't get an arena deal worked out. Clay Bennett wants his $500mil toy, and the city can't/doesn't want to pay for a whole new one. If we ever get that little kink sorted out, the Sonics aren't going anywhere.

As for the NHL, true, we wouldn't be like the Canadian cities where games are sold out every night even if the team sucks, but I think we'd do pretty well. Even if we're not a big hockey market now, Seattle residents are rich and white-bread enough for it to grow very fast once a team arrives. It would be similar to what happened with Denver, where there was an already avid following for non-nhl hockey (DU, and CC) that then exploded once an NHL team arrived. Of course, winning the cup your first year there helps too.

But like you said, the NHL will never come here unless we have a good sized arena properly configured for hockey. And as I'm sure our thunderbirds fans can tell you, Key Arena sucks for watching hockey (lower bowl can only see half the rink, what the eff?).

Some people are giving too much weight to how we support junior teams. Those are blue collar suburban crowds buying cheap tickets with minimal sponsorships. Pro teams require very different levels of support.

In fact, the only way an NHL team would work is specifically if they can command ticket prices higher than many current fans can afford, sell corporate boxes (worse, in a one-sport arena), and gain advertisers for a sport few watch on TV.

By the same token, the political environment that built the last two stadiums doesn't exist today, and won't anytime soon. When I said it has zero chance, I was talking about reality, not theory.

If sunbelt cities with smaller populations can support an NHL team, then Seattle, with its rich hockey history, can. The old Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association won the Stanley Cup in 1917, defeating the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first American team to accomplish this feat. In theory, at least, we deserve an NHL team.

If sunbelt cities with smaller populations can support an NHL team, then Seattle, with its rich hockey history, can. The old Seattle Metropolitans of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association won the Stanley Cup in 1917, defeating the Montreal Canadiens, becoming the first American team to accomplish this feat. In theory, at least, we deserve an NHL team.

First of all, many of those sunbelt cities are full of snowbirds who left their cold environs where they were raised with hockey. I'm sure that if this region were to build a state of the art arena at no cost to an NHL owner, they'd put a team here in a heartbeat. But under those terms, the NBA wouldn't be threatening a pullout, either.

I think the last best chance this region has for arena sports is an Indian (Muckleshoot most likely) built and sponsored arena. I don't necessarily think that would be the best use of their wealth, but if that were something they wanted to pursue, have at it.

Just thought I would chime in.

I definately think Seattle could support a NHL team. It's a perfect city for it in my opinion. You guys would have no problem.:)


And you're getting MLS in 2009!! Even though I can't stand soccer.

Seattle couldnt handle a NHL team. No owner in their right mind would consider Seattle.

The city couldnt keep a NBA team, who would think it could keep a NHL team?

I don't think that's it. I think Clay, his associates and Mr. Stern have had something worked out for sometime. I could be wrong.

^^^ The NBA isn't threatening a pullout, Bennet is. The NBA absolutely does not want the franchise to leave Seattle for another small market. In fact, you guys think this ordeal is over and the team is moving, but that is a FAR CRY from happening right now, in fact at this point the team probably has a better chance at staying in Seattle than moving to OKC according to some insiders.


In a poll (i'll try to find it later), Seattle had the highest number of fans for an NHL franchise that wasn't located in their market: The Canucks. The only thing holding the NHL out of Seattle is a proper venue, and that is the only thing.

^^

Hey, it's a guy from Oklahoma! jk jk...

Any new team would probably get no support. We built all these new stadiums, but most of our teams just suck now (compared to before, excluding the Seahawks). Look at Husky Stadium; UW was only asking for $150 million (which is much better than Clay Bennett's $500 million), but the State denied funding for it. And with the crappy team owners we have, the fans can't get shit from anyone.

In conclusion, any new team is great, but with Seattle politics (and society), it ain't gonna happen.

^ The NBA isn't threatening a pullout, Bennet is. The NBA absolutely does not want the franchise to leave Seattle for another small market. In fact, you guys think this ordeal is over and the team is moving, but that is a FAR CRY from happening right now, in fact at this point the team probably has a better chance at staying in Seattle than moving to OKC according to some insiders.


