Mitch Calvert
A meeting to save Junior ‘A’ hockey in Fort Frances drew more than 40 outspoken supporters at the Adventure Inn last night.
Fort Frances Jr. Sabres’ head coach Wayne Strachan and Grant Perreault, the team’s director of scouting, hosted the meeting in an attempt to parlay support for the transfer of the team from private ownership to a locally-based, not-for-profit operation.
A sales drive will run tomorrow through Thursday (Sept. 1-3), from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Memorial Sports Centre lobby, in hopes of drumming up at least 100 season-ticket holders for the 2009-10 SIJHL season.
If they can reach that goal by Thursday, organizers expect to forge ahead with plans for the upcoming season.
Season tickets cost $220 for adults, $170 for seniors, and $110 for students (aged five and older).
The group confirmed 28 names after last night’s meeting alone.
For ticket inquiries, Strachan can be reached at 274-4383.
The Sabres’ plan is to use an identical community-run template to what has the Sioux Lookout Flyers financially secure for five seasons.
Another meeting will be held Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Ice for Kids Arena conference room to assign a board of directors.
All residents interested in helping keep the team alive are welcome to attend.
Meanwhile, a training camp will open Wednesday (Sept. 2), with registration at 1 p.m.
A $60 fee per player is required.
An exhibition game will follow this Saturday (Sept. 5) against the Sioux Lookout Flyers. The Sabres are scheduled to open the regular season here Sept. 17 against the Fort William North Stars.
