One of the more-interesting controversies amongst the various minor league teams in the area is the switch from the UHL to the NHL of the Rockford Icehogs ice hockey team.  This is especially true now that the team has managed to win the cup in the UHL in, as it turns out, its last season in that league.  This means that a whole new team will be in place for the next year and none of the members of this championship team will be in residence.  To some Rockford fans, this is not a good thing.

I can understand the dedication to a team.  When I worked out in Rockford I worked for the radio station that would broadcast the Icehogs games.  They were always interesting to listen to and the fans who called in after the game were very passionate and dedicated fans.  So, it’s understandable why some might be a bit upset when that team disappears.

However, I cannot help but feel that this will end up being a good thing not only for the franchise, but for the city of Rockford.  Regardless of how you feel about Rockford having even the most tenuous connection to the city of Chicago, the fact is that having the NHL involved in the team means bigger clout and more money.  This can only bring about good things for the city of Rockford, a city that could certainly use an increase in tourist dollars and improvements to the downtown venue known as the Metro Center. 

For years there has been talk in the Rockford area of building a new arena or improving the existing one.  With the loss of the CBA team, the methods of bringing in revenue at this venue has been severely limited.  Sure, they have the Raptors and various passing-through sporting events there, but the real way these venues make money is by having a constant and consistent team in the building.

Of course, the problem that I see for the team is that they are about to become a farm team for the Chicago Blackhawks.  The ‘Hawks, quite frankly, stink.  Coming off of a championship season, the fans of the Icehogs would, reasonably, be looking for a repeat to the playoffs and a return to the championship circle.  The Blackhawks last won a championship back in the 60s, so here is hoping that the general stink of that franchise does not rub off on to the Icehogs.

The other problem would be that, of all of the major leagues, the NHL probably has the least amount of extra money to spread around.  Still, even the NHL has to have more money available to them than the UHL.  You need only look at the Chicago Wolves for evidence.

The Wolves have been the hockey powerhouse in Chicago for some time now.  At first, they were part of an independent league and won their championship several times.  However, the league itself was in dire straits.  They were unable to sustain themselves even with revenue from a popular franchise like here in Chicago.  The league folded and the NHL absorbed the Wolves into their farm system.

This has lead to an even greater explosion of popularity for the team.  They now have consistent television and radio coverage of their games on local media.  They also get consistent newspaper and print coverage.  They have also peppered the entire Chicago area with billboards that hype the team.  The NHL has increased the money the team has and increased the quality of play.

I think that the same will have to happen with the Icehogs.  Nothing against what the team has managed to accomplish so far, but there can only be better things ahead with the NHL behind them.  Improvements to the stadium are likely and greater exposure with having to play in place like Chicago and other cities has to increase the revenue the team will experience.

So, I have my hopes up for the Rockford Icehogs.  I know there are those in Rockford who like the idea of being independent and not having any connection to Chicago.  I know there are those upset that the championship team will not be there next season.  I know that there are those who seem to have an isolationist attitude about the team and want to be left alone.

However, I think they will find that the team will last longer with the NHL backing it.  There is little chance of that league going under with the NHL dollars behind it.  They get a chance to see future stars play with a real chance of watching them go into the NHL.  Plus, it could possibly bring those hockey fans into Rockford to see the new and interesting “Crosstown” rivalry that can be developed between fans of the Wolves and fans of the Icehogs.

In short, as Martha Stewart would say, it has to be a good thing.  Right?

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