CHL Returning to Topeka in 04/05

At a press conference Friday afternoon, the Central Hockey League formally approved the relocation of the former Indianapolis Ice franchise to Topeka, Kansas for the 2004/2005 season. The Topeka Scarecrows were former members of the Central Hockey League for three seasons (1998 through 2001), posting a mark of 101-88-20 while averaging 4,520 fans per game Kansas ExpoCentre.

Topeka Capitol-Journal - "Hockey Officially Returns"

Topeka Capitol-Journal - "In Presson They Trust"

Representing team ownership (Topeka Hockey LLC) was Chris Presson, who will serve as General Manager of the franchise. Presson, a former CHL Executive of the Year, most recently served a similar position with the CHL’s Oklahoma City Blazers franchise, and was also an executive with the former Scarecrows organization. Also in attendance for today’s announcement were CHL President Brad Treliving and Kansas ExpoCentre Facility Manager H.R. Cook.

“We feel very strongly that all necessary elements are in place to make for a highly successful franchise,” said Treliving. “With outstanding ownership, a highly respected leader in General Manager Chris Presson, and an excellent relationship with the Kansas ExpoCentre, the components are in place for this franchise to flourish.”

Presson also announced the beginning of a “Name the Team” contest held in conjunction with the Topeka Capitol-Journal newspaper, and indicated he has already interviewed several potential head coaches. The rights to former Indianapolis Ice players from the past CHL season revert to Topeka.

The 2004/2005 CHL alignment will be determined at the upcoming CHL Spring Conference held in Phoenix in early June, and Topeka is expected to be closely aligned with geographic and traditional rivals in Wichita, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

The Central Hockey League completed its’ 12th season of play on April 28th, with the Laredo Bucks capturing the 2003/2004 Ray Miron President’s Cup championship. The CHL again led all North American minor pro “AA” leagues in average attendance during the regular season, welcoming an average of 4,501 fans per contest. In the 2003-2004 Ray Miron President’s Cup playoffs, attendance climbed additionally, finishing with an average of 4,825 per post-season game.

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