In a poll (i'll try to find it later), Seattle had the highest number of fans for an NHL franchise that wasn't located in their market: The Canucks. The only thing holding the NHL out of Seattle is a proper venue, and that is the only thing.

Okay, I'll bite. No, the NBA isn't threatening a pullout, nor are they telling Bennett to work out a solution in this market, either. I'm aware of the problems that the Hornets are going through. The current spin is that the Hornets move to OKC, Bennett finds somebody local to buy the Sonics. Or, conversely, the Sonics move to OKC, the Hornets move to Seattle. However, the Hornets owner is the least respected of all NBA owners, so that wouldn't be a panacea, either.

And then we're back to the issue of finding an arena. I think with our current political climate and the economy most likely going into recession, we'll be turning to our tribal friends for a solution.

if the city, state and fans are unwilling to support a new arena for the sonics, why in the world would you think the fans would support a NHL franchise?

NHL wouldnt stand a chance here in Seattle.

I could careless about hockey as pretty much everyone I know.

if the city, state and fans are unwilling to support a new arena for the sonics, why in the world would you think the fans would support a NHL franchise?

NHL wouldnt stand a chance here in Seattle.

I could careless about hockey as pretty much everyone I know.

I couldn't care less about basketball, but love hockey and my friends feel the same way. To each their own.

It's because I grew up in Pittsburgh.

There's no general clamor for a team and never has been. That's strong evidence by itself.

Okay, I'll bite. No, the NBA isn't threatening a pullout, nor are they telling Bennett to work out a solution in this market, either. I'm aware of the problems that the Hornets are going through. The current spin is that the Hornets move to OKC, Bennett finds somebody local to buy the Sonics. Or, conversely, the Sonics move to OKC, the Hornets move to Seattle. However, the Hornets owner is the least respected of all NBA owners, so that wouldn't be a panacea, either.

And then we're back to the issue of finding an arena. I think with our current political climate and the economy most likely going into recession, we'll be turning to our tribal friends for a solution.

And trust me on this one guys. After what Clay has put us through and such, Most of us, i'm talking maybe 80%-90% don't even want the Sonics. We would rahter have our own team or the Hornets. We didn't ask Clay to do this, it's just typical millionaire and sports franchise behavior.

I am a hockey fan and post at Canucks.com from time to time. It seems like the folks in Vancouver really want a team in Seattle. I know a lot of the tickets for the Buffalo Sabres are bought by Canadians, I wonder how much spill over Seattle would get from BC hockey fans, people there are hockey mad so it may be significant.

I am a hockey fan and post at Canucks.com from time to time. It seems like the folks in Vancouver really want a team in Seattle. I know a lot of the tickets for the Buffalo Sabres are bought by Canadians, I wonder how much spill over Seattle would get from BC hockey fans, people there are hockey mad so it may be significant.


probably very, very small numbers. a fraction of a percent.

how many canadians would actually make the three hour trek down to seattle on a tuesday night to watch a game when vancouver has its own team?

This topic comes up probably twice a year. The answer is yes.

probably very, very small numbers. a fraction of a percent.

how many canadians would actually make the three hour trek down to seattle on a tuesday night to watch a game when vancouver has its own team?

He's probably talking about Seattle vs. Vancouver games.

Anyways, a rivalry with Vancouver ought to generate some interest and gain some converts among the locals, no?

And trust me on this one guys. After what Clay has put us through and such, Most of us, i'm talking maybe 80%-90% don't even want the Sonics. We would rahter have our own team or the Hornets. We didn't ask Clay to do this, it's just typical millionaire and sports franchise behavior.

A couple years after a new owner and they'd be popular again....like the Seahawks. Behring was vilified too, and even started trucking the team's stuff to California.

We're pissed at the Sonics' owners, but we understand basketball and play it ourselves in our spare time. Who's ever played hockey in this region under any circumstances? Do we even have rinks locally?

Who's ever played hockey in this region under any circumstances? Do we even have rinks locally?

To name a few:
Kent Ice Arena (soon to have second sheet added), Home to the Kent Valley Hockey assn, and the practice facility for the Thunderbirds

Castle Ice in Renton (2 ice sheets), home to the Sno-King hockey assn.

