Pan-European ice hockey competition the Champions Hockey League has had its second season postponed after its investors pulled out.
IIHF president René Fasel said, “After months of negotiations we came to the conclusion that it is better to postpone the Champions Hockey League re-start to 2010-2011.
“As the original investors unexpectedly withdrew from their three-year agreement after the inaugural season as a direct result of the worldwide economic recession, and given the current economic environment, we believe it is better to take the necessary time and ensure conditions are right for the continuation of the league in 2010-2011.”
Fasel said the IIHF had spoken to several potential new investors, but decided that time had run out to save the 2009-10 season. He added that the NHL was ready to “join forces” with the CHL when it relaunched.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said, “The format and infrastructure of the Champions Hockey League provide a good foundation for the growth of international hockey.
“We have advised the IIHF of our willingness to offer resources and strategic contributions toward the pursuit of that objective.”
The New York Times reports that some of the clubs due to take part in next season’s edition have threatened to take legal action against the IIHF. It quoted Thomas Rundqvist, director of Swedish club Färjestad, as saying in an interview with Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, “They talk about picking it up next year, but I don’t believe it.”
“It is pure Donald Duck behavior in this case. You cannot burn people’s trust and then believe that you can just resume it again in a year. And if the N.H.L. is really interested, they could well have made a go of it this year.”
