http://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/121346919.html
It would be nice to have the 'Wack back in the league - they have some great supporters there, and a great facility. At the same time, I feel for the people of Quesnel - they are a big part of that community, and they also have some great supporters in the stands and behind the scenes that have given so much over the years to make the 'Mills go.
Question - which is worse - an old building in Quesnel that is in dire need of repairs and replacement...or an approximately 5000 seat rink in Chilliwack that will see I'd guess on average 1000 to 2000 fans a game in the seats?
There are arguments on both sides. I've called more than enough games over the last couple of years in Penticton, Langley, Vernon, etc - even Chilliwack when it was still in the league in the new building - to form an opinion...Even my thoughts go both ways. In the end, I'm just not a fan of rinks that are over 50% EMPTY. Which is the case more often than not in the rinks in question, at least when the Dogs paid a visit. I'm a fan for sure of the lighting, the broadcast facilities (except Penticton, a 25 cent press box in a 85 million dollar rink), and I know the teams love the dressing room and bench set ups, etc etc. In the end, its hard for me to pick shiny and new and half empty over old and dark and mostly full. The Coliseum in Chilliwack vs Prospera? No brainer. The old Penticton Memorial over the S.O.E.C? No question, I go with the old barn. I think I'm just going with the old barns for good ole' fashioned ATMOSPHERE. It's what makes a game! I've called enough games in the last couple of years in libraries to be turned off.
Unfortunately, old rinks don't pay the bills the way the new ones can. Wait a tick on that one though - how fine is the line between making money and losing money in a huge new rink vs an old one? Or possibly a more appropriately sized new one? While the newer bigger facilities certainly can bring in more money, they also certainly cost exponentially more to run, don't they? No matter how much you are saving with new energy efficient lighting and low-flow toilets and urinals.
New rinks are about PROGRESS and the like, right? Try telling that to the people of Chilliwack right now. Granted last year they would most likely still love the new rink, and love their Bruins, and love the WHL. Ask them today, and what's the answer? If the WHL comes back to the 'Wack in short order, I'm sure they still love the new rink? What if it's the BCHL back again? What if the BCHL says no - we want a committed team, and a committed market, and the PIJHL ends up playing there? What then? In the end these facilities aren't JUST about hockey, or Junior Hockey. They are mulit-use facilities. Concerts and conventions and trade shows. Minor hockey and other minor sports no doubt benefit from these facilities as well. So many ways to look at everything.I'll take the cozy friendly confines of the 1800+ capacity of the Dog Pound in the end, thanks!
Hopefully we'll see you there tomorrow!
Have a chance to own your favorite Bulldog players game worn jersey from the 2010-2011 season.
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The Jersey Auction will end May 27th 2011 at 5:00 pm. Jersey’s will be available to pick up at the Bulldogs Office Tuesday May 31st starting at 10:00am
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