OKC council approves agreement with local hockey group; AHL franchise could play next season

OKC council approves agreement with hockey group

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma City council has approved a lease agreement with a local group that would allow an American Hockey League franchise to play in the city next season.

The council voted unanimously Tuesday to allow SMG, which manages the Cox Convention Center, to enter into the agreement with Prodigal Hockey LLC.

The lease will be for five years initially, with two three-year renewal terms at Prodigal Hockey’s option. The team would play 40 regular-season home games at the downtown arena.

Prodigal Hockey President Bob Funk Jr. says he can’t comment on any potential team that might move to Oklahoma City. In July, Edmonton Oilers President Patrick LaForge said the NHL team was interested in having an AHL team in Oklahoma City as the Oilers’ top minor-league affiliate.