Flint In USHL, Not OHL Discussion

Skeptics of reports yesterday stating Chatham was in discussion for the Plymouth Whalers franchise, pointed to the fact Flint, Michigan was set to make a major hockey announcement Tuesday, with that announcement potentially relating to the OHL.

That argument since has been discredited, as Flint’s “major investment” in their Perani and Iceland Arenas by Florida-based IMS USA Inc, a shipping manufacturer, has now been proven to be targeted at a United States Hockey League (USHL) franchise.

While the Flint group says they are open to discussion with several leagues, they are currently targeting the USHL, the USA’s top Junior level hockey league, which is a major feeder for the NCAA, and a top destination for NHL draft prospects.

With no team secured for the Flint agreement, Tuesday’s announcement in Flint stated a commitment to upgrade Flint’s facilities, and bring a new league and a new team to the Michigan community.

Flint is currently home to the NAHL’s Michigan Warriors.

Monday’s news of the possible relocation of the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers was prompted by a Tweet mentioning current Whalers owner Peter Karmanos, who also owns NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, stating Karmonos was hopeful Chatham would be his team’s new home.

Senior NHL Writer for ESPN The Magazine Craig Custance Tweeted yesterday, “Spoke with Peter Karmanos who said he’s targeting small Canadian city for relocation of Plymouth Whalers: “Hopefully, Chatham,” sparking conversation about the Whalers moving to Chatham, Ontario.

CKSN will continue to update this story as more becomes available.