Hockey league eyes Huntington
January 13, 2012 
Not yet, but the city has received the endorsement of the new Northern Professional Hockey League as a candidate for a charter franchise in 2012-13.
Bill Sawyers and Lenny Sundahl, who are part of the Huntington Ice Sports Coalition, made the announcement Thursday. The new league also expressed interest in Charleston and Pikeville, Ky.
"We are equally intrigued by their simultaneous interest in Charleston and in Pikeville, and feel that this is a testament to the potential of the Tri-State area as a region that will enthusiastically support the sport of hockey," Sawyers and Sundahl said in a news release.
Sawyers and Sundahl said they have been in touch with NPHL President and Commissioner Chuck Harrison and are encouraged by the direction that the NPHL wants to take as a brand of low-cost, high-quality entertainment.
"We're still seeking investors," Sawyers said. "This would be used for more than hockey. Think of the revenue generated. It would be a win-win for everybody. We have to get people to understand that."
"We've been keeping an eye on this," Sundahl said. "We saw the plan. Geographically, it's a lot better fit."
In addition to Huntington, Charleston and Pikeville, the NPHL's franchise list includes Flint, Mich.; Roanoke and Richmond, Va.; Greensboro, N.C.; and Johnstown, Pa. Huntington, Roanoke, Richmond, Greensboro and Johnstown are former East Coast Hockey League locations.
The pressing issue for hockey is ice. Right now, Big Sandy Superstore Arena does not have ice. It served as the home of the ECHL's Huntington Blizzard from 1993 to 2000.
Brian Sipe, general manager at the arena, said he received the same news release, but has had no further conversations with anyone about the proposal.
In December, Huntington City Council approved a $5.1 million bond issue for infrastructure upgrades at the arena. Installation of new seats was the top priority. The bond issue also included $300,000 for general improvements, although it was initially reserved for hockey (ice making, plexiglass and Zamboni). Council members have been leery to use bond money for hockey because there have been no assurances that investors are interested.
The league's Business and Marketing Model is available on its website, nphlhockey.com.
Harrison played hockey at Ferris State University in Michigan and the Continental Hockey League. He's been a league administrator in the ECHL and the officials coordinator for the Central Hockey League. Harrison has plans to build an eight-team league the first year.
He said the purpose of the NPHL is to develop a league that will give opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and move to higher level of sports organizations. Players, but also coaches, trainers, equipment people, marketing people, etc.
"He stresses community involvement," Sawyers said of Harrison.
For more information, contact Sawyers at 304-710-9627 or Sundahl at 304-813-1284. Send email to huntingtonhockey@gmail.com. The prospective team also has sites on Facebook (Facebook.com/huntingtonhockey) and Twitter (twitter.com/htonhockey).