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Post by yesisaiditfirst on Mar 29, 2023 15:26:55 GMT -4
Here it is Saginaw will host next May when it's OHL turn.
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Post by Reesor on Mar 30, 2023 9:32:43 GMT -4
It's about time they were able to select a team based in the US. I think it's ridiculous to attempt to recruit Americans to play in the CHL and then say that we can't hold the biggest tournament on its schedule in the US because of sponsorship reasons. In order for the CHL to be relevant to American players at all it should allow American teams to be on the same playing field, which it looks like they're doing.
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Post by yesisaiditfirst on Mar 30, 2023 9:42:06 GMT -4
Clock is on for Q submissions to host in 2025. Who do you think will be the bidders?
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Post by Jack Bauer on Mar 30, 2023 9:45:51 GMT -4
Clock is on for Q submissions to host in 2025. Who do you think will be the bidders? Moncton. 19 years between Memorial Cups and a new rink. I'd say its time for them to host again.
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Post by Reesor on Mar 30, 2023 9:59:08 GMT -4
Ignoring arena issues:
Moncton Cape Breton Rimouski Chicoutimi
In terms of team strength, those are the four I would expect to be up there. Moncton checks every box and should be the front runner. Will the Q want three Maritimes hosts in a row? The other three teams have some issues:
Cape Breton: Their cycle fits but they've been told they need some arena upgrades to host a major event. Is ~5000 seats enough anymore? They've never hosted. Rimouski: Unsure of their exact cycle but they seem poised to contend again in a couple years. They last hosted in 2009. Again, is 5000 seats enough? Chicoutimi: Cycle fits but they have the smallest arena at ~3600 seats and ~1000 standing room. Also have olympic-sized ice. Haven't hosted since 1988, and they didn't even play in that tournament.
Moncton's to lose if they bid IMO. The only thing standing in their way is the fact the tournament hasn't been hosted in Quebec since 2015. There also have only been six unique cities host since 2000 (Halifax, Quebec, Moncton, Rimouski, Shawinigan, Saint John).
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Post by Reesor on Mar 30, 2023 10:03:38 GMT -4
Could also take it one step further and say the QMJHL's Western conference has hosted once (2012 Shawinigan) since 1997. All the teams above are from the East. I didn't mention Rouyn-Noranda because of their arena size but I'm assuming they'll have the team to compete that year. Drummondville has to be close as well but yet again, arena size problems.
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Post by Jack Bauer on Mar 30, 2023 10:05:53 GMT -4
Ignoring arena issues: Moncton Cape Breton Rimouski Chicoutimi In terms of team strength, those are the four I would expect to be up there. Moncton checks every box and should be the front runner. Will the Q want three Maritimes hosts in a row? The other three teams have some issues: Cape Breton: Their cycle fits but they've been told they need some arena upgrades to host a major event. Is ~5000 seats enough anymore? They've never hosted. Rimouski: Unsure of their exact cycle but they seem poised to contend again in a couple years. They last hosted in 2009. Again, is 5000 seats enough? Chicoutimi: Cycle fits but they have the smallest arena at ~3600 seats and ~1000 standing room. Also have olympic-sized ice. Haven't hosted since 1988, and they didn't even play in that tournament. Moncton's to lose if they bid IMO. The only thing standing in their way is the fact the tournament hasn't been hosted in Quebec since 2015. There also have only been six unique cities host since 2000 (Halifax, Quebec, Moncton, Rimouski, Shawinigan, Saint John). I cant help but find it insane that CB needs more upgrades in a 5,000 seat rink yet Chicoutimi is always casually dropped on an option yet the arena doesn't even match up vs C200. Sydney has hotels all within walking distance plus 2-3 more a ~5 minute drive or so from downtown. I'll never say we can beat a Moncton or Halifax bid. But if Chicoutimi is an option....C200 is perfectly suitable even with some minor upgrades ahead of 2025.