Kingsgate arena in Kirkland, also home to the Sno-King hockey assn, and the Boeing and Microsoft rec leagues

Lynwood Ice Arena, Home to Seattle Junior Hockey assn

Olympic View Ice arena in Mountlake Terrace, also home to Seattle Junior Hockey Assn, the Cascade mens hockey club, University of Washington Hockey Club and the Seattle Totems Junior B team.

Highland Ice arena in Shoreline (2 ice sheets), POS, should be torn down

The "Meat Locker" in Tacoma, Puget Sound youth hockey

Bremerton YMCA Ice Arena, Kitsap Youth Hockey

and the Comcast Community Ice arena at the Everett Events center, Everett youth hockey and practice facility for the Silvertips

I also know of ones in Vancouver WA, Wenatchee, and Bellingham. While not exactly part of the Seattle Metro area, people have been know to come to Seahawks and Sonics games from that far.

On top of all those youth leagues, the Greater Seattle Hockey League fields about 80 men's league teams (8 divisions) that play at many of these rinks as well. (www.gshockey.com)

So, yes, there are many local rinks, and there are many people that play in them of all ages.

To name a few:
I also know of ones in Vancouver WA, Wenatchee, and Bellingham. While not exactly part of the Seattle Metro area, people have been know to come to Seahawks and Sonics games from that far.

Bellingham and Whatcom County should remain Canucks territory, if Seattle were to get a team.

Who's ever played hockey in this region under any circumstances? Do we even have rinks locally?

Some stats on this: according to USA hockey, there are 7,255 registered hockey players in the state of Washington (its pretty difficult to find places to play without registering for USA hockey). That puts us 15th in the country for the number of registered players. Of course we're behind big states like Cali, New York, Texas etc. and the hockey hotbeds like Michigan, Minn, and Mass, but we're ahead of a few states that have hockey teams (AZ, MO, NC). Too lazy to do a per capita analysis, but I'm sure that would put us even higher.

Page 10: (http://www.usahockey.com/uploadedFiles/USAHockey/Menu_Membership/Menu_Membership_Statistics/0607%20final.pdf)

If Seattle have a NHL team and it will be very successful. I know that for sure. I can tell many people would go crazy about hockey games. I am not too crazy about hockey games but if Seattle has NHL team, I would go to their games for sure! I asked this questions to some of my friends to see if they would go to NHL game if Seattle has a team... They went like YES!!!!!!!!! One of my instructor once mentioned that he wish that Seattle would get NHL team soon and he said he grew up in Minneapolis and love to attend to any hockey games. Some of people who are skeptical about the idea of having NHL team in Seattle will be surprised to see the result at the end.

Many Seattleites still support Sonics team but most of us are upset with Clay Bennett and Howard Stutliz (whatever his name is) because they betrayed us. They have a lot of money and they can afford to build a sport arena on their own!

He's probably talking about Seattle vs. Vancouver games.

Anyways, a rivalry with Vancouver ought to generate some interest and gain some converts among the locals, no?
Yeah.

The Canucks have have such a disproportionate share of amusingly delusional smack talkers in their fanbase that once a rivalry was up and running it would probably take off like wildfire.

I was thrilled with Vancouver getting a NBA team in the 90s. The PNW rivalry would have been fantastic!!

I would be excited to get a NHL team in Seattle, I would love to get a rivalry going with Vancouver.

If you didn't know the reason Key Arena is so small is because previous Sonics owner Barry Ackerly (sp?) wanted the arena to be too small for NHL standards. This way he wouldn't have to battle a NHL team for revenue and fans.

Yeah.

The Canucks have have such a disproportionate share of amusingly delusional smack talkers in their fanbase that once a rivalry was up and running it would probably take off like wildfire.

Even as a Canucks fan, I have to agree with your assessment there. :lol:

I think the best promotion for an upstart Seattle team would be if a bunch of Vancouver fans were to come over, get rowdy, trash the place, and make the evening news. That should get the locals incensed enough to start passionately rooting for their rivals.

