IHL Commissioner Bob Ufer resigned on Friday, one day
before the league's annual board of governors meeting in CA,
according to Amy Rosewater of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER.
Rosewater reported that Ufer left because of "philosophical
differences" with various board members. Ufer: "At this
point, I guess I'd rather not comment about the situation at
all." The IHL "has not named a successor, nor has Ufer
announced plans for his future." IHL COO Doug Moss will
handle league issues until a new commissioner is named.
Rosewater wrote that under Ufer, who played a "major role"
in negotiating the league's CBA through the 2001-02 season,
the IHL expanded from 13 to 18 teams, including teams in
Chicago, Orlando and Long Beach. But Ufer still "had his
share of problems," including some team instability
(Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 6/27). In Las Vegas, Kevin Iole
reported that Ufer resigned "under pressure." Ufer will
continue to consult with the league. Iole added that Ufer's
four-year tenure at the IHL "was marked by rapid expansion
and spiraling player costs" (REVIEW-JOURNAL, 6/27).