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Post by Reesor on Mar 30, 2023 10:23:49 GMT -4
Ignoring arena issues: Moncton Cape Breton Rimouski Chicoutimi In terms of team strength, those are the four I would expect to be up there. Moncton checks every box and should be the front runner. Will the Q want three Maritimes hosts in a row? The other three teams have some issues: Cape Breton: Their cycle fits but they've been told they need some arena upgrades to host a major event. Is ~5000 seats enough anymore? They've never hosted. Rimouski: Unsure of their exact cycle but they seem poised to contend again in a couple years. They last hosted in 2009. Again, is 5000 seats enough? Chicoutimi: Cycle fits but they have the smallest arena at ~3600 seats and ~1000 standing room. Also have olympic-sized ice. Haven't hosted since 1988, and they didn't even play in that tournament. Moncton's to lose if they bid IMO. The only thing standing in their way is the fact the tournament hasn't been hosted in Quebec since 2015. There also have only been six unique cities host since 2000 (Halifax, Quebec, Moncton, Rimouski, Shawinigan, Saint John). I cant help but find it insane that CB needs more upgrades in a 5,000 seat rink yet Chicoutimi is always casually dropped on an option yet the arena doesn't even match up vs C200. Sydney has hotels all within walking distance plus 2-3 more a ~5 minute drive or so from downtown. I'll never say we can beat a Moncton or Halifax bid. But if Chicoutimi is an option....C200 is perfectly suitable even with some minor upgrades ahead of 2025. I think you posted at one point that C200 needed either ventilation or roof upgrades for it to be considered. I can't remember when I saw that. If that isn't the case, I would put Cape Breton 2nd to Moncton, and it would all depend on how "fair" the bidding process is. Moncton would probably beat Cape Breton just like Quebec would always beat Halifax if they bid against each other. But this comes up every three years... if it was just the strength of the bid that determined who got the Memorial Cup, the same 3-4 teams would always get it. As long as Cape Breton was able to logistically house the teams involved, and their arena was suited for the media, scouts etc, I see no reason why they couldn't host. If 5000 seats isn't enough to host the Memorial Cup, how does the league expect to grow in medium to small markets when they aren't even included in the bidding for the biggest tournament in their league? Memorial Cup host cities always see a spike in season ticket holders and overall attendance when they host. To restrict all but the biggest markets from that financial benefit holds back 2/3 of the league from their full potential.
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Post by Beaver Banker on Mar 30, 2023 10:24:28 GMT -4
To me (and honestly having never attended a game in either building), Centre 200 looks VERY comparable in age/capacity/market size/amenities to the Sandman Centre in Kamloops where the Memorial Cup is being held this spring.
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Post by catnut on Mar 30, 2023 10:30:53 GMT -4
I read somewhere that the CHL removed one big financial consideration for teams in their bids, which was the obligation to provide $$ to the other teams in the league. This will allow smaller markets to also bid for the Memorial Cup without ruining themselves.
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Post by yesisaiditfirst on Mar 30, 2023 10:45:01 GMT -4
Ignoring arena issues: Moncton Cape Breton Rimouski Chicoutimi In terms of team strength, those are the four I would expect to be up there. Moncton checks every box and should be the front runner. Will the Q want three Maritimes hosts in a row? The other three teams have some issues: Cape Breton: Their cycle fits but they've been told they need some arena upgrades to host a major event. Is ~5000 seats enough anymore? They've never hosted. Rimouski: Unsure of their exact cycle but they seem poised to contend again in a couple years. They last hosted in 2009. Again, is 5000 seats enough? Chicoutimi: Cycle fits but they have the smallest arena at ~3600 seats and ~1000 standing room. Also have olympic-sized ice. Haven't hosted since 1988, and they didn't even play in that tournament. Moncton's to lose if they bid IMO. The only thing standing in their way is the fact the tournament hasn't been hosted in Quebec since 2015. There also have only been six unique cities host since 2000 (Halifax, Quebec, Moncton, Rimouski, Shawinigan, Saint John). Chicoutimi came runner-up for the 2015 bid. I am really in the camp that a Quebec based location has the edge, but honestly they may not have a bidder and that would by default land it for Moncton. For Chicoutimi they have 4500 if you do the standing room but there is this - "The Saguenay city council unveiled plans for a new arena in September 2019, but late in 2020 the Quebec government refused to fund the project. The roof at CGV was apparently fixed during the pandemic, and there are now plans afoot to excavate down to lower the ice surface, make it regulation-sized, and use the extra space for more seating. No firm timeline has been announced for completion, but it looks like CGV's future is unexpectedly secure." So depends on timeliness if they can modify it. They have 2 summers to get it done. Q needs guarantees in a bid to decide in 12 months.
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Post by Jack Bauer on Mar 30, 2023 10:46:04 GMT -4
I cant help but find it insane that CB needs more upgrades in a 5,000 seat rink yet Chicoutimi is always casually dropped on an option yet the arena doesn't even match up vs C200. Sydney has hotels all within walking distance plus 2-3 more a ~5 minute drive or so from downtown. I'll never say we can beat a Moncton or Halifax bid. But if Chicoutimi is an option....C200 is perfectly suitable even with some minor upgrades ahead of 2025. I think you posted at one point that C200 needed either ventilation or roof upgrades for it to be considered. I can't remember when I saw that. If that isn't the case, I would put Cape Breton 2nd to Moncton, and it would all depend on how "fair" the bidding process is. Moncton would probably beat Cape Breton just like Quebec would always beat Halifax if they bid against each other. But this comes up every three years... if it was just the strength of the bid that determined who got the Memorial Cup, the same 3-4 teams would always get it. As long as Cape Breton was able to logistically house the teams involved, and their arena was suited for the media, scouts etc, I see no reason why they couldn't host. If 5000 seats isn't enough to host the Memorial Cup, how does the league expect to grow in medium to small markets when they aren't even included in the bidding for the biggest tournament in their league? Memorial Cup host cities always see a spike in season ticket holders and overall attendance when they host. To restrict all but the biggest markets from that financial benefit holds back 2/3 of the league from their full potential. There are improvements anyone but Moncton could make to some of the older buildings. C200 had a bunch of stuff done ahead of 2012. You would have to do some roof changes to add more seats or another press box but I feel like the current layout can be configured fine...especially if a Chicoutimi is actually considered. I feel C200 is regularly being shit on by the Eagles leadership which then puts a negative slant on it by others. But the reality is that for a 35 year old building that can hold 5000+ for hockey its the kind of rink the Memorial Cup should be held in. And in spite of some of the issues it may have it still serves its purpose pretty well and if this Eagles team was a contender you'd see 4000+ every night for a deep playoff run. But the conversation gets to a point where the Q might as well just rotate Quebec, Moncton, and Halifax and be done with it. I've never been to Rimouski but I also am missing how their rink is also capable of hosting...are they just always spending money on these arenas in Quebec? Or is the standard really that different if you're a Maritime team hosting?
