Multiple sources in the USHL and Bloomington Illinois are confirming that a press conference to announce the new USHL franchise has been tentatively scheduled for Monday April 14th, 2014.
Multiple sources are also informing TJHN that Consolidated Sports Holdings will be promoting from within their organization. It is expected that there will be an upward shift throughout the CSH operations in the United States.
Speculation is that the staff from the Amarillo Bulls in the NAHL is expected to be moving up to the USHL, while the staff from the NA3HL’s North Iowa Bulls are expected to move up to Amarillo.
The swiftness in which the USHL move was able to take place was made easier due to the SPHL Thunder being behind on payments to the arena. Owing back rent would be a violation of the lease terms which would void the lease.
Arena management required payment in full of all back rent, and an additional deposit of $25,000.00 toward next seasons rent that was to be payable within the next ten days. The SPHL franchise has been rumored to be financially supported this season by the SPHL franchise in Peoria Illinois, and the additional funding is said to not be available to save the franchise.
Peoria is rumored to be sticking with the SPHL and looking to sell out at the conclusion of the 2014-2015 season to the Central Hockey League. Sources within the CHL have confirmed “some interest” while other sources have said they “have no interest in buying the SPHL out” of Peoria. All this while USHL sources are saying Peoria and Quad City would be additional expansion targets for the USHL.
All of this while the USHL’s Indiana Ice have rumors of relocation or “going dark” swirling. TJHN hopes to have more information on the Ice within the next 24 to 48 hours.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
