Roadrunners fold? Not so fast...

Okay... The cat is out of the bag and the stories are flying that the Santa Fe Roadrunners are folding. As much as I wanted to report on this, I've been sitting on it for a day and a half optimistic it would sort itself out. However, enough others are going on the record about this (including Paul Shaheen's newsletter scoop last night echoed by Chris Dilks) that I need to tackle it here. In addtition, I'm going to tap the brakes on the rumors because the only thing that seems to be a fact in this affair is the confusion. USA Hockey did freeze Santa Fe's roster Tuesday, but coach Scott Langer has stated to me the freeze has been lifted. The NAHL Executive Committee discussed the situation on a conference call this morning, but so far as I can tell no decision or determinations were reached. But for now the most telling statement has been from the Roadrunners, who just put out the following press release: ROADRUNNERS FRANCHISE REMAINS INTACT [Santa Fe, NM] - Despite an abundance of rumors to the contrary, the Santa Fe Roadrunners franchise remains intact, and will play the remainder of the 2006-07 schedule as planned. The speed with which a hastily uttered statement can traverse the entire hockey world is a testament to the power of the internet, and the passion of hockey fans everywhere. That rumors of a demise and subsequent dispersal draft spread coast-to-coast in a matter of hours is unfortunate, because it caused an incredible amount of undue stress and concern. The simple fact is that the team will NOT be folding, and the current structure of the franchise will remain unchanged. The rumors that have circulated are reminiscent of the classic "fish tale", where the one that got away was "THIS big". There is no "smoking gun" here. The details of the origin of the rumor are of a business nature, and are NOT of the sordid nature that seems to have become the favored version spread by those not close enough to have first hand knowledge. The Santa Fe Roadrunners organization regrets the unfortunate spread of rumor and conjecture, but remains committed to its players, fans, and supporters. What matters most is the players. The young men who have proudly worn the Roadrunner sweater will continue to do so. They will continue to pursue their dreams, and they will do so with the full support of the Roadrunner ownership and coaching staff. The Roadrunners have a scheduled weekend off, and return to the ice Nov. 24th and 25th in Frisco, TX against the Texas Tornado. So there you have it... Still, it's never a good sign when a franchise has to issue a denial, especially when the troubles are well documented.