RIO RANCHO, NM – The 2008-2009 professional hockey season has seen any number of unfortunate incidents including the suspension of two franchises in the ECHL, Augusta and Fresno. This week the New Mexico Scorpions were the focus of news coverage in central New Mexico because of poor arena management and less than ideal support from the Rio Rancho community at large and the political structure of the city itself.
At least one of those issues was resolved today when the New Mexico Scorpions met with Rio Rancho mayor Tom Swisstack. While no details from the meeting were made available the mayor was quick to elaborate on the support that he and his city have for the Scorpions.
“Improving the revenues generated by the Santa Ana Star Center has been a primary concern of mine since taking office,” Swisstack told Pro Hockey News.
The Santa Ana Star Center has been managed by Global Entertainment. Relations between Global Entertainment and the city council of Rio Rancho have been strained and the city council is reported to have terminated the agreement it has had with the company. Reports are that the city council will be soliciting proposals from other firms to manage the arena.
“As the city moves forward with selecting a new management and operation firm, improving revenues not only for the facility, but for primary tenants such as the New Mexico Scorpions will be paramount,” Swisstack added.
Following the meeting between the city and the Scorpions franchise representatives the impression left was that the Scorpions franchise was safe for the remainder of the 2008-2009 CHL season. The Scorpions have maintained throughout this ordeal that they would survive the travails and play through the remainder of their season. Indeed, one club representative said the team expects to honor the remaining seven years on its lease with the Santa Ana Star Center. Perhaps by then the city of Rio Rancho will have a city around its city center.
Pro Hockey News will remain on this story and provide additional information as it becomes available.
Contact the author at lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com.
Editor’s Note : The loss of one more franchise in minor league hockey in North America might well signal the demise of the industry. Pro Hockey News is following the Scorpions and the rest of the minor league system in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and Russia. Check back to The Business pages for more information.
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