ABBOTSFORD (NEWS1130) – One media outlet in Utica reported it as iron-clad fact: the Abbotsford Heat would be pulling up stakes for New York State next hockey season.
But the trouble with facts is that sometimes, they’re just not that factual.
The rumour started over the weekend in blog posted on the Utica Observer-Dispatch’s website, which stated the Flames had signed a 10-year deal to bring their AHL affiliate team to the local arena.
It seems plausible; the Abbotsford Heat has had chronically low attendance, among the worst in the league, and the city has been on the hook in a deal that makes taxpayers responsible for any shortfall in profits.
Late last summer, there were also rumours the Vancouver Canucks were interested in snapping up the AHL team.
The first cold water dumped on the current chatter was from Abbotsford Heat president Ryan Walter, who told The Province that nobody from the Flames had spoken with him about relocating the farm team.
The Flames organization then issued a statement denying the rumour and saying how great their current relationship is with the Abbotsford Heat.
Then came the final body check: One of the members of the board that oversees the arena in Utica told the media the story is false — they have approached a number of teams about bringing the AHL back to the city and whole thing was taken out of context.
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What a bunch of whiners! B.C. should be proud to say they have 2 professional hockey teams, from both the NHL and AHL. I do find it strange that the Heat have such poor attendance like the Bulldogs as well. 7 NHL teams and 4 AHL teams in Canada, and only half of the Canadian AHL teams are sold out regularly, and yet we clamoring for an 8th Cdn NHL team in Saaskatoon or QC.
Here’s an interesting tidbit of information regarding attendance. People refuse to support the Abbotsford Heat because they are a Calgary farm team and they think they would be betraying the Canucks if they did. Vancouver’s farm team, the Chicago Wolves, who play in nearby Rosemont, IL are second in the AHL in attendance behind only the Hershey Bears. Last time I checked, The Blackhawks and Canucks have a pretty good rivalry going on right now. The Canucks/Flames rivalry has been so one sided for so many years it’s not even worth thinking about. The people of Rosemont don’t seem to have a problem supporting a rival’s farm team, why should Abbotsford?
Here’s the real kicker about the Wolves fans…probably about half of them have no idea that the Canucks are the Wolves parent club. Then some of those will actually argue that it’s a lie.
we are canadian tho , we dont just hate the flames we hate there prospects and we hate to see any team affiliated with them win
If you love to watch our fan proclaimed national sport, Abbotsford’s AESC is a great place to be. The Abbotsford Heat and the teams that come in to challenge them have some of the best hockey players in the world assigned to them, Many of these players you have the opportunity to watch already have signed NHL/AHL contracts or have played at the NHL level and are now mentoring these extremely talented young players. You can watch this caliber of hockey for as low as $15 a ticket. I have been a Canuck fan for over 40 years, being an Abbotsford Heat fan does not change that. Good hockey is fun to watch and in Abbotsford we get to watch great hockey. I hope this does not turn out like the lyrics to one of my favourite Joni Mitchell songs “you don’t know what you’ve got “til it’s gone”
It’ll be a sad day if the Heat pick up and leave. I’ve enjoyed going to the games and I don’t much care if they are a Calgary affiliate. Much like the Vancouver Canadians, I’ve never been a fan of their parent club (except now that they’re with the Blue Jays) and I still supported them. I’m a fan of the game, which is more than you can say for most of the Canucks “fans”. Wait until they start sucking again and see how full that Roger’s Arena is then. Vancouver is the biggest bandwagon city, with the most fickle and uneducated hockey fans in Canada. Although I’d love to see the Canucks win the Stanley Cup, it’ll be the worst thing for them because the fickle fans will expect it every year. It’s hockey people! It’s a sad day when you have to sell hockey to Canadians!
Haven’t heard the saying “We are all Canucks”, different legue or not they are still affiliated with Calgary.
I went to a game when the Wolves were here. Paid $84 for what I thought were good seats, Huh!
saec:108, row 1, seats 3 & 4. I missed most of the game looking at Taylors Back. (the seats were spit out by a computer BTW)
That is my only contribution, well that and my Tax money..
People need to get it through their skulls that just because they are an affiliate team for the Flames, this is a different league. Why not support your local AHL team????? I am a Heat season ticket holder, and in no way cheer for the Chicago Wolves, I support MY local AHL team! I just do not understand why people can not or will not see the difference!??
People can do what ever they want with their money. I choose not to support the Calgary Flames farm team. I went to the Wolves game when they came and that’s it. The sooner the Heat leave, the quicker we can get the Canucks farm team in.
Absolutely correct. We should all support our team. Last time I looked, it says Abbotsford on the jersey. Have some community pride instead of whining about whose farm team it is.
I don’t go to see the Heat because I refuse to pay for parking in Abbotsford. They should eliminate the parking fee and then see if attendance improves.
There is free parking. If you are willing to walk a couple blocks from the Park and Ride at the McCallum Rd overpass. The college kids have to pay for parking at UFV, why shouldn’t you have to pay for parking to see a game. $5 – $10 is reasonable compared for $3 for a half hour in Vancouver or $25 just to see a Canucks game.
Wow! Five dollars is a problem for you? I suppose you want everything in life to be free too? Some people. Must be a chronic whiner.
The Canucks farm team in Abbotsford only makes sense. The fans of the Lower Mainland can hope it happens.
This team is dead unless they bring the Canucks affiliate here. Nobody this side of the Rockies gives a crap about the Calgary Flames.