United-Central Hockey League?
Speculation of impending merger apparently amiss.
03.01.03 - United Hockey League (UHL) President/CEO Richard Brosal tells MLN that rumors of the UHL merging with the CHL are just that.
"We're looking into methods of reducing costs on things like insurance with other leagues." The UHL currently is working with the CHL on such initiatives, but would not rule out working with other minor hockey leagues to reduce costs. "We would welcome working with the ECHL," Brosal said.
Sources in the CHL had told MLN earlier this month that some discussions of a merger were under way. The CHL has the reputation of being one of the most cost-efficiently run leagues in minor league sports. Brosal said that the UHL will be around for the 2003-2004 season, and did not rule out the possibility of some modest expansion.
The ACHL, positioned in between divisions of the ECHL, uses a similar cost & fee containment approach. While the nascent league has yet to establish itself on the ice as a minor hockey league operating at the AA level, it has established itself as another excellent operator of the cash-business side of sports.
Sources in ECHL organizations say that is possible that several teams that surround the ACHL in the ECHL may be looking at the ACHL as a place to find a home in the coming season.
The CHL and the ECHL continue to solidify their relationships with the NHL, building piece-by-piece a stronger minor league hockey system. While the UHL may stay independent for now, the writing continually appears to be on the wall for further mergers and condensation of minor league hockey.
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