Absurd Goalie Monday: Michel Belhumeur

When players have seasons to forget, it's mostly because they were underachieving. This week's AGM had a season he and many others would want to forget-- being a part of the worst team in NHL history. This week, the profile of Michel Belhumeur.

Belhumeur started off in the Quebec Junior League with Sorel Eperviers and played in only 11 games over a three seasons span between 1964 until 1967 and would go 3-8-0 in those games. Also in the 1966-67 season, Belhumeur spend time with the St. Jerome Alouettes in the Montreal Midget League, then was on Sorel's roster for the 1967-68 season, but no games were given. During the 1968-69 season, Belhumeur would play with the Drummondville Rangers and play for 34 games.

Despite the lack of play, the Philadelphia Flyers picked Belhumeur in the 1969 Draft in the fourth round. and the Flyers would send Belhumeur to the AHL's Quebec Aces for two games in the 1969-70 season and then in the Eastern League for 14 games for the Charlotte Checkers. During the 1970-71 season, Belhumeur would play in 37 games with the Aces in the AHL and finish with a 12-15-8, the lose his only playoff appearance. The Flyers would move their affiliation to the Richmond Robins, where Belhumeur would end up for the 1971-72 season posting a 20-17-8 record in 45 appearances and was named to the AHL's Second All-Star Team.

Belhumeur would get a chance with the Flyers during the 1972-73 season, playing in 9-7-3 in 23 appearances, while also playing in 12 games with Richmond (no record). For the 1973-74 season, back in Richmond, Belhumeur would compile a 13-23-7 record, then go 1-2 in three playoff appearances.

The Washington Capitals would pluck Belhumeur in the Expansion Draft, which would prove to be rough for all parties involved. During that 1974-75 season, Belhumeur played in 35 games and wouldn't win a game, posting a 0-24-3 record with the only saving grace being the assist Belhumeur recorded-- the first goalie in Caps history to do so. Belhumeur would play in seven games in the 1975-76 season, going 0-5-1 before being sent back down to Richmond to play in the AHL; playing in 45 games and holding a 19-24-2 record and then 2-1 in the playoffs.

As the 1976-77 season rolled around, Belhumeur moved to the Central League with the Tulsa Oilers, finishing that first year with a 17-12-3 in 34 games, then losing his only playoff appearance. The second year with Tulsa in the 1977-78 season, Belhumeur played in 24 games and finished with a 8-14-0 record and then 2-3 in five games.

Starting in the 1978-79 season, Belhumeur moved to the North East League for the Utica Mohawks for 24 games, then to the New Jersey-Hampton Aces in the 1979-80 season for 11 games before retiring from the game.

Belhumeur started his professional hockey with a team called the Aces and ended it with a team called the Aces. With all the craziness that was sandwiched between them is something many would want to forget, especially going winless in a season playing more than 10 games.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Rob Holland

As greatness retires, it's always big shoes to fill. This week's AGM is one guy who didn't get the chance to make his mark after a legendary goalie because he didn't develop fast enough in the minors. While he did make a name in the minors, his short time in the NHL is something he would probably want to actually make up for. This week, the profile of Rob Holland.

In the 1974-75 season, Holland started playing in Junior A with the Longueuil Lions; where he would play for 36 games. Moving up to the QMJHL's Montreal Juniors, Holland played 37 games in the 1975-76 season, finishing with a 17-16-2 record, then 2-4 in the playoffs. For the 1976-77 season, Holland stayed with the Juniors and went 17-21-3 in 45 games before going 4-7 in 13 playoff appearances.

The Montreal Canadiens selected Holland in the 4th Round of the 1977 Draft and for the 1977-78 season, placed him in the AHL with the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, where Holland would finish with a 13-14-11 record, as well as finishing with a 2-3 playoff record. Back in Nova Scotia for the 1978-79 season, Holland played in 43 games and posted a 18-19-2 record, while losing his only playoff appearance. Holland and Maurice Barrett would share the Hap Holmes Award for fewest goals against in the AHL.

