Breaking News RICHMOND, Va. – The continued economic woes appear to have claimed yet another minor league hockey victim. At a Tuesday morning news conference called by the Richmond Renegades, team president and general manager Allan B. Harvie Jr. said he intends to ask the SPHL Board of Governors for a suspension of operations following the current season unless a new investor/buyer can be found within the next two months. Harvie cited a lack of commitment from sponsors and investors as well as lagging season ticket renewals and sales as the main reason for the potential suspension of operations. The Richmond area has been especially hard hit by the economic downturn as a number of sponsors have not completely paid for this year’s agreements and have expressed no interest in continuing for the 2009-2010 season while others have either filed for bankruptcy or gone out of business. “The Richmond economy is what has forced us to step back and take a break. There have been an abnormally high number of companies and government agencies in Richmond who have run into financial problems,” Harvie said. “Every day we read about one more Richmond company in trouble. That has caused a ripple effect throughout the entire business community. As I have stated before, when our fans have to choose between buying health insurance, gas or hockey tickets, the choice is obvious.” The team has until April 30 to inform the Richmond Coliseum whether it will be renewing its lease agreement. The team is in the final year of a three year agreement with two one-year options that can be activated by the team. Harvie said that he has contacted league officials about the possibility of requesting the suspension at the league meetings in June. Reached by phone, commissioner Jim Combs said that no discussions will take place until after the season. “If you read it (reports), he (Harvie) is going to at the end of the year – if he can’t find any interest or other investors or another owner – (announce) that his intent is probably to suspend. Suspension of a franchise isn’t even discussed by the board until the summer meetings,” Combs said. “I think if you read into it, he’s asking if there is interest from other investors or the city and the fans to keep the team (alive).” Harvie did say during the press conference that he has been contacted with a potential investor. Combs also said that he personally has spoken with two people who have an interest in investing in the team. Harvie said there could be a development along those lines during the next couple of weeks. “This gentleman is very financially set and has an excellent sports and marketing background. He would be a great fit for the Renegades and the fans,” Harvie said. “We have spoken and will continue to discuss his possible involvement with the Renegades and should that happen, it would mean that the team would not need to suspend at the end of the season – something that would excite everybody. I will keep you posted on the progress of these meetings and conversations.” Harvie said that fans who have paid for or placed deposits on season tickets for the 2009-2010 season will receive refunds “beginning immediately”. Purchases of playoff tickets will not be affected as Harvie expects his second place Renegades to “go deep this season”. Contact the author at don.money@prohockeynews.com
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