After 17 seasons in Oklahoma City, the CHL Blazers are no more.
This has been long rumored, but now it's official.
The city is in negotiations to have AHL hockey there for the 2010-11 season.
Potential suitors include the dormant AHL franchise owned by the Edmonton Oilers.
If this proves true, this would mean four teams separated by no more than 350 miles in what would be a very schedule friendly southwest part of the west division.
Personally, I hope they keep the same name and colors and the fans are among the very best in the CHL, for what it's worth.
This will be an interesting story to follow in the days and months ahead.
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Just to be clear, by next season you mean 2010-2011 season, not next season as in 2009-2010. I don't call it this season until camp opens etc. (or at least until invoices are paid)
fixed. Thanks!
Wasn't saying "Next Season" was wrong, just to me next season is a couple of months away.
This is exciting news, it should make for some great rivalries and some good scheduling for a change.
Can you say "Southwest Division"?
I guess this also means that the Chops are officially chopped, meaning we have 29 teams again this season and have to endure another NINE team division again?
Fred ... knew what you meant ... just agreeing that it needed clarification.
Thanks
Tough break for the CHL though.
Just to confirm, the Chops have been suspended for the 2009-10 season. The league realized that our county supervisors are not going to be able to reach a deal with the Schelgels in time. Based on the way things are going, it seems that the AHL is supporting our position, but realizes that nobody in the NHL will work with the Schlegels. Look for a local owner, possibly the county itself, and a return to the AHL in 2010. What that means for Dallas, I don't know or care.
If both OKC and Iowa return, that means 31 teams - - one too many -- unless one folds.
There are not 31 franchises to be had so it's no big deal but the Stars are still needing a solution after next season.
So for a true Southwest Division, we need a relocation - no further than Memphis or KC. I thought, though, KC was courting the NHL.
I would hate to have the fifth team be Abbotsford, BC.
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