It did not take long for the off-season to claim its first franchise in North American hockey. On Monday, the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) confirmed that the Louisiana IceGators will suspend operations for the 2016-2017 season.
Renovations at the club’s home arena were cited for the cause of suspension. The IceGators play at the Cajundome.
“Arena renovations will begin at the end of this month at the Cajundome and will run through the end of November,” stated Louisiana General Manager Louis Dumont. “Available dates during the month of December are also limited. With the Southern Professional Hockey League’s 2016-2017 season beginning in October, a feasible schedule is simply not available at this time.”
The Cajundome opened in 1985 and is in need of major renovations. But the schedule does not permit an acceptable accommodation with the IceGators or SPHL.
Little has been reported on renovations since late 2015. A reported $16.7 million is the cost of the renovations said to include improved lower level seating, better lighting in the dome, upgrades to restrooms and concessions, and relocation of the arena’s roof.
With the Cajundome closing this month and an estimated five to six months required for the changes, it leaves little wiggle room for the IceGators of the SPHL.
“Countless hours have been spent between myself, the owners, IceGators’ staff and Cajundome management looking at different scenarios on how we can make this season happen,” added Dumont. “At this time suspending operations for this season is the best route to take. On behalf of the organization we would like to thank our Season Ticket Holders, Corporate Partners, fans and the community for all of your support.”
Reports as far back as February 2015 cited May 2016 as the closing time and October as the reopening timeline. The IceGators now must keep interest in the team to ensure their 2017-18 season is a go.
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