ECHL Board of Governors Approves Changes for 2018-19 Season
March 13, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL) News Release
PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced on Tuesday that the League's Board of Governors has approved the following changes for the 2018-19 Season.
Expansion Membership approved for St. John's
The Board has approved the Expansion Membership application for St. John's, Newfoundland to begin play in the 2018-19 Season. The St. John's Membership will be owned by Deacon Investments LTD, an entity controlled by Dean MacDonald. Glenn Stanford, the long-time President of the city's American Hockey League franchise, will oversee team operations.
"We are pleased to welcome St. John's to the ECHL," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "The city has a long and proud hockey history and, along with the Maine Mariners, will be strong additions to our North Division."
"Both Glenn and I are ecstatic that professional hockey is coming back to St. John's. We believe that hockey fans in our city will welcome this great product," MacDonald said. "We look forward to working with St. John's Edge owners Irwin Simon and Rob Sabbagh, along with the City, to bring two amazing sports entities together. This strong partnership will elevate professional sports in Newfoundland and provide many nights of action-packed entertainment for the community."
Quad City withdraws Membership
The Quad City Mallards have withdrawn their Membership in the ECHL, effective at the conclusion of the 2017-18 Season.
League alignment for 2018-19 Season
The Board has approved the following conference and divisional alignment for the 2018-19 Season.
Eastern Conference
North Division
Adirondack Thunder, Brampton Beast, Maine Mariners, Manchester Monarchs, Reading Royals, St. Johns, Worcester Railers
South Division
Atlanta Gladiators, Florida Everblades, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Jacksonville Icemen, Norfolk Admirals, Orlando Solar Bears, South Carolina Stingrays.
Western Conference
Central Division
Cincinnati Cyclones, Fort Wayne Komets, Indy Fuel, Kalamazoo Wings, Toledo Walleye, Wheeling Nailers
Mountain Division
Allen Americans, Idaho Steelheads, Kansas City Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers, Utah Grizzlies, Wichita Thunder
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- ECHL Board of Governors Approves Changes for 2018-19 Season - ECHL
- St. John's Joins the ECHL - Newfoundland Growlers
- Quad City Mallards to Cease Operations - Quad City Mallards
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