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What's
in a Name?
Eastern Hockey League (EHL) changes name to the Southern
Hockey League (SHL).
Ketan Dhawan
Minor League News
05.28.04 -- Apparently there is plenty in a name.
The newly formed EHL (Eastern Hockey League) has changed its name and shall be known as the Southern Hockey League (SHL) when play starts for the 2004-05 season.
This marks the fourth name for the league, which previously played as the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL) and the World Hockey Association 2 (WHA2), prior to the EHL.
The name change was made to avoid confusion with the ECHL, which was known as the East Coast Hockey League, until this past season.
In recent weeks, both sides had been in talks regarding the similarity of the names. ECHL officials were concerned that confusion may arise between the two leagues.
"We did tell them that we thought there was a little bit too much similarity there," ECHL spokesman Jack Carnefix tells MLN. "The (names) are very close."
David Waronker, owner of several teams in the SHL agreed.
"As we try to establish our own identity and the ECHL raised its concerns about the similarity of the names, we looked at the situation and agreed," said Waronker. "So a new name is the best way for us to differentiate ourselves and keep our fans focused on our teams."
The decision between the two leagues was reached in a very amicable manner, and according to Carnefix, "Both parties walked away with what they wanted."
However, while trying to avoid confusion, the new SHL may find more mistaken identity with another similarly named league.
The Southeast Hockey League (SEHL) is comprised of four teams, all of which were once part of the now-defunct Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL).
The threat of confusion arising between the SHL and the similarly named Southeast Hockey League (SEHL) does not bother SEHL officials.
"We only concern ourselves about our own league," said SEHL President Jim Riggs.
Comments from the Southern Hockey League regarding any resemblance with Southeast Hockey League were unavailable at the time of publication.
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