Casper Warbirds & BladeEdge Ventures: A Community Update Amid Unexpected Challenges

by Chris Reaves

Casper Warbirds & BladeEdge Ventures: A Community Update Amid Unexpected Challenges

To Our Casper Community,

We’re reaching out today with an important—and urgent—update on the future of the Casper Warbirds, and the circumstances we now find ourselves in with the City of Casper. This message comes not only from BladeEdge Ventures, but from our players, their family members, our coach, volunteers, and fans who have put their heart into this team.

What Happened?

At 11:43 AM EST on October 1st, 2025, the City of Casper’s Recreation Department informed us—without any warning, notice, or discussion—that our lease agreement for the city’s ice facility was being terminated, effective immediately. Their stated reason was that we had failed to pay our September ice bill, totaling just over $6,500. But here’s the truth:

  1. Since the Warbirds were founded, we’ve operated under the same system: We use the ice, and then we pay the following month. This is because our lease does not permit the City to charge us in advance for ice time.
  2. The termination notice was given on October 1st, not mid-October or later. This means the termination notice did not follow the terms of our rental agreement.

The system for paying rent has been in place since day one. It’s been consistent, understood, and accepted by all parties—until now. To suddenly declare a “default” based on an invoice that was not valid and to terminate our lease without any attempt at communication or resolution is not just unreasonable. It’s a breach of the lease and a betrayal of trust.

This Is Bigger Than a Payment. Let’s be honest—this isn’t just about money. This abrupt action appears to be part of a larger pattern of hostility from individuals within the Recreation Department—and possibly others in city leadership—who, for reasons we can only speculate, seem intent on dismantling the Casper Warbirds. Our legal team at BladeEdge Ventures has thoroughly reviewed the lease and timeline of events. Their conclusion is clear: “The City is not permitted to terminate the Rental Agreement unless and until BladeEdge fails to make payment by October 30, 2025 and the City provides the requisite written notice.”

Where Do We Go from Here?

We have already taken formal legal action. Our attorney has sent both an email and a certified letter to the City of Casper’s legal counsel demanding that this decision be immediately reversed so our players can get back on the ice. If the City does not reverse course, we are prepared to:

  1. File a lawsuit against the City and the Recreation Department for breach of contract and damages.
  2. Pursue personal defamation suits against individuals responsible for spreading misinformation and driving this campaign against our team.

In the meantime, we’re not standing still. We are making arrangements to move forward.

Why This Matters

This situation isn’t about a company or a contract—it’s about people. It’s about the players, who came from across the U.S. and the world to compete and grow in Casper. It’s about local youth and families, who deserve access to high-level hockey and the sense of community it brings. It’s about protecting a positive, thriving program that has brought pride and passion to this city. We cannot allow the actions of a few to dismantle something that means so much to so many.

An Outpouring of Support

In the hours since this decision was made public, the support from the Casper community has been overwhelming. People have stepped forward offering to:

  • Donate steel
  • Help build a new rink at cost
  • Volunteer labor, materials, and expertise

It’s been humbling, inspiring, and a clear reminder that the Casper Warbirds aren’t just a hockey team—they’re part of the fabric of this community. To everyone who’s reached out: Thank you.

We’re Not Backing Down

We want to make this absolutely clear: Whether the City reverses this decision or not–whether we face more resistance or must start from scratch–we are not backing down. Not when our players have poured their hearts into this season, not when this community has stepped up to stand behind us, and not when so much is at stake for the future of youth and junior hockey in Casper.

We still hope that the City of Casper will do the right thing. We urge them to restore our lease, reopen communication, and allow our players to return to the ice—where they belong. But no matter what decision is made, know this: We will continue. We will fight for what’s right. And with your support, we will emerge stronger than ever before.

In closing, we see you, Casper, and we hear you. Thank you for standing with us. Let’s keep the Warbirds flying.


Chris Reaves

Casper Warbirds, Governor

BladeEdge Ventures, Owner