EDMONTON — It was supposed to be about safety, a claim that was at times questioned. But eventually, Edmonton and Toronto won the nod as hub cities, as a circuitous route took the National Hockey League to all-Canadian destinations that make the most sense.
For Toronto, the need for games in the Eastern Time Zone pitted them against few American sites willing to host games. A hub setting at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds is the centre of the Toronto bid, and includes the 6,300-square-metre OVO Centre as a workout hub and the Coca-Cola Coliseum as the primary practice rink – both located within walking distance inside the bubble.
Once Vancouver pulled out and Vegas became untenable, a hub in Toronto only made sense. And the myth that had the Eastern Conference going West and the Western Conference going East turned out to be exactly that, as both the Maple Leafs and Oilers will be the centrepiece teams in their own cities, even though no fans will attend the games.
Teams will have access to local golf courses and many more outdoor activities in both Edmonton and Toronto, as maintaining the mental health throughout the two-month tournament became a key issue. As discussions went on, players figured out that living in an air-conditioned bubble in 40 C heat was not preferable, and the Vegas they would be visiting ruled out outdoor sports, lying around a pool, or enjoying all the things that make it the place we love to visit in the colder months.
Spec Also helped that the best and safest place to host the nhl (Vancouver) said no
Spec It won't happen itll shut down after like 2 games.
Spec AndrewScheer oh ya, JustinTrudeau did such a bad job of controlling Covid that the NHL wants to only play in 🇨🇦. U should NOT be allowed to watch any hockey! No hockey 4 u! canpoli NHL
Spec I think this is a HUGE mistake 😬😬. All those players coming from the States when they can't even get their own shit together 😷. It's going to be a shit show to keep everyone healthy. I just hope this doesn't begin our SECOND wave 😬😷😷
Spec If somebody told me In October that the cup would be raised in Edmonton, I’d have some serious questions.
Spec Actually, the most sense would be to shut this gong show down and start fresh with a new season in the fall/winter/spring. Whenever it's safe to do so.
Spec Nah fuck that