Storm seeks ECHL approval to suspend play for 2005-06 season
March 30, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Toledo Walleye News Release
Toledo Storm Vice President and General Manager announced today that the Toledo Storm has submitted a request to the ECHL Board of Governors to allow the voluntary suspension of play for the 2005-2006 playing season.
The request will have NO IMPACT ON THE CURRENT SEASON. The Storm is looking forward to competing in this season's remaining regular season games and the Kelly Cup Playoffs in April.
The Storm may withdraw its request for voluntary suspension if it can secure additional investors. Team officials are negotiating with several interested parties who have expressed an interest in investing in or leasing the team.
According to Majority owner Tim Gladieux "The Storm has been unable to operate profitably in recent years. ECHL team budgets have grown and require that approximately 1500 season tickets must be sold in order to break even on a financial basis while the Storm season tickets sales have averaged half that."
According to Mr. Miller "We have been unable to attract broad based support for season ticket sales which is the life blood for any hockey team. Many teams in the ECHL and other minor pro hockey leagues that play in modern buildings are able to attract season ticket buyers that require enhanced facility amenities such as suites, club seats, and club restaurants."
"Toledo is a great hockey community with fans that appreciate and understand the game. We have been very fortunate to have received great support from our many corporate sponsors and advertisers. Our team owners have been very generous in funding the financial losses because they love hockey and they see the Storm as a community asset." says Miller.
"We are working hard to find additional investors who have a long range vision of Toledo hockey. Mike Miller's and the rest of the Storm sales and coaching staffâs efforts have been outstanding. It is our goal to win on and off the ice," says Gladieux.
The ECHL Board of Governors will meet via conference call on April 12th to consider the Storm's request.
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