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Us here at Pure Hockey Blogs turn our attention towards the SMJHL and SHL Hockey Empire in North America.

With a major announcement coming from the SMJHL right before puck drops on the S24 Playoffs, it was the perfect time to drop a bombshell on the hockey world. The SMJHL announced that just like its pro counterpart, the SHL, they too were planning to expand by two teams starting next season. This would put the SMJHL at an all-time league high, eight teams across two divisions, East and West.

This is a historically big change for the stable league of six to undertake. With a massive draft class coming into the league for S24, and tons of send downs, it made it tough for rookies to carve out minutes. Also, it’s an impressive move by the board of governors considering the SMJHL would have been a 6 team league feeding into a now fourteen team SHL. With those numbers, the SHL may have started to look elsewhere for players to fill its roster and the SMJHL could have been out of business.

Teams relocating in the SMJHL and SHL are nothing new, as many franchises have done it before. With that, we take a look at the top twenty destinations the SMJHL should target rated one through ten in each conference. The destinations are weighed to include factors such as population, market growth, arena infrastructure, minor hockey presence, schedule, and many more factors discussed below.

We start this two part article by taking a look at possible western destinations. The West *cough* BC Conference will be more heavily sought after by a potential expansion owner given the travel budget is a quarter of the size of eastern teams.

Besides that fact, the west also holds the most potential for market growth as population still has room to grow in comparison to the east coast. Without further a due, here are our picks for the West *couch* BC Conference.

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City: Denver
Population: 663,862 Metro Area Population: 2,754,258
Possible Teams Names: Mountaineers, Stoners, Boulders, Outlaws, Renegades
Possible Arena: Pepsi Center (18,007)

Coming in at number one in the western conference, Denver should be a serious candidate for expansion talks. With no real interior presence in the interior U.S.A (Besides Texas and St. Louis), the SHL and SMJHL Empire have left it virtually untouched.

With a city population of just over 660K and a metro population of nearly 3 Million, Denver has the market and growth potential a professional team would die for, let alone a Junior team. The Pepsi Center has been around for nearly twenty years and hold the average 18K people but considering it’s a prime foothold in the interior market, it’s hard to pass up an options as good as this. Minor hockey in the area is strong and would receive a real boost to an already impressive roster of players from Colorado.

Factor in tax income from newly legal Marijuana, and the state of Colorado looks like its ready to burst from positive cash flow and a strong economy. Any business owner of a potential expansion team will have his eye on Colorado without a doubt.

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City: Portland
Population: 609,456 Metro Area Population: 2,226,009
Possible Teams Names: Timber, Pirates, Pioneers, Lumberjacks, Seagulls
Possible Arena: Moda Center (19,980)

Looking south of Seattle and the SHL’s Riot Franchise, Portland remains untouched throughout the years of the SHL and SMJHL. With multiple Pro and Junior franchise, Seattle has seen its fair share of hockey, and the fans in Portland have waited long enough.

With population numbers similar to Denver, Portland proves the market is there. Along with Colorado, legal Marijuana business could see the state of Washington hit a massive boom period.

Taking a look at the Moda Center, the near 20K capacity is sure to attract players willing to play in such massive crowds. Once again, minor hockey is strong and can get even stronger with another Washington based team.
Looking at the travel schedule, Portland isn’t far from the West *cough* BC Conference, which would help reduce travel costs. It also sits close for SHL teams like the Riot to get a good look at incoming prospect and can double as a farm team for their own prospects.

We’re well aware that an announcement has been made that the SHL is putting a team in Portland, however this news came moments before the article release so we decided to keep it in our list.

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City: San Jose
Population: 1,000,553 Metro Area Population: 8,607,423
Possible Teams Names: Barracudas, Blades, Salty Dogs, Senors
Possible Arena: SAP Center (17,496)

With the fifth largest metro population in North America, San Jose is an untouched gold mine. With multiple arenas to choose from, and a city losing their Oakland Raiders franchise, the doors have been blown wide open for someone else to come in and take citizens hard earned money.

Seriously though, any marketing team worth their salt can fill an arena with a metro area of almost a third of the population of Canada at their disposal.
California hockey has been growing over the last twenty years, and hockey has a cult following, which can easily be expanded upon.

