USHL Expansion?

First off, I'd like to mention the Unofficial USHL Hockey Blog is now on facebook. There is a box to like the blog on facebook on the right side of the blog, so go ahead and like it.



Last month, Ryan Clark of the Slightly Chilled blog had these two articles about a possible expansion into Marion, Indiana. The Junior Hockey News has this updated article, posted today.

The article from TJHN mentions possible markets of current CHL teams possibly opting to bring in the USHL and leave the pro game behind. As mentioned in the article, the NAHL has done this with a few cities in the south that were home to CHL teams. Those teams (Odessa, Corpus Christie, and Amarillo) have all faired pretty well, with the lowest average attendance of the 3 being 2,070. So if the NAHL can thrive in former pro cities, why can't the USHL thrive in former pro cities in the midwest?

I'm always optimistic when there are expansion rumors surrounding the USHL, and cautiously optimistic when it comes to going into a former pro market with the USHL. So far, it has worked in Muskegon, but we have seen it fail miserably in St. Louis.

These articles are all very good reads and perhaps there could be some rivalries in the making here with teams in the (far) East being a little bit closer.

As a follow up to last weeks article we have spoken to several sources familiar with and close to the expansion process involving the USHL. Sources have confirmed that more than one Central Hockey League team or arena has expressed interest in joining the USHL. The Central Hockey League has in the last few seasons seen defections to the North American Hockey League, those defections largely taking place in non-traditional hockey markets.

Expansion in the USHL is a very controlled event, ownership standards for the USHL are very high, and many wealthy people would struggle to qualify for ownership because in the USHL it is not about money. There is a reason the USHL is the league of choice, the goal for nearly every serious hockey player in the United States, and that is because from top to bottom the league and its member teams do things right.

New Teams in 2010-2011

Yes, I know this news is a little old, but I wanted to post some thoughts about the expansion into Muskegon and Dubuque for next season. I'm hoping (key word) to get the blog rolling a little more for the rest of the season.

First, it was announced that Dubuque would be returning to the league for next season. This is great for the league, as it's not a 14 hour bus ride for West teams and right in the heart of the USHL. I think Dubuque will do very well attendance wise, especially with Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Des Moines being so close. They also announced that Boston Bruins GM, Peter Chiarelli, will become part of the ownership in Dubuque. It's great that Peter is getting involved and hopefully it will make others notice the USHL is a top notch league for pro prospects to take in order to achieve their dreams. It was also announced that they will remain the Fighting Saints and unveiled some nice looking logos.

Next was one of the worst kept secrets in the hockey world. Muskegon, Michigan will also join the league next season, after having professional hockey for 50 years. They will be the Muskegon Lumberjacks, same as their current IHL team. This could potentially be a great market to jump in, if the fans in Muskegon give the USHL a chance. I'm always very cautious and optimistic when the USHL goes into a city that is used to having pro hockey. I know the fans in Muskegon are very educated with the game and I'm sure most will at least give the USHL a chance. Below are a few clips from Youtube regarding the press conference about Muskegon joining the USHL and a Q & A video with owner, Josh Mervis. You can also follow along with some chatter on the Finish Your Check board.

USHL to West Virginia?

Is it too far east or would it possibly work for a USHL far east division?

They may want to check to see where the teams actually play, though. Here is the article and a link.

Huntington, WV (HNN) – Prior to the Tuesday, May 26 Huntington City Council meeting, Big Sandy Superstore Arena Director A.J. Boleski has requested to make a presentation regarding the United States Hockey League.

Huntington has had several experiences with professional minor league hockey, which at its best with the team winning saw an increase in downtown traffic and good attendance to the lower echelons when the team was near the cellar. The same with Arena Football and variations thereof. Even, graduated MU football players couldn’t turn several of those teams into financial survivors.

Although nothing has been made public about the proposal, the United States Hockey League is the top junior ice hockey leave in the U.S. It’s a strictly amateur league with players 20 years and under. Since the league is amateur, the players do not lose NCAA playing status.

Currently, the league has twelve teams from mostly the Midwest, including Minneapolis, Minn., Dubuque, Iowa, Ann Arbor, Michigan, Columbus, Ohio, and Fargo, N.D.

Ohio to Detroit?

