Evening star., 1939-03-23
League Hockey
Al Riverside
Is Unlikely
No Franchise Given
Rink Of Open Type
Loop Opposes
BY BURTON HAWKINS.

Riverside Stadium announcements
to the contrary, Washington has
not been awarded a franchise in
the Eastern Hockey League and,
further, chances of the outdoor rink
obtaining berth in that organi-
zation appear slim.
Cecil Spedden, prominent Balti-
morean and president of the Rod
gers Forge Glof Club there, has con-
firmed reports he has the option on
an Eastern League franchise here.
while Tom Lockhart, president of
the loop, emphatically denies the
local stadium has acquired fran
chise.
The Riverside announcement on
Tuesday, it seems, was premature,
since Lockhart hasn't even received
a formal application from the local
outfit, because Spedden still has
more than two months to decide
whether to exercise his option and
because no franchise can be awarded
until Eastern League officials meet,
and no session. according to those
same officials, has been held.
Outdoor Rink Banned.
Lockhart revealed that under no
conditions would the league con-
slider awarding a franchise to an
outdoor rink and that Spedden
must present proof to officials dur
ing his two-month optional period
that he will construct suitable
arena.
Spedden said that while he hasn't
decided definitely to construct
rink here for Eastern League hockey,
designs for the steel structure have
been completed and he will be pre-
pared to receive bids shortly. No
other league action will be taken. it
is said, until Spedden makes his de-
cision.
Promoter Ray Avis of Riverside.
who made the announcement, says
he did so on the strength Of verbal
agreement and that S. G.. Loef1er.
owner of the stadium, plans to
journey to New York tomorrow to
confer with Les Patrick, ice hockey
mogul
II can't understand it." said Alvis.
Il thought the franchise was all
sacked and ready for delivery
Park Plans Threaten Plant.
Veteran hockey followers have
pointed out that league schedule
for an outdoor rink virtually is out
OF the question, silce even one seige
of unfavorable weather would throw
the schedule back at least two weeks.
1t would be necessary to play 40
home games, or at least two home
games a week from mid November
through March.
Plans by the United States Gov
eminent to develop the parkway
may engulf both Riverside Stadium
and Heurich Brewery. it is under
stood, and since the stadium's ice is
furnished by the breWerys freezing
unit. ice hockey there in that event
would be stymied.
John j. Carlin, owner of the Balti-
more Orioles of the Eastern League,
whose club has appeared here in
three exhibition games, also branded
as false reports that he had received
an offer of $500 from Alvis to part
with Norman Calladine, Baltimore
scoring ace.
Mere Publicity Stunt.
Calladine will be given a tryout
with the New York Rangers of the
National League at the training
school that team conducts preceding
each season. If he makes good he
then will be moved up for more
seasoning with the Philadelphia
Ramblers, but if he fails he must
return to Baltimore.
The Eastern League, a so-called
amateur" circuit, has working
agreement which forbids players
jumping from one team to another,
thus placing the $500 Offer in the
category of a mere publicity gag.