CHL Captures Fifth Straight Average Attendance Title
Published on April 19, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release
The Central Hockey League has claimed its fifth straight 'AA' average attendance crown. The CHL finished the 2005-2006 season averaging 4,663 fans per game, the league's highest mark since the 1995-1996 campaign, and has now recorded the highest average attendance among all 'AA' leagues for the past five consecutive seasons of play.
The Oklahoma City Blazers, routinely at or near the top of all minor pro hockey attendance rankings since their inaugural 1992-1993 season, finished the season as the top drawing 'AA' club, averaging 8,609 fans per game at the Ford Center, highlighted by a new CHL single game attendance high of 17,826 on March 25th. Three other CHL teams ranked in the Top 10, with the Wichita Thunder (7th, 5,719), Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs (8th, 5,640) and Laredo Bucks (9th, 5,636) all receiving outstanding support during the 2005-2006 season.
CHL teams placing in the Top 20 included the Colorado Eagles (14th, 5,289), Tulsa Oilers (15th, 5,031), Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (17th, 4,966) and Lubbock Cotton Kings (20th, 4,451). Colorado has played to a 'AA' record 94 consecutive regular season sellouts in their first three seasons of play at the 5,289-seat Budweiser Events Center.
"These accomplishments are a credit to not only our member teams, staffs, ownerships and players, but to our very passionate and supportive fans," said CHL President Brad Treliving. "We appreciate and recognize the significant efforts of all in what was a very successful 2005-2006 regular season."
The 2005-2006 Ray Miron President's Cup playoffs continue tonight in Colorado as the defending champion Eagles host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in Game 2 of the Northern Conference Finals, with Colorado holding a 1-0 series lead after a 3-2 double overtime victory Tuesday. Thursday, the Laredo Bucks, leading their series 2-1, visit Odessa for Game 4 of the Southern Conference Finals following Odessa's 4-3 overtime win yesterday.
Three clubs join the CHL in new state-of-the-art arenas for the 2006-2007 season, with the expansion Arizona Sundogs (Prescott Valley, AZ) and Rocky Mountain Rage (Broomfield, CO) opening new facilities this fall along with the New Mexico Scorpions, returning from a one year hiatus in conjunction with the opening of their new venue in Rio Rancho, NM.
Central Hockey League Stories from April 19, 2006
- Mudbugs Take Game Two, Even Series - Colorado Eagles
- CHL Captures Fifth Straight Average Attendance Title - CHL
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