If you didn't know the reason Key Arena is so small is because previous Sonics owner Barry Ackerly (sp?) wanted the arena to be too small for NHL standards. This way he wouldn't have to battle a NHL team for revenue and fans.

Maybe he wanted that. But it wasn't a viable alternative anyway. The Coliseum simply wasn't expandable to NHL size.

I love the NHL, canuck fan myself. Seattle could definately support a team, the fans are out there.

Just something off-topic (cause I just watched the Super Bowl; yay, Giants won, Patriots didn't):

Could Seattle host the Super Bowl?

Just something off-topic (cause I just watched the Super Bowl; yay, Giants won, Patriots didn't):

Could Seattle host the Super Bowl?

I don't see why every NFL franchisee shouldn't get its turn at hosting it in a cycle.

Edit: After having looked through the records and seeing that they're hosted almost exclusively in warm sun-belt locations, with Minneapolis and Detroit being the only exceptions throughout its history, I say vote with your feet and boycott this preferentialist league, until your team and fan base get the respect that they deserve.

Just something off-topic (cause I just watched the Super Bowl; yay, Giants won, Patriots didn't):

Could Seattle host the Super Bowl?

I don't see why every NFL franchisee shouldn't get its turn at hosting it in a cycle.

Cities have to meet a certain criteria..

Here ya go.. and here's the link to those who don't believe me. http://www.resnetwork.com/superbowl/qualifications.html



SuperBowl City Host Minimum Qualifications

Average high temperature of at least 50 degrees... with the exception of Domed Stadiums Several high-occupancy, high-end hotel for NFL Staff, participating teams and media

Enough quality hotel rooms within a one-hour drive that can accommodate at least 35% of the stadium's capacity (NFL's quality hotel criteria not known) presumably to accommodate non-NFL affiliated staff

Convention or entertainment space comprising of at least 600,000 sq. ft. (either indoor or outdoor) for fan events including the most-widely attended event during Super Bowl Week- the NFL Experience

Stadium seating capacity of at least 70,000

Separate practice facilities for each team

Proper ground space for a minimum of 10 photo trailers and 40 television trucks.

50,000 sq. ft. for Radio Row—the designated media area where various media types can work and broadcast

Average high temperature of at least 50 degrees... with the exception of Domed Stadiums

I don't see why Superbowl attendees can't be bothered to dress for the occasion in cold weather, like the locals always do.

I don't see why Superbowl attendees can't be bothered to dress for the occasion in cold weather, like the locals always do.

lol.. It's the NFL.. They cater to those who pay.

Yeah, during Superbows XL (in Detroit) there were a lot of unhappy rich guys there. They flew their private jets in the last minute possible and left as early as possible. Detroit did not get the economic benefit that most other cities receive.

The northern states should dump the NFL and join the CFL instead. They'll play the Grey Cup through wind, rain or snow. :D

The northern states should dump the NFL and join the CFL instead. They'll play the Grey Cup through wind, rain or snow. :D

That will never happen. Remember the last time the CFL tried expanding into the United States and failed?

I think it should be noted that the second the sonics were bought by clay bennet, paul allen took the blazzers off the market. do the math. i say let the sonics move. then well get a good team. like half of the blazers roster is seattle guys anyway.

As for NHL, it would be an absolute hit in the puget sound area.

I think it should be noted that the second the sonics were bought by clay bennet, paul allen took the blazzers off the market. do the math. i say let the sonics move. then well get a good team. like half of the blazers roster is seattle guys anyway.

As for NHL, it would be an absolute hit in the puget sound area.


But remember Mr. Stern said Seattle will never see an NBA franchise ever again if they relocate (which is absolutely ridiculous noting the history and records and fan potential in the Seattle area.)

And I completely agree with you on the NHL being a hit. I really think Seattle would take a liking to the NHL, much more over friggin MLS.

if the city, state and fans are unwilling to support a new arena for the sonics, why in the world would you think the fans would support a NHL franchise?

NHL wouldnt stand a chance here in Seattle.

I could careless about hockey as pretty much everyone I know.

Speak for yourself. The NBA has been a smashing success in Seattle. Ditto the NFL and Mariners since Griffey. On top of that, the Huskies were leading the Pac-10 in football attendance and ticket price! The NHL would work too. The area is large enough and has a large enough hockey fan base. You non-hockey fans are clueless.