If any pro team was smart, they would cash in on this. However, even a dumb Junior team owner sees this as a chance to hit the billionaire club. There is a small risk attached to a team in San Jose however. If a pro team were to move into the city, it might drastically reduce the market and eat away at potential profits.

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City: Red Deer
Population: 18,351 Metro Area Population: 100,807
Possible Teams Names: Rustlers, Renegades, Bison, Prairie Dogs, Roadkill
Possible Arena: ENMAX Centrium (6,000)

Switching gears now, we turn our sights on the small city in Alberta. No not Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Grand Prairie, or the former SMJHL franchise Lethbridge. I’m talking about Red Deer.

With a small city population but a massive metro population in comparisons, Red Deer is due for a serious SMJHL team. Settled right in hockey heartland between Calgary and Edmonton, Red Deer would be the perfect place for a farm system.

Although the Oil and Gas industry has hit a rough patch, there are more than a few men willing to spend the money required for a bigger, better arena then the 6K seat ENMAX Centrium.

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City: Spokane
Population: 208,916 Metro Area Population: 484,318
Possible Teams Names: Saints, Spirit, Apaches, Redskins, Indians
Possible Arena: Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena (14,000)

Spokane could probably be higher on the list in comparison to Red Deer, aside from one small factor, it’s in the USA and on the wrong side of Washington.

Unlike Portland, Spokane isn’t a hockey hotbed. Although close to Seattle and a decent arena, Spokane just doesn’t have the ravage hockey fans Portland or Red Deer has.

Once again though, with a good marketing team and a committed owner, Spokane could be carved out to make a very respectable fan base. It’s been done before, but without one important ingredient the market could collapse, which would be team success on the ice.

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City: Kamloops
Population: 85,678 Metro Area Population: 96,000
Possible Teams Names: Bullriders, Wranglers, Rapids, Trail Blazers
Possible Arena: Interior Savings Centre (5,464)

The most strategic choice for the SMJHL, the West *cough* BC Conference wouldn’t be adding anything to its travel budget at all. Currently all six other teams make stops in Kamloops as it sits directly in the middle of the West *cough* BC Conference.

A big ranching community, Kamloops is a beautiful place to live and attracts the wealthy, so profitability and advertisement should never be a problem.
However, in order to compete with the other teams in the conference for players, Kamloops would have to build a bigger rink to maximize its gate profits.

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City: Victoria
Population: 86,017 Metro Area Population: 344,615
Possible Teams Names: Grizzlies, Mounties, Ravens, Islanders, Storm
Possible Arena: Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (7,400)

Victoria is a logical choice given its location as well. Located just off the mainland, both Seattle and Vancouver have quick access to the city. Lets not forget the population is mostly made up of retired families looking for something to do. Why not catch a great Junior game?

The Memorial Centre will need some expanding, but there is a market, however more stale then actually growing. Local hockey is more than okay, as like any part of Canada but you might see a slight boost in minor interest if a team was to come to town.

The one major positive is that Victoria will probably be the most patience market in demanding a winning franchise, which will give the owner plenty of time to deliver, or the SMJHL to even wait to expand here.

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City: Salt Lake City
Population: 968,858 Metro Area Population: 1,153,000
Possible Teams Names: Express, Flatliners, Angels, Prophets, Messiahs
Possible Arena: EnergySolutions Arena (14,000)

We lied; the most patience place would be Salt Lake City? Why? Well, forgive and forget of course! Unless that’s only a Christian thing and not Muslim.
Nevertheless, with a metro population of over 1 Million, Salt Lake City provides a decent market with an okay arena. The city did see massive interest spike watching USA lose to Canada in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games however, so it does have signs that a franchise can survive here.

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City: San Diego
Population: 1,381,068 Metro Area Population: 3,095,313
Possible Teams Names: Chargers, Seagulls, Orcas, Wave, Storm
Possible Arena: Valley View Casino Center (16,100)

San Diego, the land of the Orcas and the home of Ron Burgundy. The metro area has a great market of over 3 million souls, but it’s a safe bet most of them won’t care about hockey or any sports for the matter. With the hometown Chargers taking off up the highway, no one seems to care.
Any owner thinking of taking a team here will be trapped in a glass case of emotion after seeing his profits drop and drop. You’ll most likely find a marketing team with the motto “60% of the time, it works every time”, which will only result in more empty seats.

Don’t act like you’re not impressed, we’ve done our research.

I immediately regret this decision, San Diego should not be on our list.

