Expanding the Greater Ontario Hockey League: Adding a New Team to the Roster
The Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) is planning to expand its current roster of 23 teams by adding a new club. The league is currently accepting applications from interested parties to join the league. The GOHL has the approval to add two teams, but for now, they are focusing on adding one team to balance the Eastern and Western Conferences with twelve teams each.
The location of the new team is yet to be determined, and the league is open to considering options to fill the need, whether it be an eastern or western side team. Interested parties have already submitted around seven or eight serious applications out of the 40 phone calls received by the league commissioner, Craig Spada. Factors such as financial backing, travel requirements, and the potential to attract fans will be taken into account when selecting the new team.
Spada emphasized the importance of having a strong fan base for the new team. He mentioned that operating in cities with major junior teams could pose challenges in terms of finding the right rinks and attracting fans. The league has been successful in smaller communities with strong community backing and dedicated volunteers, which is something they hope to replicate with the new team.
While the league could potentially expand further east in Ontario, travel costs may become a concern. Spada also mentioned receiving interest from American communities, such as Buffalo, Detroit, and Port Huron. However, any expansion into the United States would require approval from USA Hockey and Hockey Canada.
The league will review the applications and business plans submitted by interested parties, with the goal of having the new team join the league in the upcoming season. Spada is optimistic that the league will be able to make an expansion announcement by early next year. The addition of a new team will help balance the conferences and further strengthen the GOHL's presence in the hockey community.