TEMPE, AZ – In an announcement that has been rumored for weeks, the Central Hockey League confirmed that the Rocky Mountain Rage will suspend operations for the 2009-2010 CHL season.
The decision to go dark for the coming season had been reported to Pro Hockey News by sources close to minor league operations. The deadline for reporting to the CHL offices on the final disposition of the Rage was due in May but had been extended to June 15th and then June 22nd.
“We feel the Broomfield market is one that has so much potential,” said Duane Lewis, CHL Commissioner in a CHL press release. “We are confident they will return as an active member in the league next year and be better and stronger than ever as a franchise.”
In the just concluded 2008-2009 season, the Rage got off to a fast start on the ice but cooled off at the end of the season. What traction had been gained early in the season was lost as the regular season ended.
With the sword falling on the Rage, the CHL now awaits final decisions from Bossier-Shreveport and New Mexico. The MudBubs in Louisiana are said to be finalizing a sale that will keep them in the CHL and on the ice for the 09’10 season.
In New Mexico, the Scorpions continue to seek investment in the franchise to keep them from going dark.
With the loss of the Rage, the CHL roster of teams is now at an odd number making for awkward schedules where at least one team is idle on a fully scheduled night.
Pro Hockey News will follow this and other breaking news form the CHL and other leagues.
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