With Ken Dryden retiring, and Holland not progressing as the Canadiens had thought; the Habs sent Holland and Pat Hughes to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Denis Herron and a pick. For the 1979-80 season with the Penguins, Holland played in 34 games and finished with a 10-17-6 record. In the 1980-81 season, Holland bounced around-- playing for the Penguins for 10 games (1-5-3), then moved to the AHL with the Binghamton Whalers for seven games (1-4-0), and landed finally in the Central League with the Indianapolis Checkers for 15 games (6-6-2).

In the summer of 1981, the Penguins traded Holland's right to the New York Islanders, but Holland spent the 1981-82 season with the Indianapolis Checkers, playing in 30 games and compiling a 15-11-1 record, being a part of the Adams Cup winners with the Checkers, and sharing the Terry Sawchuk Trophy for fewest goals-against with Kelly Hrudey. Also in 1981-82, Holland spent seven games with the IHL's Toledo Goaldiggers. During the 1982-83 season, Holland returned to Indianapolis and played in 38 games; finishing with a 24-11-1, then 2-1 in the playoffs on his way to a second straight Adams Cup championship, as well as a second straight Terry Sawchuk Trophy with Hrudey.

Holland returned to Indianapolis in the 1983-84 season, but the record didn't go with him through history. However, as the Checkers moved to the IHL, Holland did too-- playing in 57 games during the 1984-85 season and sporting a 23-29-3 record. In the 1985-86 campaign, Holland played in 39 games for Indianapolis (conflicting records provided), as well as moving to the AHL's Springfield Indians for eight games and finished there with a 6-2-0 record.

Finally in the 1986-87 season, Holland moved to the Milwaukee Admirals of the IHL and played in 66 games in the regular season and six in the post-season. After that season, Holland would retire from hockey.

While he had the chance to follow in the footsteps of the legend, his team didn't believe in Holland's abilities to take over the workload. When he did get his chance, Holland wasn't on the right team with the support he could need. While he did gang-busters in the minors, he was never able to get back to the pinnacle of the NHL after his cup-of-coffee.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Bruce Bullock

As the NCAA Selection Sunday for hockey was named yesterday, this week's AGM was a stud in the college scene in his time, while being recognized for his short-tenure as a goalie of the decade. While his NHL career was short-lived, he'll forever live in the memories and record books of the fans of the 1970s. This week, the profile of Bruce Bullock.

Bullock first came onto the scene with the Clarkson University Knights in the 1968-69 season, where he would play in 28 games and finish with a record of 19-7-2. During the 1969-70 season, Bullock had a huge year going 25-2-0 in 27 games, helping lead Clarkson to the NCAA Finals, losing to Cornell. However, Bullock was named to the All-Tournament Team and the NCAA East All-American Team. For the 1970-71 season, Bullock played amazing again-- posting a 28-1-1 record in 30 games, leading Clarkson to the ECAC title game, but lost to Harvard. Despite the loss, Bullock was against named to the NCAA East All-American Team, as well as the ECAC First All-Star Team and ECAC Player of the Year. He was named to the ECAC All-Decade Team for the 1970s.

Bullock left Clarkson and signed on with the Chicago Blackhawks starting in the 1971-72 season. While demoted to the Central League's Dallas Black Hawks, Bullock went 0-2-1 in five games before Chicago would sell his rights to the Vancouver Canucks. Bullock moved to the Western League to play for the Seattle Totems and would finish the 1971-72 season with a 3-7-0 record in 10 games there.

Remaining in Seattle for part of the 1972-73 season, Bullock posted a 7-6-0 record in 13 games. Bullock would be called up to Vancouver due to injuries and would finish with a 3-8-3 record in 14 games. The 1973-74 season saw Bullock back in Seattle, putting up a 22-20-3 record in 46 games with the Totems, while in the 1974-75 season, Bullock posted a 14-20-7 record in Seattle, then losing his only appearance in Vancouver.

