Expansion Membership Approved for Worcester
February 8, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL) News Release
PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced on Monday that the Board of Governors has approved the Expansion Membership application of Worcester, Massachusetts for admission to the ECHL.
Worcester will begin play in October 2017 when the Premier 'AA' Hockey League opens its 30th season, making it the third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.
Worcester will play its home games at the DCU Center, a 12,239-seat building located in downtown Worcester. The DCU Center opened in 1982 and underwent a multi-million dollar renovation which was completed in 2013.
"We are pleased to welcome Worcester, Massachusetts to the ECHL," ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna said. "Cliff Rucker made a very impressive presentation to our Board of Governors. He laid out a strong business plan, that has broad-based community support and is prepared to take the proper lead time to execute a successful introduction."
"I am honored to be representing the city of Worcester and Central Massachusetts as the 29th Member of the ECHL and look forward to working with our staff to put together a winning team, that serves as a great ambassador of our region throughout the United States and Canada," said Cliff Rucker, owner of the Worcester Membership.
"The Manchester Monarchs are very pleased to welcome Worcester to the ECHL," said Matt Welch, president of the Monarchs. "Like our fans in Manchester, former Worcester AHL fans will be very impressed with the quality of play in the ECHL. We look forward to the start of a great rivalry."
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