Hearing rumors of West Div. of ECHL going away

[Dilligas]

I'm been asked several times in the last couple months about the West Div. of the ECHL going away after this year? Has anyone else heard these rumors? I can't imagine this happening, but who knows. This coach keeps saying he's hearing it.

[Komettheclown]

Its been speculated about in previous threads.With Stockton and Bakersfield both possible candidates for the AHL. I would not be suprised at all if the ECHL west goes away. Then again maybe not.

[Dilligas]

Its been speculated about in previous threads.With Stockton and Bakersfield both possible candidates for the AHL. I would not be suprised at all if the ECHL west goes away. Then again maybe not.

That is kind of the same rumor's he's been hearing. About them going AHL... he just keeps asking me about the Aces not being around anymore. That's one I can't imagine. But who knows.

[Hans]

This is one that seems to keep popping up as "has anyone heard this"... which makes it really hard to tell whether there's any actual teeth to it, or if it's just become a self-perpetuating rumor that has a life of its own because people keep trying to track it down.

It's the danger of the echo chamber.

Here's a question to return to the rumor source(s)... is the rumor of the "West Division" going away, or of the "National Conference" going away?

The West Division is, after all, only four teams (Idaho, Victoria, Utah, and Alaska).

However, the National Conference is what most people are actually thinking of if they talk about "the Western part of the ECHL" -- and that brings Bako, Ontario, Stockton, and Las Vegas into the discussion.

Precision is important - ESPECIALLY in rumors! :)

[Dilligas]

This is one that seems to keep popping up as "has anyone heard this"... which makes it really hard to tell whether there's any actual teeth to it, or if it's just become a self-perpetuating rumor that has a life of its own because people keep trying to track it down.

It's the danger of the echo chamber.

Here's a question to return to the rumor source(s)... is the rumor of the "West Division" going away, or of the "National Conference" going away?

The West Division is, after all, only four teams (Idaho, Victoria, Utah, and Alaska).

However, the National Conference is what most people are actually thinking of if they talk about "the Western part of the ECHL" -- and that brings Bako, Ontario, Stockton, and Las Vegas into the discussion.

Precision is important - ESPECIALLY in rumors! :)

Thanks Hans, I figured IF anyone would know if there was anything to it you probably would. I'll pass this back to him, and tell him to get it right next time. :grin:

[maddog]

As a observer, I would have to ask Hans with his expert experience, what impact would have joining the two (western) divisions together would have in the playoffs in the ECHL. It would seem that more teams would have to travel to the other side of the states to make the thing fair. Thus killing any profits that could have been made by making it deep into the playoffs.

[hockey]

Thus killing any profits that could have been made by making it deep into the playoffs.

With no group sales or special event corporate sponsorship, almost all teams report a loss the farther they go in the play offs.

The revenue is usually gained the following season as you can promote your team as more successful.

A four team Western division of the ECHL would make little sense. A better option would be to join the remaining western teams with the CHL.

The CHL western teams are already flying, with teams near major airports. Arizona(PHX) , Colorado(DEN) as well as the Texas teams that are huddled around DFW or within a few hours drive.

A western Utah, Idaho, Alaska, Victoria, Colorado, Rapid City and Arizona division would not be to bad. All of these teams are already flying. If Broomfield, CO returns that would put the west at 8 teams. Broomfield is essentially greater DEN so it would be a direct flight from all the cities as well.

I would still prefer Utah, Victoria, Alaska and Idaho go to the USHL. If the franchises remained being operated how they are now, they could be impressive options for junior talent.

[Hans]

As a observer, I would have to ask Hans with his expert experience, what impact would have joining the two (western) divisions together would have in the playoffs in the ECHL. It would seem that more teams would have to travel to the other side of the states to make the thing fair. Thus killing any profits that could have been made by making it deep into the playoffs.
You may recall that the first year that the former WCHL teams joined the ECHL, there were seven of them, and they were all in the same division, but part of a larger conference. So, the Conference Finals that season (and I can't recall, but maybe also the next season) involved a former WCHL team against a traditional ECHL team. It's been done before. Is it ideal? Probably not.

I'd also kind of agree with hockey in saying that having only four "Western" ECHL teams left would likely be a serious issue. Hard to say what the team ownerships would do in that circumstance - though remember that the Kings do actually own a majority of the Reign, so that complicates the decisionmaking even more in that circumstance.

Honestly, I haven't got a clue as to what's "REALLY" going on with the ECHL National Conference... heck, make that no clue as to what's REALLY going on in a LOT of minor pro hockey this year. It could be a humdinger of a Silly Season... or it could be boring as all get-out.

[maddog]

I was only asking what would happen if the rumored teams went to the AHL leaving the rest to Western Div. As it is now, I would have to say the West has an edge. After the possible move, it if comes, will bring on more one sidedness. Looking at the results, the current playoff formate would not continue. Meaning that more teams must travel. What is the implications of such moves, if it happens. Hans and others, I respect your opininion, if it happens what will happen to the Western side of the conference? Hockey has started the discussion but I am lost on the USHL.

[hockey]

I was only asking what would happen if the rumored teams went to the AHL leaving the rest to Western Div.

If all the rumors came true....

Bakersfield, Stockton and Ontario would go AHL.

Las Vegas is rumored to be folding or having some major change after this season. It is now owned by Bakersfields owner, so possibly he could include it in a Bakersfield sale to the Ducks. AHL Bakersfield Ducks and ECHL/CHL Las Vegas Ducks. Gives them complete control of their development within a close range and decent markets.

[billnchristy]

Where are all these affiliates coming from?

Really it might work out...a bunch of AHL can go west and the ECHL can stack up the east coast again with the AHL franchises that are dropped.

[maddog]

Nowhere near the USHL market. Another Tier I league in the States would work. Victoria would be a nice WHL market.

Alaska, Utah, and Idaho could go to the NAHL.

If USAHockey wanted to stop players from going to WHL than they would need to start a new Tier I league in the West.

If it happens, I can't see Alaska (aka Anchorage) being in anything but a professional league. Anchorage already has competion for the college level players with the Seawolves. I can't even see a WHL team surviving up there.

[hockey]

If it happens, I can't see Alaska (aka Anchorage) being in anything but a professional league. Anchorage already has competion for the college level players with the Seawolves. I can't even see a WHL team surviving up there.

I look at it differently. A USHL franchise would be a great addition to the overall development of the sport in the state. Alaskan's are knowledgeable hockey fans.

The state already features 3 NAHL teams, a new USHL team could scout through these teams and their opponents.

UAA and UAF would have local access to watch top junior talent with the USHL games in town. This would help with local USHL recruiting.

Some fans may return to UAA, some fans may drop out completely. But having a player who has gone from NAHL -> USHL -> UAA(NCAA) all in the same local market could be great to see.