News & notes

 Ever since the Albany Empire were expelled from the National Arena League last week, MVP Arena GM Bob Belber has touted the prospect of the venue hosting another Arena League franchise as early as next season.

According to Mark Singelais of the Albany Times-Union, Belber has begun negotiations with two ownership groups, including one led by former Empire owner Ron Tridico, who sold the team to Mike Kwarta last year, and is looking at rejoining the NAL or the rival Indoor Football League.

Photo courtesy Albany Times-Union.

Belber and the arena have to offer dates by August for the 2024 season, so that the schedule can be release in September or October.

My take: I don't think the NAL wants to go back to Albany so soon after the Antonio Brown disaster. There's also talk that the Arena Football League could make yet another comeback next year, a la the USFL & XFL. To fans in this market, save for YouTube, the IFL is an unknown quantity, so it's either them or the revived AFL, which has a rich history in Albany.

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The Tri-City Valleycats' 3-day Canada trip started off poorly with a 9-2 loss to Quebec Tuesday. The series continues tonight, and the 'Cats return home------weather permitting----to play Ottawa on Friday at Bruno Stadium.

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What's in a name?

Several Section II schools have to give up their long standing team nicknames that are derived from Native American heritage as the current school year ends on Friday.

Some schools have already made changes. Glens Falls swapped out the "Indians" for "Black Bears". Hoosic Valley will now be the Hawks on the field & tennis/basketball/volleyball courts. Schoharie will adopt the "Storm" as their new nickname. We'll soon find out how Niskayuna, Mohonasen, and Averill Park will change their team names. Fonda-Fultonville is running an online survey to determine their new nickname after retiring the "Braves". Mechanicville (Wasaren League) and Ravena (Colonial Council) are starting the process as well.

Stay tuned.

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The frequency with which Saugerties & Albany have played each other in the Perfect Game Collegiate League this season could work for both teams before the season is over.

The Stallions walked off the Dutchmen, 2-1, on Tuesday after trailing, 1-0, going into the home 8th inning. Saugerties has won 5 of 6 from Albany so far this season.