NORTH AMERICAN LEAGUE CEO SAYS VARIOUS OPTIONS BEING CONSIDERED AFTER EDMONTON PULLOUT

"We are working on a lot of different angles", North American League CEO Kevin Outcalt told us last night of the dilemma the Northern Division of the second-year league faces because of the sudden pullout of Edmonton, which has had Independent teams for several years.

One of those angles, Outcalt explained, is to double back with everyone considering the league for 2013 to see if anyone can step up sooner since only Maui, Yuma and newcomer San Rafael remain. We know this includes Prescott, AZ and Fullerton, CA, with the latter "a real possibility", according to Outcalt.

Longtime Golden League and NAL member Chico, CA is only a "small chance", the CEO admitted, with the sticking point being that the league wants a three-year commitment from Chico State and the university is only offering a one year agreement to use its stadium.

"Everyone is really disappointed in the way they (Edmonton) did it", added Outcalt. He explained that the Capitals had been very involved in developing a schedule, which was finalized last Friday "and we were to announce it on Monday." He went on to say "I do think there is a relief throughout the league that there will be no teams in Canada", which in the past increased issues in scheduling, travel and moving players across the border from the United States.

The NAL's Southern Division has six teams in Texas, and has its own independent schedule.

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