I don't see Flint as an option for the AAHL. I think if they find new owners, the Generals will stay in the CHL/IHL. Otherwise, pro hockey will become a thing of the past in Flint and the city will just roll with the new junior team. I doubt fans around there would embrace AAHL hockey after decades of higher-level hockey - *maybe* if it was the only game in town, but not with the much-hyped junior team also around.

The Ohio expansion was mentioned by Randy Beard in the Courier last month. He quoted Rod Davidson as saying that an Ohio franchise is "about 90% sure." I'm not sure where though. Findlay would be a nice market for the AAHL, but they already have a junior team. Lima would work too (name them the Beans), but I don't know if they even have a facility. I'd avoid larger markets like Cincy, Dayton and Toledo, especially since they already have hockey. And going farther east would be stretching the league's desired geographic footprint.

Another Beard article mentioned Danville (IL) and Indianapolis as potential markets. I would *love* to see a team in Metro Indy, and I think it could be very successful if they play in Fishers. Remember, the MWHL was going to place a team called the Trax there, but that fell apart because they couldn't come to terms on a lease. If that hurdle could be cleared, the facility is nice and the northern suburbs are big enough on hockey that it could work if marketed properly. Of course, that would be a nice short road trip for the IceMen, and a natural rival too.

Other markets I'd like to see them explore:
* Louisville, KY (Market has great potential but really doesn't have an ideal facility)
* Hazelwood, MO (Northern suburb of St. Louis - the rink is the Blues' practice facility)
* Fairview Heights, IL (Eastern suburb of St. Louis - east of the river has potential)
* Decatur, IL (Metro area of 115,000 with a nice rink and no pro or junior teams)

In a perfect world with unlimited rich owners, I'd like to see a 10-team AAHL...
North Division: Battle Creek, West Michigan, Chi-Town, Madison, Findlay
South Division: Evansville, Indy (Fishers), St. Louis (either suburb above), Decatur, Danville

I'd love to see Louisville too, but I can't just throw them in because I can't picture a team succeeding at any of the city's existing rinks.

It's going to be interesting to see how things develop. There are certainly markets with potential. Finding deep-pocketed owners who are willing to lose money early on...well, that's another story.