Two IIHL Clubs Going With All Americans
Published on October 12, 2003 under International Independent Hockey League (IIHL) News Release
The new International Hockey League's flag-waving support for American hockey dreams took another giant stride today.
The big news was reported today on the league's new web site that was launched yesterday at one minute before midnight. It can be found on the internet at www.theIIHL.com.
The new IIHL is aiming to carve a niche for itself at the bottom of the minor league ladder as the only current A-level organization within the pro hockey world. Affiliations have already been secured with teams in two AA-level leagues to help supply talent for IIHL rosters.
Today's announcement on the IIHL web site revealed that negotiations have been completed with two ownership groups that will employ all American players.
The pro hockey world has long been dominated by Canadians. Americans began getting more opportunities at the top NCAA programs and in the NHL after Team USA's "Miracle on Ice" triumph at Lake Placid in the 1980 Olympics. But an influx of European talent during recent years has reduced American opportunities in the NHL and the two leagues that produce most of the talent for the 30 NHL rosters
In fact, American-born players now number fewer than 2.5% of the total roster spots within the 30-team team NHL, its 30 AAA affiliates in the American Hockey League and the 54-team army of Major Junior clubs for the world's top 20-&-under players within the Canadian Hockey League.
The deal to accept membership of today's two American-style franchises is a result of a special offer approved by the league's Board of Governors more than 3 years ago when creating by-laws for the new organization.
The by-laws had set forth an avenue to offer a substantial reduction in franchise fees for the first two ownership groups willing to take the bold approach of committing its efforts to signing all American-born players while staging games in cities where the IIHL is hoping to land future expansion franchises. The deal also required both operators to award scholarships to players interested in entering the sports world on the business side after completing their hockey careers.
Both new franchises have secured $60,000 in scholarship money from a Florida-based sports consulting company that will be awarded to players. The players will receive one semester of specialized training with classes in sales and marketing, relating to the business side of working for sports franchises.
The Great Lakes Young Americans will be based at Tam-o-Shanter Arena in Sylvania, Ohio and the Motor City All-Americans will be based in Michigan within the Greater Detroit area. Schedules are expected to be finalized by midnight on Oct. 13.
The Young Americans have submitted a 12-game home schedule at Sylvania in combination with dates in college towns where the IIHL has had interest from potential ownership groups. The Motor City All-Americans will play games within the Detroit Metro area where a number of potential groups have also expressed interest in joining the IIHL.
Information about buying franchises for next season can be obtained by calling the IIHL business office at (810) 610-1020. The cost of an expansion franchise is $90,000 and a substantial letter of credit is required to assure operation of the team for a full season. Information about job opportunities can be obtained by calling (810) 249-7351 and information about tryouts is available by calling (412) 835-3801 or (412) 215-6260.
International Independent Hockey League Stories from October 12, 2003
- Ohio Valley Ice Cats Set October 22 Deadline on Coach - Ohio Valley Ice Cats
- Two IIHL Clubs Going With All Americans - IIHL
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