Central Hockey League Looking To Expand 10-Team Operation By Adding Two New Clubs

Months after buying itself from a longtime ownership group and naming a new commissioner, the Central Hockey League is putting out a "space available" sign, saying it will expand the 10-team league by two additional franchises next season. The CHL has retained W.B. Grimes’ Sports Advisory Group to assist with the expansion efforts. “We’re looking for marketing-driven investor/owners and there’s a nice consensus among our current ownership group on how to grow the league -- both its geographical footprint and awareness," said CHL Commissioner Steve Ryan. The league named Ryan, the former Penguins President and NHL exec, to the position in October. Owners bought back the CHL, which has a footprint across eight states and Ontario, from Global Entertainment earlier this year for more than $6M. New franchises will cost $500,000-600,000. Prior to this season, the league added teams in suburban St. Louis (St. Charles) and Toronto (Brampton).