The sa国际传媒 Hockey League made it official Monday, adding the Wenatchee Wild as the 17th team in the circuit, becoming the first U.S.-based organization in the league since the Bellingham Ice Hawks, which operated from 1990-95.
鈥淭he BCHL is gaining a strong franchise in the Wenatchee Wild and we value the passion and professionalism they bring to our league,鈥� BCHL commissioner John Grisdale said in a statement. 鈥淭he Wild will quickly develop rivalries with our existing franchises and I believe they will be a big draw in opposing buildings.鈥�
For the past seven seasons the Wild have competed in the North American Hockey League, currently playing out of Wenatchee鈥檚 Town Toyota Center, where the team reportedly averages about 3,000 fans a game.
The American team will be allowed to carry a maximum of four Canadian players and it鈥檚 not yet known how the divisions will align. The BCHL is due to begin its annual meetings in Victoria on Friday.
