MIXED REACTIONS OVER STEELHOUNDS’ OUSTER by CHL | What fans are saying

“Well, I’m not real happy about it. I really enjoyed going [to the games] with my family. We’re all pretty disappointed. We’ve watched [hockey] on TV but when you’re up there close to it, it’s a really neat sport to learn. I got to know a lot of the players and they’re a great group of guys. I hope something gets worked out. It’s good for the area to have [the team]” — Kim Hall.

“I know so many of the players real well. I go fishing with some of them. I’ve lived in this city for 67 years. I’ve seen everything good go down the tubes since I’ve lived here. It’s like we can’t have anything good. Everything that we have good around here we either destroy it or it goes bad. I’m very, very disappointed. It’s a shame that we can’t have something good in this city. It’s just a shame. I should’ve seen it coming when Youngstown got rid of Global” — Dave Rankin, referring to the city’s ouster of the original Chevrolet Centre management.

“It could be a good thing. I know the travel expenses for being in the CHL were high. Hopefully something else can be worked out so that the team can stay in Youngstown. I think the people of the community need to get behind the SteelHounds and learn the game of hockey. My main concern is that the team stays here” — JoAnn Stock, season ticket holder.

“I think it’s horrible. I’m a big fan and I’m friends with a lot of the players. They throw their after-game parties here [Draught House on Federal Street]. They’re great for the area” — Robb Arent.

“I’m in shock. I think it’s an abomination” — Vivian Campati.

“I think it’s a crock. I don’t agree with it at all. [The Youngstown SteelHounds] brought a lot to Youngstown, like the Chevy Centre. It was a lot of fun to go down there” — Chris Ratliff, who when asked if he would continue to support the SteelHounds if they play hockey again, said: “Oh yeah, definitely. I would 110-percent be down there.”

Jonathan Moffett