Originally Posted by
Rockets1231
Well considering Kelowna hosted it in 04, I would say it's probably a two horse race between the Blades and Rebels. I suppose it would depend on if they took that into account or not, but Kelowna hosting it would surprise me. On the other hand when Kelowna did host it, it was a huge success so they may want to go back there. Saskatoon just hosted the WJHC's so will that hurt or help their chances?
I will say this, being from Kelowna, but living in Saskatoon for the past 13 years, I really hope the Blades don't get it. I'm not saying this to be a troll or anything, I'm just saying what I've seen from living here. I've been to a lot of Blades games over the years and for the most part their fan base is awful. Yes, the team was awful for a long time and that will hurt any team's attendance, but even the last few years when the team has been one of the best in the league there were still games I went to where the attendance was under 5,000 people. For a city for over 220,000, there is no excuse for not drawing at least 7,000 for every game, whether the team is good or bad. Kelowna draws 6,000 to every game and the city is half the size, and they would sell a lot more tickets too, but Prospera Place only holds about 6,100. Lots of people will come on here and say "Well we drew 10-11 thousand every playoff game last year." Yes well every team draws more during playoffs. I went to a game last year where the announced attendance on a Friday night was just over 3,600. On a Friday night, with a first place team, you can't even get 4,000 fans? Gimme a break! I've been to lots of WHL cities where every time you walk down the street you hear someone talking about the local team, see a flag waving on a car window, or someone in a jersey or jacket, or wearing a team hat. It's very rare to see that in Saskatoon and I think that says a lot. I really wish the fans would embrace the team here more, because they really have had a great team the last few years.
I'm not saying the Memorial Cup wouldn't be successful, in fact I think it would be a huge success, just like the World Jr's were, because the people here really know how to throw a party and would embrace the event, but I think that the fans should prove to the League and the CHL that they deserve to host it, by showing a lot more support to their local team before they are given the honour to host the Memorial Cup.