CHL and IHL Announce Merger

Originally Published: Jun 1, 2010 8:27 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma – The Central Hockey League and International Hockey League jointly announced Tuesday that they will merge in the 2010-2011 season.

The details have not been completely worked out yet, but the two leagues will form one “AA Super League,” as it was called in the CHL’s press release. The new league will still be known as the CHL, with the IHL still maintaining its own identity through means that will be decided upon later.

“The two leagues each have longstanding histories and share the common goal of solidifying minor professional hockey for our players, our passionate fans and their communities,” IHL Commissioner Dennis Hextall said in a statement. “I believe this arrangement will enable our teams to recruit the best young talent to join our league, with the potential of improving their game and moving up to the higher leagues.”

The Tulsa Oilers are part of the CHL, and the full impact this move will have on the team is not fully apparent. The leaders of the two leagues will meet later this week to discuss details, including divisional alignment and how schedules will be impacted.

“This is an exciting day for our teams and markets,” CHL Commissioner Duane Lewis said. “Both leagues have worked hard to establish tremendous entertainment at a great value for their fans, and by combining our resources we believe we can strengthen those efforts providing greater fan interest as well as a stronger brand.”