Port Huron Icehawks Fold

[FlagsFan]

PORT HURON, MI -- The Port Huron Icehawks of the International Hockey League will discontinue its hockey operation in Port Huron after three seasons.

We wish to thank the loyal fans, sponsors, and season ticket holders for their support these past three years. The team will not be playing anywhere else. It was a difficult decision for the ownership and management of the team and its staff at Kinney Entertainment.

We wish the citizens of Port Huron and St. Clair County all the best and ask that they continue to support the fine programming at McMorran Place Arena. Chief Financial Officer and Governor for Kinney Entertainment, Frank Kinney, shared, “We are grateful to the community at large for allowing us to field our team on their behalf. This was certainly an exciting time for our organization, as we committed significant human, technological and financial resources to support hockey in Port Huron. There isn’t a more passionate, supportive group of folks in minor league sports that could have aided us better as we entered into this venture three years ago. It is a tough day for us and still we look forward and wish the community and its hockey fans all the best.”

Lifetime St. Clair County resident and Vice President-Business Manager of Kinney Entertainment, Dave Goetze added, “We were blessed to be part of this community for the past three years. The reality is, we live in a challenged economy in our community and the entertainment dollars were not there to sustain a professional hockey team long term. I personally want to thank the Kinneys, our coaching staff, players, my front office staff, and the fans for your support. It’s a very tough day for all of us. We value and thank you for the many positive relationships we have formed here, and encourage you to participate as much as you can in the many community events at McMorran.”

“We were very lucky to have such a fine, hard working, loyal, and trustworthy team of people to work with in the front office. Every new adventure brings with it the excitement of the unknown. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and appreciate the relationships that we were able to build during this time. From the great team we have assembled to our sponsors and season ticket holders to our trusted vendors, booster club and City officials, thank you to everyone in Port Huron,” stated Team Owner, Larry Kinney.

We will be contacting those season ticket holders that secured their seats for the upcoming season and providing full refunds. We thank those who helped us along the way for all of the memories that we have gained.

[19duhart]

sad day in both flint n port huron

[caps05]

Sorry to hear that Icehawks fans. It's always tough to lose your team.

[FlagsFan]

Originally Posted by caps05

Sorry to hear that Icehawks fans. It's always tough to lose your team.

Well, for us here it's business as usual...we've had how many teams in AA?

The Border Cats, Beacons, Flags, Icehawks.

[chilly666]

not like anyone will follow but...they could be in line for an nahl team for next season, the nahl board is reportedly voting on it today possibly.

[FlagsFan]

Originally Posted by chilly666

not like anyone will follow but...they could be in line for an nahl team for next season, the nahl board is reportedly voting on it today possibly.

I'd be happy with the NAHL, i actually think it would be supported better in this city, the complaint from the people who didn't want the AA team was that they were old and washed up and all this crap about how they won't make the NHL...well now they have no excuse, there's been alot of NHL'ers that have passed through the NAHL on to College, even if just for a brief time.

[SnowballIsChamp]

it's official, PH will be the 26th team in the NAHL.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by SnowballIsChamp

it's official, PH will be the 26th team in the NAHL.

Starting this year? Or 2011-12?

[FlagsFan]

Originally Posted by caps05

Starting this year? Or 2011-12?

This year, they have to build a team without an expansion draft...going to be a tough season...

[caps05]

Originally Posted by FlagsFan

This year, they have to build a team without an expansion draft...going to be a tough season...

I can't imagine the NAHL would hamstring a new team like that, particularly one with a hockey history as Port Huron has.