Following up with yesterdays story, my phone started ringing about three hours after the information on the North Bay Trappers playing games in Mattawa was published.
Several sources within the NOJHL made it very clear that the Trappers have not been kicked out of, or asked to leave North Bay. Although our story did not say they were kicked out, some felt it may have been implied. The Trappers have three location options for next season and one of them remains North Bay, they are more than welcome to stay.
Confusing the issue, or perhaps compounding the issue for the Trappers is the financial condition the team was left in when new ownership took over operations this year. Multiple sources are reporting that the Trappers franchise was did not receive tryout camp or corporate sponsor monies that were intended to be used by the team. Where that money went is being questioned by many.
Sources also made it very clear that former owner Tim Clayden has not, and can not re-take possession of the franchise. Clayden is the owner of the expansion Espanola Rivermen.
While multiple press reports may appear to confuse fans, some have said that confusion may be a deliberate plan in order to try to convince Trappers ownership to join the rumored IJHL.
While the Trappers may be playing games in Mattawa, they are still continuing to practice in North Bay and talks with the City of North Bay are ongoing.
Two things became very clear last night. While some would like to create controversy and perhaps try to have the public question the stability of the NOJHL, there is no controversy and the league is very stable. The NOJHL is also clearly in support of the Trappers franchise, the other owners like the Trappers owner, they want him to be successful, and they are willing to help him be successful.
Hard to dismiss that kind of league wide support for something that is completely unknown and may or may not get off the ground.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
