Last night’s hockey post was a bit brief and off-kilter thanks to the carb coma induced by Wings n’ More. I totally spaced on the upcoming changes in the league:
The Canes’ affiliate in Albany, NY is moving to Charlotte, SC and the Oilers’ in Springfield, MA is moving to Oklahoma City.
The first one doesn’t matter to me as it affects the Carolinas (a couple states the US can sell off to cover its debts) and no re-alignment will result. Seems it’s cheaper to lose money with two losing franchises in Charlotte’s new arena: the Bobcats and the Checkers formerly known as the River Rats.
The other one will make our division larger since logically OKC will be in the West with us, Houston, San Antonio, Milwaukee, Chicago, Rockford, IL; and Peoria, IL. SA’s Rampage will remain our rival due to their vicinity. However, I think all three Texas-based teams will razz on the relocated OKC team due to the cultural antagonism Texans inflict on this neighbor. There should also be a contest to rename the Falcons to something more appropriate for their upcoming home. My vote goes toward something along the lines of Oklahoma being home to numerous morons who deny the validity of Science: namely Senator Inhofe. The OKC Deniers, Flat Earthers or Bible Thumpers (home of Oral Roberts “University”) readily come to mind.
Next season should be interesting.