ECHL RENEGADES ASKED TO PONY UP AND JOIN THE AHL

     The ECHL's Richmond Renegades were one of five ECHL teams
formally asked to join the AHL.  But a "sticking point" appears
to be money, with the AHL apparently asking for a "substantial"
expansion fee, reportedly in the high six figures.  ECHL teams
had been led to believe that they would not have to pay a high
fee to become members of the AHL, according to the RICHMOND
TIMES-DISPATCH.  The AHL will allow ECHL teams to pay an
expansion fee over time, but sources say the AHL is not giving
them "long to think about the proposal."  Charlotte and
Greensboro are "virtual locks" to join the AHL, while others
"aren't as anxious."  Charlotte President Carl Scheer said he has
"no choice" but to move, citing the IHL's inquiries about setting
up an expansion franchise in Charlotte.  Scheer: "The IHL has
been very aggressive all over the country. ... We just have to
protect our territory and we're being forced into some early
decisions" (John Packett, RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 3/14).