The push for a new Islanders arena needs more cowbell

Well they have a longer history in hockey than Dallas does, I believe, dating back at least to the WHA's Houston Aeros. Their AHL team has been fairly successful since its inception under the same name back in 1994-95. The Aeros last year averaged 6,326 a game, which doesn't sound like a ton, but it was in the top third of the league and 1,000 above the league average. Toronto by comparison averaged 4,694. By no means am I saying Houston is a better hockey market (before others jump all over me), just using it as a reference point.
My first choice would be to put a team back in Quebec City, but if they are intent on shuffling on to another US market, I would take a strong look at Houston, certainly before Seattle and Portland.

 

Key Arena.

And then they could finally take down those drapes that cover all of the upper sections... ya know, the ones that prevent the WNBA team from feeling like the place is 3/4 empty during playoffs.

 

The same arena that was deemed not good enough for the Sonics?

 

That would be the one!

 

Like I said before, no chance in hell unless a new building is built.

 

Actually, Dallas and Fort Worth both had pro hockey teams in 1941 - a league called the American Hockey Association, which evolved into the United States Hockey League - while Houston didn't get into the USHL until 1946. Dallas and Houston were then part of the old Central Hockey League starting in the mid '60s. I remember when Dallas was a Leafs farm club in the '70s.

 

I'm with you, I'm with you.

 

I knew they had history in the old CHL and some of the older hockey leagues that ran through texas and Louisiana, but wasn't sure how far back. Hey I learned something new today!

 

It was deemed not good enough for the Sonics by a new owner who was hell-bent on moving the team.

That being said, KeyArena is awful for hockey. Seattle's WHL team used to play there; there are tons of restricted-view seats. The story is when the building was being renovated the Sonics' owners purposely made it bad for hockey because they didn't want a team in town that would compete with the Sonics.

 

Interesting. I never knew a hockey team played there. I was only joking when I said Key.

Six years ago I was in town for a wedding. Bored. I was still on EST and had nothing to do, so I went to a WNBA playoff game. It didn't cost much.

 

Houston. Interesting.
You know, the Sunbelt needs more unsuccessful hockey teams that can't draw at the gate.

 

But they don't even support the junior team they've got. ;D

I'd go with Hamilton or Hartford.