TEMPE, Ariz. – The Central Hockey League issued a press release yesterday, perhaps to counter those in the media who have published less than optimistic reports about the announced unification of the Central and International Hockey Leagues. 

The release presented the participating teams that will compete in the league’s 19th season, set to begin on Friday, October 15, but didn’t offer much more information that was initially put forth on June 1st, when the two leagues announced that they would combine for the 2010-11 season.

Included was the following statement – “Although some material matters still remain to be worked out with the International Hockey League (IHL), the CHL will welcome four teams from the IHL who will join 13 returning CHL teams for the 2010-11 season. The participating teams will compete in two conferences during the season. The four existing IHL markets will be the three-time defending Turner Cup Champion Fort Wayne Komets, the Bloomington Prairie Thunder, the Dayton Gems and the Quad City Mallards.”

IHL Chairman of the Board Michael Franke, who is also owner and President of the Fort Wayne Komets franchise, lent his assurance that the process of integrating the two leagues is proceeding in a positive manner.

“The CHL and IHL are working on all the logistics of this groundbreaking association between our two great leagues. Everything is moving along well and we are very excited about the end result that could be formally announced soon. It has been a complete pleasure working with the entire Central Hockey League.”

Owners, coaches and other employees of teams from both leagues met last weekend at the CHL’s summer conference and will get together again at the IHL’s summer meetings in Las Vegas on June 21-23. In the meantime, there is still much work to do.

Announcements regarding playoff format, conference alignment and additional cities for the 2010-11 season and other team-related issues will be forthcoming and the 2010-11 CHL regular season schedule will be released in July.

It is believed that the combined league will include a Central Conference and an International Conference, splitting the participating teams into four divisions, with a playoff format that includes a final series between playoff champions.

While the future of the IHL's Port Huron Icehawks remains unclear, it is believed that the Flint Generals, who are in the process of negotiating a new lease with the Perani Arena and organizing a new ownership group, will be added to the list of teams expected to play in the upcoming season.

There’s also been speculation that an IHL expansion franchise in Evansville, Indiana may also be included.

As we’ve seen in past years, CHL teams have been allowed additional time to work out internal matters before being “officially” added to the coming season’s schedule. Two years ago, on June 25^th, the Corpus Christi IceRays announced that they would return after an 11^th hour sale of the team. Last year, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs announced new ownership on July 2^nd, thereby confirming the team’s participation in the 2009-10 season.

The fact that many details about how the “new” Central Hockey League will look and operate have not been released as quickly as some media and fans would like, has led to a some negative speculation about what is happening between the two leagues.

Unfazed, CHL Commissioner Duane Lewis expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

“The compilation of teams for the CHL’s 19th season couldn’t be better and we couldn’t have more momentum heading into the season. The new additions from the IHL will be welcomed with open arms and could make this upcoming season one of the most entertaining and competitive in our history. We can’t wait to drop the puck in October.”

Contact the author at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com