With the final of the 4 expansion branding revealed, we have now seen that all of the new teams will be skating their home games south of the Canada / USA border. But what if all 4 teams had of been created in Canada. This deep dive will take a look at what 4 potential locations would best match the newly created expansion teams.

Halifax: I have to start here because this is the other location I had applied with when applying for Denver. Halifax is a hockey hotbed in the east of Canada and is well positioned for a team. The idea was to call them the Halifax Horizon, but I never fully settled on that name and it never felt like a complete concept. I do love the iconography that could be utilized there, given that many historical events took place in the area and the nation of Canada was shaped by the growth of the region.

Kitchener-Waterloo: Look, If Toronto can't have another team, nor Hamilton, nor Niagara Falls (Buffalo), then why not just put a team right in one of the fastest growing regions in the area. The team could be called the Tri-City Canadians (an. homage to the Tri-City Americans in the WHL). Biding their time against some tough local opponents, the battle for the Great Lakes would continue to be a bloodbath for many SHL generations. Heck, even Ace could see his Red White and Blue be utilized again given the team could use the colour way from the Montreal Canadians. HFFO would probably love (or hate) the potential for this team to exist, but its probably his team to manage anyway.

Saskatoon: Western Canada needs another SHL team, but the prairies are the place to do it. The passion, the commitment, the sheer volume of hockey that takes place in this province is insane. With its deep-dry cold winters lasting longer than many other places, hockey is born and bred into these young Canadians hearts from a very young age. For a name, we'll go with the Saskatoon Silo Kings, (because everyone loves 2 named teams). Wheat is grown as far as the eyes can see in this province, and grain silo's are everywhere. Could this be the team that finally defeats some of the powerhouses of the west coast? only time will tell in this alternative timeline.

Victoria: Okay, I know I already said the western Canada needs a team, but let's make it a double. Vancouver is already an NHL and SMJHL team, but I really think a team on the Island is the way to go. It may not bring in the most fans, but it brings a unique locale and setup to the SHL at this time. Sticking with alliteration, Victoria Vandals is the decided name, with a team identity around fierce aggression and making a name for themselves. The team's colours could bring Black into the league again with a desire to battle Texas for the most lack of colour that any team could use. But maybe a pop purple to have them stand out.

Approved for +5 TPE @RashfordU

Making it eligible for the double spheal:

Double Spheal

Wander my friends, wander with me. Like the mist on the green mountain, moving eternally.
Despite our weariness, we'll follow the road over hill and valleys, to the end of the journey

Le monde n'est qu'une scène. Il vaut mieux rire que pleurer, car le rire est le propre de l'homme.
Riez de tout cela, ne vous inquiétez pas. Profitons d'aujourd'hui