Are the relocation rumors of the Albany River Rats moving forward?
A report today in the Raleigh News & Observer said that “it’s expected” that the Carolina Hurricanes will move their American Hockey League affiliate to Charlotte, and it’s the Albany River Rats franchise that is likely to move. According to the report, which Hurricanes officials would not confirm or deny, “it appears the franchise will be sold and moved to Charlotte,” even though Rats owner Walter Robb has said previously that any sale would be contingent on keeping the team in Albany. Robb was traveling and could not be reached for comment, but Garen Szablewski, president and CEO of the team, was unaware of any decision concerning the future of the 17-year-old franchise. “That is definitely one of the options that he had looked at,” Szablewski said of selling the team to Carolina interests. “Obviously Carolina has expressed interest for some time, trying to bring their affiliation a little closer to them. It appeared Charlotte was a good option for them. That was certainly in the car
The report comes out of Raleigh, but it’s not definitive. The move has been rumored for some time, as the Carolina Hurricanes want their affiliate closer to home. Rats owner Walter Robb has been looking to sell to owners who want to keep the team in town. Carolina is in the last year of its affiliation agreement with Albany. If the move goes down, the question becomes can Albany land another AHL franchise. Sources: http://blog.timesunion.
A report today in the Raleigh News & Observer said that “it’s expected” that the Carolina Hurricanes will move their American Hockey League affiliate to Charlotte, and it’s the Albany River Rats franchise that is likely to move. According to the report, which Hurricanes officials would not confirm or deny, “it appears the franchise will be sold and moved to Charlotte,” even though Rats owner Walter Robb has said previously that any sale would be contingent on keeping the team in Albany. Robb was traveling and could not be reached for comment, but Garen Szablewski, president and CEO of the team, was unaware of any decision concerning the future of the 17-year-old franchise. “That is definitely one of the options that he had looked at,” Szablewski said of selling the team to Carolina interests. “Obviously Carolina has expressed interest for some time, trying to bring their affiliation a little closer to them. It appeared Charlotte was a good option for them. That was certainly in the car