During the 1975-76 season, Bullock played first for the North American Pro League's Beauce Jaros, playing in 19 games before catching on with another Central League team, the Tulsa Oilers. With the Oilers, Bullock when 13-3-0 in 17 games and a perfect 6-0 in the playoffs to capture the Adams Cup. At the end, Bullock won his last eight regular season games and all six playoff games-- the longest win streak for an Oilers goalie until Rod Branch broke that record in 2002.

Bullock stayed in Tulsa for the 1976-77 season, putting up a 20-14-6 record, then 4-4 in the playoffs; while also appearing in a game with the Canucks, which was a no-decision.

The Pacific Hockey League was Bullock's last destination, playing with the Phoenix Roadrunners in the 1977-78 and 1978-79 season for a total of 62 games. In the 1977-78, Bullock was named to the Second All-Star Team. After this, Bullock retired.

While his promising college career was not indicative of his professional success, what he didn't get in the NHL, he made up for in the slightest for his minor-pro career. With a record that stood for 26 years, Bullock can rack up his lack of NHL prowess on an expansion team and too many cooks in the front office kitchen.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Tim Bernhardt

In this week's AGM-- many things to be taken away were the disorganization of his organizations goaltending situations could be the reason for his career demise. However, if nothing else can be taken away,  this week's AGM was involved in two franchise relocations while he was on the roster. This week, the profile of Tim Bernhardt.

Starting in the 1974-75 season, Bernhardt got started with the Sarnia Army Vets Junior A team, but would soon move onto the QMJHL to play for the Cornwall Royals, where Bernhardt finished the 1975-76 season with a 24-16-9 record in 50 games, then a 4-4 record in the playoffs. In the 1976-77 season, Bernhardt played in 44 games and finished with a 24-12-6, then going 4-5-3 in 12 playoff games (ties happened in the QMJHL playoffs, with goals counting toward the final total). During the 1977-78 season, Bernhardt recorded a 35-13-5, then went 5-4 in the playoffs; as well as playing in the World Juniors for Canada, in which they would take home a Bronze Medal.

The 1978 Draft saw Bernhardt selected by the Atlanta Flames in the 3rd Round, which placed him in the minor league Tulsa Oilers of the Central League for the 1978-79 season, posting a 15-26-3 record in 46 games. Staying in the Central League, but with the Birmingham Bulls in the 1979-80 season, Bernhardt had a 15-16-1 record in 34 games, then 1-2 in the playoffs. Back with Birmingham in the 1980-81 season, Bernhardt had a 11-13-2 record, but in the 1981-82 season; Bernhardt played only 10 games in the Central League with the Oklahoma City Stars (1-8-0), before getting a call-up to the AHL and the Rochester Americans, playing in 29 games with a 15-10-2 record with a 4-3 record in nine playoff games.

In the 1982-83 season, Bernhardt spent most of his time back in the Central League, but with the Colorado Flames, compiling a 19-11-1 record in 34 games, then going 2-3 in the playoffs. Also that season, Bernhardt got the call-up to Calgary, where he would go 0-5-0 in six appearances with the Flames.

The Flames did not give Bernhardt a contract after that season, so he went to the AHL and signed on with the St. Catherines Saints for the 1983-84 season, putting together a 25-13-4 record in 42 games, then 2-3 in the playoffs. Bernhardt played 14 games with St. Catherines in the 1984-85 season (5-7-2) before having the Toronto Maple Leafs sign him, where he would spend the rest of the season for 37 games (13-19-4). Bernhardt started the 1985-86 season in Toronto, playing in 23 games, but going a dismal 4-12-3; thus earning him a trip back to St. Catherines, where he would put up a 6-4-2 record, then going 0-3 in the playoffs.