Paul Shaheen from Research on Ice recently had an article indicating a possible move for the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets franchise to the Detroit area. They would open up shop in Fraser, MI, where the Wayne State hockey team previously played. Mr. Shaheen also mentioned that he'd like to see changes in who runs the organization.

I have a source who has told me that this is a done deal and more details should be known soon. It also sounds like Paul will get his wish, as it does sound like it will be a whole new regime. The only concern is if they will be able to draw in enough fans. I believe the big sheet of ice (arena has 5 sheets) holds a little over 3,000. There are many, many other hockey options in the arena. Including; NHL, IHL, NAHL, NCAA, CSHL, MWEHL, and the OHL. I feel it's going to be a tough draw in this market with all these other options, especially since there are multiple other junior and midget teams around.

My hope is they come up with a better team name than the recent NAHL team that re-located there. That team is called the Motor City Machine.


EDIT: I was informed that this deal is now not as definite as previously thought.

My view on this is I think the best would be to cease operations for a season. No, not because I don't feel Michigan is the right market or anything like that, but because I think the USHL works best with an even number of teams, like a commenter had mentioned. Perhaps taking more time than just a few weeks to look into Fraser would be the best idea for all involved. With the draft looming, they need to make a decision quickly, whether it be to fold or move to Fraser, though I feel it's never a good thing to rush into a decision like this. I would love to see a USHL team in Michigan as well as Minnesota.

Muskegon Update

It sounded like the USHL was on the very verge of ending up in Muskegon, but it appears they have decided to stick with the IHL.

Ohio's franchise seems to be in limbo right now, but I will post more as I know more.

USHL Expansion Rumors

I've been meaning to post this for a few days, but am just now getting to it.


Just recently, the was some turmoil in Bloomington, Illinois with the IHL team. They owed lots of money and the USHL was knocking on the door, trying to get into that market. The PrairieThunder blew through a few deadlines for getting the money paid off, but eventually, the team's lawyers ponied up the money and the PT will stay in the IHL, shutting out the USHL in the Bloomington market....for now.

There has also been a rumor floating around about Ohio being sold to a group in Youngstown, Ohio. That seems to have cooled off, and Youngstown would be a bad idea for the USHL, in my opinion.

The newest rumor seems to be that of the USHL possibly opening up in Muskegon, Michigan. Now this one is a little interesting. Tony Lisman, who was the previous owner of the Bloomington PrairieThunder that racked up quite the debt, runs the arena in Muskegon. It's been talked about that Lisman has been in talks about bringing a USHL team in to replace the IHL's Muskegon Fury franchise. This seems to have some legs, though most stuff is just speculation at this point.

I think it'd be great to get a USHL team in Michigan, though I don't think Muskegon is the right place. They have had pro hockey for many many years, and I have a feeling most would not take too kindly to the USHL.

There isn't much more known than that, but I will try to keep up with anything that changes along the way.

Wausau Update

Thanks to GB Puck Fan for the email. Link to story here.

Another story about the new proposed arena.

Hockey Facility Plans in Rothschild

ROTHSCHILD -- Area hockey players might soon have a new place to practice. Plans for a new ice-arena in Rothschild are almost done. Cole Halligan hopes for a much bigger place to play hockey in than his basement in Rothschild. Halligan says, "Hockey is life I guess." And the Village Board is one step closer to approving plans for a facility that would give him exactly what he wants. They're working out some kinks to build a 4,000-seat arena in the Cedar Creek area. It may even host a semi-pro team. Neal C. Torney, Rothschild Village President, says, "Have never played hockey but never the less I know that there's an awful lot of people in this area that do. There's quite a following and I think you'd see a lot of support for that type of a facility and certainly a semi-pro team in this area." And an ice hockey fan like Halligan certainly agrees. Halligan says, "I think the passion in hockey for the city is growing a lot so I think the new rink will even increase it a lot more." The facility would include a large ice arena and several smaller ones, as well as a state of the art sound system to draw some big performers. And although the Village President says most board members are tentatively for the plan, he says they're still being cautious. Torney says, "We want to make sure that not only do we have a quality investment but that it's going to be self-supporting and that the Village taxpayers don't end up with the short end of the stick on a project like this." If approved, builders say construction could could begin as early as next Spring.

