ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) – The Elmira Enforcers made a major announcement Saturday regarding their immediate hockey future.
Team owner, Robbie Nichols, tells 18 Sports that the Enforcers will not be playing in 2021-22 and will disperse. The rights of Enforcers players will continue to be claimed by Elmira, members of the roster will now be allocated to a special draft by the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
“It’s a sad day for us, all of our families, and the entire community,” Enforcers owner Robbie Nichols said.
“For all of the hard work that everyone has done, for our fans (everyone), it’s sad,” added Nichols.
Season ticket holders who already paid for the upcoming Enforcers year will have their money fully reimbursed. Money can be claimed starting on Tuesday by calling (607) 734-2690.
This decision comes after the owners of First Arena, the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), presented their findings in a special meeting on Thursday on the future of the venue. In the meeting, The IDA stated that they would need potentially $6 to 8 million dollars to repair First Arena. Another potential option would be to entertain tearing down the facility.
The assessed potential value of First Arena is $2.5 million dollars, according to the Chemung County property tax records.