With the 1986-87 season, the Saints moved to Newmarket, where Bernhardt would go 6-17-0 in 31 games, while also appearing in relief for one Maple Leafs' game. For the 1987-88 season, Bernhardt was back in Newmarket, posting a 22-19-4 in 49 games, while in the 1988-89 season-- he would put together a 17-16-2 record in 37 games. Closing out in the 1989-90 season, Bernhardt would only play in 14 games and have a 4-7-1 record for his duties. After that season, Bernhardt would hang up his pads.

After hockey, Bernhardt went into scouting-- joining the Dallas Stars staff in 1993, being promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting in 1998, but let go by the team in 2011.

While stuck in the minor and then trying to get through the Ballard years in net for the Maple Leafs, Bernhardt didn't get a too much a chance to shine when he was given the chance. While he did have some ups and downs in the minors, the downs may not have been able to be helped considering the organizations he was in.

Brampton to the CHL...No, the OTHER CHL

Image via Central Hockey League

Word on Wednesday was that the Central Hockey League had reached an agreement with owners in Brampton, Ontario to bring a CHL team to the Brampton area. Brampton had recently lost their Major Junior team to North Bay, Ontario for next season; but a group stepped up and will have another league to add to the Greater Toronto Area.

This should set off red flags all around, however.

The Central League is one that actually had some geographic setting when it started, playing in the middle of the US, starting in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Mississippi. While they did branch out to other states bordering the area (New Mexico, Arizona, Georgia), they always went really far east in North Carolina, Tennessee, and even going so far as Youngstown, Ohio for a crazy three season road trip for some teams and for the old team itself.

While they have taken over most of the midwest market by absorbing the old United Hockey League territories in Illinois and Indiana, the travel doesn't seem to be too much of some teams financially, but Brampton could be the next Youngstown of the league. The closest team to the new Brampton team would be the Bloomington Blaze, who are a 10-hour trek away according to Stadium Journey. This would also mean a lot of travel for not only the Brampton team, but also the teams they have to play who have to find a way to deal with the travel up there and coming with the finances to make those trips work and still have enough to operate during the rest of the season.

The idea of actually have a wider brand reach for the Central League is smart, but the it's a matter of whether or not fans will turn out for low-AA hockey or not that will make the Brampton team successful, which is another issue on top of travel for the team. Is getting the exposure to the Canadian side of things worth alienating or hurting the league's other teams?? Or is this something the CHL has though of and talked about with their member teams in order to figure out whether or not it was a viable option or not.

Of course, the fact of the matter is the former of that last statement is probably more accurate. If a new expansion team is going to bring in some money in fees and spread it out across the league-- odds are people would be agreeing with it even if they personally don't like it. It'd help the health of the league for the short-term, but the long-term viability could be dicey at best, especially for a team like the Rapid City (SD) Rush.

The upside is that the further markets-- Denver and Arizona-- are near some international airports, so it's not like they couldn't a flight-- but at the same time, that would be much more costly for them. Whether or not the addition of Brampton and St. Charles, Missouri will break up the CHL into two six-team conferences and break-up travel for the Western teams, but it could be a brief concern for the people in charge.

Canada is hockey crazy for the most part, but whether or not they'll be accepting of a lower minor league over a junior team or higher minor league remains to be seen. It's good to see that the CHL is trying to expand themselves and leave their mark on the hockey landscape, but they already had one misstep in going too far east with teams in the past-- who knows if they can afford to have another.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Terry Richardson

While this week's AGM shares a name with an interesting photographer, his work wasn't as provocative as the photog. As a first round pick, there were high hopes-- but they were dashed by stalling out in the minors and not getting a fair shot at the NHL spot. This week, the profile of Terry Richardson.

Richardson started in the BCHL with the New Westminster Royals in the 1970-71 season before he would move to the WHL's New Westminster Bruins for the 1971-72 season for 49 games (no record), while going 1-4 in five playoff games. In the 1972-73 season, Richardson would play again for the Bruins for 69 games and finish with a 31-22-15 and play five playoff games (no record).

