Augusta franchise suspends operations in ECHL

PRINCETON, N.J. -- The Augusta (Ga.) Lynx minor league hockey team has suspended operations and relinquished its membership in the ECHL.

The league said Augusta players will become unrestricted free agents but did not offer further details Tuesday.

"We are very disappointed for our fans, league partners and the other member teams of the ECHL," commissioner Brian McKenna said in a written statement.

The league is revising its playing schedule to account for the loss of the Lynx, who were one of six teams in the ECHL's American Conference Southern Division. The Lynx were affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL.

The loss of the Augusta franchise leaves the Princeton-based ECHL with 22 teams in 16 states and British Columbia.