Professional hockey is returning to Bloomington with a new team.

The ECHL announced yesterday (1/16) that their Board of Governors has approved the expansion application of Bloomington, Illinois for admittance into the league. The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States and Canada. The team’s name has not been announced yet.

The new team will be owned by Hallett Sports and Entertainment and begin play in the 2024-25 season. Hallett also owns and operates the Indy Fuel in the ECHL as well as newly expanded Fishers Freight football team as part of the Indoor Football League.

In a news release, ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin said,

“The ECHL is thrilled to welcome Bloomington, Illinois into the League and rejuvenate professional hockey in the market as the League’s 30th Member. Bloomington is a natural geographical rival for our teams in the Central Division, and Hallett Sports has shown a commitment to the communities they serve in growing the game and fan experience, which makes puck drop in 2024-25 very exciting for next season.”

The team will play at Grossinger Motors Arena, which is currently owned by the city of Bloomington. The City of Bloomington will be confirming the negotiated lease January 22nd.

More information, including where and how to sign up for tickets will come Wednesday, January 24th at 10:30 a.m. during a press conference at Grossinger Motors Arena.

By: Buck Stevens