PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. -- The Arizona Sundogs announced Thursday that they are suspending operations for the 2014-15 season, effective immediately. The franchise will remain a member of the Central Hockey League in hopes of resuming operations for the 2015-16 season.
"I applaud the fans' support of the team and would have wished for a different outcome," said major owner Brad Fain. "Slower than expected off-season revenue along with other league issues have moved us in this direction. We will actively pursue other opportunities in hopes of keeping Sundogs hockey in Prescott Valley for the 2015-16 season and beyond."
The team announced that all corporate partners and season ticket holders who have secured their advertising and season seats will be issued a full refund within the next 30 days.
Sundogs owner Jim Fain and general manager Chip Presson were buried in a metal container for 10 days in June in a campaign to sell 300 season tickets.
All players currently under contract for next season or whose CHL rights were held by the Sundogs, will immediately become free agents.
The Sundogs, who had an affiliation agreement with the Arizona Coyotes, have played at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley for the past eight seasons.
If you ever wonder what a pro hockey team, at any level, can & should mean to their community: @ArizonaSundogs pic.twitter.com/C5Uh2i4UpK
— Todd Walsh (@ToddWalsh) August 21, 2014