More on Wausau

An article just came to my inbox, though I had previously been informed of it by Marc Foster. The article states this project has private funding, which could be a good sign.

In just about a year, Rothschild could be home to a $20 million dollar facility that's expected to increase tourism to the Wausau area. And the Village President says the 190,000 square foot expo center would come with many features.

It would include a 4,000 seat ice arena that will also have a convertible floor, an additional smaller ice arena, conference rooms, a full service restaurant, and a state of the art sound system to support big name musical acts.

But Neal Torney, Rothschild Village President, says the investors are working to bring in an expansion team of the USHL (a semi-pro hockey team) similar to the Gamblers in Green Bay.

Preliminary drawings have been presented to the village board, and Torney says everyone is basically in agreement, but they haven't taken any formal action on the plan yet. This project is being funded by private investors. Developers say they hope to break ground sometime in late spring or early fall and construction would be complete in about a year.

Wausau, WI Expansion?

Thanks to Sieveman for finding this article first.


There is a new proposal to build a 4,000 seat arena in Wausau and the USHL is rumored to be interested. This would be an excellent place, as it would give Green Bay a close rival and should be within a reasonable distance to most East teams.


Story here.

Fargo is Now Official!

You knew it was coming, but it is now officially a done deal.

With Fargo set to join in 2008, I will venture to guess that they will be playing in the West and Des Moines will hop back over to the East. This will probably take place unless there is another expansion/previous franchise that is in the works to join the league with Fargo.

I was told awhile back that Fargo isn't really an "expansion" team. Mr. Brandt sent his franchise fee to the league and that will bypass Gino and company and go to whoever holds the franchise rights for the old St. Louis Heartland Eagles. I believe the only defunct team out there with rights still around is Rochester. (Thanks Marc for that info)

Expansive Effect

This article in the Fargo paper is about Gino and the league. It provides some useful information as well.

Gasparini has already had talks with NHL officials about getting direct financial support. The NHL pays fees to the Canadian Hockey League, a 60-team junior league that produces players who jump directly to the pros.

“Our league has developed a considerable amount of presence in the development of players. Because of that, we think we can be a major player, not only at the college level but the professional level as well.”

Gasparini said he thinks that there are more quality high school players available – enough to justify the USHL eventually expanding to 18 teams, with three six-team divisions.

Gasparini said in addition to the Fargo expansion, the league is looking at possible franchises in Wisconsin, Kansas, Indiana and Illinois.

“There could be one more in addition to Fargo for the 2008 season,” said Gasparini, who declined to name potential cities. “We want to be cautious with expansion. Even though we are an amateur league, we consider ourselves to be professionals in the business world. The reality is, we don’t want failure."

So Long Rapid City

Looks like Rapid City has made their choice as to which league they want in town, and the USHL lost out to the CHL.

Civic center board ices USHL, chooses CHL

By Scott Aust, Journal staff

RAPID CITY -- Rapid City plans to welcome a Central Hockey League franchise next year.

On Thursday, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center board voted to begin negotiating a contract with the CHL instead of the United States Hockey League.

Both leagues had shown an interest in putting a team in Rapid City, and board members said each is high quality. But in the end, the CHL was chosen because its local ownership group is in place while the USHL was still in the process of forming an ownership group.

Brian Maliske, civic center general manager, said contract negotiations will likely begin next month.

Both leagues made presentations to the board last month. The CHL is a 18-team mid-level professional hockey league headquartered in Phoenix. The USHL is a 12-team junior league based in Grand Forks, N.D., that develops players for the college and professional levels.

After reading all the comments on the story, it seems like many are pro-USHL and maybe I'm just biased, but I think that's the way to go as well.


Speaking of expansion, Fargo's USHL Franchise Awaits Signatures.

A side note, here's a nice article about Cedar Rapids first round pick Matt Donovan.

Expansion?

USHL makes their pitch to Battle Creek, Michigan. People in attendance include Josh Mervis (previous Danville owner), Jim Kronschnabel (Sioux City owner), and former Cedar Rapids RoughRider Justin Abdelkader.

There is also another article that discusses it a bit more. An interesting piece I saw in that article was this:

Mervis, who also owns a franchise soon to begin play in Louisville, Ky., said it doesn't matter to him where a team would play in Battle Creek.

