Vet rule change is official

...and other "news"

Thanks to Gary Stallons over at the Brahmas board for posting the following note from Bob Hoffman at the league office:

The veteran rule is now 300 games, so 301 or more games makes you a vet and teams can have four vets as has been the case in recent years.

Thanks,

Bob

OK, so this was expected but now confirmed. Remember, Goalies are exempt.

The Brahmas have already announced the signing of veterans Anders Strome (342 games) and Craig Minard (466 games). Mike Vellinga was the other vet on last seasons roster but he has retired. Jason Deitsch (292 games) would have been the fourth vet under the old rule but the new rule frees up his spot for someone else.

I know of one other vet that will be joining the team this season, but that name will be released when the Brahmas are ready to do so. That leaves at least one other spot open for Fonger to work with.

There's been a lot of speculation about the new divisional realignment that the league is working on. Lots of theories out there, but none of them matter until we hear what the league decides.

The last time the league was comprised of 15 teams was during the 2005/06 season. That year, the entire Southern Conference was made up of Texas teams with Odessa, Amarillo and Lubbock in the three team Southwest Division. The Brahmas were the lone Texas representative in the Northern Conference, occupying a spot in the Northeast Division.

I've spoken to several players from the Oklahoma City Blazers recently. Great group of guys. They've had a pretty good attitude about this whole thing with a lot of concern for their fans.

This from Simon Lambert today:

"I think it is really unfortunate that the team is ceasing operations for the fans first of all. They were really loyal, and some of the best in the CHL, no doubt about it. For us players, there are always other places to play, even though I will miss OKC, but the fans will not have their team anymore. I got to know some of the fans personally, and I cannot stop thinking about how saddened some of them must be."

You can read more here

Personally, I wasn't a big fan of the Blazers organization and I hate the way they handled this whole thing, especially for the fans and players sake, but what can you do? At least the players have lots of options and are in demand. I'm of the belief that several will move to Independence due to the Brad Lund connection. Like a lot of coaches, I know Fonger was on the phone right away when he got the news last Thursday. Hopefully, he can lure one or more of the guys down here.

We should have had the schedule for the new season by the end of next week, but due to the OKC announcement, we may have to wait a little longer for that and the new division map.

Until then, this reminder from John Blanding - we're approaching the 100 day mark until the start of next season!