SEHL will adopt two cities, if WHA2 folds

The South East Hockey League has no intention of merging with the World Hockey Association 2, but is interested in immediately moving into two of the rival league's markets.

SEHL president John Cherney, who concluded a tour of league cities by attending weekend games in Knoxville, said Saturday his league has ownership groups, front-office staffs, coaches, and equipment managers ready to step in and operate, once the WHA2 folds.

Macon, Ga. and Pelham, Ala., are the targeted cities.

The SEHL schedule would be revised to accommodate the new members, but Cherney said the playing dates would remain the same.

For example, if Huntsville was slated to come to Knoxville on a certain date, the Channel Cats would go to one of the former WHA2 cities and the team in the other former WHA2 city would come to Knoxville on that date.

"It won't be a problem," Cherney said.

The demise of the WHA2 seems imminent.

The WHA2 is believed to be drowning in red ink. Founder David Waronker is rumored to be on the verge of shutting his league down before the end of the season. In fact, SEHL executives feel the end is only days away.

Players like Cape Fear's Ryan Kiley and Matt Kohansky, who started the season in the WHA2 with the Miami Manatees, bolted for the SEHL. Miami's Kevin Swider, who was Knoxville's leading scorer last season, has indicated he would be willing to rejoin the Ice Bears, if the WHA2 shuts down.

It seems the WHA2 is teetering on the brink. Players and front-office officials were asked to take pay cuts. Paychecks have bounced or arrived late.

Rental furniture was removed from players' apartments. Players were asked to drive their personal cars to nearby games to save on bus rental.

The SEHL has no interest in the WHA2's Florida markets. They aren't attractive for several reasons.

"Worker's comp is more than any other state," Cherney said. "Geographically, it's too far to travel. It just won't work."

Jackson, Miss., is expected to become the SEHL's first expansion team. The franchise will open for business as soon as the lease agreement for the arena is signed and begin play next season.

"That's where we are in three cities," Cherney said. "We have more than enough money from the investors. All we have to do is get the lease done and it's very close. That's why I'm confident we'll have at least eight teams next season."

Tupelo, Miss., is a possibility as well as Huntington, W.Va.

Asheville, N.C., is off the SEHL's radar screen.

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