I was thrilled with Vancouver getting a NBA team in the 90s. The PNW rivalry would have been fantastic!!


Sadly the Grizzlies were put in the Midwest Division. A lot Sonics fans made the road trip to Vancouver to see the Sonics and party in Vancouver when they played. I miss the Vancouver Grizzlies.

area.)

And I completely agree with you on the NHL being a hit. I really think Seattle would take a liking to the NHL, much more over friggin MLS.

MLS Seattle will be a mega hit. Soccer is big here too. Way bigger than hockey. They have already sold over 11,000 season ticket deposits and they have only been selling them for a few months.

Seattle is well rounded sports wise. How many others cities have led two different major sports leagues in attendance and have had an over decade long sell out streak in a third? The Sounders in the glory days of the NASL were well supported too.

MLS Seattle will be a mega hit. Soccer is big here too. Way bigger than hockey. They have already sold over 11,000 season ticket deposits and they have only been selling them for a few months.

Seattle is well rounded sports wise. How many others cities have led two different major sports leagues in attendance and have had an over decade long sell out streak in a third? The Sounders in the glory days of the NASL were well supported too.

Oh wow, well sorry for that I didn't know that. Well MLS will be great for Seattle too! lol

Where can you get season tickets?

Where can you get season tickets?

http://www.mlsinseattle.com/

A letter from Drew Carey, part owner of MLS Seattle:

Hey Seattle Soccer Fans…

Drew Carey here. Thank you for signing up to join me for MLS in Seattle at Qwest Field beginning in 2009. Just wanted to let you know that we've reached 11,000 season ticket memberships and we're just getting started. Congratulations! You're showing every other city in the MLS what fan support is all about.

Over the next few months we'll be working hard to create the foundation of our team. Here's what you can expect from us regarding your season ticket membership:

* April/May - We will mail you information that will assist you in selecting your seat location.

* May/June – Season Ticket Membership Representatives will contact you individually to discuss your options and select your seat location.

We have a lot of exciting things planned over the next year and I'm looking forward to helping make this the best team in the MLS. If you need anything in the meantime, contact your Membership Representative at (877) MLS-GOAL.

Cheers,
Drew

The NHL would work too. The area is large enough and has a large enough hockey fan base.

Where are they hidden?

That is the impression I get whenever I visit Seattle and talk to people at a sports bar, or from the very few posters from Seattle on the Canucks message board.

Could your typical Seattleite tell you who Markus Naslund or Roberto Luongo is?

Where are they hidden?

That is the impression I get whenever I visit Seattle and talk to people at a sports bar, or from the very few posters from Seattle on the Canucks message board.

I think you will find more hockey fans outside of the city than within it.

Could your typical Seattleite tell you who Markus Naslund or Roberto Luongo is?

No, but your typical hockey fan would. If the Canucks would stop choking in the playoffs, there would be more fan interest around here. The casual hockey fans are Canuck fans be default. The hardcore guys usually have their lifelong favorite team. I have a friend who is a bigtime Red Wing fan. I hate the Red Wings. Since there is no Seattle team, I tend to root for a number of teams.

I think you will find more hockey fans outside of the city than within it.

Why's that?

I could see NHL hockey working here. But I have to agree with Nutterbug, hockey fans seem few and far between.

I know a few hockey fans here, but they've all moved here from somewhere else.

Markus Naslund or Roberto Luongo? Haven't heard of them personally.

I could see NHL hockey working here. But I have to agree with Nutterbug, hockey fans seem few and far between.

I know a few hockey fans here, but they've all moved here from somewhere else.

Markus Naslund or Roberto Luongo? Haven't heard of them personally.

I just wanted to bring this up too. Its not as though each city is simply issued a certain number of hockey fans, and thats all they have to work with. If the team is managed and marketed properly, they can actually grow their own fan bases where there was none before. Soon that "few and far between" group from "somewhere else" becomes a local fan base as rabid as Mariners or Sonics fans. It has worked for a number of cities (i.e Dallas, Denver, LA, Tampa Bay, San Jose, etc.), but I will concede that it has come up short in a number of places too (Nashville, Atlanta, Miami, etc.)

