Fans who attend games of the new Vermilion County Bobcats should expect to see a faster and cleaner game at the David S. Palmer Arena.
In an interview with VermilionCountyFirst.com on Wednesday afternoon, franchise owner Ellen Tully said she will be focusing on developing players so that they can move up to higher levels. She said that former Chicago Blackhawks goalie Scott Darling played his first two seasons out of college with the Southern Professional Hockey League, and she added that she is committed to players who want to play at the top level.
Audio Player“I will not have players who think they’re going to come here and spend eight years, and have an entire career,” she explained. “I want guys who want to come here and they’re going to work, but they also want to move on.”
Tully also addressed the team’s longevity in Danville, since several teams have played at the arena over the years. She explained that the team won’t have as many operating costs as other league teams, meaning it has the ability to lower ticket prices to $10 (for adults). Tully also guaranteed the team will stay for at least the next few years.
Audio Player“It is a minimum three-year commitment, so no matter what, we’re here for three years,” she said. “When we did our lease proposal we did a three-year with a three-year option, so we have every intention of being here, at minimum the next six years.”
According to Tully, the SPHL’s management approved an expansion franchise agreement with her about a year ago, and she had been developing plans for the franchise since that time. She said that the team will try to draw in fans from within a 65-mile radius of Danville, which also accounts for the team name being “Vermilion County.”
Tully also said that some of the SPHL teams have as many as 200 fans who travel to see road games, and she says those fans would be a big boost to the hotel and restaurant industry locally.
