After twenty five seasons in the Detroit metro area, the Plymouth Whalers will be moving to a new home in Flint Michigan.
“It’s a bitter-sweet moment. The best thing about this is that the OHL franchise stays in the States, pending board approval. Flint is an ideal location for an Ontario Hockey League team,” Said outgoing Whalers Owner Peter Karmanos Jr.
Karmanos pointed to rival teams in Saginaw and Sarnia, Ontario, for reasons why moving to Flint is ideal. He was joined by Whalers Governor and Carolina Hurricanes Assistant GM/Director of Hockey Operations Mike Vellucci, who was coach and GM of the Whalers for years.
“Karmanos has signed a purchase agreement to sell the team to Rolf Nilsen,” said Mike Vellucci. “Rolf’s intention is to transfer the team to his new building, Perani Arena & Event Center in Flint, Michigan, for the 15-16 season.”
“I think Flint is a great place. There’s always been hockey there, for many years,” said new owner Rolf Nilsen. “We can hopefully grow hockey interest in Flint, bring it back to what it used to be, maybe better, and put the name on the map for hockey in Flint.”
“I think we have an opportunity to do something very big in Genesee County,” said Costa Papista. Papista also pointed out that Craig Goslin, President of the OHL Saginaw Spirit was also in attendance, confirming the support of Saginaw reported by TJHN last night.
The OHL Board of Governors meeting is scheduled for February 2nd, 2015. Given the sentiment expressed by OHL insiders and scouts, this is the best possible outcome for the franchise given how important it was to the OHL to maintain a large presence in Michigan.
The sale, and move is expected to not only be a welcome outcome but to receive easy and unanimous approval.
Joe Hughes
