On February 27th, 2013, TJHN published the story The End Of The Central Hockey League Could Be Opening More Junior Markets
It looks like our story was wrong, but only partly wrong.
The Bloomington Blaze, or at least arena managemet is in the process of securing an SPHL franchise and leaving the Central Hockey League. At the same time while the AHL left Peoria, it looks like they too will have SPHL hockey. Sources within the SPHL have confirmed talks with both groups are leading to both cities being admitted for membership shortly.
In other CHL cities, fans are nervous, and rightly so.
Tulsa is still rumored to be talking to the NAHL. While Laredo and Rio Grande Valley, having once had CHL franchises, now look all but assured of having NAHL franchises next season.
Allen Americans and Rapid City Rush are rumored to be moving to the ECHL, and some sources are reporting that the Denver Cut Throats are also looking to make the move.
Fort Worth Brahmas are also rumored to be getting replaced with an NAHL franchise.
In 2012-2013 the CHL iced ten teams. The addition of St. Charles and Brampton would have given them twelve.
The loss of Bloomington, Allen, Rapid City and Fort Worth would leave the CHL with eight teams. If Tulsa goes to the NAHL, the CHL drops to seven.
Looking that the CHL footprint, travel becomes a major expense issue. Arizona would be on an island, and the cash hemorage would be like never before with trips to Brampton on the schedule.
Other rumors have St. Charles already very concerned about moving forward. Brampton would likely be just as concerned.
A seven team CHL could easily become a five team league if action is not taken soon. A five team league is not likely to last more than one season if it lasts a season at all. Remember that Quad City is owned by the CHL, and other team owners and arenas are said to have minimum league requirements in order to keep them in the league and in the arenas.
TJHN will update this story as information develops.
