Edmonton and Toronto share common ground as homes to historic franchises, but making them hub cities stems from completely different circumstances. COVID-19 made the decision. The all-Canadian destinations just made the most sense. (SportsnetSpec)
EDMONTON — It was supposed to be about safety, a claim that was at times questioned. But eventually, Edmonton and Toronto won the nod as hub cities, as a circuitous route took the National Hockey League to all-Canadian destinations that make the most sense.
For Toronto, the need for games in the Eastern Time Zone pitted them against few American sites willing to host games. A hub setting at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds is the centre of the Toronto bid, and includes the 6,300-square-metre OVO Centre as a workout hub and the Coca-Cola Coliseum as the primary practice rink – both located within walking distance inside the bubble.
Once Vancouver pulled out and Vegas became untenable, a hub in Toronto only made sense. And the myth that had the Eastern Conference going West and the Western Conference going East turned out to be exactly that, as both the Maple Leafs and Oilers will be the centrepiece teams in their own cities, even though no fans will attend the games.
Teams will have access to local golf courses and many more outdoor activities in both Edmonton and Toronto, as maintaining the mental health throughout the two-month tournament became a key issue. As discussions went on, players figured out that living in an air-conditioned bubble in 40 C heat was not preferable, and the Vegas they would be visiting ruled out outdoor sports, lying around a pool, or enjoying all the things that make it the place we love to visit in the colder months.
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