From yesterday's Independent newspaper;
The "Today in History" section reminded us that 10 years ago, The Massillon Arena's general manager, Mike Foss, stated that a Continental Elite Hockey League franchise would be coming to Massillon to play hockey starting with the next season.
The Continental Elite Hockey League was an Independent Junior League, not affiliated with USA Hockey, and comprised of teams of 16-20 year old junior hockey players.
Nothing fills up a proposed 6,500 seat arena like teenagers playing hockey.
Let's check in on the Continental Elite Hockey League today.
Well, we can't.
Unfortunately, the Continental Elite Hockey League went out of business in 2004.
The Continental Elite Hockey League was about as successful as the Massillon Arena project itself, which was never built, despite our fair city spending a million dollars of state funds on site preparation.
"(Frank) Cicchinelli still wasn't concerned because construction trailers and equipment have been removed from the site. He remains optimistic The Arena will be built." (The Repository, May 14, 2003).
Yeah.
Right.
As Dr. Phil would say, "How's that workin' out for ya?"
We would like to thank the Independent for providing us with this little journey down memory lane.
