The North American Hockey League is in talks with several potential ownership groups that are interested in developing an expansion franchise in Eau Claire Wisconsin.
The City of Eau Claire knows their arena needs upgrades in order to attract a franchise, and it has been confirmed that they are willing to make those upgrades.
The city’s newly proposed budget indicates about $1.25 million in upgrades would be made to the Hobbs Ice Center’s O’Brien Rink between 2016 and 2017.
Those added amenities, would include new locker rooms, team offices, storage space and a training room, would only be made if the NAHL commits to having a team in Eau Claire.
The City for their part would like to host a team in the Hobbs Center, they are prepared to make the investment into the building, but will only begin the work once a team is committed to come to the city.
While it sounds good, purchasing an NAHL franchise, and setting up shop for the long term is just as expensive as making all of the improvements to the Hobbs Center.
While it remains to be seen how much further talks will proceed, once again, where there is smoke there is usually fire.
