Rome Chiefs Fold

[major league]

I was going to go to the Rome Chiefs Camp in a few weeks. But I got an email about an hour ago and it said that the team is folding.

[major league]

Another email was sent out stating that the original should not have been sent. Although the owners are backing out the league is going to try and keep the team in the are.

To all players and player agents associated with the Rome Copper City Chiefs of the EPHL.

As of Today Tuesday September 30th 2008 I am saddened to bring you this news. The Rome Chiefs have decided to drop their franchise from the EPHL. President and Owner Wayne Premo and I have spent the better part of two weeks debating on what to do with our franchise and last evening the staff and I were notified of Mr. Premos final decision not to continue as part of the EPHL. There has been many issues that have led to this over the past two weeks, mainly the issue of trust by the Chiefs and the league. I have looked at both sides and will keep my views confidential and I have spoken with both the league and Mr. Premo trying my best to help the situation. On a couple of occasions the league had brought possible investors in to help out financially. One of them wanted to more or less take over the team. The league also at times pressed the Chiefs for time by demanding payments or they would force the team out and at one point told Mr. Premo the team was off the schedule. Deadlines have come and gone and still there has been no actions to resolve the problem and give each side a feeling of mutual trust. Now a big factor would be time for ticket sales, sponsorships, ad sales etc. We are far too behind to even attempt to make a run at becoming a pro team at this point. Our staff even though were made up of part time help was always eager to begin but the uncertainty of the team made it impossible to get the ball rolling. Another issue was the rink itself. Although I was not involved in the original discussions with the rinks agreement with the Chiefs be it verbal or not I can only let people know my opinion on this. The rink was only to have 4 locker rooms and our players would have had to take home their equipment each evening. There were also game times that were going to have to be changed to accommodate tournaments and public skating sessions. We were to also hire a security staff as well as we were also told the organization would not be able to obtain a beer licence. To me I felt personally that the City of Rome was not that interested in Pro Hockey coming into their arena.
I truly feel that Mr. Premo and all involved in the Chiefs had great intentions for the Players, Community and the league. But, this is a business and decisions have to be made wether it is looked at right or wrong, it is better to bow out gracefully at this time then to leave players and a community in a position

Tuesday 7:55pm

Gentlemen:

Earlier this evening you received an email from the management of the Rome Copper City Chiefs.

Please know that the email was sent without consultation with the Eastern Professional Hockey League and efforts continue to keep the Rome market viable for the upcoming 2008-09 season including the plans for league officials to be in Rome later this week.

We think the area and the Kennedy Arena can be successful and our efforts continue to make Rome successful for the upcoming 2008-09 season

[nksports]

The following meeting took place between the two e-mails:

EPHL owner waves his hand

EPHL owner: "You are very happy with the EPHL."

Rome owner: "Yes, I am very happy with the EPHL."

EPHL owner: "You will prepare for the season."

Rome owner: "We will prepare for the season."

EPHL owner: "Your master will be very pleased. You have done well."