AHL's Barons to cease operation after failing to reach agreement with Oilers

The American Hockey League's Oklahoma City Barons will cease operations at the end of the 2014-15 season after failing to renew their affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers, the club announced Thursday.

The Barons have been averaging 3,219 fans per game this season and, as per the release, were seeking new terms to promote a more sustainable and profitable business model. Failing that, the decision was made to pull the plug, leaving the Oilers to pursue another location for their minor-league affiliate as the AHL looks to expand westward.

"The players, coaches and fans of the OKC Barons have been outstanding partners to our organization as our development team affiliate," said Oilers Entertainment Group President & COO Patrick LaForge. 

"We have enjoyed a solid working relationship with the City of Oklahoma City as well as with Prodigal, the Barons’ management company, throughout the team’s five years. The decision to move on from Oklahoma City, although not easy, will open new opportunities for the Oilers organization and our AHL business."

The Oilers' AHL development system has been located in Oklahoma City since the 2010-11 AHL season.