NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — When Express Sports, the owner of the Oklahoma City Blazers franchise announced that CEO Brad Lund had left the team, eyebrows were raised throughout the Central Hockey League.
Oklahoma City Blazers head coach Doug Sauter. Photo Credit: Robert Keith
“That came as a real surprise; but no doubt Brad’s probably got something else lined up, Sauter said. “He’ll be missed but he’s a young man with a lot of experience with 17 years in the hockey business. You’ll see him re-surface somewhere; maybe within our league or maybe elsewhere.”
A week after Lund’s departure was announced, Express Sports president Bob Funk, Jr. said that no replacement for Lund would be named and that Lund’s responsibilities would be handled by other members of the organization.
In addition, four additional staff members were let go, including two sales associates, the ticket sales manager and a member of the broadcasting staff.
The Blazers are in the process of restructuring in an effort to remain in the Oklahoma City market after recent changes to the terms of their lease with the City of Oklahoma City for using the Ford Center. Speculation is that operating costs at the center are being raised significantly.
Funk told the Oklahoman’s Robert Przybylo that he was encouraged by negotiations with the city.
“We are hopeful that we can collaborate with the city on some of the non-traditional revenue opportunities that may be available,” Funk said. “That would go a long way in allowing us to remain solvent and in Oklahoma City.”
Meanwhile, news of visits by the Edmonton Oilers has re-fueled ongoing speculation that the Blazers may become a top farm team in the American Hockey League.
Doug Sauter explained that visits by NHL teams are routine and there was nothing set in stone or any promises made.
“With our current lease with the City of Oklahoma City, there’s a clause in there and it’s black and white; they would like us every year to explore the possibility to bring in a higher level of hockey,” Sauter said. “I think there’s a lot of teams in the American Hockey League that aren’t doing well right now and would love to relocate to a place where they can draw anywhere from seven to ten thousand fans a game.”
The Blazers, members of the Central Hockey League since 1992, have been a constant leader in minor-pro hockey attendance. Oklahoma City often ranks in the top five among all minor-pro teams in North America. They currently average over 6,000 tickets sold per game this season.
“We’ve got a good fan base and I think any team in the American League that was looking, would definitely set their sights on Oklahoma City,” Sauter said. Sauter dismisses any speculation that the team will make any changes in the near future.
“Right now, we’re a member of the Central Hockey League,” Sauter said. “I think it’s a great league. Lots of excitement, affordable prices as far as tickets go and we’re off to a great start. Hopefully we can keep good play on the ice and let the other things that happen in business in the boardroom stay in the boardroom.”
Contact the author at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
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