Arizona Sundogs to suspend operations for 2014-15

The Arizona Sundogs have suspended operations for the 2014-15 season, the club announced Thursday, but hope to resume playing hockey in Prescott Valley in 2015-16.

The team is the third this summer to go dark in the Central Hockey League as the Denver Cutthroats announced their demise Wednesday and the St. Charles Chill folded in May, dropping the number of teams in the minor-pro league to seven.

"I applaud the fans' support of the team and would have wished for a different outcome," Brad Fain, majority owner of the Sundogs, said in a statement. "Slower than expected off-season revenue along with other league issues have moved us in this direction. We will actively pursue other opportunities in hopes of keeping Sundogs hockey in Prescott Valley for the 2015-16 season and beyond."

The Sundogs, who played at Tim's Toyota Center, joined the league in 2006 and captured the CHL championship in only their second year of existence. The team had a marketing affiliation with the Coyotes, and current Coyotes players David Schlemko and Kyle Chipchura had previous stints with the Sundogs.

All Sundogs players under contract for next season will become free agents, and refunds will be issued to season ticket holders and advertisers who paid for the upcoming season.

Arizona Coyotes President/CEO Anthony LeBlancreleased the following statement about the Sundogs:

"We are all very disappointed to hear the news that the Arizona Sundogs have suspended operations for the 2014-15 season. There are many passionate hockey fans in Prescott Valley and we all hope that CHL hockey will return in 2015-16."