The End Is Possibly Near for the AAHL

Doomsday may hit the AAHL sooner than expected (at least in my circles)

I mentioned in an article earlier this week about the expectation of the W. Michigan Blizzard to be announced along with league re-structuring. After looking at all the materials that I've been sent I was not so sure how much longer the AAHL could go on.

We may soon have that answer

Another....yes another franchise is in trouble. Recent reports from the Madison Ice Muskies shows lack of fund to pay all of the team bills. (sound familiar) According to a source "several team officials and other bills have not been paid in the recent weeks and have not returned to work." We can even go so far as to say that owners have reportedly stopped showing up to the home games because they owe too many people too much money.

If this team folds it is a belief that it will spell doomsday for the AAHL. Even though there are new franchises out there wanting in; even the possibility of Eastern Division expansion, 3 teams folding before this season is even half way will almost definetley scare off potential owners.

It is also widely known that the Evansville Ice Men do expect to jump up to the IHL which may be as soon as next season. Rumor has it that the Flint Generals will fold at seasons end which would open up an easy gateway for the Ice Men to enter the IHL. This would leave the league with only the Battle Creek and Chi-Town franchises (with West Michigan in the mix maybe??).

No way this league will survive that environment. The AAHL also needs 6 teams to have imported players.

I guess the next coming week(s) will really tell the fate of the league