And with that, our attempt at fitting the most references into this section has come to the end. Now if only we can perfect the “Meow” game.

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City: Las Vegas
Population: 603,488 Metro Area Population: 1,376,000
Possible Teams Names: Dealers, Regals, Mafia, Gangsters, Hustlers, Paradise
Possible Arena: MGM Grand Garden Arena (16,800)

Well, our last stop on this list is Las Vegas. Sure, they city has people, and more than enough money but if a SHL can’t last here, then how can a Junior team?

Ignoring the fact none of the players can go anywhere in Las Vegas, and that every single one of them will be approached to throw a game or ten, Las Vegas just isn’t a smart investment.

Even if you someone turn a profit, you’ll find yourself on the wrong end of a gun pointed at you from a slick haired Italian and then shortly after, you’ll end up in the desert with your pants between your ankles and the deed to your team in the name of the Godfather.


With the West *cough* BC Conference in our rearview mirror, we take our list to the stronger conference last season and present to you, the top ten places for an eastern expansion team.

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City: Ottawa
Population: 943,260 Metro Area Population: 1,282,500
Possible Teams Names: Mounties, Canadians, Capitals, Northern Lights, Bobcats
Possible Arena: Canadien Tire Centre (19,153)

Canada’s capital is without a SHL or SMJHL franchise, and you just know that none of the over 1 Million metro population is cheering for the North Stars, Steelhawks, or the Impact franchise.

With a beautiful 19K capacity rink, Ottawa is in the prim place for a team. Market is growing, fans are wanting to cheer for their own hometown team, and it’s located right between the travel route for the eastern conference.

Lets not forget that the political landscape of Canada comes to meet here, and do you really think they would ever let anything bad happened to their newly beloved hockey franchise? I think not.

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City: Quebec City
Population: 516,622 Metro Area Population: 765,706
Possible Teams Names: Nordiques, Huskies, Northern Lights, Lions, Settlers
Possible Arena: Videotron Centre (18,259)

Another strong choice, Quebec City is a logical decision to get a heated rivalry into the SMJHL and fast. With good size market, Quebec City is similar to Ottawa as in they will dump their Impact jerseys for QC jerseys in a heartbeat.

With a brand new arena ready to go this season, you can’t do much better in finding a long term, state of the art building to play in for the next thirty to forty years.

In comparison to some other choices on the list, Quebec City may be viewed as a little safer than most. It doesn’t have massive potential, but it’s guaranteed to keep you in the black every single season.

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City: Chicago
Population: 2,695,598 Metro Area Population: 9,522,434
Possible Teams Names: Hitmen, Mafia, Wind, Stars, Tigers, Cougars
Possible Arena: United Center ( 22,428)

We know what you’re thinking. The SMJHL came here and failed many years ago. However, can you really pass up the chance to own a franchise in the market with nearly 10 Million people? The third largest metro area in North America sits untouched both professionally and for juniors, is it time someone scoops it up?

With a massive, 22K capacity arena, the United Center is still years ahead of its time. Put together a strong marketing team, with early on team success and you’ll see the city of Chicago come around, and stay around.

It’s a risk, but with such massive potential, it’s hard to see anyone passing this up.

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City: Halifax
Population: 297,943 Metro Area Population: 390,096
Possible Teams Names: Highlanders, Scotsmen, Bravehearts, Bluenose, Wild
Possible Arena: Scotiabank Centre (10, 595)

Halifax is another safe choice here in the east. With no maritime teams, and the chance to call them the Highlanders, what not to love about Halifax?

An okay arena for the time being, the Scotiabank Centre will have to be replaced, but the market is there and holding strong. Let’s not forget, this is Nova Scotia, New Scotland! You’ll consistently see the beer taps running dry before the puck is even dropped.

I’m sure Molson, or some other big beer company has their sights set on Halifax.

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City: Philadelphia
Population: 1,500,297 Metro Area Population: 6,051,170
Possible Teams Names: Patriots, Rebels, Fighters, Cavalry
Possible Arena: Wells Fargo Center (19,541)

Ah Philly. With a huge population of 6 Million souls around your city, it’s another big market anyone smart can take advantage of.

The Wells Fargo Center, despite awful sponsors, is still a top of the line arena to host games in.

Other than that though, there’s not much else to you. There are tons of better options, and tons of worse options still, but a franchise here could work.