The Detroit Red Wings would draft Richardson in the first round of the 1973 Draft. Richardson would start off with the Red Wings, playing in nine games with a 1-4-0 record, then he was sent to the AHL's Virginia Wings-- compiling a 5-7-2 record in 14 appearances; then Richardson would go to the British League, playing in 14 games for the London Lions (no record). The 1974-75 season, Richardson stuck with Virginia for most the season, appearing in 30 games and put up a 10-13-3 record, while moonlighting with Detroit for four games and posting a 1-2-0 record.

During the 1975-76 season, Richardson spent most his time with the Springfield Indians of the AHL, playing in 20 games and putting up a 6-10-1 record, while also spending four games with the New Haven Nighthawks and having a 1-2-1 record, then playing in Detroit for a game, which was a loss.

It was a big 1976-77 season for Richardson. Even though he played five games for Detroit (1-3-0), Richardson had a big year in the IHL for the Kalamazoo Wings; playing 65 games (no record). played 10 games in the playoffs (5-5), and would win the James Norris Memorial Trophy for fewest goals in the league and was named to the Second All-Star Team. Richardson spent the entire 1977-78 season in the Central League with the Kansas City Red Wings, going 27-32-2 in 63 games and was named to the Second All-Star Team.

Richardson signed with the St. Louis Blues in the summer of 1978. The Blues then assigned Richardson to the Central League's Salt Lake Golden Eagles, going 30-7-3 in 40 appearances, taking home the Terry Sawchuk Trophy for fewest goals against (shared with Doug Grant), and would lose the only game he would play in for the Blues.

In the summer of 1979, the Blues traded Richardson to the New York Islanders, who would then trade him to the Hartford Whalers. Richardson found himself with the Springfield Indians for the 1979-80 season, playing in 46 contests and finishing out with a 15-22-7 before he would retire from the game.

Currently, Richardson is an amateur scout for the Washington Capitals.

Though he didn't live up to the 1st round pick status, he did find a groove in the minors, but never seemed to get a shot in the big time during a time where you're first game could be your last if it's not good enough. Though, he landed on his feet

Absurd Goalie Monday: Doug Keans

They say it's hard to pull yourself away from you passion. Most times, people try it out and then can move on easily. Other times, people just can't break themselves away-- even from the playing aspect of things. This week's AGM left and came back and left and came back and still was decent enough at the end of it all. This week, the profile of Doug Keans.

Keans started his career with the minor midget Oshawa Legionnaires in the 1975-76 season, then moving the OHL's Oshawa Generals for a single game. Keans stayed with Oshawa, playing in 90 games between the 1976-77 season and the 1977-78 season, though the records for those years are not readily available.

The Los Angeles Kings selected Keans in the 1978 Draft in the 6th Round and they played him in the IHL with the Saginaw Gears for the 1978-79 season, playing in 59 games, then spent 22 games with Saginaw in the 1979-80, but would be called up to the AHL's Binghamton Dusters for eight games (3-3-2), as well as going to the Kings for 10 games and finished up there with a 3-3-3 record, plus 0-1 in the playoffs. Keans primarily spent the 1980-81 season in the Central League, playing for the Houston Apollos (3-4-4) and Oklahoma City Stars (3-5-0), while getting in nine appearances for the Kings (2-3-1).

The 1981-82 season had Keans spend most the time as a back-up in Los Angeles, getting into 31 games and posting a record of 8-10-7 on the year (0-1 in two playoff games), while playing in 13 games with the AHL's New Haven Nighthawks and finishing there with a 5-5-1 record. More of the same with the split situation in the 1982-83 season, seeing Keans spend 30 games in New Haven with a 13-13-2 record while playing in only six games in Los Angeles, going 0-2-2 for his troubles.