But I still maintain (and will repeat ad-nauseum :D) that Seattle has a strong enough hockey background (with already supporting 2 WHL teams, numerous men's leagues and youth teams, and close proximity to canada) for it to have a good chance of succeding as a hockey market.

P.S.

Markus Naslund: Swedish born first line center for the Vancouver Canucks, was once one of the top scorers in the league, but has fallen off the map into mediocrity in recent years partly due to the fact that he is entering his 13th year in the league.

Roberto Luongo: Canadian born all-star goaltender for the Vancouver Canucks, Last year was runner up for the Vezina Trophy (Awarded to the league's top goalie). Was also the highest drafted goalie ever (at the time), taken 4th overall by the NY Islanders in 1997 (this has since been passed up by the first ever goalie taken #1 in the draft: Rick Dipietro, also by the Islanders after they traded Luongo),

Get to know your hockey, its fun :D

Denver is a good example. There's much more hockey culture there. For example, the local colleges have hockey teams, which is a foreign concept here. The cold winters are probably related.

The comment that our current hockey fan base is suburban is accurate. We have an Everett team and a soon-to-be-Kent team for exactly that reason. They're also blue collar and many wouldn't pay NHL ticket prices.

The blue collar crowd helps your TV base (I assume they'd televise games) but the ticket base would have to be the higher-end crowd to make it work. That's who I suspect would be a tough sell.

I'd like to see the Ducks moved to Seattle, since the Metro LA area does not need two teams.

No luck of that happening anytime soon, since they've just won a championship though.

I love hockey and think it would do really well in Seattle. My main arguement for it would be that while many hardcore fans love Vancouver, most Americans just don't care about Canadian teams. It feels too foreign to them to really support. There is no USA representation for big time hockey in the Northwest and Seattle is the super regional city for housing that kind of thing. Plus we have the population (software employees that have more money than they know what to do with) that could pay the NHL prices.

I would probably give it 5-10 years after MLS opens up in town to really draw excitement though.

Denver is a good example. There's much more hockey culture there. For example, the local colleges have hockey teams, which is a foreign concept here. The cold winters are probably related.

Before the Avalanche came along, hockey's popularity in Denver was limited to a smaller group of die-hards (Kindof like it is here... how bout that...). I'll grant you that it was a larger community than we have here, but it was by no means a mainstream following. It wasn't until the NHL franchise came along that the fan base exploded to rival other sports communities in the City. (It also didn't hurt that the team was a transplant, not an expansion, and that they won the cup their first year there, and had a hall of fame goalie and center, etc, etc.).

Cold winters are fairly irrelevant when it comes to an area's "hockey culture" unless it gets cold enough to allow pond hockey. In Denver, it does get quite a bit colder than it does here, but front-range weather never stays bitter cold long enough to allow pond hockey. The other extreme is high heat that makes ice time that much more expensive, thus limiting the number of kids who play, but even that hasn't stopped pro teams from prospering in sun belt cities like Tampa, LA, and Phoenix.

The comment that our current hockey fan base is suburban is accurate.

What? Show me some stats on where our hockey lovers are... I play on 2 men's league teams, and of the 20 or so players, I count 11 that live in or close to downtown Seattle. While not season ticket holders, I have had to change plans several times because "I can't hang out tonight, I'm at the Thunderbirds game".

We have an Everett team and a soon-to-be-Kent team for exactly that reason.

The Silvertips are in Everett because the Thunderbirds were already in Seattle. Wouldn't make much sense to start 2 WHL teams in the same city (even in canada)

The Thunderbirds are moving to Kent mostly because Key Arena is very expensive to run for WHL hockey (due to its size) and it is quite horribly set up for watching hockey as well. WHL teams typically only draw 5,000-8,000 fans (even in big Canadian cities like Calgary and Edmonton) so it makes better financial sense for them to play in a local events center than a big city arena. It would be cool if Seattle were to build such an arena, but you know how arenas go in Seattle. Either way, they aren't moving because of a lack of a fan base, they are moving because they need a better venue.