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City: Pittsburgh
Population: 305,841 Metro Area Population: 2,360,867
Possible Teams Names: Rhinos, Bombers, Riders, Warriors
Possible Arena: Consol Energy Center (18,387)

Just like Philly, Pittsburgh has a great new arena to play out of, and well, 4 million less people in their metro area.

Honestly, other than that, there is not much else worth talking about. I think we hit our dull point in our list.

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City: Cleveland
Population: 396,815 Metro Area Population: 2,064,724
Possible Teams Names: Steamers, Cougars, Roughnecks
Possible Arena: Quicken Loans Arena (20,562)

Cleveland knows that they need another sports franchise to take the pressure of Johnny Football and the King. A junior team in an eight team league? Why, you’re almost guaranteed a championship in the next few seasons!

Another big arena, the Quicken Loans Arena is Lebron James Kingdom however, and you would have to get his permission to even think about using this building.

Fortunately, the city of Cleveland may be despite for a title so bad, that a Junior franchise could steal the show.

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City: Kansas City
Population: 459,787 Metro Area Population: 2,071,133
Possible Teams Names: Mules, Stars, Trailblazers, Tornadoes,
Possible Arena: Sprint Center (17,544)

Mid-west we go! Kansas City doesn’t have anything special about itself, the arena is average, population is similar to other lower list cities, but the NHL saw something in the 70’s to bring a team out here. Of course, they failed, but they saw something.

Perhaps they saw a fan base willing to back their team for so many losing seasons, that just one winning season sees everyone turn into the biggest Royal fans on the planet. Perhaps the same can be done with a SMJHL franchise?

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City: Houston
Population: 2,099,451 Metro Area Population: 6,313,158
Possible Teams Names: Apollos, Steers, Stallions, Mustangs, Aviators
Possible Arena: Toyota Center (17,800)

This choice is brought to you by the Texas Renegades, wanting a closer farm team to them since season ten.

But seriously, if Texas can survive, then a team in Houston should be able to do okay as well. The very large, 6 million plus people are waiting to cheer for someone, oh, wait, they have football. Never mind, pack it up. No use competing with high school football and Friday night lights.

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City: New Orleans
Population: 343,324 Metro Area Population: 1,167,764
Possible Teams Names: VooDoos, Cajuns, Dragons, Hurricanes
Possible Arena: Smoothie King Center (18,000)

We’re really scrapping the bottom of the barrel huh? With an arena called the Smoothie King Center, we can only imagine what the team might be called.

Very small market in comparison to other USA metro areas, a complete lack of interest in anything other then VooDoo, Drew Brees, and Alligators, hockey would have a tough time getting started here.


Well, that’s our list! If you agree or disagree, leave your comment below!

Code:

3,327 Words

great list!

Go Spokane!

      S76 SMJHL DRAFT 3RD OVERALL PICK     
        S77 SHL DRAFT 4TH OVERALL PICK         
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Great article if a team in San Jose I'm going

Go Denver!

Pittsburgh underrated imo

Originally posted by grimmsterj@Jul 18 2015, 11:34 AM
Pittsburgh underrated imo

I know nothing about the city or surrounding area. It was hard to think of information or reasons to pick them.

Watch for a city not on this list to get a team

Originally posted by princekyle@Jul 18 2015, 11:48 AM
Watch for a city not on this list to get a team

If Portage gets a team... :ph34r:

Originally posted by GemLife@Jul 18 2015, 11:50 AM


If Portage gets a team...&nbsp; :ph34r:

Hell no.

Originally posted by princekyle@Jul 18 2015, 02:48 PM
Watch for a city not on this list to get a team

Mine was Baltimore :unsure:

i'll playwith anyone
playing with my teammates is part of the intangibles I bring to the table
i play with them a lot.
they didn't like it at first
but after a while, it just felt normal

4-0 and 0-4 aren't that different tbh

FIRE EGGY
HIRE ARTY

Damn my team was not on this list, was probably #21

Originally posted by Count Chocula@Jul 18 2015, 12:10 PM
Damn my team was not on this list, was probably #21

No idea what my #21 would be. So.. Sure, we'll go with your city

y y'all havin on portage

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Mine was New Orleans! )

Originally posted by Andybj@Jul 18 2015, 12:28 PM
Mine was New Orleans! )

Whoops haha