THE SIDELINES : San Diego Awarded Franchise by International Hockey League

San Diego was awarded an International Hockey League franchise today and will begin play in the expanded 11-team league in the fall.

IHL officials in Vancouver for the NHL’s annual congress and draft said the vote was unanimous to bring professional hockey back to San Diego.

“We are delighted to be able to bring hockey back to San Diego’s fans after more than a decade,” said Vin Ciruzzi, president of the San Diego Sports Arena where the team will play its home games.

The top minor league system for the NHL, the IHL also includes Phoenix; Salt Lake City; Kansas City, Mo.; Peoria, Ill.; Milwaukee; Indianapolis; Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and three franchises in Michigan--Muskegon, Kalamazoo and Flint.