My prediction is that the Pirates will either relocate to another AHL city far from Maine and closer to Arizona next year or Brian will come back to the Cumberland County Commissioners with with his tail between his legs and renegotiate a lessor or similar deal to stay in Portland.
As far as Biddeford/Saco building a new 5000 seat arena and landing the team, I do not see it at all. To plan, permit and build a new venue would be at least two years down the road. Lewiston, which is obviously the state's second largest city/metropolitan area, could not fill the Colisee on opening night with $10 and below tickets along with a percentage of comp admissions. Biddeford's small population, demographics and income levels just would not support the team in the future. Corporate sponsorship would also be another limiting factor in the team's financial security. In addition, the AHL would cringe at the though of one of their teams playing in such a small limited market, Glens Falls is the rare exception. Very few Portland/Westbrook/South Portland/Falmouth residents are going to drive to Biddeford to watch the Pirates and that is the bulk of Greater Portland's population base. The Pirate's owner was not crazy about the CCCC's 7000 seat hockey capacity, could not imagine him committing to a much smaller venue long term.
Because Portland is a good hockey town and has a proven track record, the city will eventually land another team that is unhappy with their current situation, it may take a couple of years and it needs to be an AHL over an ECHL franchise in my opinion. I also don't think professional hockey players would be content with living in Lewiston or Biddeford during the winter, nor would visiting teams look forward to staying in either of those cities due to dining, entertainment and lodging limitations.
