The Quad City Flames are on the move to Madison. Sources involved in the decision making process have informed TJHN that the Junior Council voted by a margin of five to one to approve the move.
At the center of the dispute were territory rights of the MNJHL’s Dells Ducks. The NA3HL will now only be 47 miles from the Ducks, a very short distance between the teams.
The result of the relocation?
Highly increased recruiting competition and pressure. Players now will be forced to choose between the Ducks, and the NA3HL team that will likely be renamed.
Initially, this could create some confusion in the local player market.
Long term, this is likely to drive a much deeped wedge between the MNJHL and the NA3HL. One sources has said, “what is good for the goose is good for the gander.” The competition for markets in the Mid Western United States will definitely get much more intense, and it is expected that the MNJHL will now get very aggressive in expansion.
TJHN will update this story as it develops.