Promotion
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE SETS EXPANSION PLANS

CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE SETS EXPANSION PLANS

Thursday, December 5th
CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE SETS EXPANSION PLANS

(GLENDALE, AZ) – Central Hockey League Commissioner Steve Ryan announced today that the League will expand by a maximum of two teams for the 2014-15 season. The CHL Board recently gathered in Las Vegas and after the meetings concluded, expressed their confidence and support to expand membership to 12 teams. “The Board is enthusiastic about the current momentum and future direction of the League and wishes to expand beyond its current geographical footprint,” said Ryan. “We receive numerous expressions of interest for expansion, both formal and informal, and are now prepared to commence a formal bid process.”“When we came together to purchase the League, we gained control of our future and the ability to grow the legacy of the CHL into the future,” said Brad Fain, Owner of the Arizona Sundogs. “Under the guidance of the Commissioner, we believe this will be the best ‘AA’ minor league in North America. Our efforts to build a sustainable and compelling business model will attract highly qualified and passionate owners in the best markets.”This past off-season saw the CHL expand to St. Charles, Missouri (St. Louis area) and Brampton, Ontario (Toronto area).Last June, team owners acquired the CHL in an asset purchase acquisition from Global Entertainment, a publicly traded company that had owned the League for the previous two decades. In October, the CHL appointed Steve Ryan as its Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer. Ryan has an extensive management background in professional sports serving as President of NHL Enterprises from 1981-95. Additionally, he was President of the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins and Commissioner of the Major Indoor Soccer League.To facilitate its expansion strategy, the League has retained the Sports Advisory Group (SAG), a division of W.B. Grimes, which is one of the leading sports acquisition firms in North America. SAG will initiate interaction with potential expansion candidates and advise the League on its plan for growth.Founded as a professional league in 1963 by the National Hockey League, the Central Hockey League delivers outstanding family entertainment and in-arena excitement and is comprised of 10 teams in eight U.S. states and one Canadian province. Learn more about the CHL at www.centralhockeyleague.com.

Upcoming Home Games

Full Schedule
Wichita Thunder @ Rapid City Rush
Friday, October 24th
Wichita Thunder @ Rapid City Rush
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM MDT
The Monument
Wichita Thunder
WIC Wichita Thunder
at
Rapid City Rush
RC Rapid City Rush
The Monument
Wichita Thunder @ Rapid City Rush
Saturday, October 25th
Wichita Thunder @ Rapid City Rush
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM MDT
The Monument
Wichita Thunder
WIC Wichita Thunder
at
Rapid City Rush
RC Rapid City Rush
The Monument
Tahoe Knight Monsters @ Rapid City Rush
Wednesday, November 5th
Tahoe Knight Monsters @ Rapid City Rush
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM MST
The Monument
Tahoe Knight Monsters
TAH Tahoe Knight Monsters
at
Rapid City Rush
RC Rapid City Rush
The Monument

Latest News

More News
RUSH ANNOUNCE 2025-26 SEASON SCHEDULE
RUSH ANNOUNCE 2025-26 SEASON SCHEDULE
RUSH ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR LEASE EXTENSION WITH THE MONUMENT
RUSH ANNOUNCE FIVE-YEAR LEASE EXTENSION WITH THE MONUMENT
2024-25 SEASON RECAP: A LOOK BACK AT A ROLLERCOASTER YEAR 17
2024-25 SEASON RECAP: A LOOK BACK AT A ROLLERCOASTER YEAR 17

Get Hockey Updates

Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about news and upcoming games!