Upstart Cornwall
Royals, Aces, Colts, Comets … and Panthers? Oh My!
I had planned to write an article this week about the economic and brand impact of Cornwall’s hockey past and current teams. Let me state for the record that I am a huge hockey fan - like many other Cornwallites. I remember going to Royals’ games in the eighties (late eighties) until they left for Newmarket (now in Sarnia). I remember how excited I was when the Nordiques decided to move their AHL affiliate form Halifax over, and I remember how mad I was when they left for Hershey 3 years later. I remember how I thought an OHL team would always come back … I always hoped - but alas … nothing. I have been to Colts games and Comets “games” as well. I love seeing the Civic Complex packed with hockey fans. And now I see reports that the Florida Panthers are looking to move their AHL team from Rochester NY to either Cornwall or Glen Falls NY.
I’ve asked several people in town over the years if hockey can work in Cornwall. Nobody has a straight answer and most people believe that Hockey can work in Cornwall - it just hasn’t been done right. The Royals moved because not enough people were attending games (although nobody confirms that and I don’t buy it). The Aces left because the City owned them and taxpayers were losing a lot of money to support the team. The Comets left because their league was a mess and the Colts have been steadily building one of the top junior A franchises in the country. Hosting the RBC Cup this spring will do wonders for Cornwall’s Brand across the country.
Can the AHL work again in Cornwall?
I would say yes. The major problem with the Aces was that public support for the team was very low because the City was on the hook for about 1 million dollars. The AHL is good hockey. People WILL come out to watch. I know I would be lined up for season tickets. Can Cornwall sell 3,000 seats, 40 times a year? With a lot effort - yes.
What does an AHL team bring to Cornwall?
Aside from the professional athletes living in the city and the coaching staff etc - the economic impact is tremendous. To sell 3,000 seats a night, people are to be coming from out of town to watch hockey. I am certain people will stop for gas, eat at a restaurant, and shop in our stores while here. Let’s not forget the staff required to manage the rink / games. Think don Cherry’s would see a boost? There is also the HUGE impact of having Cornwall’s name right up beside places such as Hamilton, Toronto, Philadelphia, Albany, San Antonio, Houston, Milwaukee, Providence, Syracuse, Winnipeg and 20 other cities. Cornwall would be featured on TV, in newspapers, on the radio and our “brand” would get out there in a very positive light.
Wouldn’t the OHL make more sense?
Yes and no. First of all - I don’t believe the OHL has any interest in moving to Cornwall. There would have been a team here a long time ago if they wanted - but they have been expanding to the US.
The QMJHL has expanded, mainly on the back of the AHL in places like Fredericton, Saint John, St. John’s, Moncton, Charlottetown and Halifax. All of these cities had AHL franchises, and all of them now have successful major junior A teams. If you ask me the Q makes more sense for Cornwall - but I don’t see it happening. Major Junior Hockey would be the best idea for Cornwall as ticket prices are cheaper, costs are lower, and our market is similar in size to other teams (Rimouski, Val D’or etc).
To sum it all up. I am ALL for an AHL team relocating / expanding to Cornwall. The benefits of such a deal are incredible for our community and what better way to start a rebranding effort then by having professional sports return to the city? I do not think the City should get involved in any way though. I’m no fan of the Panthers (I’m an Oilers guy) - but I would be more then happy to watch professional hockey at the Civic Complex - and proudly put on a Panthers jersey while doing so.
8 Responses to “Royals, Aces, Colts, Comets … and Panthers? Oh My!”
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October 29th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
I like the idea of our city being on radio, tv, and print in a positive light. This would be a great way to get the word out about our city, our brand.
After all our city is our product and currently no one wants to buy it, it is sitting still on a dusty shelve.
I think its time we give our product some added value - a hockey team would be perfect!
October 29th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Eric
I too would line up for Season Tickets for an AHL franchise. I am proud to say I have season tickets for the Aces and loved the hockey. That’s two down 2,998 to go.
Seriously though a pro team in Cornwall would have nothing but a positive impact on the city and it’s businesses.
