SPHL concludes 2006 annual meeting

Published on June 29, 2006 under SPHL (SPHL) News Release

HUNTSVILLE, AL - The Southern Professional Hockey League wrapped up its Annual Meeting in Columbus, Georgia on Tuesday, June 27th. The meeting was attended by all seven teams that competed in 2005-06, plus the expansion Richmond Renegades were welcomed by the SPHL Governors and Director of Hockey Operations, Bill Coffey.

The Board approved an expansion draft. Each team will be allowed to protect 12 players from their final roster, plus up to three players from their final list of suspended, called-up, and IR players. All other players go into a pool from which Richmond will choose 12 players. The rights of players not chosen by Richmond revert back to their original team.

The Board heard presentations from Richard Keast of Sher-Wood Hockey as he reviewed last season's performance and introduced new products for 2006-07. Later in the day, Jackie Wedley, Vice-President and Associate, of BFL Canada discussed all areas of the leagues insurance needs while answering questions posed by board members regarding specific on-ice requirements.

Discussion of the SPHL Rules & Regulations provided expanded clarification of areas different from the NHL rulebook or areas that differ from those used last year in the SPHL. Some specifics include:

o No delay of game minor penalty if a skater intentionally shoots a puck into the stands. No line change by team clearing the puck.
o Goalies are permitted to play the puck anywhere on the ice surface.
o Mouth guard is required to be worn by all players (excluding goalies).
o Adopted the NHL rule on icing...no line change allowed by the team that ices the puck.
o Adopted the NHL rule regarding "Hurry-up Face Off". A team is given 5 seconds from the time the referee drops his hand and blows the whistle to the time the puck is dropped.

During the course of the meeting the Board approved the 2006-07 League operating budget, revised Rules & Regulations, and revised League By Laws. The salary cap, veteran limit per team, and number of games to qualify as a veteran all remain unchanged for the 2006-07 season. The playoff format has been tabled until the Pre-Season Meeting, currently scheduled to be held in Richmond, Virginia on September 17th and 18th.

In addition to Board members, numerous team staff members held separate peer group meetings on Monday and Tuesday morning followed by a seminar on tickets sales presented by Cary Kaplan of Cosmo Sports. "Cary Kaplan's presentation was inspiring and captivating," said Jason Fleming, Vice-President of Communications for the Fayetteville Fire Antz. "Any professional sports organization, with the implementation of his concepts, would surely see a significant increase in ticket sales, and therefore, revenue."

The officers for the 2006-07 season were also selected. Keith Jeffries will once again serve as the Chairman of the Board. Kevin MacNaught will serve and Vice-Chairman with Wanda Amos serving as the Secretary. Jeffries will also serve as the Treasurer.

The 2006-07 schedule is expected to be released by July 15.

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