The IHL addition of Youngstown could happen very quickly. I heard that the ECHL has told the SteelHounds they want the team to go dark for a year and come back in 2009-10. That's very unlikely to happen.
If it doesn't happen right away, that's a good sign, too, because it means the IHL owners are taking their time and are checking things out. They aren't just going in with hands out taking anyone who expresses a bit of interest. SteelHounds Owner Herb Washington is very well respected, though, so there likely won't be any problems.
Some other notes:
* Former Komets coach Dave Allison is looking for a job again. His Iowa Stars team has switched affiliations from Dallas to Anaheim. He's in the running for the new job. Allison is a great coach and an even better man who will get a chance somewhere.
* Former Komet John Anderson and the Chicago Wolves are up 3-0 in the AHL Calder Cup Finals. Maybe now he'll finally get a shot at the NHL. He certainly deserves it.
* I've got a very interesting story coming up, likely next week, relating to a human-interest story involving the Komets.
* Rockford averaged 3,826 fans this year in the AHL compared to 3,895 last year in the UHL. Quad City went from 3,120 in the UHL to 3,523 in the AHL. Yeah, that will pay the bills. Bet the Blackhawks were real thrilled the IceHogs lost to the Wolves, too.
Comments
Blake - Is there any info on how Henley's surgery went and how long his rehab is expected to take this time? Thanks for keeping tabs on the Youngstown situation. This is interesting and could give us a clue how the future might shake out. Can you believe how dumb it was to have a CHL team that far from any others in the league. How many miles did they rack up last year? That is hard to do at $4/gallon. Energy cost might finally force hockey to realign the minor leagues and it might affect the NHL in ways too.
Yes, we had something on the blog and in the paper last week. It was fine and he'll have the normal 4-6 week rehab.
Youngstown was that far away because the management company for their building was heavily invested in the CHL.
is that attendance really enough to make a profit in the ahl??
Not a prayer
And look at the tons of money that was spent to have those arenas meet AHL specifications......
Blake, with the economy, high fuel costs and average attendance in the low to mid 3,000 area how long would you say it will take before these markets are begging to join the IHL? I think it will occur within 2 years, 3 at the max.
part of the plan.........
any word yet mr author>>??
Not yet.
I'm just fine with the way the league is now, i really enjoyed last season. i could go either way on Y-town.
If Quad City joins then rnbrown's prediction is coming true.
Y-town last year vs Dayton this year, Dayton by far is doing a better job, with all the stuff they have in place already!
Go Pens!