October 30th, 2007 at 9:03 am
No doubt an AHL team could do wonders for the city. If we want to compete against comparable sized cities in North America when it comes to economic development, expanding the level of entertainment with a professional sports team is a great first step. Momentum is an important part of growth and this could prove to be what really gets things rolling for Cornwall. Perhaps the Aces deal on its own didn’t appear to be a “great deal” for the city but perhaps more could have been done to build around it. I would argue that the city should do everything it takes to make an AHL deal happen. The city has said it is “open for business”, now its time to step up with action and leadership and show it by securing interested investors in our great city such as the smart centre group and possibly the Florida Panthers. Hundreds of thousands is poured into city transit each year with the belief that this is a necessity in maintaining a competitive advantage from smaller cities. Why bother with transit if we can’t make consessions for other projects such as an AHL team which I would argue would only help balance out the losses with transit and bolster ridership. Why are we continually throwing money into transit if we aren’t looking to grow the population and more importantly giving people places to go on the bus. This is no time to play it conservatively when other municipalities are fighting for the same business opportunities and Cornwall appears to be “not in the hockey business”, not in the business of inconveniencing a few dozen home owners who knowingly built or purchased homes across from vacant commercial property and step up, stand up for the greater good of our community, and make something happen.
October 30th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Michael,
I am actually doing some research for the Cornwall Transit issue. I like how you tied it all together though.
Riley - section P row 10?
October 30th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Eric
That sounds like a great Spot. I’m in!!!
October 30th, 2007 at 6:14 pm
Cornwall needs to be more aggressive when it comes to economic development. We live in a new world, you can’t be 99% pregnant — meaning you can’t pussy foot around and expect people to establish themselves and their families here.
Our City’s leadership needs to jump into projects with both feet — ready, fire, aim! Don’t over think stuff, don’t spend YEARS tied up in feasibility studies and don’t piss off companies like SMARTCENTRES! We’re not in a position to play favorites — we don’t have the clout to say no to large developments and expect them to “choose another site somewhere in town” — they won’t, they’ll simply go somewhere else!
Although I am sympathetic to those residents in and around the proposed new development on Tollgate — those same residents must understand that the north part of Brookdale has long been underdeveloped and it is only a matter of time before it’s a growing commercial area - it’s inevitable! Like Michael stated they knowingly built or bought homes across from prime vacant commercial property.
Regarding the Transit system - It is my opinion that they really messed it up when they went to a 40 minute service period. 40 MINUTES!!?? As if! Miss the bus, and you’re likely able to walk across town in less time it would take to wait for the next bus. ( I know personally it takes me only 30 minutes to walk from Dairy Queen to The Cornwall Square).
Count me in for season tickets for an AHL Team — only 2,997 left to go!
Here’s a question — do we really need to wait for our City;s leadership to aggressively pursue economic development or as a group of like minded entrepreneurs and citizens can we not form a group and together start building the city we want? Think Team Cornwall — but better! Get rid of the hockey cards and let’s create something worth keeping!
I personally e-mail Value Village a few years back prior to their move and suggested the building they are in now — whether it was my e-mail that convinced them or not…it was still interesting to see them establish here. I recently contacted other chains like “Liquidation World” and XSCargo” to establish themselves here in town!
October 30th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
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October 31st, 2007 at 7:25 am
Okay, this will be interesting considering that I am not a huge hockey fan.
I have friends who love hockey so I have watched the NHL, and of course I was a ’senators’ fan last season like all the other non-hocky fans. lol
Regardless - I learned something from the last NHL season - There was so much excitement, enthusiasm, and so many people came together and cheered, hoped, prayed for the Senators to win. We were united. Everyone was talking about it. Even the rapper Belly created a song about the Senators.
That being said - wouldn’t it be great if Cornwall started getting that same feeling? The feeling of being United, more people excited, cheering.
I would like to see Cornwall be recognized for POSITIVE things, not negative things (which is what is happening now).
I would love to cheer for a sports team with the rest of Cornwall.
Hey - I might even become a true hockey fan!