The rumour mill surrounding the potential return of a major junior hockey franchise to the City of John’s continues to gather steam.
Multiple reports indicate a local group is kicking the tires of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, with intentions of buying the team and relocating it to the Mary Brown’s Centre.
The rumours were bolstered this week by a post from hockey insider Jeff Marek, who confirmed a group is interested in purchasing the Titan, and moving it to St. John’s as early as next season.
He cautioned, however, that geography and travel costs continue to be a stumbling block, adding the move “is premature right now as there is still plenty to figure out.”
However, sources tell VOCM News that an announcement could come as early as Tuesday.
Asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League was coy, but confirmed the potential sale of the Titan has been in the works since January.
“The process of selling the Titan is continuing under the supervision of Ernst and Young,” the league said in a statement to VOCM News.
“Every year, the QMJHL is approached by groups looking for an expansion or to relocate a franchise. Some are just testing the waters, others are more serious. The primary goal has always been to find local buyers and keep the team in Bathurst. We don’t have other comments for now.”
The Q is no stranger to St. John’s, with the Fog Devils operating out of the city from 2005 to 2008.