BREAKING: New Expansion Team Heading To Chicago For The 2024-25 Season

PUBLICATION

Hunter Bowman
January 17, 2024 (4:07 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) dropped a significant announcement today amid their ongoing All-Star celebrations, and this revelation might have some ripple effects in the NHL.

Expansion Team Joins ECHL in Chicago Area for 2024-25 Season

In a noteworthy move, the league declared the addition of a new expansion team in the Chicago area, set to hit the ice next season. However, details such as the team name and potential NHL affiliations remain under wraps.

The #ECHL Board of Governors has approved an Expansion Membership for Bloomington, Illinois, to begin play in the 2024-25 Season.

This development aligns with the trend of NHL teams expanding their farm systems with third-tier teams. Currently, some NHL teams have ECHL affiliates, and others don't. Notably, the Chicago Blackhawks are currently affiliated with the Indy Fuel, a connection strengthened by the ownership group's involvement in the newly acquired expansion team.

The team, which will begin play in the 2024-25 season, will be owned by Hallett Sports and Entertainment, which also owns and operates the Indy Fuel and the newly expanded Fishers Freight football team as part of the Indoor Football League.

The question lingers about whether this team will replace the Fuel as the Blackhawks' affiliate. In the ever-changing landscape of affiliations, especially in the ECHL, shifts are common. Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds in the coming months.

Source: Hockeypatrol