The Adirondack Phantoms announced this month their intent to accept the lease option to play in Glens Falls for the 2013-14 hockey season. The 2013-14 season will mark the fifth anniversary of the Phantoms and a historic 25th season in the American Hockey League for Glens Falls.
“We are excited to continue the great hockey tradition in Glens Falls with the Adirondack Phantoms next season as we continue to pursue our long-term goal of keeping AHL hockey at the Glens Falls Civic Center in the future,” said Mayor John “Jack” Diamond.
Not only do Adirondack Phantoms owners Jim and Rob Brooks intend to extend their agreement with the city of Glens Falls for another season, but they have also agreed to relinquish that agreement should city officials recruit a long-term tenant, according to team officials.
“The deadline will be April 1. If we are able to secure a long-term commitment from another AHL team, the Brooks’ have agreed to step aside,” said Diamond.
“Jim and I still remember the first call from Mayor Diamond,” said Rob Brooks. “When we bought the Phantoms in 2009, many cities with an arena were requesting our move, but Mayor Diamond’s request was different. He requested that we temporarily move the Phantoms to Glens Falls and help him test the viability of the American Hockey League in the Adirondack Region. It has always been our goal from year one to help build a model that could entice another AHL team to Glens Falls.”
“There is still work to be done by both sides as we get ready for the 2013-14 season,” he added. “The Phantoms organization needs to grow the ticket and corporate base to a level that is enticing to another AHL team and the city needs to continue to market the Glens Falls area to prospective AHL organizations.”
Dan Hall, president of the Glens Falls Common Council, said the announcement “outlines a solid plan and timetable for the continuation of American League Hockey in Glens Falls and now as a community we must act and quickly move forward”
The Phantoms were scheduled to begin 2013-14 season ticket and sponsorship renewals in early January and have agreed to either transfer or reimburse 100 percent of all deposits made if/when a new team signs a lease, officials said.
No plans have yet been made for the Phantoms, if another team steps in for next season. “We know that this will present a substantial hardship for Rob and Jim if the Phantoms have to relocate for next season, but it shows the commitment they have made to Glens Falls,” the mayor said. “We want to continue our great hockey tradition in Glens Falls. Our community enjoys the entertainment at arena and professional hockey is a major economic driver for our area and helps many local businesses.”
Diamond added, “Fans can help support our efforts by continuing to attend hockey games and we will continue to work hard to bring high level hockey to our area for the long-term.”