LAS VEGAS (AP) – The NHL is thinking about expanding to Las Vegas, and Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley has already considered the challenges he might face bringing 25 young hockey players to Sin City.
“We would need one giant room to sleep the entire team in,” Hartley said with a laugh Tuesday. “And the coach sleeps right at the door.”
If the NHL actually decides to gamble on a franchise in the Nevada desert, most players and executives are optimistic that the ice wouldn’t melt.
The growing possibility of NHL expansion is a popular topic this week with the league in town for its postseason awards show and executive meetings. The league could announce the opening of a formal expansion process Wednesday, and an opening faceoff in Vegas conceivably could be just two years away.
Sure, prospective owner Bill Foley’s bid faces several logical hurdles beyond the 110-degree temperatures and relatively untested pro sports market. Chicago captain Jonathan Toews is among several players who believe the league must be sure a team would work financially to avoid the problems of other Sun Belt franchises.