From
single, to double, to triple-a, life in the minor leagues has traditionally
consisted of striving to get to that next level of the hierarchy.
However, two
teams seem to be taking the opposite approach by leaving the triple-a
American Hockey League (AHL) in hopes of reversing their respective
franchise’s fortunes.
The Utah Grizzlies
formally announced their intentions to play in the double-a ECHL
on June 14, a little under a month after owner David Elmore was
granted a voluntary suspension from the AHL.
“We
are excited to welcome the Utah Grizzlies as the newest member of
the ECHL,” said league commissioner Brian McKenna. “The
Grizzlies history combined with a first-class facility like The
“E” Center and a strong traditional hockey market like
Salt Lake City makes them a tremendous addition to the West in particular
and our league in general.”
Elmore had
previously admitted that he lost money in each of the four years
his club was a member of the AHL, and he was tired of paying travel
subsides to bring other league teams to play in Salt Lake City.
Steadily declining
attendance over the past few seasons hurt the team’s bottom
line, while an embarrassing last-place 23-50-2-5 record and franchise-low
53 points in 2004-05 was reportedly enough to convince Elmore to
put the franchise up for sale.
Statements
made by Elmore suggested that he was looking to sell the team to
a party who would operate the Grizzlies in the AHL, although when
no buyers came forward, he decided to move the team into another
league.
Sitting out
a season was not a viable option, as Elmore had a vested interest
in making sure that hockey was going to be played in the E Center
this fall.
His company,
Centennial Management Group, Inc., is responsible for running the
arena; while another holding, Diamond Concessions, operates the
food and beverage service.
Initially,
Elmore was interested in joining the Central Hockey League, but
apparently, the two parties could not come to an agreement over
payment of some back dues that Elmore allegedly owes the CHL from
his dormant San Antonio Iguana franchise.
Still, with
teams in Boise, Las Vegas, Long Beach, San Diego, Bakersfield, Fresno,
and new teams slated for next season in Phoenix and Stockton, Calif.,
all located within a few hours of each other, it would seem that
the ECHL is an ideal fit for the Grizzlies.
Besides, Elmore
is no stranger to the ECHL, having previously owned teams in the
league. He is confident that the team has made the right decision.
"I've
been involved with the ECHL since the early 90's, and have been
watching its expansion-particularly out West,” said Elmore.
“We had an opportunity to discuss our situation with our fans,
and we've been able to move forward with the right move for the
Grizzlies."
Meanwhile,
Utah may not be the only American Hockey League team stepping down
to the double-a level for the upcoming season.
Story
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