Mud Hens confirm Toledo Storm purchase

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Mud Hens confirm Toledo Storm purchase

Mud Hens officials this morning confirmed that they have formed a not-for-profit organization to assume controlling interest for the Toledo Storm hockey team. They also confirmed at a press conference at 11 a.m. that there will be no hockey in the city until 2009, when a new sports arena is expected to open.

More... (http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070416/SPORTS07/70416001/-1/RSS07)

[RedRamage]

Anyone know what level the Storm plays at? Are they an affiliate of any of the NHL teams?

[DTroppens]

I think there is a stadium right on the other side of the river not too far from the park. I think it's a hockey stadium. We've litterally walked from the stadium around the river right where it is.

[redshark63]

I think there is a stadium right on the other side of the river not too far from the park. I think it's a hockey stadium. We've litterally walked from the stadium around the river right where it is.

Yep. It is across the river from COSI across the MLK bridge (currently under construction).

Talking to a local at one of the watering holes near the "stadium", the current arena is quite old and not real nice (built in 1949).

http://www.toledostorm.com/content.php?page=arena.html&token=3

Storm are part of the ECHL.

[DTroppens]

It looks old. I thought that was it.

[MotownWebGuy]

The arena, which will be owned by Lucas County, is expected to cost up to $85 million. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year on a site bounded by Superior and Huron streets and Madison and Jefferson avenues.

$85 million should build them a fine arena.

[DTroppens]

A great ballpark and now a nice hockey facility. Toledo really is going to be a nice place. It's getting better every year. If I lived there I would be going to a ton of games for both - especially after they get that new hockey arena.

It's interesting they'd cut operations until the new place was built but I'm sure they know what they are doing.

[Shinzaki]

The Sports Arena is a dump...it should have been replaced years ago. The Gladieux family would promise to build or renovate whenever someone began discussing building an arena elsewhere, but when thos eplans wouldn't materailize, the Gladieux's would simply throw anothe coat of paint over the rot.

They can not tear that place down quickly enough

[Casimir]

The Sports Arena is a dump...it should have been replaced years ago. The Gladieux family would promise to build or renovate whenever someone began discussing building an arena elsewhere, but when thos eplans wouldn't materailize, the Gladieux's would simply throw anothe coat of paint over the rot.

They can not tear that place down quickly enough

Indeed. The Riverdome has been outdated forever and Toledoans have been promised renovations and replacements for almost as long. Just a horrible place to watch a game from a comfort standpoint, although on the flip side, you're pretty much on top of the action from most seats.

I am quite pleased with the announcement. The Hens have been ubersuccessful since the inception of 5/3 Field, and I have no doubt that the love affair with minor league hockey will grow stronger during the upcoming 2 year hiatus, and when the new digs finally open up, oh man...., that's going to be a great ticket to have. Can't wait! I hope I get to see another championship winning 2 OT game.