It's a balancing act for sure. Players are sent down to develop and are expected to see ice time however, no one expect Rich to ice them at the expense of his own team. When the move to the ECHL was announced, Rich specifically spoke about the need of finding an affiliate that would be willing to work with them to the benefit of both teams. I have to believe that he's found that in these two affiliations. And he's already shown that he doesn't necessarily play the players he's sent every game. (Of course, this season is a bit more difficult with the lockout, lots of teams juggling).

As far as the move? I firmly believe it was absolutely necessary. I've been involved with the IceMen since the beginning, and every move I've seen them make has been with an eye toward the long term stability of the team. It's not always easy, but it's always part of the bigger picture. The CHL is in trouble in my opinion. They're down to 10 teams and had to step in and run the Quad City Mallards themselves in order to get the team on the ice. They didn't even open camp until the day before the season was supposed to start. And they haven't been the only team in financial trouble. I'm reasonably certain that they and Bloomington have been propped up in the past by other, more solvent and deep pocketed owners. A team can't succeed long term in that kind of atmosphere, not knowing from one season to the next (or even one month to the next) what teams are in or out. The IceMen need a stable long term home, that's what precipitated the move to the ECHL. And Ron Geary announced that he'd signed a 10 year deal with the ECHL so this is where he thinks he'll best find it. I think he's committed to giving Evansville hockey for a long time.

As far as the city backing the team? Like I said I've been around since the beginning and here's the ugly truth, the IceMen have never been very good. Last year was the only winning season they've ever had, and that includes the championship year! And yet, through some long losing streaks and really atrocious hockey, the fans keep coming and keep growing. And so I believe it will continue. We need to do our jobs and come out loud and proud at every game. And continue to tell everyone what great fun and great value IceMen hockey is and get more people involved. It will pay off in the long run, I promise.

So keep the faith, it will get better. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!