It's North vs. South - CHL opts for two conference system
Brahmas remain in Southern Conference
I was surprised to see this so soon, but with 15 teams remaining in the Central Hockey League for the 2009-10 season, the Central Hockey League has announced today that it will revert to a two conference system, something they haven’t done since the 2000-01 season. The league also announced that the playoff format used last season will remain in place for each of the last two seasons with 10 teams qualifying for post-season play (the top five teams from each conference).
The seven-team Northern Conference will consist of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Colorado Eagles, Mississippi RiverKings, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder.
The eight-team Southern Conference or "The Texas Conference" (sorry Arizona) will consist of the Allen Americans, Amarillo Gorillas, Arizona Sundogs, Corpus Christi IceRays, Laredo Bucks, Odessa Jackalopes, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and Texas Brahmas.
Since there are no divisions, there will be no divisional rivalries. Hopefully, the schedule will be set up in a manner that will maintain some of the past conflicts between teams.
The Northern Conference will see five of its seven teams making the playoffs. This is before the first puck of the 2009-10 campaign is even dropped. Nice odds, eh? Tough break for Tulsa and Wichita.
As far as the Northern teams, I’m glad to see we will have the opportunity for a rematch against the Colorado Eagles. Bossier and Mississippi will remain the teams to beat as the Brahmas have always enjoyed fierce competition against both teams. Not sure what to think of the Mavericks, although based on the weight of their management and coaching staff, they may surprise people. Too early to tell though with one signing (Jeff Christian) announced but I think they may have a good opportunity to sign some former Blazers due to the Brad Lund connection. I’m not concerned with Rapid City (not sure we’ll play them again this season due to the travel distance and the fact we’ll likely travel to play Arizona), Tulsa or Wichita.
The Brahmas will have their hands full with stiff competition from its conference rivals. I’m not worried about Amarillo (2-5 against the Brahmas) or Corpus Christi (0-9 against the Brahmas). Don’t know what to expect from the Sundogs or the Dayton Americans. Arizona had a rough time last season and couldn’t defend the cup. I’m not impressed with the Allen organization so far, or their coaching staff (maybe back in the day, but not now). I think they’ll have a hard time adjusting to the CHL. I believe Rio will be the most improved team under sophomore head coach Chris Brooks and will be a tough competitor. Of course, Laredo and Odessa will continue to be the teams to beat in the South.
Not sure when the 2009-10 schedule will be released. Last year, it was released on Friday, July 18th. Looking forward to seeing it though...
The seven-team Northern Conference will consist of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Colorado Eagles, Mississippi RiverKings, Missouri Mavericks, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder.
The eight-team Southern Conference or "The Texas Conference" (sorry Arizona) will consist of the Allen Americans, Amarillo Gorillas, Arizona Sundogs, Corpus Christi IceRays, Laredo Bucks, Odessa Jackalopes, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and Texas Brahmas.
Since there are no divisions, there will be no divisional rivalries. Hopefully, the schedule will be set up in a manner that will maintain some of the past conflicts between teams.
The Northern Conference will see five of its seven teams making the playoffs. This is before the first puck of the 2009-10 campaign is even dropped. Nice odds, eh? Tough break for Tulsa and Wichita.
As far as the Northern teams, I’m glad to see we will have the opportunity for a rematch against the Colorado Eagles. Bossier and Mississippi will remain the teams to beat as the Brahmas have always enjoyed fierce competition against both teams. Not sure what to think of the Mavericks, although based on the weight of their management and coaching staff, they may surprise people. Too early to tell though with one signing (Jeff Christian) announced but I think they may have a good opportunity to sign some former Blazers due to the Brad Lund connection. I’m not concerned with Rapid City (not sure we’ll play them again this season due to the travel distance and the fact we’ll likely travel to play Arizona), Tulsa or Wichita.
The Brahmas will have their hands full with stiff competition from its conference rivals. I’m not worried about Amarillo (2-5 against the Brahmas) or Corpus Christi (0-9 against the Brahmas). Don’t know what to expect from the Sundogs or the Dayton Americans. Arizona had a rough time last season and couldn’t defend the cup. I’m not impressed with the Allen organization so far, or their coaching staff (maybe back in the day, but not now). I think they’ll have a hard time adjusting to the CHL. I believe Rio will be the most improved team under sophomore head coach Chris Brooks and will be a tough competitor. Of course, Laredo and Odessa will continue to be the teams to beat in the South.
Not sure when the 2009-10 schedule will be released. Last year, it was released on Friday, July 18th. Looking forward to seeing it though...
Image Credit: Central Hockey League
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