(ED. NOTE: The following is a Press Release sent out from the Town of Espanola.)
The Town of Espanola, in a quest to secure a junior hockey program for the community to begin possible play in the 2013-14 season, has invited the North Bay Trappers to skate at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex prior to the Trappers league game in Elliott Lake on Friday January 18th.
“We are thrilled for the opportunity to show off our community, the quality of our ice and the diversity of our facility to the Trappers and the NOJHL,” says Mayor Mike Lehoux, “The Trappers are known as a winning team both on and off the ice; their management practices cultivate leadership & community stewardship by continually having their team and players involved in community volunteerism initiatives. This is the kind of team we’d like to see playing in our arena and in our community, we are thrilled to showcase our Town and Complex facilities to a potential NOJHL team.”
North Bay Trappers Chairman of the Board and Director of Operations, Tim Clayden added to the excitement.
“It’s a wonderful invitation that gives our team and players and frankly, the NOJHL, a sneak peek at another potential Northern Ontario junior hockey market that the league can possibly expand to. It also gives our team a good pre-game skate prior to the upcoming long road trip” stated Clayden. “It’s fitting to visit Espanola when you think that our coach Tom McCarthy was awarded the “Red McCarthy NOJHL Coach of the Year” last season, with Red being the Town of Espanola’s sports hero.”
Espanola Mayor and Council see this practice as a great opportunity for the community to extend a warm welcome to the team and get a taste of high caliber junior hockey.
“It’s no secret that the Trappers have been considering a move from their home base of North Bay & Memorial Gardens – a hearty community showing next Friday might help the Trappers and or the NOJHL to give consideration to making Espanola the new home for a future NOJHL franchise.”
The North Bay Trappers are scheduled to practice in Espanola on Friday January 18th from 12:30-1:30pm. The community is invited and encouraged to attend.