WCHL vs. IHL

Comparing the West Coast Hockey League, which intends to place a franchise in Las Vegas for the 2003-04 season, with the defunct International Hockey League, in which the Las Vegas Thunder played from 1993-99:

WCHL

Talent level: Mostly young players with a sprinkling of veterans. Characterized as double-A or single-A quality.

Salaries: $12,000 weekly divided among 20 players.

Ticket prices: In the $5-to-20 range.

IHL

Talent level: Veteran players, many with NHL experience. Considered triple-A caliber.

Salaries: Some in six figures with an average of around $60,000.

Ticket prices: Varied. Thunder offered $10 and $15 tickets.

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