ECHL's Augusta Lynx "ceases operations"

[buckweaver]

At least that's what it says in the standings. Damn. Always loved going to ECHL games when there was a team near me.

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) -- The Augusta (Ga.) Lynx minor league hockey team has suspended operations and relinquished its membership in the ECHL.
The league said Augusta players will become unrestricted free agents but did not offer further details Tuesday.
"We are very disappointed for our fans, league partners and the other member teams of the ECHL," commissioner Brian McKenna said in a written statement.
The league is revising its playing schedule to account for the loss of the Lynx, who were one of six teams in the ECHL's American Conference Southern Division. The Lynx were affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL.
The loss of the Augusta franchise leaves the Princeton-based ECHL with 22 teams in 16 states and British Columbia.

For more (while the link lasts): http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/latest/lat_500070.shtml

 

[GB-Hack]

Heard this was a possibility earlier in the week. They were looking for about $200,000 to keep operations going. They were hoping to make it to the weekend.

 

[Boom_70]

This could be the canary for Pro sports. There are going to be more teams in for a very rough road including some at a higher level

 

[dixiehack]

At least that's what it says in the standings. Damn. Always loved going to ECHL games when there was a team near me.

PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) -- The Augusta (Ga.) Lynx minor league hockey team has suspended operations and relinquished its membership in the ECHL.
The league said Augusta players will become unrestricted free agents but did not offer further details Tuesday.
"We are very disappointed for our fans, league partners and the other member teams of the ECHL," commissioner Brian McKenna said in a written statement.
The league is revising its playing schedule to account for the loss of the Lynx, who were one of six teams in the ECHL's American Conference Southern Division. The Lynx were affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL.
The loss of the Augusta franchise leaves the Princeton-based ECHL with 22 teams in 16 states and British Columbia.

For more (while the link lasts): http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/latest/lat_500070.shtml

Sheryl Swoopes isn't skating through that door. [/crossthread]

Having minor league hockey teams go the way of the dodo isn't exactly novel, but I feel their pain. I'd give lots to still have the Birmingham Bulls around on winter weekends.

 

[Angola!]

I think the ECHL expanded too much when it went nationwide. It's a lot to ask the teams to pay to travel all over the country, rather than just regionally.

It's a good level of play, though. I've enjoyed the 20 or so games I've been to.

 

[Precious Roy]

This is sad indeed. I had an owner of a minor league basketball team tell me that he was desperate to get a miner league hockey team here in town because that is the only minor league sport that actually makes money.

 

[Rumpleforeskin]

First the Comets and now the Lynx? Sports are going to heck.

 

[Tommy_Dreamer]

Having been to several Lynx games I'm not surprised. The stadium committe was an absolute joke. Lots of good players are now looking for new homes and teams. Thankfully most are used to this back and forth shirt.

Having partied with some of those guys that were still on that team I feel for them though. Caught up in a bad situation in a city that has been done in by shirtty management.

 

[chained2thedesk]

I believe this was the team where the beat writer from the Augusta Chronicle quit and eventually became the GM.

Anybody remember that?

And was he still working there?

 

[Tommy_Dreamer]

I believe this was the team where the beat writer from the Augusta Chronicle quit and eventually became the GM.

Anybody remember that?

And was he still working there?

Wow, not sure if Rob, while he is very talented, was the best writer on that staff. I believe Scott Michaux was and still is the best writer at the Chronicle.

That being said I don't think he's still there. I'm pretty sure he left awhile ago.

 

[Precious Roy]

heck, I think the entire Continental Basketball Association may crater tomorrow. Stay tuned...

 

[chained2thedesk]

I didn't say he was the "best" writer on their staff.

Re-read my post.

I said he was the "beat" writer on that paper covering the team he eventually went to work for.

Never read a word of the guy's work. Just remember he went from the press box to the team management box.