Storm, Arena to be Sold?

This could be some great news for Storm hockey and their fans. If Joel Wiens is selling the team and arena, that will be good for all. Wiens is a good businessman, but he doesn't know about hockey and that led to changes that didn't sit well with the fans, most notably trying to change to Nebraska Storm and use the old Nebraska Cranes color scheme.

This sale has been rumored for quite awhile, but now according to their fan board, it sounds like it is done and could be announced later today. I don't know who would be buying the franchise/arena, though I had heard previously that a group that owns the Salmon Arm Silverbacks in the BCHL were looking into it. I think this group included Andy Murray, head coach of the St. Louis Blues.

Tom Rudrud is also supposed to be named head coach, eventually. It has been thought he'd get the nod ever since Bliss Littler resigned. The latest update from the Storm site was they were negotiating the contract. If the team is sold, this could change things and the new regime could look for another coach.

I believe Mr. Wiens has sold his motels in the Kearney area, so it would make sense if he is indeed looking to sell the team and arena.