The Kings put Keans on waivers in the summer of 1983, in which the Boston Bruins would pick him up and have him back-up Pete Peeters for the 1983-84 season, posting a 19-8-3 record in 33 appearances, despite having knee surgery in the middle of the season. Keans got into 25 games in the 1984-85 season with a record of 16-6-3 (2-2 in four playoff games), while in the 1985-86 he went 14-13-3 in 30 games. During the 1986-87 season, Keans saw a record number of games in the NHL, appearing in 36 while finishing with a 18-8-4 record, but going 0-2 in two playoff appearances.

During the 1987-88 season, Keans played in 30 games with Boston (16-11-0), only to be sent down to the AHL's Maine Mariners when the Bruins acquired Andy Moog. With the Mariners, Keans went 8-2-0 in 10 games and 5-5 in 10 playoff games.

The 1988-89 season saw Keans in the AHL again, playing in 32 games with the Springfield Indians, posting a 11-16-2 record, while also spending four games with the Baltimore Skipjacks, compiling a 1-2-0 record. After that season, Keans would retire.

Yet, retirement only lasted a few years, as Keans would suit up for the Minnesota Iron Rangers of the amateur ranksin 1992-93, going 2-6-0 in eight games, while also playing for the Jacksonville Bullets of the Sunshine League, going 8-5-0, then 2-2 in the playoffs. He was listed for the Bullets in the 1993-94 season, but didn't play. After a year off, Keans returned during the 1995-96 season for the Bullets, going 5-3-0 in nine games and rostered for the ECHL's Jacksonville Lizard Kings in the 1996-97 season, but never saw action. This time, his retirement was for good.

That's when you know you have the bug and passion to play. The ability to not really get too far away from the game and still be able to play at a decent level when returning, albeit in a lower minor league.

Absurd Goalie Monday: Doug Grant

While they do say it's a wild ride to the top, this story is one of a hometown boy done good. Not only did he make his name for himself with his hometown club, but he was able to probably be one of the most unorthodox routes to the NHL. This week, the profile of Doug Grant

Grant started his time at home playing for the Corner Brook Pats in the Newfoundland Junior league in the 1964-65 season then seems like he disappeared for the 1965-66 season before moving onto the Newfoundland Senior League.

In the Newfoundland Senior League, Grant played for the Corner Brook Royals starting in the 1966-67 season, going 12-8-2 in 23 appearance, then 1-2 in three playoff contests. The 1967-68 season had Grant appear in 40 games with a 19-16-5 record, then going 8-4 in the playoffs to represent the Maritime Provinces in the Allan Cup where the Royals would lose in the semifinals. Grant returned again for the 1968-69 season, posting a 17-18-4 record, then going 1-2 in four Allan Cup game play-ins. As Grant came back for the 1969-70 season, he put up a 18-17-5 record (3-4 in the playoffs), while he enjoyed success in the 1970-71 season but going 16-13-6 (3-8 in the playoffs) while being named to the First All-Star Team for the end of the year.

Follow those years, Grant decided to move to the Canadian college ranks to play for Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland for 14 games in the 1971-72 season and being named to the First All-Star Team. Because of that performance, the Detroit Red Wings signed Grant in March of 1972. Grant went to the Central League's Fort Worth Wings for three games (1-2-0) before filling in with the Grand Falls Cataracts in the Allan Cup for a game, a loss.

In the 1972-73 season, Grant joined the AHL's Virginia Wings, playing in 51 games (no record) and posting six shutouts, as well as going 6-6 in the playoffs and taking First All-Star Team honors in his first full pro-season.

During the 1973-74 season, Grant started the with the Virginia Wings and go 1-3-2 before he got called up to the Detroit Red Wings and finish 15-16-2 in 37 games for the Red Wings. Another split season for Grant occurred in the 1974-75 season where he would post a 1-5-0 record in Detroit, while finishing with a 14-11-8 record in Virginia. During the 1975-76 season, Grant spent most the season in AHL with the New Haven Nighthawks, compiling a 8-13-2 record in 23 games, while going 1-1-0 in Detroit.

