Commissioner: Lynx troubles serious
Given that the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL uses so few players from the Lightning organization, the consequences here are not dire for Tampa Bay other than the inconvenience of what may happen. But it is worth noting that ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna said Monday morning that Augusta's owners have not secured financing to keep the team running in the long term. Lightning GM Brian Lawton had said Sunday he believed a deal was in place.
There are still talks with at least one investor to get financing, but McKenna said the situation is pretty dire.
"Whether the ownership group can carry on remains to be seen," he said.
If the worst case unfolds and the team disbands, players under contract to the Lynx would be declared free agents, McKenna said. Those players under contract to the Lightning such as goaltender Riku Helenius, defenseman Kevin Quick and center Chris Lawrence would simply be re-assigned.
McKenna said this week likely is crucial to what ultimately will happen with the 10-year-old franchise; perhaps it gets the financing, perhaps it is sold or simply goes out of business. McKenna said it is too early in the process to consider whether the league would step in and run the team.
"They've talked to various groups but haven't had any luck to date," McKenna said of the Lynx. "But I understand they are talking to at least one interested party."
Follow the Lightning through the season with beat writer Damian Cristodero and the Times sports staff. We invite your participation in the comments area.
To be honest, I was just kidding about the Solar Bears... But I would like the ability to watch the Lightning's prospects play every now and then.
Posted by: Patrick | December 02, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Yes Keith, believe it or not some people are fans of the game - not just at the pro sports level.
To look at your argument from another direction, who really cares about minor league baseball, or arena football? The answer: fans of the game.
Posted by: Mike13 | December 02, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Ajax you grew up a Hawk fan as did I.
Bad news on Pit Martin, lost in a snowmobile accident RIP.
Posted by: PD | December 01, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Thx Oscar, you got it.
Posted by: PD | December 01, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Good idea the Lightning could easily bring a team to Orlando. I lived there for 3 years and there are tons of hockey fans there itching for a new team that will stay longer this time.
Posted by: Da Boltz | December 01, 2008 at 09:36 PM
Loved them Solar Bears...
Posted by: Oscar | December 01, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Does anyone really care about a third tier minor league team....how many players actually make it to the NHL from the ECHL?
Posted by: keith | December 01, 2008 at 06:53 PM
I'd like to see ECHL hockey in the Tampa Bay area. Wrong time to do it though.
Posted by: Mike13 | December 01, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Bring back the Solar Bears!!
Posted by: Patrick | December 01, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Tampa > Toronto.
Posted by: McGz | December 01, 2008 at 03:43 PM
A city like Toronto supports two minor league teams, why not Tampa?
Posted by: ajax | December 01, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Nice one, PD. It hurts, but that was a nice shot.
Posted by: Oscar | December 01, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Hockeybay I think they already have one in Florida, no?
Posted by: PD | December 01, 2008 at 10:13 AM
It is time for Bolts to secure a Florida ECHL team ( like Canes have the Everblades shame ) or even better have a team up North in a Hockey Friendly environment like CANADA !
Posted by: HockeyBay.com | December 01, 2008 at 09:26 AM