Is it such a shock about Edmonton?

Question

I mean come on people. Imagine for a moment that you have millions of dollars, would you choose Edmonton or any northern location to spend your winters? Thousands and thousands of Canadians spend their life working their buttz off so when they retire they can go and spend their winters down south. I don't understand why people take it as a slight against their region, I live in Canada and personally can't wait until I retire to spend my winters south. I can't wait until every March to go to the Carribean and get away from the cold and the snow. Usually I have to go to Vegas prior to that, just to keep me sane.
I know of alot of people do in fact love winter. They need medication. I mean, even if you participate in hockey/skiing/curling or whatever, winter still sucks and the majority will agree.
It's no mysyery that people don't like venturing out into -40 weather. Seems like coomon sense to me.

Aesome Bill- are you part of the Sons of Ben group? I read an article in SI about those guys.

Puckdat- I always knew you were one of the ones in need of meds. LOL

Answer 1

The winter I spent in Winnipeg was the longest in my life, in spite of seeing Selanne and Special K play. Yeah, if I was rich I wouldn't want to winter in Canada.

Answer 2

Yes I am Bob. I just changed my avatar from the Eagles to our group logo. We are serious about bringing MLS to Philly.

But to answer the question about Edmonton, I understand the logic about the climate but there is another factor that I feel influences athletes to go elsewhere. As you may know, I answer many questions about team relocations to Canada with the same logic that I think applies here. That is, that despite any effort thus far to even the financial playing field the fact remains that the disparity in values between the Canadian and American dollars still makes America a more attractive place. Add to that the climate factor, and it does seem that the Oilers and Flames have much against them.

When it comes to professional sports I am a purist, I like things to be the way they were. But it doesn't work that way. If it did, the Athletics and Warriors would still be in town. I wish that Edmonton was attractive a place to play as Montreal, Toronto, New York, Detroit, Philly, and L.A. but it isn't so.

I try to put myself in the place of Canadians because my city has lost it's share of teams. Yes, the Sixers moved here from Syracuse, but my beloved Athletics are on the other side of the country and we nearly lost the Eagles to Phoenix. So I can relate to Edmonton fans, especially when the reality that you reminded us of, and the financial situation are not helping the fans feel too encouraged right now.

Answer 3

Been in SoCal for 10 years because of the Northeast winters...and summers too, come to think of it.

I've seen Alberta in the winter more times than I care to remember. The drive in, alone, from the airport to Edmonton is a frigid haul.

I think Edmonton is best suited to younger players without families. They're treated like Gods and can enjoy the benefits that come with being pro athletes without worrying about the concerns of a wife and children.

Answer 4

Haha, I know it's probably not what you had in mind, but you are a Flyers fan---you should move to Pennsylvania. It would be an honor... to throw my beer on ya at a Pens-Flyers game. >:P

I know better than to assume that would go down in Philly and I would escape with my life. I'd just "take one for the team" (wow, that's kind of wrong) and borrow an orange and black uniform from my best friend so I could blend in. With my luck though, she'd only let me wear the Forsberg one and with that on I'd twist an ankle or have an organ fail on me before making it to the game.

(Just kidding, no one sane retires and comes here to live.)

Answer 5

Sorry Bob. I'm retiring to North Bay. I like the winter. I also like snowshoing through Algonquin when it's minus ten out. Hey, I'm built like a Polar Bear, what do you expect? I can't stand the heat. Any wonder I love hockey?
But retire to Edmonton? No thanks. Alberta doesn't have enough trees for me.

Answer 6

I love winter. Mon pays c'est l'hiver. I was shocked when the Oil traded away Smyth and then Smith. Thats the real shock. I don't think Smyth was crying fake tears when he left. There's still some of us who don't think that California has all the answers. Good for you Puckdat.

Answer 7

Wish that was true, if it was there wouldn't be so many old people in Edmonton wasting t the taxpayer's money on healthcare. Move to Florida and pay for your own care you greedy buggers.

Quite mouching the system and let money go to building a new billion dollar arena

Answer 8

I love Canada, but I agree, I can't stand the winters here. But, I also don't like earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados, so which would I choose? hmmm..I'll take the snow thank you very much :)