FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): One of the Fort Wayne Komets’ most well-known rivalries has come to a surprising end.
The Quad City Mallards, currently in the midst of one of the franchise’s worst seasons ever, has not only withdrawn from the ECHL as of the end of this season but will also be ceasing operations altogether, with management citing financial concerns.
The Mallards will cease operations following the end of the current season, Mallards owner Jordan Melville announced today. The Mallards have informed the ECHL of their decision to withdraw their membership in the league.https://t.co/sgh4t1O9Ia
— Quad City Mallards (@myqcmallards) March 13, 2018
As a result, the ECHL announced Tuesday the League’s Board of Governors has approved the realignment of the Central Division of the Western Conference. Joining the Komets are the Cincinnati Cyclones, Indianapolis Fuel, Kalamazoo Wings and Toledo Walleye, with the Wheeling Nailers replacing the Quad City Mallards.
The Board also approved an expansion membership for St. John’s, Newfoundland to begin play in the 2018-19 season.
Komets President Michael Franke told the News-Sentinel that while he was surprised by the timing in the Mallards’ announcement, he wasn’t surprised by the announcement itself, saying the franchise had not been “performing the way they wanted it to go.”
