New possibilities

http://www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/independence/story/586799.html

Well, maybe I'm just reading it wrong, but I got the idea that it would be a CHL expansion team.

Yep, makes it sound like it.

If it's Global, and it's in the CHL footprint, chances are it's CHL. Dodge City may be the first exception, but that's driven by market size...

Marc,
Hasn't Dodge City been in the USHL's plans all along?

Jrhockeyfan wrote:

Marc, Hasn't Dodge City been in the USHL's plans all along?

Junction City maybe. They were discussing building a rink there and the USHL spoke with them at some point..

mctopeka wrote:

Jrhockeyfan wrote: Marc, Hasn't Dodge City been in the USHL's plans all along? Junction City maybe. They were discussing building a rink there and the USHL spoke with them at some point..

I believe that Global/CHL tried to "dump off" Dodge City on the USHL the same way they tried to with Wenatchee and the NAHL. However, I do not believe that the USHL made any agreements, formal or informal, to place teams into new Global arenas (in secondhand markets, else the CHL would do it) within their footprint. The NAHL did apparently make some sort of agreement to do this, hence the Wenatchee fiasco. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised that if Global builds an arena in Dodge City they try to dump the market onto the NAHL.

Junction City was a flash and flame out. I've not heard of any progress there since it initially fired.


Something else to consider, a new administration is about to take over the USHL. I believe the clock on Gino's countdown is under 80 days. I'm sure that once the new administration is in place they will review their expansion strategy and take a new/fresh look at any potential markets.

At least, that's what I would do if I were part of the new administration. Actual mileage may vary...

True and as I understand it the USHL has already made a few inquiring phone calls.

mctopeka wrote:

True and as I understand it the USHL has already made a few inquiring phone calls.

About... Dodge City? Unless you've talking about a potential ownership group and not the league, any calls made by the league (Gino) can be considered irrelevant. Any group that inquired about Dodge City would still need to go through the new league administration. My understanding is we're going to see some significant shifts in how the league operates when the new administration comes online, and part of that may mean that some markets are going to fall off the radar.

Marc Foster wrote:

Junction City was a flash and flame out. I've not heard of any progress there since it initially fired.

I think it's still in play as far as the development. I looked not too long ago and they still need to get things in line. As far as USHL there, I doubt it. NAHL would/could be brilliant.

Here is what I've seen....

http://www.jcks.com/cityservices/faqarchive.html

Junction City Commission Follow-up Questions, 05 February 2008

Q:Since you are not bringing the Market Place to a taxpayer vote, does that mean you have already made all the decisions without giving the taxpayer an opportunity for input? Or was the initial decision and plan put to a taxpayer vote? (Example: like the Hospital)

A:The Smoky Hill Marketplace will be reviewed and discussed in numerous City and County Commission meetings as the project moves forward. In addition, there will be a public hearing on the creation of a STAR bond and TIF district. Citizens can voice their opinion on potential projects any time they desire. There was no taxpayer vote and will not be any vote for the Smoky Hill marketplace project.

Thanks for the link, EZ... here's what I pulled from it:

Quote:

Q: Why do we need the market place, soccer fields and hockey arena? These were failures elsewhere. Are you relying on input from the developers to make those decisions? Are you willing to put this to a taxpayer vote? According to the 2000 Census, 47.2% of Junction City residents are 35 and older; another 8.7% are under the age of 5. Why do we need 14 soccer fields? A: The City commissioned a feasibility study to determine whether fields and an arena would work in the Smoky Hill Marketplace. The study is in draft form. The preliminary indication is that an arena is not feasible. The City Commission will determine if they want to go any further on that portion of the project. The fields are multipurpose and will be used for all kinds of sports activities including soccer. The feasibility study also evaluates the cost effectiveness of building these fields. The company was hired by the City and the cost of the study will be paid through the STAR bond proceeds. The development of the marketplace is a partnership between the City, County, State of Kansas and the developer. There are a number of milestones to reach as the project develops. Q: Is the mentality of all this building and recreation becoming a field of dreams? If you build it, they will come. The population of JC does not warrant all this recreation and building. When will it stop? When will there be a cap put on taxes for senior citizens? When are we going to get decent stores? A: Prior to construction of any recreation fields as part of the Smoky Hill Marketplace, a feasibility study was conducted by a company called Conventions, Sports & Leisure International from Wayzata, Minnesota. The study indicated that the region can support the multi-purpose fields and not an arena as part of the project. The City Commission has eliminated the arena from the project. The City Commission attempts to provide quality of life improvements for the community as warranted by the citizens.

Good find. I didn't have the time to scour through all of it. I just remember thinking I needed to check on the status and found that link. I hadn't had the time to see what all was said in the FAQ.

We can say JC is dead.

I don't suppose Bramlage would be big enough....KSU probably wouldn't be interested anyways.