Major League Hockey (MLH), a new 3-on-3 hockey league slated to begin this year, has postponed its launch after controversies surrounding its operations.
Many in the hockey community had anticipated issues, and the official word of the delay did not come as a surprise. MLH, which aimed to bring 3-on-3 hockey to the forefront, announced in a press release that its inaugural season would be delayed due to health concerns of CEO Max Chambers.
After cancelling its player tryouts, the league had already sparked criticism by requiring a fee from hopeful participants. Chambers, who has a history of making grand promises that have not come to fruition, claimed to have substantial financial backing from private investors and promised teams in major cities across Canada and the United States. However, the lack of transparency and the sudden cancellation of tryouts raised red flags.
"MLH did not make this decision lightly, as its investors and team worked tirelessly to bring this innovative and exciting new 3-on-3 product to life. However, postponing the launch is the best course of action due to unforeseen medical challenges regarding the CEO's health and the need for additional time to ensure every aspect of the League meets the highest standards.
The fourteen coaches and GMs, already under contract, will use the upcoming season to scout Major Junior, NCAA, and USports games. Each agreed that it was better to wait until October 2025 than to rush into 2024 without the League's CEO."
Chambers' name is not new to the hockey world. He has previously been linked to several unsuccessful attempts to purchase NHL and other hockey teams, including the St. Louis Blues, Phoenix Coyotes, and two minor league teams in Florida. His involvement also extends to a proposed purchase of the Vancouver Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), none of which materialized.
The postponement of MLH's launch leaves the league's future uncertain. Many question the project's viability, given its rocky start and Chambers' controversial track record.
