The North Bay Junior Trappers have announced the team will relocate from North Bay for the 2014-15 NOJHL season.
The City of North Bay made it clear to the Trappers and NOJHL during a meeting late last week that cited shortfalls in many areas of the community budget this past year, where the NOJHL Trappers three-year lease will not be renewed following the conclusion of this season.
Trappers Owner and President David Beauchamp purchased the North Bay Trappers franchise and committed to the NOJHL and to the City of North Bay to play out of North Bay and the West Ferris Arena for the next three seasons. That purchase was made in June of 2013 even after the OHL had announced they were moving the Battlion to North Bay as well.
Beauchamp stated that the Trappers had signed a three-year lease in June 2013, and as of Feb. 1, 2014 they had not received the contract back from the City.
The Trappers are now looking at cities to relocate the NOJHL franchise, including Mattawa, Little Current and New Liskeard, Ontario.
In a statement made to local press Beauchamp alluded to possibly relocating the team before the end of the current season. Without a contract in place with the City, the team may be free to move immediately if a suitable location is found and the NOJHL and Ontario Hockey Association both give its approval.
Allegations are being made against the Trappers though for non payment of rent.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
