The owners of the Newfoundland Growlers say they are working toward a “positive resolution” to the current uncertainty surrounding the team.
In a statement issued today, Deacon Sports and Entertainment said they’re in discussions, in concert with the ECHL, ahead of a board of governors meeting next Tuesday.
That’s the deadline imposed by the league for Deacon Sports to close the sale of its other team, the Trois Rivieres Lions.
That sale, which is believed to include the Growlers, reportedly hit a snag, prompting the league to set the April 2 deadline. The board is expected to assess the situation and decide how to proceed, which could include taking control of both teams.
Deacon reportedly owes the City of Trois Rivieres more than $1 million in rent for use of the arena there. That city adopted a motion this week, involving the banks, that could guarantee they get back the money they’re owed.
Deacon Sports’ Dean MacDonald and Glenn Stanford are shown in July 2020 after signing a long-term lease agreement with the City of Trois-Rivières for a new arena. (File photo)
But it remains unclear what it all means for the Growlers, who will still host the Lions at Mary Brown’s Centre next weekend, April 5-7.
“These games are crucial for our playoff aspirations, and we encourage fans to secure their tickets,” reads the statement from Deacon Sports.
They added they are aware of concerns in the community for the team’s future.
“We are diligently pursuing a resolution and will issue an update as soon as one becomes available.”