Grant was traded to the St. Louis Blues in March of 1976 and finished in New Haven. For the 1976-77 season, Grant played 17 games for St. Louis (7-7-3), then spending 20 games in the Central League with the Kansas City Blues (10-6-4). The Blues used Grant for nine games in the 1977-78 season (3-3-2), while being assigned to the Central League's Salt Lake Golden Eagles, posting a 17-13-3 record-- being named to the Second All-Star Team and winning the Terry Sawchuk Trophy with Ed Staniowski for fewest goals against.

For the 1978-79 season, Grant played mostly in Salt Lake, finishing with a 15-12-3 record in 31 games, then 1-2 in the playoffs; as well as getting another Sawchuk Trophy with Staniowski. Grant also got the call from St. Louis for four games (0-2-1). With Grant returning to Salt Lake for the 1979-80 season, where he would go 24-12-2 in 38 games, then 7-2 in the playoffs to help the Golden Eagles win the Adams Cup and Grant would get the Max McNab Trophy for Playoff MVP. Grant did play a game in St. Louis, but didn't register in the decision.

Grant signed with the Golden Eagles for the next two season starting in the 1980-81 season, where he would only play five games that season (3-1-0) and then seven games in the 1981-82 season (2-3-0). After that season, Grant would retire from hockey.

It wasn't the most orthodox of treks and honestly, this is where the expansion era helped out a lot-- but in the long run, Grant accomplished a lot with a little in front of him and had a lot of help along the way later on down the line. He got his team awards and personal awards and shouldn't have much to overly complain about outside of not getting a better shake in the NHL.

Better Know A Minor League: Central Hockey League

With the impending lockout doom-- DOOOOOOOM-- it's probably for the best that the actual NHL fans actually get acquainted with some other leagues out there. Yes, that's right, folks-- there's other hockey leagues out there besides the NHL. Crazy, I know. So, here we go. 

When it comes to mergers, the Central Hockey League is one of the tops there is for have leagues want to merge into their league. It started with the Western Professional Hockey League merging with the CHL in 2001 and then the second-incarnation of the IHL merging with the CHL in 2010; the Central Hockey League is a league that went from the South-Central US and has grown far and wide to the Midwest and Southwest.

Though the CHL only has ten teams, it's all in eight states-- Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, South Dakota, Arizona, Colorado, and Missouri. While they like to tout themselves as another "AA" league like the ECHL, only three NHL teams have affiliations with any team whatsoever; and most of them are due to proximity to the NHL's home-base. Luckily, the CHL has an 11th team coming into the league next season, which is a second team in Missouri.

In the realm of Southern hockey, the CHL has been solid with keeping their teams mostly in the Texas area, but going as far out as Macon, Georgia to the east and Youngstown, Ohio to the North and East. However, in recent years, the CHL has been in a flux of teams coming and going. Many teams have dropped down into the US Junior ranks, while others have used it as a stepping stone to move into the ECHL. In fact, last year's Ray Miron President's Cup champion-- the Fort Wayne Komets-- will be in the ECHL this season.

The CHL is also a case study about a league that tries to get too far out of their comfort zone and have struggles because of it. Though they did have their little bubble, they allowed other teams which were much too far out of their range-- thinking it could be a good idea. That ultimately led to those teams failing and leading to much more travel costs and maybe leading to failure of other teams as well. It seems that the league has gotten to a point where they have been able to keep things around a close area, with only South Dakota not being connected to any other state that's in the league.

With all of that said, the CHL has a very dedicated fan base and provides a competitive game for those in attendance with many former college hockey players and former AHL and ECHL players bringing up the talent level. It also provides fans with decent road-trip options should they want to follow their team around the loop. While you may not see many of these guys in the NHL when all is said and done, the bond the players create with the area is something that probably holds more value to fans than whether or not they make it or not.