The North American Hockey League recently concluded it annual trek to Troy Michigan for its NAPHL playoffs, the NA3HL top prospects, and NAHL top prospects tournament. As usual it was a resounding success for players, coaches, owners, fans and all of the leagues within the NAHL family.
Along with those events, the NAHL held one of its multiple owners meetings scheduled throughout the year. On the table were issues concerning stability of the league, expansion and the potential for some teams to relocate.
One thing that has become clear as the events and meeting have concluded is that the NAHL is stable. All 24 teams are said to be returning next season and sources within each of the divisions have made it known that the owners are all on the same page relating to critical matters. Contrary to rumor, every team has committed and submitted their letters of intent to play next season.
The long awaited move of the Wenatchee Wild to the British Columbia Hockey League is now said to be off the table. Multiple sources within the NAHL and BCHL have stated that the rumored 1.6 Million Dollar bid has been declined by the BCHL.
While logistics and some realignment may have to be worked out yet, every person has said that all teams will be returning.
Also on the table were some expansion items. While sources would not name potential ownership groups, the Mid Atlantic region of the United States was discussed as well as a few other Mid West locations. Multiple sources have mentioned Roanoke Virginia as a potential expansion location but have also said that they are not aware of an ownership group ready to enter the market yet.
Roanoke has a long hockey history, and could be a very good market for the NAHL. The facilities are available, the fan base is there, and the demographics would support a good opportunity for success. Roanoke has in the past supported several minor pro franchises, most recently in 2006.
Some talk of franchise relocation was also on the table.
While a few teams have expressed an interest in relocation for a variety of reasons, no final relocation documents were submitted. Sources are reporting that there is a possibility that two or three teams may relocate, those teams have not made final decisions and will return next season regardless of if they are able to relocate or not.
The NAHL owners meeting was said to have gone so well and so smoothly on Sunday, that a second scheduled meeting on Monday was cancelled because all business had been addressed. By all accounts, this looks to be the least turbulent summer in recent memory for the NAHL, players and fans can all stop holding your breath for bad news.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
