VHLM Expansion Should Include Baltimore [1/2]

[Dtayl 104]

Baltimore, MD - This morning Dylan Nguyen flew in from Saskatoon to write an article on possible VHLM expansion. Clearly we here at the Baltimore Sun feel that if the VHLM is expanding that Baltimore should be the next city to receive a team. Echoing that sentiment and pushing very hard for expansion into Baltimore is VHLM Rookie and Baltimore native, Dylan Nguyen.

 

The VHLM expansion is not a sure thing, and it seems a rational argument can be made for and against expansion right now. However, it is clear that eventually expansion will happen as more and more players join the league and when that expansion does happen, now or in the future, Baltimore should receive a VHLM team.

 

Here are a couple reasons why,

 

1.) Baltimore has History with Hockey: Baltimore has been home to 2 former hockey teams the Baltimore Clippers and Baltimore Skipjacks. Both teams garnered lots of support from the fans in the area and were fairly successful. Not many other cities that have lost teams can say that it was for reason other than money. 

 

2.) Baltimore only has 2 professional teams: Baltimore is home to just 2 major professional teams, the Baltimore Orioles (Baseball) and Baltimore Ravens (U.S. Football). Other cities that have been suggested such as New York have multiple teams in multiple sports that will compete with the VHLM team for fans and money. Neither the Orioles or Ravens seasons really overlap with the Hockey season so there is not much competition for the resources of fans and money in Baltimore

 

3.) Baltimore is Building a Brand New Arena: The current arena in Baltimore may be outdated, but the city has plans to upgrade to a brand new 18,500 seat, waterfront arena. Over the years Baltimore has planned for a new arena only for it to fall through due to costs or lack of interest. However, a recent proposal for a new arena seems to have lots of support around city and financially. Adding a VHLM team would surely push the plans for the new arena to reality.

 

4.) Baltimore is in the USA and on the East Coast: While there is no doubt that hockey is more popular in Canada, the VHLM has a majority of its teams in Canada and only one team in the U.S that is on the opposite side of the country. By adding Baltimore as a VHLM town, the league can tap into a new fan market. Baltimore is only an hour drive from Washington D.C. and only a 1.5 hour drive from Philadelphia two other major cities who might contribute to the fan base. The location is good to add fans not just from baltimore but the surrounding Cities as well.

 

Since expansion talk started i have been so excited, and I am going to try everything I can to make sure that Baltimore gets hockey back. I  love the City of Baltimore. It is an amazing sports town and I know that putting a VHLM team here would be good for both the league and the city itself. The people here are ready for Hockey to come back to Charm City. I’m ready for Hockey to come back to Baltimore. It has been my dream since I was little to play for or coach a team in Baltimore. Now that dream has real possibilities, if the VHLM expands to Baltimore.

     - Dylan Nguyen

 

Word Count 555; Claiming for 7/16/18 - 7/22/18

Edited July 16, 2018 by Dtayl
Forgot Word Count

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

Well, it did not expand to Baltimore. Damn Halifax taking all the glory!

Great write-up. Love the Ravens so another Baltimore team would be cool.