Does CCHA Tournament Move?

[Redwingtom]

I don't think the CCHA would request a move...but I can't see any way the Joe is economically viable for its owners to host without the possibility of either Michigan or Michigan State in the final four. The Joe also does many promotions whereby you get GLI, MSU/MU Games and the CCHA Championship in a package deal. Without MSU or UM in the CCHA Championship, those deals are a thing of the past. This would hurt ticket sales tremendously!

Things we really need to know: Is there a multi-year contract already in place? Are there caveats in any said contract?

These would be a determining factor as well.

[rally]

I agree. I don't see JLA as being economically viable. Also, wondering if one of the regional Fox networks will pick it up (I sure miss the days of PASS when the regional sports channels were independent). As far as arenas, I'd put my vote in for the Huntington ... new, neutral, the right size. Also, Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids would be nice. Great microbreweries in GR, which I've found go well with hockey.

[BGFalconfromCincy]

I agree. I don't see JLA as being economically viable. Also, wondering if one of the regional Fox networks will pick it up (I sure miss the days of PASS when the regional sports channels were independent). As far as arenas, I'd put my vote in for the Huntington ... new, neutral, the right size. Also, Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids would be nice. Great microbreweries in GR, which I've found go well with hockey.

Grand Rapids was another place I was thinking, along with Toledo

[jpfalcon09]

Another location could be Nationwide Arena in Columbus or War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne. I too though would prefer Toledo to be able to host it.

[rally]

I thought about War Memorial in Ft. Wayne too, but I was over there last year for the regionals and wasn't too impressed. I'd guess that the same issues at Joe Louis would pop up at Nationwide, and except for Miami Columbus is somewhat out of the loop. Still like Huntington and Van Andel the best. Of course, should the CCHA expand to include some teams like Robert Morris, Mercyhurst, etc. the dynamics could change.

[jg4242]

I agree that without UM and MSU there really isn't a need for 20,000 seats. I'd rather fill a smaller rink, and Toledo and Grand Rapids have a history as communities that support hockey well. I think either could make a fine alternative if we move from the Joe.

[jg4242]

You realize that Detroit Mercy is where the U.S. Army sends its combat surgeons to get experience treating gunshot wounds?

That is just ONE of the many locations they send surgeons and combat paramedics to for training.

Turns out that we are both wrong. There is no Detroit Mercy anymore, I was thinking of the DMC (Detroit Medical Center). Further, as near as I can tell the only civilian hospitals used by the military are in D.C. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniformed_ ... h_Sciences). Oh well.

BGDrew: Yeah, I feel a lot safer in Toledo than I do in Detroit, justifiably so IMO

Sorry for the separate posts!

[Redwingtom]

Columbus? NEVER!

[Freddie]

My $.02 worth:
1. Huntington Center, Toledo
2. VanAndel Arena, GrandRapids
3. WFCU Centre, Windsor

[joehockey]

I really like the idea of experiementing with the tournament in Windsor...I just can't see it happening. Too many would be turned off by dealing with the border, and I really can't see the OHL or Spits allowing this to happen as the main tenant.....after all, they do battle for players. Just ask Red how he felt when Jack Campbell bailed on them....

[rally]

Humm, Windsor would be an interesting option ... too bad about the passport issues and all. The last few times I went up to JLA for the CCHA's we stayed in Windsor. Nightlife and safety just across the river.

[NWLB]

Columbus or Toledo. Detroit is depressing, drab, and having actually worked in downtown now, having gone to post-work gatherings there, it is scary to walk and park in.

T-town or Cowlumbus are both vastly nicer places to go.

[Redwingtom]

The MAC basketball tourney in Columbus was awful. No way having the tourney in the bucs back yard makes any sense. The locals will not support it IMO.

[NWLB]

The MAC basketball tourney in Columbus was awful. No way having the tourney in the bucs back yard makes any sense. The locals will not support it IMO.

Different sport. Although I'll grant you that not having an OSU in the tourney makes it a bit odd. But then there aren't any "home teams" in Detroit either, and frankly Columbus is a nicer place. But all of this really is moot until we know the make-up of the future CCHA, if the league survives at all.

[Redwingtom]

Understood, but I have already gone on record stating that Detroit is no longer viable either...for much the same reasons.

Not to mention that basketball has a much broader fan base than hockey.