(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.
CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE SETS EXPANSION PLANS
Thursday, December 5th
Upcoming Home Games
Full Schedule
Friday, January 24th
College Night
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM MST
The Monument
at
The Monument
Saturday, January 25th
Saturday Night Live
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM MST
The Monument
at
The Monument
Thursday, February 13th
Maine Mariners @ Rapid City Rush
Puck Drops:
7:05 PM MST
The Monument
at
The Monument
Latest News
More News
GAME RECAP: Rush Defeats Tahoe Behind Propp’s 30 Saves
GAME NOTES: January 12, 2025 vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters
GAME RECAP: Rush Stunned by Tahoe Late
Get Hockey Updates
Sign up for our email newsletter to be the first to know about news and upcoming games!
-
ECHL Network
-
ECHL Teams
-
Adirondack Thunder
-
Allen Americans
-
Atlanta Gladiators
-
Bloomington Bison
-
Cincinnati Cyclones
-
Florida Everblades
-
Fort Wayne Komets
-
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
-
Idaho Steelheads
-
Indy Fuel
-
Iowa Heartlanders
-
Jacksonville Icemen
-
Kalamazoo Wings
-
Kansas City Mavericks
-
Maine Mariners
-
Norfolk Admirals
-
Orlando Solar Bears
-
Rapid City Rush
-
Reading Royals
-
Savannah Ghost Pirates
-
South Carolina Stingrays
-
Tahoe Knight Monsters
-
Toledo Walleye
-
Trois-Rivières Lions
-
Tulsa Oilers
-
Utah Grizzlies
-
Wheeling Nailers
-
Wichita Thunder
-
Worcester Railers
-