The International Hockey League (IHL) announced Monday that the Kalamazoo Wings have chosen to withdraw from the IHL. The IHL worked to engage Kalamazoo's management team in discussions about many issues, unfortunately those efforts were unsuccessful. Kalamazoo's decision to part ways with the IHL is both disappointing and perplexing to league officials due to the timing of league expansion possibilities.
“Additional expansion efforts are underway as the IHL's geographical alignment is proven to be successful,” stated Michael Franke, IHL Chairman of the Board. “The League continues to field several calls about expansion possibilities with markets within the Midwest and new markets for the upcoming season. We, as a league, look forward to what is to come in the near future.”
League officials have been working diligently to secure the entry of new teams in new markets for the 2009-2010 season. The IHL fully intends to enter the 2009-2010 season stronger, with or without Kalamazoo as a participating member club.