Sounds like Louisville will join the league before long.

Jay Lyngaas from the LaCrosse tribune has a few comments about things he's read, and one of them stuck out to me.

Instead of trying another “professional” basketball team in La Crosse again, why not give a minor league USHL hockey team a chance? It probably doesn’t matter either way since nobody (except the extremely rich — and that doesn’t include me) will be able to afford the gas it will take to drive to the games anyway.

Is Siciliano Leaving Muskies?

News Articles

An article featuring John Zeiler. Article comes from the Lubbock Cotton Kings (CHL).

Zeiler, a 6’0” 207-pound native of Pittsburgh, PA, becomes the first player ever to advance to the NHL after appearing with the Lubbock Cotton Kings.

Marc Foster, of the Junior Hockey Blog, put out a couple entries mentioning the USHL. The first mentions possible expansion into Louisville, Dayton/Troy, and Cincinnati. The second deals with the USHL's Education article posted recently.

In-Forum article talking about Dean Blais/USHL.

Sioux City Musketeers thank the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Last Saturday's Waterloo vs Lincoln game that was postponed has been re-scheduled for Tuesday, April 10th.

Fargo Article plus New Features

First article from In-Forum Associated Press:

"I understand that there may be a new arena and I understand that there are people in place to make a commitment," Blais said. "I would certainly be interested in listening, especially Fargo.

USHL commissioner Gino Gasparini said it would be premature for him to make any comments about a league franchise in Fargo.

"Where the facility will be located, who the tenants would be, whether or not the USHL is coming or not and who the coach would be that will all be addressed at the news conference," Berning said.

"Whether we become a three-division or four-division league, we don't know," Gasparini said. "We are very cautious about expansion. We are making sure to pick cities that have venues where we think it will be successful."

Blais believes a USHL team would succeed in Fargo.

"With a population base three times that of Grand Forks and Moorhead, a proven hockey community, right there, it would go for sure," Blais said. "I think the community of Fargo is looking for something like that."

This quote comes from a 2nd article, nearly identical as the one above.

“From what I’ve heard from kids hockey groups, it would be one main arena plus four sheets of ice for kids,” said Fargo city commissioner Mike Williams. “The USHL and Blais, that’s all news to me.”

February 22nd is the big day when we find out if the USHL will try Fargo for the 3rd time or not. It will definitely be interesting to see what happens.


The USHL features Nate Schmidt and Daniel Pachis.

Schmidt:

"College hockey is where I want to be, the WCHA is close to home, that is what I am shooting for.” When asked about any other teams he has shown interest in, he says, "I like St. Cloud State, the Gophers (Minnesota), North Dakota, and Colorado College.”

Pachis:

Q: Where do you see yourself next year?

A: “I have not decided yet which route to take, the NCAA route or the OHL route. I will take my time and decide at the end of this year.”

Photos courtesy of www.ushl.com

More Expansion?

Thanks to Chris at the WCH Blog for showing this to me.

Dean Blais may become new coach in Fargo. What does this have to do with the USHL you may ask? Well, Gino Gasparini is supposed to be at the press conference along with Blais.

Plans are under way in Fargo to build a $30 million, 5,000-seat arena a mile southwest of the city that would be used by the new USHL team, as well as by Fargo high school teams.

I think it would be great to get Fargo back into the USHL. They will be upgrading their building and it should fit in perfectly with USHL standards.

Notes

Chicago added Holy Angels forward James "Jak" Knelman to their roster.

Couple of audio bits that talk about USHL expansion.

First one is Scott Brand saying that 3-4 franchises within 3-4 hours of Indy is a possibility.

(fast forward to about 3/4 of the way through the audio bit.)

Second is an interview with Bob Lamey, the voice of the Colts. They discuss hockey at the very end and say Indianapolis and Fort Wayne will be in the same league next year. Now, I don't know if it's just speculation, or if it's something with some truth to it, but it'd mean Fort Wayne is going from UHL to the USHL or Indy is going from the USHL to the UHL.

(fast forward to almost the very end for the talk about this.)

That will give you something to chew on for a bit.

Special thanks to the people on the Indy Ice board that made mention of this.