The City of Toronto Reportedly On the Verge of Getting a New Hockey Team
It's been only one season since the Hamilton Bulldogs left for Brantford due to renovations, however, the FirstOntario Center could host a new AHL team in the future.
The City of Hamilton has had a rich history when it comes to professional hockey, being home to the likes of Syl Apps, Dave Andreychuk, Ken Dryden, and Arber Xhekaj while also being home to the Hamilton Bulldogs from 1996-2015.
The Bulldogs used to be the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers before becoming Montreal's junior team in 2002 once Edmonton transitioned into being the Toronto Roadrunners and still have a passionate fanbase in the city even if there's no hockey currently.
Well, it might not be long for those dedicated fans to wait as it's been speculated that the City of Hamilton is currently in discussions with the AHL to bring an AHL franchise back to the city known affectionately as 'The Hammer'.
It's a development that has come out of nowhere, as many thought that Hamilton wouldn't be home to a team anymore, let alone this soon. It's not surprising though, as the FirstOntario Centre (formerly Copps Coliseum) is home to the NLL's Toronto Rock, splitting games in Toronto before officially taking over for the 2024-2025 season.
The arena has been the site of many historic hockey events such as the 1987 Canada Cup which saw the infamous Gretzky to Lemieux goal that downed the Soviets in the tournament; it also set the single-game attendance record for an OHL game when in 1990, 17,383 fans packed in to watch the finals between Oshawa and Kitchener. FirstOntario Center has also been host to historic events outside of hockey, hosting the first WWE (then WWF) Royal Rumble in 1988, as well as being the home of the Toronto Raptors for a few games while the Air Canada Center was being constructed.
Located near the heart of downtown Hamilton, nestled behind Jackson Square Mall, it's a prime location that finds itself with a lot of foot traffic and the ability to provide enough spectators and fans to help assist the smaller businesses in the area. It would also be a great location for players, as there are several hotels located close by, including one in the mall itself. Daily, people show their city pride whether it's for their beloved Tiger-Cats or yearning for the Bulldogs once again and it's time they're rewarded for their dedication.
The Hamilton Bulldogs were a city staple for many, offering a fun and exciting night out for hockey fans and non-fans alike. The atmosphere was always one of passion, and if Hamilton won't get an NHL team then this is the next best option.
Coming from someone who was born in Hamilton and lives in the city: It's long overdue.
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