While the amount of debt any new owner would have to assume is substantial, sources say there are reasons to be optimistic about the franchise's long-range prospects. The IceCats' financial problems are more related to the amount they spend than what they take in. Boe, Executive Vice President Peter Ricciardi and Merchandising Director Kathleen Hanlon are all bound for Bridgeport, and a new owner would not have to replace all three. Those payments will drop drastically next year and eventually end. On the ice, Worcester has a team with a realistic chance to win the Calder Cup.
Attendance is up and has been for the last two seasons.
As long as the current affiliation stands, Worcester will have competitive squads. St. Louis must agree on any new owner. The Blues investigated Kohn thoroughly and liked what they saw. They would have been happy with him in charge. They are familiar with the interested local investor and are comfortable with him.