And then there were 15...

New Mexico suspends operations; Oklahoma City ends 17 season run in the CHL

It's a sad day for the Central Hockey League and its fans. Out of nowhere today, the news broke that the Oklahoma City Blazers has ceased operations and will no longer be a part of the CHL. The league also announced formally (although this was no surprise) that the New Mexico Scorpions were suspending operations.

Wow, what happened? At the end of the season, before the rumors about the Rocky Mountain Rage began, it appeared that the CHL would have 18 teams participating in the 2009-10 campaign.

First, we found out that things were not looking good in Broomfield, Colorado. Next came word that John Madden would either find a buyer for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs or suspend operations. Dave Ellett followed suit in Rio Rancho.

At least the Mudbugs were saved at the last moment by a wealthy fan, much like what happened in Corpus Christi last summer. I don't think anyone believed that the Rage or the Scorpions would be in the mix next season but as of today, with the news that the Blazers were pulling out, the league is now down three teams for 2009-10 and will scramble to put together a new divisional alignment and a new schedule.

The news about the Oklahoma City Blazers is not altogether surprising. Everyone knew that they were probably moving to the American Hockey League at some point, taking the place of the dormant franchise owned by the Edmonton Oilers. What bites is the way they did it. Certainly this wasn't a last minute thing as league commissioner Duane Lewis indicated.

“We feel hurt by this late notice and surprising announcement,” said Lewis. "This decision did not happen overnight, and to continue to work on the schedule and wait until July to inform us is disappointing."

I spoke to Blazers defenseman Justin Sawyer tonight. He said that he received a phone call from assistant coach Chris Dashney today and was informed that the team had ceased operations.

"I was pretty shocked. Even with all the rumors going on, I definitely figured the Blazers would be on the ice next year."

But Sawyer doesn't have to worry about a job as he had already made a move for himself for next season.

"I wasn't able to sign a contract with the Blazers due to the negotiations on the lease," Sawyer said. "I decided to sign with Bloomington in the IHL...Their reputation was good from what I heard from (former Blazer) Marty Standish and after meeting with the coach Jarrod Skalde, it seemed to be a great fit."

I also spoke to Dan Wildfong tonight and he was just as blown away by the news as anyone.

"It's definitely sad anytime you lose any team," Wildfong said. "...Oke City is always looked up to, so it's a sad day."

On the up side, there are a lot of quality players available now, which will be helpful to the expansion Missouri Mavericks and Allen Americans. But Dan Wildfong isn't going to miss out on the opportunity to recruit some of the free agents who are now available.

"I would be happy to get a lot of their players because they play hard and they're a good young team."

Here's the story I wrote for ProhockeyNews.com (click here)

Image Credit: Central Hockey League