CHL Central Hockey League

Brahmas Suspend Operations for 2006-2007 Season

Published on May 3, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


Fort Worth - The Fort Worth Brahmas have today announced they have received approval from the Central Hockey League to suspend operations for the 2006-2007 season, effective immediately.

Negotiations for a lease agreement with the City of Fort Worth that would allow the Brahmas to play in the Fort Worth Convention Center and the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum during the 2006-2007 season of play have not been favorable, thus, Brahmas majority owner Stuart Fraser has applied for and received permission from the CHL to suspend the operations. Fraser will continue to own the Brahmas franchise, and although the team will not participate in the 2006-2007 season, the franchise will remain a member in good standing of the Central Hockey League with the clear objective of returning to action in the near and foreseeable future.

"The current lease scenario presented to us by the City of Fort Worth makes it a financial impossibility for us to continue our operations as they currently exist," said Fraser. "The financial hardships created by significantly increased lease costs combined with limited availability of prime weekend dates for home games made this decision necessary, if unfortunate."

"Our intention from day one was to play professional hockey and provide affordable family entertainment in the City of Fort Worth," continued Fraser. "However, at least for the 2006-2007 season, that is no longer a financially feasible option. We intend to aggressively and immediately pursue and consider all available options that will allow the Brahmas to quickly return to active playing status with the Central Hockey League."

Today's announcement comes on the heels of nine seasons of play in Fort Worth by the Brahmas. The club's inaugural season was in 1997-1998, with the first four years of play spent as members of the Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL) prior to the League's May 2001 merger with the CHL.

"I want to publicly thank our extremely loyal and devoted fan base as well as our committed corporate partners," said Brahmas' General Manager Mike Barack. "We have been very fortunate to have the unwavering support of so many people and businesses over the last nine years."

Barack went on to say that he believes the Brahmas will be missed in the Fort Worth community. "Without a doubt, the Brahmas have been proud ambassadors of Fort Worth during our time here. We've made hundreds of in-school appearances and executed a phenomenal number of community relations programs across Tarrant County. Additionally, we have made thousands of donations per year to non-profit and charitable organizations throughout the Metroplex. Our efforts to stay active in the community have been constant," he explained.

Fraser also wanted to go on record with a public commendation of the Brahmas' front office and the Central Hockey League.

"Our organization has been very fortunate to have so many hard working and dedicated employees. Everyone that has been associated with the Brahmas has put in a tremendous amount of time and energy to benefit this franchise. I would be remiss not to recognize the efforts of all of our staff members that have worked so hard on our behalf over the past nine years, specifically Mike Barack, Naomi DeuFriend, Bill Yates, Jeff Bowerman and Ryan Snider for their many years of outstanding service to the Brahmas," he stated. "Additionally, I commend the Central Hockey League for their outstanding partnership, guidance and leadership over the years," said Fraser. "I firmly believe in the CHL model, and have the utmost confidence that the Brahmas will return to action stronger than ever in the near future."

All players currently under contract for next season or whose CHL rights were held by the Brahmas immediately become free agents.

All individuals and businesses that have made deposits or payments on 2006-2007 Brahmas season tickets will receive a full refund by mail within the next ten days. The Brahmas team office located at 1314 Lake Street, Suite 200, will remain open from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on normal business days until Friday, May 12. For additional information, please contact Jeff Bowerman, the Brahmas' Vice President of Communications, at (817) 336-4423.

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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.


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