Pro hockey in Tucson, continuedÂ
If the American Hockey League’s Springfield Falcons indeed move from Massachusetts to the Tucson Convention Center for the 2016-17 season, it would be one of the most unexpected sports transactions in memory.
After all, the AHL’s headquarters is in Springfield, Massachusetts, just down the street from where the Falcons drew a meager 3,108 per game in the 8,000-seat MassMutual Center. The AHL has had a franchise in Springfield since 1936.
The UA’s club hockey team drew 3,500 for a game against Arizona State last season.
One potential clash between the Wildcats and an AHL franchise at the TCC would be available weekend playing dates. The Springfield franchise played 34 of its 38 home games on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays this season.
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The Icecats played 21 of 22 home games in a Friday/Saturday rotation.
The AHL has been well received as it has moved west. San Diego averaged 8,675 fans this year; Ontario, California, averaged 8,570; Bakersfield, California, averaged 5,195; and Stockton, California, averaged 4,647.
The demise of pro hockey’s predecessors in Tucson all were traced to lack of financial support from the community. But in those days, the greater Tucson population was probably half what it is today.
If pro hockey is ever going to work in Tucson, now’s the time.
