AAHL
In the end, two “A” level minor professional hockey leagues in the Midwest just didn’t make sense. So, the All American Hockey League and the Midwest Hockey League have merged in time for the 2009-2010 season.
The league will keep the AAHL name, as it does not limit the league to a geographical area. Six franchises will commence play this November in Battle Creek, Chicago, Detroit, Dyer, Evansville and Madison.
Bob Langdon will remain as Commissioner, while Wade Stuckey joins the league as a Consultant and Matt Crawford as Executive Director of Operations.
“We are excited to join forces with the MWHL and add Wade and Matt to our operations staff. Both will be a big part of the growth and success of the AAHL for years to come,” said Langdon. “I am also pleased to welcome the Madison Ice Muskies to the AAHL for the upcoming season. They will be a perfect fit for our footprint.”
The merger had been the focal point of discussions for several months and solidifies the AAHL as a premier “A” level minor professional hockey league. All six franchises have strong ownership, business plans and commitments to both the AAHL and their respective communities. In addition, the AAHL is very happy with ongoing negotiations to have all of their teams affiliated with IHL teams.
“We are pleased that all parties were able to work together to make this happen,” said Crawford. “All the issues that we were facing and preventing a merger have been corrected and now we can move forward in a positive manner.”
Expansion markets for 2010 and 2011 are already in the works, lending enough time to effectively grow the league.
“We have several ownership groups and venues interested in joining the AAHL,” said Stuckey. “We will do our due diligence to match those who meet our criteria and our vision of single “A” hockey.”
Visit the AAHL website today @ www.theaahl.com
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