GLENDALE, AZ – The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Duane Lewis has stepped down as the League’s Commissioner, effective September 13, 2013.  Lewis has been with the CHL/WPHL league office for more than 16 years but his resignation will allow him to pursue other opportunities. 

“This decision was very difficult for me,” said Lewis.  “Primarily due to this league being part of my life for almost two decades.  The people I have encountered and learned from over the years – from owners, team and league staffs, officials, players, partners and fans have, and will, mean a lot to me.  I wish the League and its new owners all the best as they lead the CHL in a positive direction.”

Lewis joined the Western Professional Hockey League in 1997 and has been with the company through the merger with the Central Hockey League in 2002 and in 2008 was named the CHL’s Commissioner.

“Duane has been involved as a player and then as an administrator in the Central Hockey League (“CHL”) since we began play in the Western Professional Hockey League (“WPHL”) in 1996,” said Jim Treliving (co-founder and owner of the WPHL and current member of Central Partners, LLC – CHL ownership group).  “No one was more knowledgeable of the operations of the CHL than Duane and his absence will be truly felt by all those involved in the league today.  We sincerely appreciate all that he has done as Commissioner of the CHL over these many years and wish him all the very best in his future endeavors.”

The Central Hockey League is actively searching for a new Commissioner and will have one in place prior to the start off the 2013-14 regular season.