Zoldan gives hockey pitch

Photo by: William D. Lewis

Photo

Phantoms owner Bruce Zoldan at Phantoms vs Bandits Chevrolet Centre Nov. 14, 2008.

Vindicator staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — Bruce Zoldan, owner of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms amateur hockey team, has made a proposal to the city for a team to play at the Chevrolet Centre during the 2009-10 season.

Friday, no one involved with the proposal was talking about the details. Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams confirmed that the city has received a proposal from Zoldan.

The mayor said city officials need time to study the offer before commenting. He expects to make an announcement next week.

Zoldan was in California on Friday and declined comment.

The deadline for Youngstown being approved for an ECHL team is Wednesday. Earlier this month, Zoldan was pursuing several ECHL teams to see if any might be interested in relocating to Youngstown.

Owners of two ECHL clubs — the Wheeling Nailers and Dayton Bombers — say they aren’t interested.

Hockey possibilities include an expansion team for the ECHL or the International Hockey League, or a high-level amateur team.