It was anti-climactic but old is the new 'new' in Winnipeg again as True North announced that they have named their new, local, AHL franchise the Manitoba Moose again. This time though the Moose is blue based on Jets colours.
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff announced the news today with the coaching staff coming to Winnipeg as well as JC Lipon and Scott Kosmachuk modelling the new jerseys in person.
The emphasis was on families and affordability as that's what the root of the AHL is aside from a training and development ground for future NHL talent. It's something that Winnipeggers know well as they supported the Moose and players like Kevin Bieksa, Corey Schneider, Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Alex Edler and other Canucks during their tenure in Winnipeg.
Even three-time Stanley Cup champion and Winnipeg native Mike Keane came back to play with the Moose when his NHL career finished.
The benefits for True North are immense as the teams will be able to work in close contact with each other along with the obvious savings. A source close to the Jets explained to me that travel savings alone will be well over $1 million and that was when the team was considering Thunder Bay ON. Adding the revenue to the True North bottom line will be interesting as well but can it match the consistently sold out Mile One arena in St. John's?
Of course with the AHL now developing western division and teams such as the NHL ones in California wanting local AHL affiliates the travel could be even less costly over time. The bigger question remains about non-hockey related events at the MTS Centre which as consistently been on of the top 20 sold buildings in North America since it was built.
Does the return of the Moose affect the concert and event revenue that was so important in the True North model? What about more disposable income being funnelled towards professional athletes in a small market and will that effect other entertainment entities?
The long term effects of the AHL back in Winnipeg are not clear but it's also not know how long the Moose will be in Winnipeg. Should this last and become a permanent model like the Marlies in Toronto and the Phantoms in Philadelphia will the AHL club need it's own home in Winnipeg?
The short-term scenario looks very promising for the Moose and Jets as they will co-exist in the same market and hopefully benefit from efficiencies and structure both on and off the ice. That's the good news after a disappointing first round in the playoffs this may be all fans need to feel some optimism for next season.