The Sharks Relocation to Macon

Tiger Sharks approved for relocation to Macon, GA
Franchise leaves Tallahassee after seven years in the capital city
June 15, 2001

The East Coast Hockey League's Board of Governors have unanimously approved the relocation of the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks hockey franchise to Macon, GA for the 2001-02 season.

The Macon Sports Group plan to lease the franchise from the Elmore Sports Group during the upcoming season with options to continue the lease for three more seasons as well as options to buy the team during that time. The new ECHL team in Macon will replace a Central Hockey League team and assume the CHL team's name, the Macon Whoopee.

The staff of the Tiger Sharks would like to thank all the loyal Tiger Sharks fans who supported the team over the years. The Tiger Sharks finish with an overall regular season record of 237-208-45, one divison championship, and three trips to the playoffs in seven seasons.

(01/20/02) Macon might lose Whoopee
(01/22/02) Stewart: Whoopee's Future is Up in the Air
(02/06/02) Higgins Resigns as Whoopee GM; Roberts to Run Club
(02/06/02) Whoopee's Future Studied by Franchise Owners
(02/07/02) Higgins Reflects on Time with Whoopee
(02/11/02) Once (Again) Upon a Whoopee
(04/03/02) Uncertain Future Clouds Whoopee's Offseason
(04/03/02) Whoopee end season on mixed note
(04/13/02) Goaltender Allen becomes first ex-Whoopee player to reach NHL
(05/20/02) Gades set to hire Dineen
(05/22/02) Report: Dineen to become Richmond's new coach
(05/26/02) Uncertain future hurts Whoopee
(05/26/02) Nobody at home
(05/26/02) You don't come up empty in search for reasons
(05/30/02) Ex-Starcadia worker faces theft charges
(06/05/02) Lone Whoopee front office employee quits
(06/19/02) Macon Officially Done
(06/21/02) Official: Lexington may get Whoopee
(06/21/02) Rupp lands new hockey team
(06/27/02) Source: Whoopee franchise likely on move
(06/28/02) ECHL Concludes Annual Board of Governors Meeting
(06/29/02) Hockey gives city cold shoulder
(06/29/02) Hockey returns to Rupp Arena

The "Hans" Attend-o-meter reports: "After 30 games, Macon ECHL has drawn 83,042, while after 30 games, Tally drew 84,283 -- a total difference of down 1,241, or down an average of 41.4 fans per game. Macon ECHL is drawing 311.5 fewer per game than Macon CHL was."