They're also blue collar and many wouldn't pay NHL ticket prices.

Since when did having a blue collar fan base not sell tickets? Have you ever been a ferry before a Seahawks game or a Mariners game? Thats a pretty blue collar fan base... Even when they could go to a Husky game for $20 less. If a fan feels the game is worth seeing in person, they will pay to see it.

The blue collar crowd helps your TV base (I assume they'd televise games) but the ticket base would have to be the higher-end crowd to make it work. That's who I suspect would be a tough sell.

The only way the Upper-class fan base comes into the picture is luxury boxes and front row seats. Everywhere else in the stadium is filled with the middle class (bankers, programmers, construction workers, engineers, etc.). Even then, what makes you say that would be a tough sell?

I don't have stats...just location decisions and related press. The press about Everett and Kent has also noted that those are central locations for the fan base.

Blue collar is part of every team's fan base, particularly since many blue collar workers in construction, at Boeing, etc., make good wages. The Seahawks, Mariners, and Sonics all have large white collar fan bases, and that's what I think hockey wouldn't have enough of.

Why's that?

More rinks, more people who play, more east mountain transplants. I think the NHL would work well in Tacoma. The Tacoma Rockets held some WHL attendance records for many years.

Blue collar is part of every team's fan base, particularly since many blue collar workers in construction, at Boeing, etc., make good wages. The Seahawks, Mariners, and Sonics all have large white collar fan bases, and that's what I think hockey wouldn't have enough of.

Stop stereotyping. It is petty and lazy. I know many hockey fans, very few blue collar. Some played D1 hockey at Air Force and Clarkson.

I know a few hockey fans here, but they've all moved here from somewhere else.



I am a Washington native and hockey fan. I think you hang around too many California transplants.

I love hockey and think it would do really well in Seattle. My main arguement for it would be that while many hardcore fans love Vancouver, most Americans just don't care about Canadian teams.

I disagree. The Canucks are by far the most popular team here. The problem is we can't get them on T.V. and that they sellout all of the time so we rarely get to see them. Thankfully we get CBC on most cable systems in Washington so we can see them on HNIC. Back in the late 90's, we got most of the Canucks games on the Intl. channel based out of Bellingham, but ever since then, it has been tough to catch them, except during the playoffs.

Stop stereotyping. It is petty and lazy. I know many hockey fans, very few blue collar. Some played D1 hockey at Air Force and Clarkson.

My god you're a whiner.

If Seattle could handle a NHL team, then why do cities like Phoenix, Columbus, and Nashville have a team?

You guys say how well a NHL team would do here...but why did these cities get awarded a team over Seattle? There's a reason...hockey just wouldn't work here.

If Seattle could handle a NHL team, then why do cities like Phoenix, Columbus, and Nashville have a team?

You guys say how well a NHL team would do here...but why did these cities get awarded a team over Seattle? There's a reason...hockey just wouldn't work here.

The reason is no NHL viable arena in Seattle. That's all Seattle is missing. The NHL has wanted a team in Seattle since the 70's. Hockey would work quite well here, which is why the NHL covets this market, and has for a long time.

I disagree. The Canucks are by far the most popular team here. The problem is we can't get them on T.V. and that they sellout all of the time so we rarely get to see them. Thankfully we get CBC on most cable systems in Washington so we can see them on HNIC. Back in the late 90's, we got most of the Canucks games on the Intl. channel based out of Bellingham, but ever since then, it has been tough to catch them, except during the playoffs.

Comcast Sportsnet airs their games now.

Seattle has made no serious effort to attract the NHL -- no major grassroots fan effort, and certainly no owner group / public official effort. That's a telling sign.

Seattle has made no serious effort to attract the NHL -- no major grassroots fan effort, and certainly no owner group / public official effort. That's a telling sign.

Talk of an expansion team in Seattle
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/01/28/excitement_was_brewin_among_4/?page=2
(Read the last little paragraph about cities looking for expansion teams

And talk of the Predators moving to Seattle if the new arena gets built. Missing piece of the puzzle... the arena...
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/02/15/arena_deal_may_lure_nhl_to_sea/
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2003572923_soniglance15.html

Comcast Sportsnet airs their games now.

what channel? Is that part of a standard package for comcast, or do you have to order it special?

