Pounder
04-28-2006, 01:57 PM
For the last 3 weeks or so, there's been a little saga with the Billings Bulls unable to come to an agreement with MetraPark regarding rent and other issues in the Metra arena. Last week, the Bulls gave up and announced that they would either move to Cody WY or close down the Bulls.
Cody has an 800-seat arena, and while other teams don't meet the 1,500 minimum set by the NAHL, there's a thought that the league would give the Bulls a pass... however, given problems in Helena, there's also talk that the Montana teams may attempt to reform the AWHL, register as a Tier III league with USA Junior Hockey, and be able to bring more cities into the fold (Butte, Missoula, Casper, Jackson Hole) this way.
Supposedly, another effort to bring the parties back to the table is underway. Much is still up in the air, but there are obvious far-reaching implications to the American junior hockey structure based on the outcome here.
Cody has an 800-seat arena, and while other teams don't meet the 1,500 minimum set by the NAHL, there's a thought that the league would give the Bulls a pass... however, given problems in Helena, there's also talk that the Montana teams may attempt to reform the AWHL, register as a Tier III league with USA Junior Hockey, and be able to bring more cities into the fold (Butte, Missoula, Casper, Jackson Hole) this way.
Supposedly, another effort to bring the parties back to the table is underway. Much is still up in the air, but there are obvious far-reaching implications to the American junior hockey structure based on the outcome here.