If we are talking community benefits Calgary would be way better served by taking the same money and building multiple arena's around Calgary for amateur sport. I have a much easier time accepting tax breaks for amateur sports as well.
The idea Calgary needs a pro team is laughable. Kids will aspire to hockey hero's whether Calgary has a team or not. There is such a thing as TV where 95% of fans without big $'s build their passion for the game. Lots of hockey players and fans in Sask go figure. Even with a pro team Calgary is not a high roller city and never will be. Geographic limitations and weather will always limit its draw to newcomers and how its viewed against seaside cities like San Fran, LA and Vancouver. A pro team does diddly squat to change that.
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