Kind of a shocking article about the uncertainty of the Kootenay Ice in Cranbook, B.C. I read this morning. Remember the Neidermeyer brothers? They are from here. This city of 18,000 nesteled in the Canadian Rockies has a long proud hockey history. In fact Cranbrook reminds me of a very tiny Calgary, as both places are surrounded by spectacular scenery, but during last weekend's opening season games in a building that seats, 4,500, they only drew 3,000 for a game with Tri-City, and only 3,100 for a game against Spokane. There was no specualtion on just what is going on up there, but I would wonder about the local economy. The Ice's lease is set to expire at the end of this season. There was no conjecture as to if the team may relocate elsewhere, if they are not renewed in Cranbrook. My guess would be if they do, look for Nelson to possibly get a nod, although the only thing hurting Nelson, may be the size of the Civic Arena which unless things have changed up there, is old, old, old, and I believe the seating capacity was maybe 2,000-2500, which is rather small for a city of 12,000.
Kootenay is off to great start though at 2-0-1. The loss of the Ice, would be a huge blow to Cranbrook.