Mallards sign with CHL for 10 years

The Central Hockey League (CHL), in conjunction with Club 9 Sports, announced today that the Quad City Mallards organization has signed a 10-year license agreement making the Mallards a member of the CHL for the next decade.

Club 9 Sports purchased the Mallards last June and played in the CHL under the joint agreement with the CHL and the International Hockey League that was constructed in the summer of 2010 covering the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons. The other teams operating in the CHL currently under that agreement are the Dayton Gems, the Fort Wayne Komets and the Evansville IceMen.

“This is a very good day for the Mallards organization, the team’s fans and the CHL,” said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner. “The steps taken to reinvigorate the market in the Quad Cities by Club 9 Sports have brought back the excitement of years past for the Mallards and their following. We are excited for the future of the team and their place within the CHL.”

“We are delighted to have entered into this long-term agreement with the CHL. After years of uncertainty about league affiliation, it is nice for our fans to know we have a long-term home in a well-managed league,” said John Prutch, managing partner of Prometheus Capital Partners, parent company of Club 9 Sports. “We appreciate the support of the i wireless Center, the Quad Cities community and especially the season ticket holders and corporate sponsors who have remained committed to seeing the Mallards survive and revitalize.”