While Plymouth Whalers Owner Peter Karmanos has publicly stated he would hope to relocate his OHL franchise currently in Plymouth Michigan to Chatham Ontario, that option is a very long way from being a “done deal”.
The OHL deadline for teams making an application to relocate, was December 31st, 2014.
As of Friday January 2, 2015, OHL sources are reporting they are unaware of any such application having been made for the Plymouth Whalers to relocate to Chatham Ontario.
While that does not mean one was not submitted, TJHN does know that if one had been submitted it would have been incomplete.
Chatham Ontario does not have an arena that meets OHL standards. The OHL in approving any relocation to Chatham would require a commitment to build a new arena, and that commitment would need to be fulfilled within 24 months.
Building a new arena in Chatham is estimated to cost between Thirty and Fifty Million Dollars. Where that money would come from no one knows. Funding of that nature on a municipal level would take several months if not years to approve and obtain.
A report from containing funding costs and economic impact projections is due to be presented to the Chatham Kent Council some time this month. Upon receipt of that report, discussions on who will fund, and how that funding will be obtained will be held.
Typically, an arena with 5000 seats or more takes 24 months to build from the time you break ground. Realistically, unless Karmanos is going to build the arena himself, obtaining funding for such a project would take 12 months even if put on the fast track.
The OHL has made it very clear that they would prefer to have the franchise stay in Michigan, and sources are reporting that talks of relocation within Michigan are ongoing.
The Plymouth Whalers still have the option to remain in Plymouth even though USA Hockey’s National Development Program will be located in the same arena. Sources are reporting that although it would be unusual to have two teams located in one building it is still an option.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
Joe Hughes
