TJHN sources are reporting that the North Bay Trappers are at an impasse with the City of North Bay as it regards the teams lease, late lease payments and continued play at the West Ferris Ice Arena in North Bay.
Sources are also reporting that the Trappers who have four remaining home games will not be playing those games at West Ferris Ice Arena and that the team is said to be out.
The Trappers are said to be playing their next three “home” games in Mattawa Ontario. Originally, the Trappers were to play the Soo Thunderbirds in the East Ferris Ice Arena in Astorville Ontario on February 23rd, and according those sources that game is one of the three to be held in Mattawa. The East Ferris Ice Arena is only ten miles from the West Ferris Arena and it is unlikely that the team would have been able to obtain ice given the conflict with the City of North Bay.
Mattawa is the home of the GMHL’s Mattawa Voyageurs, a team and league not sanctioned by Hockey Canada.
Mattawa was mentioned as a possible new home for the Trappers for the 2014-2015 season. The Trappers had also said they may leave North Bay before the end of this season. That now looks as though it will come to pass.
The only question remaining is the Trappers will have one more “home” game left to play after playing three in Mattawa. Once source has suggested that another former NOJHL city may be the location for that game.
Other sources are suggesting that former North Bay Owner and current Espanola Owner Tim Clayden has retaken possession of the Trappers based upon a default in payments. While that can not be confirmed, it certainly would fall in line with failed ice payments to the City of North Bay.
TJHN will update this story as more information becomes available.
