Road Runners Apply to Suspend Operations for 2005-2006 Season
June 6, 2005 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Edmonton Road Runners News Release
The Edmonton Road Runners announced today the club has applied to the American Hockey League to voluntarily suspend operations for the 2005-06 season.
The Road Runners enjoyed a successful 2004-05 season while playing at Rexall Place, home of the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers. The club ranked third in the AHL with an average attendance of 8,853 through 40 home games and also ranked third in overall attendance with 354,151 fans taking in Road Runners hockey last season.
Road Runners' President Stew MacDonald says, "Unfortunately, timing of the deadline for confirming Road Runner plans for next season could not be coordinated with news from the National Hockey League or Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations, so we truly felt this was our only decision. If the NHL restarts some time this fall as hoped, the Road Runners may represent a significant distraction to Edmonton and area hockey fans."
The success of the Road Runners made a financial contribution against the expenses of the Oilers, who carried on administrative operations during the current NHL lock out. The Road Runners also serviced Oilers' sponsors and provided hockey fans with professional hockey during the NHL lockout.
Edmonton Oilers President and CEO Patrick LaForge says, "Our intent is to be fully prepared for the return of the NHL and the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have been a proud member of the American Hockey League since 1982, and the AHL will continue to play a significant role in the development of our top prospects."
The AHL's Board of Governors will need to approve the application for suspension, with decisions on players, coaches and staff being announced in the near future.
The American Hockey League is the second best professional hockey in the world and the number one development system for NHL players and coaches.
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American Hockey League Stories from June 6, 2005
- Wolves Weekly Notes - Chicago Wolves
- Road Runners Apply to Suspend Operations for 2005-2006 Season - Edmonton Road Runners
- Phantoms Weekly - Adirondack Phantoms
- AHL, clubs raise over $2.5M for charitable causes - AHL
- Phantoms win two in Chicago as 2005 Finals shift to south Philly - Hershey Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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