The Woodstock Slammers have requested for a leave of absence from the Maritime Junior Hockey League for the 2018-19 season.
The club has been a member of the league since 2003, the last 12 of those years under the direction of the River Valley Hockey Club Inc. Since joining the MHL, the Slammers have captured three league playoff championships, one Fred Page Cup Eastern Canadian Jr.A Championship and, in 2012, a silver medal at the RBC Cup National Jr.A Championship.
“Due to a combination of factors, it is no longer in the best interest of our organiztion to continue operations,” said Slammers President Wes Corey in a prepared statement. “This absence will allow for the potential sale of the franchise and/or provide the opportunity for a new individual or group in Woodstock to assume control of team operations.”
“We thank our loyal fans, our billets, our volunteers, our coaches and support staff for their dedication to the Slammers and the community. We would also like to acknowledge the Town of Woodstock and their entire administration for their tremendous support. The many successes of this franchise have been directly related to our generous sponsors. Finally, we wish to thank our Chairman, Andrew McCain, for his years of commitment, professionally and financially.”
The MHL and the board of governors have been advised of the Slammers’ request for a leave of absence.
“This is a sad day for the MHL,” said league President Brian Whitehead. “The Slammers have been an integral part of the league’s history and we sincerely hope to see the strong tradition of Jr.A hockey in the Woodstock area continued somehow. We will continue to do anything that is viable to support all of our teams.”
Additional news relating to today’s announcement will be made available as future events develop.
Will MacLaren – themhl.ca