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Post by yesisaiditfirst on Mar 30, 2023 10:51:51 GMT -4
I think you posted at one point that C200 needed either ventilation or roof upgrades for it to be considered. I can't remember when I saw that. If that isn't the case, I would put Cape Breton 2nd to Moncton, and it would all depend on how "fair" the bidding process is. Moncton would probably beat Cape Breton just like Quebec would always beat Halifax if they bid against each other. But this comes up every three years... if it was just the strength of the bid that determined who got the Memorial Cup, the same 3-4 teams would always get it. As long as Cape Breton was able to logistically house the teams involved, and their arena was suited for the media, scouts etc, I see no reason why they couldn't host. If 5000 seats isn't enough to host the Memorial Cup, how does the league expect to grow in medium to small markets when they aren't even included in the bidding for the biggest tournament in their league? Memorial Cup host cities always see a spike in season ticket holders and overall attendance when they host. To restrict all but the biggest markets from that financial benefit holds back 2/3 of the league from their full potential. There are improvements anyone but Moncton could make to some of the older buildings. C200 had a bunch of stuff done ahead of 2012. You would have to do some roof changes to add more seats or another press box but I feel like the current layout can be configured fine...especially if a Chicoutimi is actually considered. I feel C200 is regularly being shit on by the Eagles leadership which then puts a negative slant on it by others. But the reality is that for a 35 year old building that can hold 5000+ for hockey its the kind of rink the Memorial Cup should be held in. And in spite of some of the issues it may have it still serves its purpose pretty well and if this Eagles team was a contender you'd see 4000+ every night for a deep playoff run. But the conversation gets to a point where the Q might as well just rotate Quebec, Moncton, and Halifax and be done with it. I've never been to Rimouski but I also am missing how their rink is also capable of hosting...are they just always spending money on these arenas in Quebec? Or is the standard really that different if you're a Maritime team hosting? I downloaded the Rimouski site plan after they won their previous bid the year they hosted. Was really impressed. They have a fine facility. Even had 6 dressing rooms and decent way to separate media areas. Whatever they did it was good enough to win it once. I agree these are exactly the size communities that need to host. If you can fit 5000 for hockey then you likely have the hotel space for visitors and teams/media/organizers. One issue when you add 2000 seats do you then outgrow the environment. Halifax, Quebec, Moncton have the infrastructure to support it. Including transportation airports etc - but many communities don't have. Sydney will max out the hotel space faster.
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Post by lirette on Mar 30, 2023 12:30:12 GMT -4
I really don't see any reason Sydney can't host. They've hosted plenty of other events that bring multiple teams into the community. The arena is in the same realm as Harbour Station in terms of age. I could see them upgrading the videoboard to one of the modern models.
I think Moncton probably wins just because they are going to have a World Junior and Top Prospects game under the belt just a few years before the tournament, but I also wouldn't be mad to see Cape Breton get it. Would make for a fun trip and it'd be really good for the community there.
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Post by Jack Bauer on Mar 30, 2023 12:49:03 GMT -4
I really don't see any reason Sydney can't host. They've hosted plenty of other events that bring multiple teams into the community. The arena is in the same realm as Harbour Station in terms of age. I could see them upgrading the videoboard to one of the modern models. I think Moncton probably wins just because they are going to have a World Junior and Top Prospects game under the belt just a few years before the tournament, but I also wouldn't be mad to see Cape Breton get it. Would make for a fun trip and it'd be really good for the community there. C200 has recently hosted a Scottie's and is hosting the Womens World Curling championship next March so the arena and surrounding area is on par with some of the markets we've seen host similar scale events in being able to handle a lot of people over 7-10 days. Moncton deserves it solely on the WJHC performance for me. I've never been in the new arena but everyone raves about it. But the support attendance wise during the WJHC earned them bigger opportunities. From the outside looking in Moncton was able to capitalize on getting younger people out to those games and a lot of the positive media attention included that.
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