User blog:Cbcarter34/Thunder, Bandits file for relocation

For the first time in the current IHL history, not one, but two IHL franchises have filed for relocation with the league offices today as the Las Vegas Thunder and Baltimore Bandits have filed for relocation. The Thunder have filed for relocation to Tulsa, OK, while the Bandits have set their sights clear: Charlotte, NC, at the Charlotte Coliseum, near the Spectrum Center.

"Today, we've made the toughest decision to file for relocation. As much as I love the city of Las Vegas, and the support that they've shown the Thunder, the bottom line is that when you're in a market like Las Vegas, and both the Golden Knights (NHL) and Scarlet Trojans (IHA) are doing excellently well, they can dry up whatever support you have. Tulsa is a great city. And the Bank of Oklahoma (BOK) Center is a great place for us to do well. The state of Oklahoma has proven that they can support hockey with the successes of both the Chiefs (IHA) and Barons in Oklahoma City, "Will Bill" Hancock said.

While the Thunder move was expected, the Bandits move caught the league completely offguard. "I love Baltimore. Don't get me wrong. Our fans have supported the Bandits since we launched in 2010. It's just that we have to play second fiddle to the Magic (IHA) since we both share Royal Farms Arena. Sometimes we have to face facts and realize that having two leagues in the same arena can ruin the sport of hockey, and we had to do something about it. Charlotte, NC has had a history of supporting hockey with the AHL's Checkers, and we all see how North Carolina can be a hot bed for hockey when all their teams are doing well. We're looking forward to it," Bandits owner Kevin Joiner said.

In order for a team to relocate in the IHL, the IHL Board of Governors must vote in favor of it, with 15 votes approving the relocation. After hearing the news of both the Thunder and Bandits relocating, commissioner Bill Lawrence says, "it's always a sad day whenever a franchise has to pack up and move."