RIO RANCHO, NM – In a lead story on KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, the New Mexico Scorpions franchise of the Central Hockey League is reportedly in difficult financial straits.
The Scorpions now join a growing and disturbing list of minor league franchises in North America to be stressed by the economy, poor fan support, and loss of sufficient capital through Wall Street malfeasance, and political confrontation with municipalities unable or unwilling to assist.
The Augusta Lynx of the ECHL suspended operations in December following failed efforts to secure outside investment partners. Pro Hockey News also reported this weekend that the Fresno Falcons of the ECHL face serious financial issues of their own and their future now hangs in the balance.
Various news outlets have reported on waning fan support in Wheeling (WV) for the Nailers also of the ECHL.
The New Mexico Scorpions are the first CHL franchise to be publically cited as being in trouble this season. Rumors have circulated about other franchises with no solid information to support them.
According to a team official the Scorpions have had success with ticket sales.
“Our season tickets are higher than they have ever been as well as our group sales since our move to Rio Rancho,” the Scorpions official said.
These issues are not limited to the North American minor league system. Pro Hockey News has reported on the state of the professional hockey industry in the United Kingdom and Russia .
As pointed out by a Pro Hockey News’ editor, Rio Rancho’s City Center must be the only city center without a city actually around it. The Santa Ana Star Center was constructed in what was billed as the center of the City of Vision (Rio Rancho’s moniker). But since opening in 2006 the only other structure to join the arena is City Hall. Other planned projects have been killed by either the city council or the entities looking to locate to the suburb of Albuquerque.
The city’s mayor and representatives of the New Mexico Scorpions are said to have a meeting set for Tuesday, December 23. There are no easy answers. But cooperation would seemingly be a reasonable starting point to save jobs and maintain a quality of life that made Rio Rancho, Fresno, Augusta and other cities attractive in the first place.
“We have been told while the management of the building goes through changes, the Scorpions should not be effected,” the same Scorpions official said. If the Scorpions were to suspend operations, as is the trend, this would be the second time the franchise would be placed in suspension. Previous ownership suspended the team after the 2004-2005 CHL season.
The current franchise may not go as quietly into that good night.
“Our staff will continue to work hard to sell tickets and increase corporate revenue,” the Scorpions official added.
The question is whether or not the suspension of one more minor league franchise will be heard or noticed by anyone. As of post time the CHL and the Mayor of Rio Rancho’s office had not commented.
Contact the author at lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com.
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