Entrepreneur approaches Northeast council on the topic
LITTLE CURRENT—Interest has once again been shown in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Recreation Centre playing host to a Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Association (NOJHL) Junior A hockey team.
At its February 20 meeting, Northeast Town council reviewed a letter from Julien Bergeron of Winter Eagle Sports and Entertainment who “formally requested” use of the rec centre arena for a Junior A team.
Mr. Bergeron said he would anticipate a 28-home game season and training camp that would require use of the facilities from August to March. Should the proposed team be successful in making it to the playoffs, additional ice time would be required, he added.
“The Island boasts a rich tapestry of Indigenous communities,” Mr. Bergeron writes. “We are committed to collaborating closely with each community, ensuring the integration of hockey within cultural events. Moreover, we aspire to involve the township in all forthcoming initiatives and endeavours.”
“Furthermore, it is imperative to acknowledge the economic benefits that this venture will bring to the township and its environs,” Mr. Bergeron continues. “Sponsorship opportunities within the arena premises will generate revenue, while local businesses stand to benefit from increased foot traffic. We propose an initial 80/20 split in advertising arrangements, thereby ensuring the sustained success of the team while simultaneously assisting the arena in meeting its financial obligations.”
Mr. Bergeron goes on to note that, in speaking with former NOJHL players who played at the rec centre, the arena needs some upgrades, most importantly the change rooms. He said he would like to submit an application to the Kraft Hockeyville contest which, if successful, would mean significant upgrades, not to mention the hosting of an NHL game.
The Little Current arena has hosted two NOJHL teams in its past: the Manitoulin Wild (2003-2005) and the Manitoulin Islanders’ (2005-2011). Following the Islanders 2011 season, then-owner Reggie Leach sold the franchise and it was moved to Kirkland Lake where it became the Gold Miners.
Northeast Town CAO Dave Williamson told council that it was staff’s recommendation that they not look at the proposal until an in-depth business case was presented.
Mayor Al MacNevin recalled the efforts of the owners and volunteers of the past and noted how it was hard to make a go of an NOJHL franchise here.
“While the erstwhile Manitoulin Wild and Manitoulin Islanders did experience issues as former teams in the NOJHL, I think that, in the end, way too many more losses than victories spelled the end,” said Randy Russon of Hockey News North when asked for comment by The Expositor.
“I was at more than a few games in Little Current where there were good size crowds of 350-400 fans in attendance,” Mr. Russon added. “Attendance, of course, is not everything when it comes to paying the bills. There has to be support from local and area business to help to sustain a franchise. Let us also remember that the NOJHL is now ‘pay to play’ and that was not the case in the days of the Wild and Islanders.”
“Look around the NOJHL and see the number of small market towns that are supporting teams: Blind River, Espanola, French River, Iroquois Falls,” he added. “I truly believe that, for example, if French River can house an NOJHL team—as it has for a number of years now—that Manitoulin can as well with the right set of ownership, management and community support. I would love to see the NOJHL back on the Manitoulin. More importantly, citing examples of other such small market teams, I think it can be done in Little Current with the right people involved and unconditional community support.”
The proponent, Mr. Bergeron of Espanola, told The Expositor he was not ready at this stage of his proposal to make any further comments, other than his letter to municipal council.
