The Central Hockey Leagues Board of Governors convened Tuesday at the Dallas Omni Parkwest resort for their annual fall session, covering numerous sales and operational issues in preparation for the upcoming 15th anniversary season of play, beginning officially on Friday, October 20th. Of significance, two rule changes recommended by the CHLs Competition Committee were adopted by the Board of Governors. For the 2006-2007 season, clubs icing the puck or unintentionally shooting the puck out play from the defensive zone will not be allowed any player substitution (line change) during the stoppage. In addition, during the shootout competition (required if games remain tied after the five minute overtime period) the home team now will have the option of shooting first should they so choose. Also presented Tuesday were updates on the CHLs three new facilities (in Rio Rancho, NM; Prescott Valley, AZ and Broomfield, CO) which open this season, and an All-Star presentation by the host Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
The CHL begins celebration of its 15th anniversary season on October 20th, welcoming three clubs joining the League in new state-of-the-art arenas for the 2006-2007 season. The expansion Arizona Sundogs (Prescott Valley Convention & Events Center) and Rocky Mountain Rage (Broomfield Event Center) will open new facilities this fall along with the New Mexico Scorpions, returning from a one year hiatus in conjunction with the opening of the Santa Ana Star Center. The CHL has led all of AA professional hockey in average attendance for the past five consecutive seasons of play.