Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey
Photo by Andrew Knapik/MiHockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

USA Hockey announced today that they have an agreement in place that could result in the USA Hockey Foundation acquiring Compuware Arena in the first half of 2015.

The Plymouth, Mich., ice facility, currently home of the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers, was built and owned by Peter Karmanos. It has been in operation since 1996.

The opening statement of the press release, a joint statement from the USA Hockey Foundation and Compuware Arena, reads as follows:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo./PLYMOUTH, Mich. – The USA Hockey Foundation and Compuware Arena have an agreement in place, that subject to due diligence, could result in the Foundation acquiring the Plymouth, Michigan, facility by the first half of 2015.

The Whalers have long been rumored to be for sale, and Karmanos was not shy about discussing the possibility of a move or change in ownership during a press conference to announce the Whalers’ management changes in May.

“Both parties felt it best to make public that there is intention to move forward with a sale, however, there are many steps in the process left to complete and nothing is final at this point,” said Mike Vellucci, representing Compuware Arena on behalf of owner Peter Karmanos, in a release. “It’s important to note that the Compuware youth program would remain at Compuware Arena and be supported by Mr. Karmanos. Further, Mr. Karmanos will continue to own the Plymouth Whalers. While there are likely to be questions, out of respect for the on-going process and confidentiality involved, we’ll have no further comment.”

The expectation is that the U.S. National Team Development Program, currently skating out of the Ann Arbor Ice Cube, would move to Compuware Arena. The NTDP, which carries Under-17 and Under-18 teams that feature some of the top players in the United States at their age level, competes in the United States Hockey League and against college and international teams.

“Our intention is to relocate the National Team Development Program to the facility and also use it to host and showcase other USA Hockey programs and international events,” said Ron DeGregorio, president of The USA Hockey Foundation and USA Hockey, Inc., in the release. “In addition, keeping the current users of the building is important to both us and Pete Karmanos. There are a number of issues we’re still working through, and while I know people will have questions, we’ll have nothing further to say until a final resolution is reached.”

The OHL franchise is currently celebrating its 25th season under Karmanos’ ownership. Last summer, longtime coach and GM Mike Vellucci left for a job with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes (also owned by Karmanos).

Compuware Arena is also home to the Compuware AAA organization and Detroit Catholic Central hockey, and is used throughout the calendar year for hockey games, figure skating, tournaments, showcases, concerts and other events. It also hosts the high school state championships, held annually during the first week of March.