Lease extension for RoughRiders in hands of City Council

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders haven't played a United States Hockey League 2013-14 regular-season game, yet, but they're on the verge of a victory off the ice.

A five-year extension for the team to remain at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena has been agreed upon and will become final if the Cedar Rapids City Council approves it at its scheduled meeting Tuesday afternoon. The lease extension vote is on the meeting's tentative agenda, which is public information.

The current lease for the RoughRiders expires May 31, 2014, but sources said the club approached the city for negotiations on an extended lease awhile ago. RoughRiders CEO Jeff Jauch has declined comment until after Tuesday's meeting.

If OKed, the new lease would run through May 31, 2019.

This is the 15th season in Cedar Rapids for the RoughRiders, who moved an existing USHL club from Mason City when construction of the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena was approved in 1999. The club has been owned by four groups over the years, including current ownership Newco Riders, LLC, since 2009.

Jauch, Tony Sdao, head coach/general manager Mark Carlson and their wives comprise Newco Riders, LLC.