A good expansion location can be judged by one simple question: is it Ohio?

Expansion hockey teams that have answered this question with a negative have included the Atlanta Thrashers, the Arizona Coyotes, the Quebec Nordiques (RIP), and the California Golden Seals. Obviously there have been success stories of expansion teams outside Ohio; in fact the odds of success with such an expansion are historically quite high. However, they are not guaranteed. There have been failures. Expansion hockey teams that answered this question with the correct answer of "yes" include the Columbus Blue Jackets, who, despite being the least successful franchise in North American sports, sold out one of the continent's biggest stadiums last night for its first outdoor game, packing this massive barn with its own fans despite playing against an original six team. This represents a 100% success rate. 

"But what about the Cleveland Barons" you dare ask? You nerd? You dweeb? Well, buckle up for your history lesson, because the Cleveland Barons were not an expansion team, but a relocation of the California Golden Seals. Unless SHL HO is planning to relocate the Pride instead of awarding proper expansion teams, this is not a relevant example. 

For a guaranteed successful expansion hockey team, expand to Ohio. QED.