Manifest Destiny
Where do Global and the CHL go from here?
The league that has been expert at installing hockey where there was none twenty years ago may be looking to revive the fortunes of some areas where hockey was a passion, but not a business. Introducing the casual fan to the hockey mix may breath new life into other markets.
Certainly their venture into Youngstown Ohio with the Steeldogs is a renovation play. It also positions them in range of both the UHL and the ECHL. While the CHL has held itself to some high standards relative to getting along with the other leagues, it is unlikely that they would turn away team owners looking at the strength of their operation who might want to join.
The Utah Grizzlies would have been a good fit, had the CHL wanted to swallow its membership fees and let them in. The league stuck by its principles, kept the value for its owners of its memberships, and just said no. The Grizzlies joined the ECHL's Western flank instead.
While nothing came of previous talks with the UHL, if the CHL continues to develop in nearby markets, the synergies available to UHL owners that Global can offer might prove tempting.
After a decade, and some very smart business moves, the Central Hockey League is doing what no other league in any sport has been able to do: Leverage every avenue of its business model to maximize both its profitability, and improve the overall value of its franchises to the franchisees.
While the play may be double AA, their business model is five-diamond, unparalleled, and makes them, as the first hockey organization to be so honored, Minor League News' MLN Business of the Year.
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