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 Central Hockey League

CHL Teams Join ECHL; Create One 'AA' Level League

October 7, 2014 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


PHOENIX, AZ (October 7, 2014) - Central Hockey League (CHL) Commissioner Steve Ryan confirmed today that the seven CHL teams slated to play in the 2014-15 season have joined the ECHL, effective immediately.

The Allen Americans, Brampton Beast, Missouri Mavericks, Quad City Mallards, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder all had their applications approved on Tuesday during a special meeting of the ECHL Board of Governors in Chicago.

Ryan said, "It is a historic day for the hockey world. The consolidation under the ECHL brand offers an expanded new horizon for our fans, teams and players. The landscape of professional sports has long experienced the consolidation of leagues. Professional hockey has witnessed its merits at both the National Hockey League and American Hockey League level. The consolidation marks a national footprint for the ECHL and offers professional hockey a true development league."

The ECHL will now feature 28 teams in 20 states and one Canadian province for its 27th season of operation.

Beginning in 1963, the CHL was owned and operated by the NHL and its founding partner was Hall of Famer Jack Adams. That version of the CHL lasted until 1984 and then launched again in 1992 and just completed its 22nd season of play in May.

Updates to the 2014-15 ECHL playing schedule, divisional alignment and the ECHL playoff format will be released at a later date.

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