What seemed like a rumored nightmare scenario for the fledgling International Hockey League has come to fruition. The Kalamazoo Wings have announced their attempt to voluntarily withdraw for the IHL immediately.

No clear rationale for the move was made public.

A news release stated: "The K-Wings commend the IHL's Board of Governors, front office and member clubs for their valiant efforts to create stability in the league; however, while struggling with this decision, it was the K-Wings' commitment to our individual and corporate season ticket holders, loyal fans, corporate partners and the southwest Michigan community that mandated our efforts to enhance the franchise's ability to follow through with the inherent promise we make to our fans for affordable family entertainment."

It's believed the Wings will attempt to join the ECHL.

Interestingly, the Wings president, Paul Pickard, was the reformed IHL's commissioner for its first two seasons. He managed the league, formerly the UHL, as it moved toward gaining geographic and economic sensibility. A move to the 22-team ECHL or the 17-team Central Hockey League would bring with it more travel and more expense.

Pickard did not seek renewal of his contract. He did not return messages from The Journal Gazette. The IHL has yet to name a successor.

Fort Wayne president Michael Franke, head of the IHL's Board of Governors, also has not returned phone calls.

The departure of Kalamazoo leaves the IHL with five teams, a significant number because the league requires six teams to get the requisite work visas for foreign players. The Flint Generals, who had well-documented financial problems last season, are also a question mark moving forward.

However, the IHL is close to adding a team in Dayton, Ohio, and has been in talks with a group in Moline, Ill. The Dayton Gems would be owned by Richard Bruner and Ryan Yerrick, owners of the Fort Wayne-based Buddy's Pizza Buffet chain.

Kalamazoo averaged 3,190 fans per game last season, second most in the IHL.