Expected to have heard...

[Bob Miller]

...a formal announcement by today of the Plymouth Whalers intent to move to Chatham, Ontario, for the 2015-16 season. Nothing yet.

 

[peyton1015]

That sucks

 

[NorthernWolverine]

Wow! Big news! What's the reason for the move, Bob? Is it expected to be

permanent?

 

[Bob Miller]

Re: Wow! Big news! What's the reason for the move, Bob? Is it expected to be

Karmanos has been trying to make the move for awhile now. Was 50/50 going to take place for this current season we're in, but it didn't pan out.

USA Hockey is moving the NTDP into Compuware Arena (will it be re-named?) and part of the agreement is that the Compuware youth development programs will still be able to call that facility home. Once Karmanos had that assurance, the move of the OHL franchise was a fait accompli.

 

[Bob Miller]

Without...

Going into specifics, the reason is tied to Karmanos' "divorce" from the Compuware organization and finances.

 

[Bob Miller]

Link

Heard at the GLI that the Whalers had to notify the OHL by December 31 of any impending move. I don't know for certain if that is really the case.
I suppose they could notify without making a public announcement.

Chatham