Blazers to play seven games at Cox Center

Published on September 21, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League have moved seven of its 32 home games for the 05-06 season to the Cox Convention Center, formerly known as the Myriad.

The Blazers agreed to return to their former home at the Cox Center to enable the city of Oklahoma City to accommodate the needs of the New Orleans Hornets move to the area.

Upon the rebirth of the Central Hockey League in 1992, the Myriad served as the primary home of the Oklahoma City Blazers for 10 full seasons. Only 18 of 331 home games from 1992 through the 2001-02 season weren't played at the Cox Convention Center. The final hockey game played at the Cox Convention Center was on March 22, 2002.

The Oklahoma City Blazers record at the Myriad was staggering, making it one of the toughest places to play in the CHL. The team posted a 232-63-18 mark at the Myriad, an amazing .769 winning percentage. The Myriad/Cox Convention Center was home to the Blazers for 31 sellouts, 10 consecutive playoff appearances and two CHL championships (see following chart).

"Many special memories were created inside the Myriad," said Express Sports CEO Brad Lund. "We look forward recreating the electricity and home ice advantage we enjoyed during our first 10 seasons."

The Blazers first game back at the Cox Convention Center will be November 18 against the Corpus Christi Rayz (a complete schedule of games to be moved follows this release).

Only one date of the Blazers 32 home games was impacted by the Hornets move to the area. The game originally scheduled for February 15, 2006 at 10:35 a.m. will now be played on February 14, 2006 at 10:35 a.m.

"From a fan-friendly standpoint, the Cox Convention Center is in better condition today than the last game we played there in 2002," said Lund. "Much of that has to do with the nearly $70-million worth of improvements that has been made. The city has assured us that the playing surface will be of high professional standards. Work has already started in preparation for our return on November 18."

"We have supported the City's quest for the relocating the Hornets since day one. We welcome their staff, players and families to our great sports community. We look forward to not only being recognized as the minor league hockey capital of the world, but one of the premier NBA markets as well."

The Oklahoma City Blazers will kick off their 2005-06 campaign at home on Friday, October 21 against the Fort Worth Brahmas at 7:35 p.m.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central