roller hockey. He launched the Tri-City Hurricanes but sold them at mid-season to concentrate on establishing a CEHL team in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Killbreath left the CEHL instead to launch a new low-level pro league known as the International Independent Hockey League (IIHL), which began play in 2003 but ceased operations in 2004. After delaying the start of the 2004–2005 season by two weeks the CEHL officially suspended operations on October 3, 2004 for financial reasons. The league caused controversy due to preparing for the 2004–05 season by holding tryouts and charging players to participate without ever actually playing any games that season. The CEHL folded shortly after Soskin pulled the plug on his club. Soskin resurfaced as operator again in Toledo with the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) club. Some of the former teams joined other junior hockey leagues while many other franchises folded. League Champions Toledo Jr. Storm (2001–02) Detroit Belle Tire Lightning (2002–03) Metro Fighting Moose (2003–2004). Former players Using many Canadians on rosters allowed the CEHL to create a strong league. A long list of CEHL players moved on to the minor pro ranks. One ex-CEHL player, Steve MacIntyre was signed by the New York Rangers after two seasons as the most feared fighter in the United Hockey League (UHL). He was recruited to play for the Tri-City Hurricanes in Bay City, Michigan by Owner & General Manager Mike Killbreath and Head Coach Kurt Walson. The Tri-City Hurricanes later became the Bay County Blizzard after a mid-season sale of the team by original owner Mike Killbreath. MacIntyre led the CEHL in penalty minutes and received a lifetime ban late in the season for his part in a nasty brawl with the Detroit Lightning. Banned by the CEHL, MacIntyre signed with the Muskegon Fury of the UHL and he helped them win the UHL's Colonial Cup as playoff champions. He was eventually signed by the New York Rangers and after spending several seasons in the minor leagues, MacIntyre made the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2008, with the Edmonton Oilers. Teams Many teams played within the league during its three seasons. Traverse City Enforcers Brownstown Bombers Detroit Belle Tire Lightning Michigan Stars Toledo Wolf Pack Bay County Blizzard Dayton Gems Youngstown Phantom Rockets Toledo Ice Diggers Jackson Prowlers Tri-City Hurricanes Metro Fighting Moose Toledo Storm References Defunct ice hockey leagues in the United States Ice hockey in