Herb Washington: Steelhounds Focused On Playoff Run

February 17, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Youngstown SteelHounds News Release


Recently, there has been considerable comment in the media regarding proposed events at the Chevrolet Centre. While the Youngstown Steelhounds encourage such discussion and remain committed to this important downtown project, we want our fans to know that we are focused on qualifying for the CHL playoffs and will not compromise our team's chances for success.

In committing the newest Central Hockey League franchise to downtown Youngstown, the Steelhounds made a promise to work hard to bring championship hockey to the fans of the Valley. Our dual-dedication to downtown Youngstown and championship hockey is the heart of our organization, and we will never make any decision without these commitments in mind.

Currently, the Youngstown Steelhounds are in the midst of making a stretch run toward the CHL playoffs and a chance to win the President's Cup league championship on the ice. With 17 games remaining, including important home stands against division-rivals Bossier-Shreveport and Fort Worth, our players are poised to make a run at securing a playoff spot. We owe it to our fans to give every effort, both on and off the ice, to making this happen. I expect my players to fight to the last minute of the last period on the ice, and the Steelhounds players and fans should not expect any less from me as the owner.

Recently, I was notified at the last minute of a proposal to bring a hockey event to the Chevrolet Centre in April. Unfortunately, the Steelhounds had not been consulted during the planning of this proposed event. Had we been consulted earlier, we would have made it known to the organizers that this event presented a potential conflict with possible CHL playoff dates. I was asked to give my approval to this event without being provided with any information pertaining to how this event would impact Steelhounds season ticket holders and fans, or whether any consideration had been given to accommodate CHL playoff games. Moreover, while we could have made an attempt to accommodate both the CHL playoffs and other hockey events, we were never presented with the opportunity to do so. I simply could not give my consent without ensuring our fans that our players are given every opportunity to succeed on the ice, and I could not consent to a plan that gave away home playoff ice, especially in the midst of our team's playoff run.

Ensuring that the Steelhounds have access to their home ice for regular season and playoff games is precisely why our lease with the Chevrolet Centre gives the Steelhounds the right to approve certain hockey events at the Centre. We in the Steelhounds organization take very seriously our role as the preeminent hockey franchise in the Mahoning Valley, and we stand willing and ready to cooperate with any partnership for promoting the sport of hockey in this area. However, any such venture should be a true partnership, respecting all of those who are committed to this community. The Steelhounds simply cannot, and will not, agree to any plan that impedes the ability of our players to succeed on the ice and to bring a championship home to the fans of Youngstown.

Herbert L. Washington

President, Youngstown Steelhounds



Central Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2006


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