David S Palmer Arena General Manager Teri Gaffney says the Palmer Arena Board will be sending out requests for proposal concerning a hopeful return of professional hockey to the arena for the 2024-25 season.
Gaffney says there will be plenty of action on the arena ice this winter when it comes to Danville Youth Hockey and recreational games, but bringing pro hockey back is on the priority list. The Vermilion County Bobcats folded during the 2022-23 campaign.
Gaffney says the first step is to send the RFPs to every league within the midwestern region that might be interested in having a team in Danville. And yes, a certain name from the Danville Dashers’ past was mentioned, Barry Soskin.
AUDIO: I’m sure we’re going to see interest from the FPHL, which Mr. Soskin is a member of. And we will send out to the ECHL, to see if there’s interest there. USPHL; as well as we’ll send to the SPHL. We send to all, so all parties have an equal opportunity.
Gaffney says replies need to be in by October 23rd, and all received proposals will be presented to the Palmer Arena Board during their October 25th meeting.
