When it comes to poorly kept secrets, the Plymouth Whalers move out of Detroit cant even be counted as a secret. The Whalers put all on notice publicly last summer that if things did not dramatically improve in the attendance department, they would be departing Compuware Arena.
That departure was made imminent with the sale of Compuware Arena to USA Hockey which is expected to close shortly. Compuware will then become home to the National Team Development Program.
With several city’s rumored to be in the running to land the Whalers, it appears as though Chatham Ontario is pulling ahead.
Whalers Owner Peter Karmonos made the destination public when talking to reporters last week, and now TJHN sources are confirming that talks are being scheduled within the next two weeks.
Sources are also reporting that the OHL does not want to leave Michigan and see’s the Michigan markets as being very valuable by way of access to players and marketing the OHL brand.
The Whalers are required under OHL rules to notify the league before the end of December of their intention to move locations. Based upon that time frame, this will likely be resolved sooner rather than later.
One obstacle in the way for Chatham is that they do not have an arena that would be suitable for an OHL franchise. The current arena only seats approximately 2500 while the OHL would need a facility with 5000 seats.
While talks may take place this is far from a “done deal”. Multiple sources are also reporting Hamilton Ontario is still a possibility, and that talks with one Michigan location have taken place as well.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
Joe Hughes
