We conducted a survey of Ontario residents over this past weekend regarding the potential of another National Hockey League team for the region. It showed very strong support from 69 per cent of respondents for adding a new NHL franchise (males were higher at 77 per cent).

We also found that 67 per cent want the existing Canadian NHL teams to endorse the idea and almost a majority of support (47 per cent) for the federal government to use its influence. (We have no client in this affair. The survey of 200 Ontario residents was conducted by Research House between May 9th and May 10th.)

It’s interesting to see the public desire for a coalition of Canadian interests ahead of competitive interests. It’s also interesting to see the desire from many for a dose of government influence if necessary.

The public knows that government plays a role in the courtship of many industries today, from automotive to aerospace to film making and others. It’s not surprising that the economic stimulus of another NHL team is attractive to voters.

The City of Glendale, Arizona, invested $180-million five years ago to help build a $220-million arena to attract the Phoenix Coyotes. Neighboring Scottsdale recognized the risk and wasn’t interested in that kind of bidding war. It’s doubtful that government money would even be needed to make a second Southern Ontario team viable. But it might take government to move NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman off his stubborn opposition to the idea. Perhaps a review by the federal competition bureau, for example.

The ultimate challenge for aspiring franchise owners is to translate the support of Ontario’s 13-million citizens into the votes of 30 NHL governors and owners. The forum is going to shift from the court of public opinion or court of law to the court of decision.

Everyone agrees this region could support another profitable NHL franchise. There will be more than one group or entrepreneur interested in the opportunity. It’s those 30 votes that matter.