Proposals to Return Pro Hockey to Portland Set For Review

PORTLAND, Maine - Cross Insurance Arena trustees will meet next week to discuss proposals from four groups interested in bringing professional hockey back to Portland.
 
The board's Strategic Development Committee will convene on Monday to review the four proposals before making a recommendation at the board's next full meeting March 8.
 
The city has been without pro hockey since the American Hockey League's Portland Pirates were sold May.
 
The Portland Press Herald reports that all four interested parties are reportedly looking into bringing an East Coast Hockey League franchise to Portland. An affiliate of the National Hockey League, the ECHL is considered one step below the AHL in terms of talent.
 
The arena's board sent out a request for proposals about a month ago with a deadline to reply by Tuesday.