What are your thoughts on Baltimore as an NHL venue. We already have an arena, and strong ties to the sport. Baltimore was one of the first cites in the U.S. to ever have organized hockey (starting in 1895). We've been playing Hockey in our High Schools since 1910 and currently have numerous hockey leagues and clubs. We even have a woman's team (The Baltimore Blizzard). This city loves it's sports teams, Baltimore has embraced every professional team it's ever had, so the team would definitely prosper here. This is a win-win situation for the city and the sport. There have been plenty of long standing teams in the area but never an NHL team. We've had an AHL team here from 82-93 in the Skipjacks, as well as the Bandits from 95-97. We've also had an ACHL team briefly as well as a WHL team, and quite a few others. I'd just love to see the NHL finally come to Baltimore, and I was hoping you could mention the idea to those that can make it happen. You are a respected journalist, and you opinion will be considered, where as mine would be dismissed. Thank you very much for the time you took to read this.

Sincerely,
J. Russell