Talk of an expansion team in Seattle
http://www.boston.com/sports/hockey/bruins/articles/2008/01/28/excitement_was_brewin_among_4/?page=2
(Read the last little paragraph about cities looking for expansion teams

And talk of the Predators moving to Seattle if the new arena gets built. Missing piece of the puzzle... the arena...
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/02/15/arena_deal_may_lure_nhl_to_sea/
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics/2003572923_soniglance15.html

I mean "major" effort, like you usually see before a team moves or gets created. Something with political legs and noticeable public support.

what channel? Is that part of a standard package for comcast, or do you have to order it special?

I don't know. You know your cable systems there better than I do.

Their hockey broadcast schedule can be found here, btw:

http://northwest.comcastsportsnet.com/nhl.aspx

But remember Mr. Stern said Seattle will never see an NBA franchise ever again if they relocate (which is absolutely ridiculous noting the history and records and fan potential in the Seattle area.)

And I completely agree with you on the NHL being a hit. I really think Seattle would take a liking to the NHL, much more over friggin MLS.

That fist part is laughable. Even as the commish. there is little that stern could do to stop paul allen from moving the blazzers to seattle if he really wanted to. He simply has to much money and influence.

Denver is a good example. There's much more hockey culture there. For example, the local colleges have hockey teams, which is a foreign concept here. The cold winters are probably related.

The comment that our current hockey fan base is suburban is accurate. We have an Everett team and a soon-to-be-Kent team for exactly that reason. They're also blue collar and many wouldn't pay NHL ticket prices.

The blue collar crowd helps your TV base (I assume they'd televise games) but the ticket base would have to be the higher-end crowd to make it work. That's who I suspect would be a tough sell.

That is not always true. Almost every hockey fan I know are white collars.

I think if Paul Allen even considered moving the Blazers to Seattle after the Sonics leave there would be war declared by the citizens of Portland. He would do better by selling the team to someone who would keep them in Portland and purchase a team that their present city could care less if they relocated or purchase an expansion team.

Portland has the arena now and will probably get the NHL before Seattle (if Seattle doesn't get a larger arena prior to the NHL locating in PDX). Maybe Paul will build them one but he doesn't seem to want to share his Rose Garden (at least presently) with the NHL.

Portland has the arena now and will probably get the NHL before Seattle

that would be sad :ohno:

That fist part is laughable. Even as the commish. there is little that stern could do to stop paul allen from moving the blazzers to seattle if he really wanted to. He simply has to much money and influence.

Well of course. Stern is just a moron.

But remember Mr. Stern said Seattle will never see an NBA franchise ever again if they relocate (which is absolutely ridiculous noting the history and records and fan potential in the Seattle area.)
Stern's going to be commish forever?

And I completely agree with you on the NHL being a hit. I really think Seattle would take a liking to the NHL, much more over friggin MLS.
I don't know about that. How many 'hockey moms' do you know of?

Nike isn't dropping Bauer and picking up Umbro for nothing.

that would be sad :ohno:
I know Portland wanted the Penguins when they were up for grabs. Fortunately they stayed in Pittsburgh.

I don't know about that. How many 'hockey moms' do you know of?

I know of quite a few... what does that matter? One thing I don't know a lot of is soccer moms. By that logic should we not be getting an MLS team?

Nike isn't dropping Bauer and picking up Umbro for nothing.

Again, that affects hockey in Seattle... how?

I mean "major" effort, like you usually see before a team moves or gets created. Something with political legs and noticeable public support.

No arena, no movement. That's the only missing piece. Right now we are missing the arena piece for our NBA team too.

You can't bash lack of interest in the NFL, they have approached Seattle multiple times in the last 30 years. You can't blame lack of potential owners, since Seattle is home to John McCaw. You can't blame lack of potential fans since the Seattle area is reguarly at the top of minor league / major jr. hockey attendance. The only thing that has kept the NHL out of Seattle is the lack of a venue. That's it!

I'm bitter about the size of our arena now. They turned me away from Obama! >:-0