USHL Central Illinois Suspending Operations

[PCSPounder]

Statement on Central Illinois Flying Aces

This is the kind of thing that usually results in a fold or move. Knowing a bit (from a distance) of history with that arena, where no tenant really gets a break... this is same old same old.

Click to read more...

 

[JMCx4]

It was only a matter of time. Given that it's now official, I wouldn't mind seeing Bill Yuill relocate his USHL franchise to St. Louis. Two new ice complexes with NHL-sized ice sheets are slated to open here in Fall 2019.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

As a Bloomington-Normal resident, can't say I'm surprised. Disappointed, but this market really just isn't all that interested about in-city sports that aren't Illinois State.

 

[mk80]

It was only a matter of time. Given that it's now official, I wouldn't mind seeing Bill Yuill relocate his USHL franchise to St. Louis. Two new ice complexes with NHL-sized ice sheets are slated to open here in Fall 2019.

I know when the new Blues facility was first announced they mentioned the USHL in their press release. But since then they haven't listed it, and I'm thinking Lindenwood has probably replaced the USHL as a tennant.

 

[GindyDraws]

On the bright side, the USHL will have an even number of teams, even with Team USA.

Last team that said the exact same words (not named "Indiana Ice") was the St. Louis Heartland Eagles. They never came back.

 

[JMCx4]

I know when the new Blues facility was first announced they mentioned the USHL in their press release. But since then they haven't listed it, and I'm thinking Lindenwood has probably replaced the USHL as a tennant.

The new Chesterfield Sports Complex also is scheduled to open in Fall 2019. Their "Competition Rink" will have an NHL-sized ice surface and permanent seating for approx. 1,000. On further review, I reckon that seating capacity is unlikely suitable to support a successful USHL team - though it would easily accommodate the current fan base of the Flying Aces.

 

[JMCx4]

On the bright side, the USHL will have an even number of teams, even with Team USA. Last team that said the exact same words (not named "Indiana Ice") was the St. Louis Heartland Eagles. They never came back.

I don't see CSH International letting this franchise stay dark for more than a season. IMO, they'll either sell (seems doubtful considering their recent focus on building a multi-tier hockey portfolio) or relocate. I wouldn't be a fan of a quick relocation to another city just for the sake of the League maintaining its current numbers in 2019-20. But it could happen, as the Flying Aces' owners have been threatening departure from B-N for several seasons.

 

[mk80]

The new Chesterfield Sports Complex also is scheduled to open in Fall 2019. Their "Competition Rink" will have an NHL-sized ice surface and permanent seating for approx. 1,000. On further review, I reckon that seating capacity is unlikely suitable to support a successful USHL team - though it would easily accommodate the current fan base of the Flying Aces.

The new rink there will be really nice but that seating capacity is more along the lines of the current LU Ice Arena seating which as you said is too small. The new SLICE (my nickname for the Blues facility) fits the bill as far as seating capacity in the 3k range, along with the off-ice workout spaces, etc. So I wouldn't be surprised if talks resumed about the USHL there, it's just my feeling that Lindenwood has taken over the spot.

 

[OldScool]

Would love to see the USHL to expand eastward.

 

[TribalPhoenix]

Absolutely gutting for me.

 

[kij]

The new Chesterfield Sports Complex also is scheduled to open in Fall 2019. Their "Competition Rink" will have an NHL-sized ice surface and permanent seating for approx. 1,000. On further review, I reckon that seating capacity is unlikely suitable to support a successful USHL team - though it would easily accommodate the current fan base of the Flying Aces.

That competition rink will have the Maryville University hockey team as it's tenant as well as a host of youth programs. ACHA D1 hockey

 

[JMCx4]

That competition rink will have the Maryville University hockey team as it's tenant as well as a host of youth programs. ACHA D1 hockey

Did not know a/b the Maryville tenancy. Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can catch some of their games.

 

[kij]

Did not know a/b the Maryville tenancy. Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can catch some of their games.

Can't find anything truly official on them being tenants but their twitter is loaded with updates.

Maryville Saints Ice Hockey (@MaryvilleHockey) | Twitter

 

[JungleJON]

Would love to see the USHL to expand eastward.

I had always hoped that Johnstown would move up to the USHL from the current NAHL team they have, but don't think that will ever happen.

 

[SemireliableSource]

Can't find anything truly official on them being tenants but their twitter is loaded with updates.

Maryville Saints Ice Hockey (@MaryvilleHockey) | Twitter

It's literally on the first page of Google results. I know because I was looking yesterday.

Maryville Club Hockey Announces New Home Ice

 

[mk80]

The plan for Maryville is to also start a women's team either next season or the year after once they move into the new rink.

 

[GindyDraws]

The final two games for the team are Friday and Saturday; a road game against the Steel, and their last home game against Cedar Rapids.

I'm wondering if they'll crack 1,500 for the team's final game.

 

[JMCx4]

... I'm wondering if they'll crack 1,500 for the team's final game.

The Aces couldn't get 1,500 butts in seats if they sent buses around B-N with boxes full of tickets to entice warm bodies to climb aboard for the evening. They've never had a casual fan base that they could count on for regular ticket sales, and they lost the vast majority of their small core of supportive STH's after last season. I'd be shocked if there is ever another USHL game played in Bloomington, IL after Saturday night.

 

[No Fun Shogun]

I'd go if not for the fact that this entire weekend is blocked out for planning/staging a combo early birthday/Easter party for this Sunday.

And, again, this market just doesn't care about in-market sports not involving Illinois State. It's a shame, as I do like the option of going to local games, but the demand is sadly just not there. I wouldn't be surprised if someone else took a crack at bringing a team here eventually, but I'm not expecting it to be soon or succeed.

 

[JMCx4]

... And, again, this market just doesn't care about in-market sports not involving Illinois State. It's a shame, as I do like the option of going to local games, but the demand is sadly just not there. I wouldn't be surprised if someone else took a crack at bringing a team here eventually, but I'm not expecting it to be soon or succeed.

Good point - again (we need reminding sometimes).

Low minor pro has failed in three leagues, now USHL has failed. Grossinger Motors Arena seems too big for anything lower (NAHL, NA3HL). I just don't see hockey returning, unless ISU unexpectedly gets an NCAA team.

 

[GindyDraws]

Welp, they're dead now. Dispersal draft is April 22nd.

 

[JMCx4]

Welp, they're dead now. Dispersal draft is April 22nd.

Nothing new in this news. Dispersal draft was cited in the team's February announcement. These kids need to move on to other opportunities.