USA Hockey has an agreement in in place to purchase Compuware Arena in Plymouth Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
“Our intention is to relocate the National Team Development Program to the facility and also use it to host and showcase other USA Hockey programs and international events,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of USA Hockey. “In addition, keeping the current users of the building is important to both us and Pete Karmanos. There are a number of issues we’re still working through.”
Compuware Arena is also home to the Compuware AAA organization and Detroit Catholic Central hockey, and is used throughout the calendar year for hockey games, figure skating, tournaments, showcases, concerts and other events. It also hosts the high school state championships, held annually during the first week of March.
“Both parties felt it best to make public that there is intention to move forward with a sale, however, there are many steps in the process left to complete and nothing is final at this point,” said Mike Vellucci, representing Compuware Arena on behalf of owner Peter Karmanos. “It’s important to note that the Compuware youth program would remain at Compuware Arena and be supported by Mr. Karmanos. Further, Mr. Karmanos will continue to own the Plymouth Whalers. While there are likely to be questions, out of respect for the on-going process and confidentiality involved, we’ll have no further comment.”
OHL sources are reporting that the Whalers are being sold and likely moved to South Eastern Ontario. While no city has been named specifically, it has been speculated that Hamilton is the destination.
The Whalers have struggled mightily at the gate, and in the sponsorship department. Despite being well funded and highly successful on the ice, those within the organization have made it clear that it is impossible to compete against so many other hockey organizations in Detroit for those entertainment dollars. That competition includes the Detroit Red Wings, as well as many High School programs who are having a high level of success fundraising and selling tickets.
The Whalers are near the bottom of OHL attendance once again this year with an average of just over 2500 per game. Not enough for the OHL franchise but eight times the 300 per night the NTDP program averages in Ann Arbor. Even if a dip in attendance is experienced by the NTDP, it will still likely experience a serious increase in interest from OHL fans.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
