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Without reading those articles, it seems the problem with KC getting a team is not the city or arena, it's the fact that nobody has stepped up to own the potential franchise. The price tag for a franchise has gone up dramatically over the past few years and it's scaring people away. The fear of their team becoming a "Phoenix" and failing miserably must also be in the back of their minds.
As for the city of Hamilton (my home town), there wouldn't be any lack of local support. People are hockey crazy here. You could seriously put a dozen NHL teams in Southern Ontario and they'd all do well. The problem with Hamilton is commissioner Gary Bettman. He see's Hamilton as a poor sell on the road in American cities and it could also hurt Buffalo as many of the Sabers fans are from Ontario. Many being Hamilton. I know many Hamiltonians who have Buffalo season tickets. Easier drive and less expensive than heading to Toronto for a game. The only hope in hell for Hamilton ("The Hammer" as it's known around here) is if an existing owner moves their team up here.
In other NHL news, my brother-in-law will be signing with a new team tomorrow. I'm not divulging who this mystery team is as I've been sworn to secrecy. It'll be released tomorrow, as I've been told. Our family couldn't be happier for him, my sister and their little one.
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