Central Hockey League
League Home: Phoenix, Arizona The Central Hockey League is two steps below the AHL, and a step below the ECHL. The current CHL started up in 1993 with the unique distinction of centralized ownership. Now, all of the CHL’s teams are operated independently.
First Season: 1993-1994
Tidbits on League Name: The Central Hockey League name resurfaced in 1993. The KC Blues and KC Red Wings played in the old CHL. The CHL merged with the Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL) in May of 2001.
Championship Trophy: Ray Miron President's Cup
2007-2008 Champion: Arizona Sundogs
Northeastern Conference Teams: Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Mississippi RiverKings, Texas Brahmas, Youngstown SteelHounds
Northwestern Conference Teams: Colorado Eagles, Oklahoma City Blazers, Rocky Mountain Rage, Tulsa Oilers, Wichita Thunder
Southeastern Conference Teams: Austin Ice Bats, Corpus Christi Rayz, Laredo Bucks, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
Southwestern Conference Team: Amarillo Gorillas, Arizona Sundogs, New Mexico Scorpions, Odessa Jackalopes
Central Hockey League Official Web Site
CHL in Independence My Space Page
One of the most significant changes over the past 13 years came in May 2001, as the CHL and WPHL joined forces to combine the top markets within both leagues. The merger has been successful, with the CHL reaching nearly 2.3 million fans in the 2004-2005 season. Since 1992, over 32 million fans have visited CHL and WPHL arenas.
The CHL is based in Phoenix and is operated by Global Entertainment Corporation (GEC) through its WPHL, Inc. subsidiary. GEC is a sports management, arena development and licensing company.
The CHL continues to build as a development league, furthering relationships with both the National and American Hockey Leagues to continue to develop players, administrators and officials for the higher level leagues.
There are former Blades and Outlaws players in the Central Hockey League. Former Blade Joe Blaznek has recently been traded to the Corpus Christi Rayz. Former Blade Jason Cirone is signed with the Texas Brahmas. Former Outlaws Travis Banga, Jim Callahan, John Glavota, Paul McBrien, Chad Moore, and Nick Warriner have all recently played for CHL teams. 
Joe BlaznekLast updated May 27, 2007 