Why isn't there a thread on the QC Flames?

[mfrerkes]

Has any team's future been the subject of more unverifiable reports, than the QC Flames?

[silvershoes]

Only Youngstown that I can think of, but Ytown's come from their mayor.

Hard to know what to think in either case.

[mfrerkes]

Hard to know what to think in either case.
Youngstown is more of a commodity than the Quad City market right now. If (insert hockey league here) was looking for a place to expand, who is going to look more favorable right now, Youngstown or QC?

Youngstown ended up drawing over 3,300 per game with CHL hockey, and right now QC can barely hit 2,800 with the AHL product.

[maddog]

Youngstown is more of a commodity than the Quad City market right now. If (insert hockey league here) was looking for a place to expand, who is going to look more favorable right now, Youngstown or QC?

Youngstown ended up drawing over 3,300 per game with CHL hockey, and right now QC can barely hit 2,800 with the AHL product.

Good point but, as pointed out in another thread, I wouldn't look towards attendance alone. How much is the owner putting out to put the team on ice would be the main statistic.

As for QC's situation, it's all rumors. The only thing that adds any substenance to the rumors it Calgary's past dealings with their AHL cities and the attendance problems. Sure the local QC ownership denied the move but what do you expect them to say in the middle of the season? That they are giving up and letting the Flames go?

As the Hans pointed out several times already in other threads...don't expect any news until April. Until then, enjoy hockey and don't worry about it. QC will have hockey next season.

[mfrerkes]

As the Hans pointed out several times already in other threads...don't expect any news until April. Until then, enjoy hockey and don't worry about it. QC will have hockey next season.
Enjoying hockey is not a problem. When I'm at the games, I don't really care what was written in the paper a few weeks ago. I'm too busy watching the Flames to be bothered with such trivialities.

When I'm here, however, surrounded by other fans who have differing opinions on the outlook, I'm more inclined to talk about the possibilities which lie ahead. This is a participatory exercise. Nobody is forced to read or respond to my posts of they don't want to. I do like hearing other people's take on the situation and learn some things from such an exchange.

As far as being worried if hockey leaves: not at all. I didn't attend any hockey games from 2004-2007 because I just had no interest in watching the Mallards anymore. Bringing the AHL here rekindled my interest in the sport, but if it leaves, I have plenty of other interests to fall back on.

[maddog]

Enjoying hockey is not a problem. When I'm at the games, I don't really care what was written in the paper a few weeks ago. I'm too busy watching the Flames to be bothered with such trivialities.

When I'm here, however, surrounded by other fans who have differing opinions on the outlook, I'm more inclined to talk about the possibilities which lie ahead. This is a participatory exercise. Nobody is forced to read or respond to my posts of they don't want to. I do like hearing other people's take on the situation and learn some things from such an exchange.

As far as being worried if hockey leaves: not at all. I didn't attend any hockey games from 2004-2007 because I just had no interest in watching the Mallards anymore. Bringing the AHL here rekindled my interest in the sport, but if it leaves, I have plenty of other interests to fall back on.

I know you are glorified about AAA hockey, I've been there too. But once hockey gets in your blood then it's in your blood. You will find that hockey is hockey. I went from IHL, old days, to WCHL to finally WHL and the hockey is the same. The players play with the same level of intensity and look to move up. The WHL has some of the most talented players that I ever have seen but lack the awareness as some of the professionals. Seeing a kid 17-20 hit the smack out of an oppenent is still pretty intense. Don't give up if AHL leaves, thats a big IF. Plenty of players, in the lower levels especially the juniors, love the game and will give their all each game.

[mfrerkes]

I know you are glorified about AAA hockey, I've been there too. But once hockey gets in your blood then it's in your blood. You will find that hockey is hockey. I went from IHL, old days, to WCHL to finally WHL and the hockey is the same. The players play with the same level of intensity and look to move up.
For me, hockey is purely entertainment and a healthy form of escapism. I've met quite a few people (including some on this forum) who treat it like a religion. As compelling as it is to watch, hockey is just a game and does not quite enter the spiritual realm, IMO.

If I'm going to pay $10-$15 to watch hockey, I'd prefer to see something good as opposed to something mediocre. The NHL is overpriced in almost every market they play. Lower leagues like the ECHL and IHL charge nearly the same price as the QC Flames, but obviously the quality of talent is lower. To me, the AHL represents the best talent at the best price in professional hockey.

That is not to say I wouldn't attend an IHL game if QC ends up switching leagues. I certainly would attend some every season. However, I don't think I'd be enthusiastic enough about the IHL product to invest in season tickets like I have with the Flames. If we landed a junior team (i.e. USHL) I can definitely tell you that would be the end of my hockey-watching days in the Quad Cities. It's much more fun to watch guys who are good enough to be paid now than high school kids who may (or may not) be good enough to be paid in a few years.

[QCfan]

I came in to this forum hunting for a thread on the Flames too. I am not so sure that if the AHL fails here that another team or league will bother with QC. I hope that is not true...but who in their right mind would invest with the hard financial times people are facing now?:sad:

[mfrerkes]

I came in to this forum hunting for a thread on the Flames too. I am not so sure that if the AHL fails here that another team or league will bother with QC. I hope that is not true...but who in their right mind would invest with the hard financial times people are facing now?:sad:
We should know very soon whether the Flames will live on for a third AHL season. It has been excruciating to watch the "news leaks" and speculation surrounding AHL's future in the Quad Cities.

There's probably not much any of us can do. We've already done our part by purchasing season tickets, bringing people out to the games, buying team merchandise etc. Let's just hope QCSV realizes professional hockey can succeed here if they make a serious effort to market their product. If they rely on the fans to do this task for them, they'll never see the turnout needed to make this work.

[FriendofScruffy]

The mayor of Abottsford BC was on Sirius/ XM radio yesterday signing the praises of his city. Sounds like they have a pretty good set up there.

[hockey]

The mayor of Abottsford BC was on Sirius/ XM radio yesterday signing the praises of his city. Sounds like they have a pretty good set up there.

I'm sure Mayor McCheese would say that McDonaldsland would be a great place for an AHL franchise as well.

[Bill682]

its over for the flames now. sad to see a team fold.

[QCfan]

I'm sure Mayor McCheese would say that McDonaldsland would be a great place for an AHL franchise as well.

I don't see how they can manage the travel costs when your closest competitor is a 24 hour drive away? Ouch!!!